Reykjavik
Reykjavik 05/29/2024
Discover Iceland's modern capital. Your Arctic expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a city full of art, culture, and history. It's well worth spending time here before you set sail. You can visit Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon, and experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its warm waters. In the city center, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street, then head towards the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. We also recommend exploring the city's galleries and museums. MS Fram awaits you at Reykjavík Harbor. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, and get ready for adventure. If you'd like to discover more of Iceland, book a Pre-Program to extend your stay.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour
Capture the ‘The Big Three’ on this classic excursion to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Strokkur and Thingvellir National Park.
From Reykjavík you will drive over the Mosfellsheidi heath to beautiful Thingvellir National Park, a place of tremendous interest as a primary site of both Iceland’s geological and historical heritage. In 2004 the site of Thingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. On this tour you get the opportunity to walk through the geological fault known as Almannagja - the place where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in the year 930AD, and where it convened in grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries. After your walk in Thingvellir, the tour continues over the Lyngdalsheidi heath into the fertile farmlands of the south, to visit the most beautiful waterfall of the country, Gullfoss. Nearby, you’ll also stop at the Geysir geothermal area with its multitude of hot springs, where the most active one, Strokkur, spouts every few minutes. Return to Reykjavik through the Grimsnes region.
Tour Duration: 7-8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes - however some rough grounds
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour
Here guests can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the surreal milky waters of Iceland’s most famous of geothermal Spas – The Blue Lagoon. So what exactly IS the Blue Lagoon? Well, it is Iceland's most unique and popular attraction. Guests will enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. The spa's guests rekindle their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a sauna with white walls that resemble silica mud and a cozy steam bath carved into a lava cave. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of this ultimate in spa experiences.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activy Level: Easy
Included: Private car with driver-guide, Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience (entrance fee, towel rental, Silica Mud Mask, choice of one drink at the Lagoon.) Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel
Experience Iceland's stunning natural topography in an exhilarating new way during this full-day, off-road adventure on the Langjökull Glacier. Start out early morning on a four-wheel-drive tour into Reykjavík’s hinterland. We drive through the tunnel of Hvalfjordur to the Borgarfjordur area. Watch for the historical home of the famed Icelandic historian and law speaker Snorri Sturluson, author of Snorra Edda. Along the way you will see the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Turning off the paved road you will travel into the gravel desert of Kaldidalur to Langjökull glacier were your driver will drive out onto the icecap to the entrance of the ice tunnel. After about 50 minutes in the glacier our return journey takes us through the Kaldidalur or “Cold Valley” which offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and their imposing landscapes. Our last stop will be at Thingvellir, the most significant historical and geological site in Iceland where in 930 AD the Vikings formed Althingi - the oldest still-existing parliament in the world. In 2004 the site of Thingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. We then drive directly from Thingvellir to Reykjavik.
Wear/Bring: Warm clothes for cold weather, waterproof/warm coat and suitable footwear
Tour Duration: 11-12 hours
Tour can operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate / Strenuous
Included: Transportation by private 4x4 super jeep with driver-guide. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour
Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital, with more than one third of Iceland’s population. Today Reykjavík is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres. Visit the most important sights of the city, including the Old Town, the city cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja church and the “Pearl” (no entrance fees included in this tour).
Add ons:
- A visit to the open-air museum of Arbaer Travel back to Reykjavik’s past with a visit to a fascinating collection of town and farm buildings from the last few centuries.
- A visit to the Pearl vantage point. The new Perlan is an exciting interactive exhibition about Iceland’s nature and geology. Entrance includes the “Wonders of Iceland Exhibit (including Glaciers and Ice Cave) and the 360° Observation Deck.
