Three Arctic Islands: Extended Passage is a 14-day / 13-night expedition from Reykjavík, Iceland, to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, combining remote communities with expansive Arctic wilderness. After leaving Reykjavík, the voyage crosses the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, where guests explore the rugged coastline and visit Ittoqqortoormiit before entering Northeast Greenland National Park, described by Polar Latitudes as the world’s largest protected land area. The ship then crosses the Greenland Sea toward Svalbard, exploring its southern, northwestern and northeastern regions, as well as Kongsfjorden and central Spitzbergen. Glaciers, fjords, tundra, mountains and icebergs shape the landscapes throughout the journey, with opportunities to observe walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds and polar bears.
The Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavík, Iceland, where guests embark the expedition vessel during the afternoon. Mandatory safety drills take place before departure, preparing everyone for the voyage ahead. As the ship leaves Iceland, guests can join members of the Expedition Team on the outer decks and watch Reykjavík recede as the journey gets underway. The vessel then sets a course toward East Greenland, beginning a 14-day route that will cross Arctic waters and explore Greenland before continuing to Svalbard and ultimately reaching Longyearbyen.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Spend the first full day at sea crossing the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland. The outer decks provide opportunities to watch for marine wildlife as the expedition travels toward the Greenlandic coast. Onboard presentations introduce subjects connected to the journey, including Arctic ecology, geology and wildlife. The Expedition Team also uses the crossing to provide important briefings covering Zodiac operations and polar bear safety. This day at sea therefore combines the passage toward East Greenland with wildlife observation and preparation for the expedition activities that will follow once the vessel reaches Greenland.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: First Exploration of East Greenland
Reach Greenland’s rugged coastline and begin the expedition’s first day of exploration in East Greenland. Rather than following a predetermined landing plan, the Captain and Expedition Leader assess local conditions and determine how the day will unfold. The intention is to use the ship’s Zodiacs to explore the area and experience Greenland’s landscapes from the water and during expedition operations. This flexible approach allows the team to respond to the conditions encountered along the coast while introducing guests to the remote environments that characterize this part of the Arctic journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Discovering Ittoqqortoormiit
Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, described in the itinerary as one of the most remote communities on Earth and the only settlement in this region. The visit introduces guests to Greenlandic culture, community and traditional lifestyles after the previous day’s exploration of the surrounding coastline. Features of the town identified in the itinerary include a museum, small shops and a traditional church. The experience adds a cultural dimension to the expedition before the vessel leaves the settlement behind and continues toward the vast protected wilderness of Northeast Greenland National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5-6: Into Northeast Greenland National Park
Spend two days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park, an immense protected area spanning nearly one million square kilometres. Exact destinations are intentionally flexible because weather, wind, sea and ice conditions determine where expedition activities can safely take place. Depending on those conditions, possible experiences include fjords, cliffs, historical sites, wildlife areas and glaciers producing large icebergs. Exploration takes place both ashore and by Zodiac, while the Expedition Team provides lectures and interpretation to add context to the landscapes and environments encountered. These days focus on adaptable expedition travel through one of the voyage’s most remote Arctic regions.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7-8: Across the Greenland Sea
Leave Greenland behind and spend two days crossing the Greenland Sea toward Svalbard. During the passage, guests can use the outer decks to watch for wildlife and seabirds as the ship travels between the two Arctic regions. Expedition lectures continue onboard, providing additional opportunities to learn during the crossing. Guests can also spend time relaxing aboard the vessel or enjoy spa treatments. These sea days form the transition between the Greenland portion of the expedition and the extensive exploration of Svalbard that defines the second half of the itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Fjords and Wildlife of South Svalbard
Begin the Svalbard portion of the voyage among the fjords of the southwest. Potential exploration areas include Bellsund and Hornsund, where the surrounding environment supports reindeer, Arctic foxes and nesting seabirds. Glaciers in the region produce icebergs that drift through the waters, adding another defining feature to the landscape. Depending on expedition plans and local conditions, potential highlights mentioned in the itinerary include Calypsobyen, Bamsebu and the bird cliffs of Gnålodden. The day introduces Svalbard through a combination of fjords, glaciers, wildlife and locations connected to the region’s history.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Arctic History in Northwest Svalbard
