Voyage Overview
The ultimate Arctic adventure to a rarely visited site with a focus on amazing wildlife.
Discover the wonders of the Arctic on an epic expedition that combines the wildlife of Svalbard, the unique and remote outpost of Jan Mayen, the ice-hewn east coast of Greenland, and the stunning fjords of western Iceland. Kayak among incandescent icebergs; visit some of the most remote settlements on Earth; and watch for polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and whales on a quest to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness.
Trip Details
Duration: 16 Days
Ship: National Geographic Resolution, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Oslo, Norway
End: Reykjavik, Iceland
Highlights:
- Venture into little-known parts of the Arctic, using satellite imagery and the ice-strengthened hull of our ship to explore the ice—including Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world
- Focus on wildlife, with an itinerary driven by opportunities to observe walruses, whales, reindeer, and polar bears in their natural habitat
- Glide between massive ice floes and encounter astonishing icebergs from water level while exploring by kayak and Zodiac
- Go ashore with our naturalists to hike Svalbard’s vast tundra and explore remote Icelandic villages
- Discover the unique geology and black sand beaches on rarely-visited Jan Mayen
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Oslo
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen and Embark
Days 3-13: Exploring Svalbard and Greenland
Days 14-15: Westfjords of Iceland
Day 12: Disembark Reykjavik
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon, our introduction to Norway begins with a tour of Oslo, including a visit to the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian pole explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen & Embark Ship
Depart Oslo on a charter flight and enjoy breathtaking vistas over icy fjords and the Barents Sea, enroute to Longyearbyen. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world’s northernmost settlement that has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking National Geographic Resolution, your base for the next six days. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-13: Exploring Svalbard and Greenland
Our day-by-day itinerary, in keeping with the nature of an expedition, is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this dynamic arctic region. We take full advantage of our human resources—our experienced captain, expedition leader and naturalists—as well as our technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us to exciting discoveries. We have an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the icebergs. The undersea specialist deploys the ROV, bringing back imagery few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice and two photographers on board, our guests have assistance to get their best photos ever.
We begin in Svalbard, Norway, a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Svalbard is one of the best places on the planet to see polar bears in their natural habitat—the sea ice. Venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline.
Svalbard’s wonders are a prelude to days ahead of discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice’s edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness. Be on deck as our captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. With a course set west, Jan Mayen is on our itinerary—an isolated volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean. Here, we discover the island’s unique geology and black sand beaches, and we learn of the interesting history of Jan Mayen’s past inhabitants.
If the ice yields, we aim for Scoresbysund on the east coast of Greenland, the longest fjord system in the world. Using the unique capabilities of the National Geographic Resolution, we will explore the ice along the coast to keep an eye out for wildlife and striking ice formations as the ice drifts along the coast of Greenland from the North Pole to the Denmark Strait. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 14-15: Westfjords of Iceland
The finale of our journey is the west coast of Iceland: Ísafjörður, a picture postcard of Icelandic life; Vigur Island, where we discover the largest eider farm in the world. Our final stop is in Grundarfjordur, known for Icelandic most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell, and it’s neighboring waterfall. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Disembarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
Disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Resolution
Setting sail in 2025, the new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
National Geographic Resolution Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The largest and most luxurious accommodations on the National Geographic Resolution. The suites feature a sitting area with pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk, chair and espresso maker. The private balcony has two chairs and a hammock. There is a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
430 sq. ft. (39.9 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Junior suite featuring a private balcony, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. There is just one Category 6 cabin on the ship so it typically sells out far in advance. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
344 sq. ft. (32 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Cabin with private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom. Category 5 cabins are situated high on the ship with quick access to the Observation Deck and bridge.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 4
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Category 4 cabins are on the same deck as the main lounge where most lectures take place. Cabins feature a private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 3
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
The lowest priced cabins with a private balcony. Cabins feature a private balcony, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The most mid-ship cabins on the Main Deck, where the restaurant is located.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 2
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
Cabin with two large windows, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The lowest & most mid-ship cabin location on the ship.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 1
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
These entry level double occupancy cabins have a forward location on the Fore Deck. Cabins feature two large windows, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
183 sq. ft. (17 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
Category B Solo
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
An expedition cruise to the Polar regions is a fantastic trip for solo travelers. On most ships, there is the option to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender to keep the pricing down. Solo occupancy cabins are also an option for guests who prefer to have their own space. Please reach out for more information and pricing for solo travelers.
Want to explore other options?
Below are a few similar voyages:
