Arctic Island Odyssey – Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard (Northbound)
CRUISE ID # HXFRGRE10-270809
Reykjavík TO Longyearbyen
14-day all-inclusive Iceland, Greenland and Svalbard expedition cruise from Reykjavík to Longyearbyen
Setting out from Reykjavík to Greenland and then Svalbard, explore the largest national park and the grandest fjord system on Earth.
Discover epic scenery and captivating nature in true explorer style as our flexible route makes the best of the conditions.
Fully immersive learning experience with onboard lectures, Citizen Science projects and demonstrations.
From Reykjavík to Greenland
Setting sail from Reykjavík, we’ll head to Scoresby Sund, an immense system of fjords and glaciers spanning over 24,000 square miles. Expect majestic fjord landscapes and historical ruins, and the potential visit to one of the most remote communities in the world.
From Greenland to Svalbard
Farther north, we’ll head to Greenland to explore Northeast Greenland National Park. This gigantic natural reserve of 375,000 square miles occupies the remote northeastern quarter of the country. Here, with some luck, you might see iconic Arctic species like musk oxen before heading towards Svalbard and visiting Ny-Ålesund.
$9,434
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: August 09, 2027
Itinerary
Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.
Heading to Greenland
As we sail towards Greenland on our way to the world’s largest island, it’s time to relax, find your sea legs, and get acquainted with the onboard facilities.
The Expedition Team will give talks about your upcoming adventure and will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the lecture hall, you’ll find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the stunning fjords of Scoresby Sund.
If you’re feeling active, head to the gym and do a workout with a view. On the other hand, you could sample the sauna, laze in a hot tub, indulge yourself at the onboard eateries or just find a quiet corner to read a book with a hot drink. Love science? Then why not join one of our onboard Citizen Science projects, a fun and engaging way to contribute to global research.
Scoresbysund is the ultimate fjord system; likely the longest, largest and deepest of any in the world. The massive fjord is tucked into the eastern coast of Greenland and on the icy western edges of the Greenland Sea. Scoresbysund’s scale deserves several days to explore, especially while plying the waters between castle-sized icebergs as they gently drift under the persuasion of the Arctic waters in the mighty fjord. Scattered in the remote bays and smaller fjords are places to discover old Inuit settlements, slowly growing over with Arctic willow and dwarf birch. The lower slopes of many mountains are draped in the herbs and grasses favoured by muskox, Arctic fox, lemmings, Ptarmigan, Barnacle Geese, and Snowy Owls. Tundra walks give impressive views of landscape, flora and fauna. Not to be neglected, the waters of Scoresbysund warrant a vigilant eye for sightings of whales, seals, narwhals, beluga whales and walrus.
Scoresbysund is the ultimate fjord system; likely the longest, largest and deepest of any in the world. The massive fjord is tucked into the eastern coast of Greenland and on the icy western edges of the Greenland Sea. Scoresbysund’s scale deserves several days to explore, especially while plying the waters between castle-sized icebergs as they gently drift under the persuasion of the Arctic waters in the mighty fjord. Scattered in the remote bays and smaller fjords are places to discover old Inuit settlements, slowly growing over with Arctic willow and dwarf birch. The lower slopes of many mountains are draped in the herbs and grasses favoured by muskox, Arctic fox, lemmings, Ptarmigan, Barnacle Geese, and Snowy Owls. Tundra walks give impressive views of landscape, flora and fauna. Not to be neglected, the waters of Scoresbysund warrant a vigilant eye for sightings of whales, seals, narwhals, beluga whales and walrus.
Heading to Svalbard
After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we set our course back for Svalbard. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales.
As you reflect on your cruise, from witnessing the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice, east Greenland’s beauty is sure to have left its mark on you.
A Land of Spectacular Beauty
Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, offers Arctic wilderness at its most striking – sharp-edged mountains, calving glaciers, and remote, rugged shores shaped by ice and wind. Over the next two days, we’ll navigate some of the world’s most dramatic fjords, where the stillness is broken only by the thunderous crack of icebergs breaking free.
We may chart a course into Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, cruising beneath towering glaciers that stretch into cobalt waters. Or, visit Ny-Ålesund – once the launch point for explorer Roald Amundsen’s daring airship expeditions, now a centre for cutting-edge climate research.
We’ll make the most of every opportunity to step ashore, using our small expedition boats to reach landings few others can. If conditions allow, there may even be a chance to kayak through the waters in near-perfect silence.
With the Midnight Sun overhead, daylight lingers – giving us time to explore deeper into this extraordinary landscape.
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
About the Ship
Name
MS Fram
Operator
HX Expeditions
MS Fram has a fresh new look, with upgraded cabins and a state-of-the-art Science Centre — all designed to bring you even closer to the wild, remote destinations we explore. With space for 250 guests, MS Fram was built for polar travel, carrying on the spirit of the legendary Norwegian exploration vessel that once drifted through Arctic ice under great explorer Fridtjof Nansen.
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Every day of your expedition cruise, your tastebuds will get the opportunity to explore. In each of our onboard restaurants, our skilled chefs create exciting menus using ingredients from the areas we travel.
Embarking on MS Fram, you’ll quickly feel safe and relaxed. Surrounding you with quality, natural materials and plenty of light and space, your expedition ship is reassuring, comfortable and built for adventure.
Your ship comes equipped with full suite of facilities to maintain an active lifestyle. From an indoor gym to a wellness centre for both body and mind, you’ll find everything you need to feel fully rejuvenated.
Our expedition ships – MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen, MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Santa Cruz II – are more than just a way to travel - they’re your home in the heart of the wild. Instead of an onboard casino, we have the Science Centre. Instead of cabaret shows, you have all the show you need outside the windows. No water slides, just kayaking trips or small-boat safaris along the coast in the Arctic, Antarctic, or the Galápagos.
We offer a rich and varied program of optional shore excursions. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In many cases the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion b....
The Science & Education program brings together like-minded individuals
Covering over 3/4 of the planet's surface, our oceans are vital in supporting human life on earth and are also home to over 90% of all known wildlife. Despite it influencing everything from our weather to transportation and yes, expedition cruises, very little is known about our blue planet.
This is where HX Expeditions and our fleet of small, state-of-the-....
Please note: there are no dedicated Children's facilities onboard.
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day: Indulge in anything your appetite desires across a huge list of delicious choices that almost rival the memories you’ll make off the ship. Start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast before moving onto a mouth-watering menu of à la carte choices later in the day. Of course, that includes house wine and beer and soft drinks.
A warm welcome to the sauna, hot tubs and more: Make so....
Due to the nature of expedition cruising, our voyages often take us far away from the resources and the facilities we are used to in day-to-day life. We recognise that disabilities and mobility issues can range in severity, and recommend all guests consider accompaniment by a companion if they need assistance, either on board or ashore, due to the environment, operations and the unique safety requirements found on an expedition ship.
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Weather varies depending on your destination, but sturdy footwear for wet and dry landings is essential. We provide boots and trekking poles on certain expeditions, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
On-board
- Casual clothes – the dress code is relaxed and informal, even for dinners
- Comfortable flat shoes for everyday use while onboard. It can be slippery on deck, so we recommend shoes with a good grip
Our expedition ships feature a small onboard hospital essential equipment, and medication to handle small emergencies.. Every ship has an English-speaking medical team with a doctor and at least one nurse, supported 24/7 by dedicated land-based experts.
In the event of a serious emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations as well as medicines will be charged to the passenger affected. All guests must have per....
Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.
What have I booked?
Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips.
What's happening today?
The daily programme helps you to....