Explore Northwest Svalbard, a region designated as a National Park in 1973 and closely connected with the history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. Historical remains can still be encountered at locations such as Smeerenburg, providing evidence of earlier human activity in this remote environment. The natural surroundings are equally important, with Arctic flowers and seabirds forming part of the landscape. Walrus and polar bears are also among the wildlife associated with the region. The day combines Svalbard’s exploration history with opportunities to experience its protected wilderness and observe Arctic wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: Polar Desert of Northeast Svalbard
Travel into the colder polar desert landscapes of northeastern Svalbard. Expedition activities remain flexible because changing sea, wind and ice conditions determine how and where exploration can take place. The region is characterized by large glaciers and ice-filled waters, creating a distinctly Arctic setting for the day. Wildlife that may be encountered includes seabirds, Arctic foxes and walrus. The emphasis is on exploring according to prevailing conditions while experiencing the glacial landscapes and wildlife of northeastern Svalbard before the expedition turns toward Kongsfjorden.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12: Kongsfjorden and Ny-Ålesund
Sail into the Kongsfjorden region, surrounded by glaciers and the Three Crowns mountains. The itinerary includes a visit to Ny-Ålesund, a remote settlement with strong connections to the history of polar exploration. Polar explorers including Amundsen and Nansen are associated with the settlement’s past, while today Ny-Ålesund is home to international research stations. The day combines the natural setting of Kongsfjorden with a community linked to both historical Arctic exploration and contemporary research, adding another dimension to the expedition through Svalbard.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 13: Central Spitzbergen and the Journey to Isfjorden
Explore sheltered bays and beaches around central Spitzbergen and nearby islands while the vessel gradually makes its way toward Longyearbyen. Possible destinations identified in the itinerary include Poolepynten, an area known for its walrus herds. Wildlife observation remains an important part of the day as the ship continues through the region and later heads toward Isfjorden. The expedition team continues searching for wildlife and scenic views along the way, making the final full day of exploration another opportunity to experience Svalbard before the voyage reaches its endpoint.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 14: Arrival in Longyearbyen
Arrive in Longyearbyen for the conclusion of the 14-day Arctic expedition. Guests disembark the vessel and say goodbye to the Expedition Team and crew after traveling from Iceland through East Greenland and Northeast Greenland National Park before exploring several regions of Svalbard. Following disembarkation, guests can spend time exploring Longyearbyen before continuing to Svalbard Airport for flights to mainland Norway. The arrival completes the expedition from Reykjavík to Longyearbyen and brings the journey across the Denmark Strait and Greenland Sea to an end.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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14 Day Artic Itinerary Includes
Certified Emergency MD and onboard Medical Clinic
World-class international cuisine in the ship’s restaurant
Expert expedition lecture program
Fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising
Complimentary in-cabin refreshments (soft drinks, juice & sparkling water)
Voyage photographer
Dedicated passenger service manager
Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
14 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include
International and domestic airfare.
Pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Passport, visa, and entry-related expenses.
Travel and medical insurance.
Optional activities or excursions not included in the selected expedition package.
Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and purchases from the onboard shop.
Premium alcoholic beverages and other drinks not included in the voyage package.
Gratuities for the crew and Expedition Team.
Any services or transfers not specifically mentioned as included.
14 Day Artic Itinerary Highlights
14-day / 13-night Arctic expedition from Reykjavík to Longyearbyen.
Exploration of East Greenland’s rugged coastline.
Visit to the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Two days dedicated to exploring Northeast Greenland National Park.
Crossings of the Denmark Strait and Greenland Sea.
Exploration of southern, northwestern and northeastern Svalbard.
Visit to Kongsfjorden and the remote settlement of Ny-Ålesund.
Arctic landscapes featuring glaciers, fjords, tundra, mountains and large icebergs.
Opportunities to encounter walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds and polar bears.
Zodiac-based exploration, wildlife cruising and shore landings.
Expedition lectures and wildlife observation throughout the journey.
Included Citizen Science and Photography Coach activities.
Itinerary Map
14 Day Arctic cruise activities
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.