- Hallgrimskirkja Church Climb the tower of this iconic church for a beautiful view over the city and sea. (Tower access closed during church services and some events)
- A visit to the National museum The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, provides insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Norse Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2.000 objects.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No - Arbaer museum is not accessible
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Included: Private car with driver-guide, Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals and entrance fees (optional)
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05/29/2024 |
05/29/2024 |
Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur 05/30/2024
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes. Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður Bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains. Nearby, you'll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland', for its wide variety of volcanic landscapes. At the national park, visit Djúpalónssandur's black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.,
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05/30/2024 |
05/30/2024 |
Patreksfjordur
Patreksfjordur 05/31/2024
A stunning beach, waterfalls, and superb birdwatching. Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's westernmost village. Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see the seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls. These are six combined falls that, together, comprise the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords. Birdwatchers shouldn't miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills cling to Europe's largest bird cliff.,
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05/31/2024 |
05/31/2024 |
Eyafjordur
Eyafjordur 06/01/2024
Hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic moonscapes. Our expedition cruise continues to Iceland's 'Northern capital', Akureyri, surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Walk around the city and stop at the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens. Learn more about the city and life in the Arctic at the Akureyri and Norðurslóð museums. You can also visit the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn Nature Baths, or Iceland's longest fjord at Eyjafjörður. Another option is to go horseback riding or exploring off road in a 4x4.,
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06/01/2024 |
06/01/2024 |
Akureyri
Akureyri 06/01/2024
Hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic moonscapes. Our expedition cruise continues to Iceland's 'Northern capital', Akureyri, surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Walk around the city and stop at the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens. Learn more about the city and life in the Arctic at the Akureyri and Norðurslóð museums. You can also visit the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn Nature Baths, or Iceland's longest fjord at Eyjafjörður. Another option is to go horseback riding or exploring off road in a 4x4.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Akureyri - Lake Mývatn classic - Nature Baths- FD Tour
The tour starts by driving along the coast of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, from where you will get an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains. After crossing Víkurskard-pass, view the Fnjoskadalur valley, where clear geological remains from glacial and post glacial times can be seen. The first stop is by Godafoss falls - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland; the water of the river Skjalfandafljot falls from a height of 12 m over a width of 30 m. In 1000 A.D., at the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of the Norse mythology were thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Thus the Godafoss literally means the "Waterfall of the Gods”. From there you will drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping by the unique craters at Skutustadir before having lunch. After lunch you will visit the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, a paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.
Next is a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. The Nature Baths offer bathers a completely natural experience - a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters. The baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm, soothing waters are beneficial to skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of wellbeing and creating a lasting memory of your visit. Facilities include a reception area and cafeteria, changing rooms and showers for up to 120 guests, three natural steam baths accommodating up to 50 bathers at a time, and a 5000m2 outdoor geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC.
Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chlorine or any other disinfectant redundant. Following a relaxing bathe, you will then continue to the gurgling purple and yellow sulphur cauldrons at the high temperature thermal field of Namaskard, which are so hot that they actually boil. Following a short walk at Namaskard, enjoy a relaxed return drive to Akureyri.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide, entrance fee to Nature Baths. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals, swimsuit and towel (swimwear and towel can be rented at the Nature Baths)
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Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall & Laufas Turf Farm - HD Tour
Leaving Akureyri, cross the waters of the fjord and travel along the slopes of Vadlaheidi Mountain, via the Fnjoskadalur Valley to Vaglaskogur Forest - one of Iceland's rare woodlands which is part of an extensive soil and vegetation reclamation project. From Fnjoskadalur, you'll travel to historic Godafoss - waterfall of the heathen gods that figure prominently in Iceland's 12th century Book of Settlement. Legend has it that Thorgeir of Ljosavatn, a chieftain present at the Thingvellir in the year 1000, was given the authority to decide which religion was to be adopted by the Icelanders. He was a pagan himself, but after a period of profound thought, decided that Christianity was to be the religion of Iceland. Upon his return home, he took the statues of the pagan gods he used to worship and threw them unceremoniously into a waterfall near his homestead. From this time, the waterfall has been named Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). After enjoying some time at the falls, the tour continues. The areas geological past is clearly visible on the surrounding hillsides and suggests that a once large periglacial lake filled the valley. Onwards to Laufas a 19th-century farmhouse built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf – now one of the last turf farms in the country. Originally it was a manor farm and vicarage, the farmhouse itself dates back to 1866 and contains many interesting household and agricultural implements used by the gentry at around that time. The nearby church was built in 1865. Following a pleasant scenic drive back to Akureyri, a stop is made at the towns Botanical Gardens famed for its 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers which, incidentally, bloom outside thanks to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Private car with driver-guide from Akureyri, entrance fee to Laufás turf farm (open 15 May - 15 September. Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
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06/01/2024 |
06/01/2024 |
Grímsey
Grímsey 06/02/2024
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island's first settler, Grímur. This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for two things: its Atlantic puffin colonies and the fact that the Arctic Circle cuts right across it. We'll reach Grímsey in our small boats (RIBs). There, you'll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony. Don't miss the Orbis et Globus sculpture. It's a huge concrete sphere that is repositioned annually to rest along the Arctic Circle, which moves north each year.,
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06/02/2024 |
06/02/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 06/03/2024
Enjoy a restorative day as we sail to Jan Mayen. A day cruising through Arctic waters will allow you to relax and rejuvenate for the days ahead. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. You can't go wrong by soaking in a hot tub on deck while looking for seabirds. Don't miss fascinating lectures from the members of the Expedition Team. They cover topics such as local history, geology, and Arctic wildlife. Visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.,
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06/03/2024 |
06/03/2024 |
Jan Mayen Island
Jan Mayen Island 06/04/2024
Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife. Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you'll be setting foot in one of Earth's most remote places. Jan Mayen's surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano, which last erupted in 1985. You won't see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of northern fulmars, Brünnich's guillemots, and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters, including whales and seals.,
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06/04/2024 |
06/04/2024 |
At Sea
At Sea 06/05/2024
Unwind and prepare for more adventure. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center to learn more about the spectacular Arctic wildlife and scenery you've seen so far and find out about what you can expect to experience next in Svalbard. A day at sea is also an ideal opportunity to sort through the images on your camera and pick up some tips from our onboard photographer as we cruise towards Spitsbergen.,
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06/05/2024 |
06/05/2024 |
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park 06/06/2024
Experience pristine Arctic wilderness. Explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands, we'll scan for animals of the Arctic: whales, seals, walruses, and reindeer. As one of those rare parts of the world where natural beauty and fascinating history combine, you'll also encounter cultural relics from Svalbard's first explorers. Be ready for adventure—we'll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore to hike or help in a beach clean-up.,
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06/06/2024 |
06/06/2024 |
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen 06/07/2024
Ending your adventure on a high. Your Arctic Islands expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived, not to mention lifelong memories from this incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and shop for souvenirs. Many guests opt to bring home a beautiful, warm Svalbard sweater.,
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06/07/2024 |
06/07/2024 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 06/07/2024
Ending your adventure on a high. Your Arctic Islands expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived, not to mention lifelong memories from this incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and shop for souvenirs. Many guests opt to bring home a beautiful, warm Svalbard sweater.,
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06/07/2024 |
06/07/2024 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 06/07/2024
Ending your adventure on a high. Your Arctic Islands expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived, not to mention lifelong memories from this incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and shop for souvenirs. Many guests opt to bring home a beautiful, warm Svalbard sweater.,
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06/07/2024 |
06/07/2024 |
Oslo
Oslo 06/07/2024
Ending your adventure on a high. Your Arctic Islands expedition cruise ends back in Longyearbyen. You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived, not to mention lifelong memories from this incredible experience. Before your flight back to Oslo, you'll have time to discover more of Longyearbyen and shop for souvenirs. Many guests opt to bring home a beautiful, warm Svalbard sweater.,
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06/07/2024 |
06/07/2024 |