Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes & Jan Mayen

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes & Jan Mayen - 15 days

Aboard Ocean Explorer – 138 passengers

Ideal for first-time guests to the polar regions, Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen allows you to venture to some of the most remote islands on Earth, observe fascinating history and culture, and experience the dreamlike wonder of the midnight sun. Sailing across the North Atlantic, you will be immersed in the Arctic’s rugged beauty, highlighted by visits to the awe-inspiring and unspoiled destinations of Fair Isle, the Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen.

Prepare to be amazed by an environment different from anything you’ve ever witnessed, featuring immense fjords, towering glaciers, soaring sea stacks and coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds by the thousands. Observe reindeer, seals and whales in their natural habitat under a sunlit sky in the middle of the night.

Tour Dates

May 2 - May 16, 2026 (15 days)
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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you’ll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you’ll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area’s coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and minke whales.

Day 3: Exploring Fair Isle

The U.K.’s most remote inhabited island, the extraordinary Fair Isle is located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Boasting a rugged beauty, Fair Isle’s landscape is diverse, with fields and moors dominated by seaside cliffs and an astounding number of sea stacks, natural arches and caves.

Despite its small size, the island offers activities for history, nature and photography buffs alike. Visit the museum to immerse yourself in local artifacts, photos, knitwear and other historic memorabilia. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the circa 1935 classic red phone booth by the post office!

In terms of wildlife, orcas are native to the waters around Fair Isle, and they sometimes come close in pursuit of seals. But the island is best known for its coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds in spring and summer. The star attraction is the Atlantic puffin, a clown-like bird that burrows in nests in the grassy flat tops of the island’s cliffs. Photographers will surely want to capture pictures of their bemused expressions, and Fair Isle’s easily accessible grassy banks make it one of the best places in the Shetlands (if not the entire Scottish Isles!) to observe these colorful creatures. Northern fulmars, kittiwakes, storm petrels, razorbills and guillemots may be spotted soaring over the open waters.

Visitors to this community of crofters, artisans and artists may be able to pick up a traditional Fair Isle sweater to keep warm during the rest of your Arctic voyage.

Days 4 and 5: Exploring the Faroe Islands

Known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape, with verdant pastures giving way to rugged, steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands have a storied past, though the details of the archipelago’s early history remain mysterious. The first settlers may have been seventh-century Irish monks seeking solitude on these islands far removed from any continent. Their isolation ended in 800 AD, with the arrival of Norse farmers, and Norwegian colonization continued throughout the Viking Age. Today, many of the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, now a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, are descendants of Norwegian Vikings, and speak Faroese, a descendant language of Old Norse.

We will have two days to explore this seldom-visited archipelago made up of 18 rugged islands located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The mighty North Atlantic is omnipresent wherever we go with no place on the Faroe Islands farther than 3 miles (5 km) from its shores. The sea has always dominated life on the Faroes—throughout history as much as today: rich fisheries, magnificent ocean views and thriving sea bird colonies make up this rare Nordic jewel—often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret.

We will spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago, separated by narrow sounds and fjords, and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations. You’ll see green valleys engulfed by steep mountains, protecting picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped homes. Wind, weather and sea conditions will influence and shape our activity options, but we will of course always keep our eyes out for marine and bird life, especially the iconic Atlantic puffin.

Our second day in the Faroes will be dedicated to the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. One of the world’s smallest capitals, the picturesque Tórshavn has a relaxed vibe and a number of historical and cultural sites. Meander the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town, admiring the quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs and white paned windows. If you’re looking for more action, a hike to historic Kirkjubøur not only unlocks some of the country’s best medieval history but also rewards with sweeping views over the southern islands of Koltur, Hestur & Sandur. Or perhaps you’ll prefer to wander the charming harbor, filled with cafés, pubs and old warehouses, and simply gaze out at the sea while sipping a latte.

Days 6 and 7: Cruising

Say goodbye to the Faroes as we cruise toward the world’s most northerly volcanic island, Jan Mayen. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside your ship, attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the ocean views. With your binoculars and camera at the ready, keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a humpback, blue or fin whale. Encounters with minke whales or orcas are also possible, since their curiosity can bring them near the ship. If you’re lucky, you may even see harp seals.

Days 8 and 9: Exploring Jan Mayen
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only year-long inhabitants, save for some additional personnel during the summer.

Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. During the summer months, the island’s lower landscape is covered with grass, moss and a smattering of hardy flowers that add a burst of color to the otherwise barren black lava terrain.

One site we hope to visit is Olonkinbyen and the surrounding area. Named after Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, it’s the island’s only settlement and the location of the meteorological station, where you may have the chance to learn about polar research while seeing how weather is monitored at the top of the world. Another option might be the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta, where the remnants of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station and a large northern fulmar colony can be found. In 1632, two Basque ships landed at the small bay and plundered the station. A Dutch party was sent here the following year to protect the land stations during winter, but all seven men perished from scurvy. Whaling in the area came to an end about 20 years later.

If conditions permit, we may view the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise around the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). And if we are fortunate, you might see “sea parrots,” the Atlantic puffin again. The waters here are rich feeding grounds for marine life, so keep a lookout for minke, fin, blue or humpback whales.

Day 10: Cruising

As we sail farther north, spend some time with your shipmates in the lounge, swapping stories and photos, or take the opportunity to learn about the regions travelled with your experienced and knowledgeable Expedition Team.

Days 11 to 13: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Rugged, wild and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is unforgettable. From immense glaciers to lush tundra to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife.

As we explore the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Some areas we hope to visit include Hornsund and Bellsund fjords and Hornbreen Glacier.

The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord, have rich histories. You may visit Isbjornhamna, a bay at the entrance of the fjord, where we hope to explore colonies of delightful little auks. You may also spot Svalbard reindeer and hike to a viewpoint for views of calving glaciers.

A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbonhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colorful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine, and discover old whale bones.

Day 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki

The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival in Helsinki, you’ll transfer to your included hotel for the night.

Day 15: Depart Helsinki
After breakfast, you can make your way to the airport for your onward flight home, or stay to explore Finland’s culturally-rich capital on your own if you’ve made prior arrangements.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.

Route Map

Trips and Rates

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes & Jan Mayen

May 2 - May 16, 2026 (15 days)
Paddling

Deluxe Veranda Fwd

$15,395

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$11,700

Limited

Veranda Stateroom

$16,195

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$12,308

Veranda Suite

$17,195

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$13,068

Junior Suite

$20,295

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$15,424

Penthouse Suite

$23,495

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$17,856

Limited

Owner's Suite

$25,195

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$19,148

Limited

Studio Single

$20,295

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$15,424

Studio Veranda Single

$21,895

Save 20%

Early Payment Discount 5%

$16,640

Limited

Transfer Package

$995

Transfer Package is not included in the cabin cost. See neon green box in the pricing grid for Transfer Package cost (if applicable).

Single Travelers:

Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories

Adventure Options:

Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,795/person – requires experience
Paddling (one-time): $295/person

Single Travelers:

Can book into a dedicated Single cabin (Studio Single or Studio Veranda Single) at the prices listed above
Can book into a share cabin in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite
Can book a twin cabin at solo occupancy at 1.7x the per person share price in Deluxe Veranda Fwd, Veranda Stateroom and Veranda Suite and 2x the per person price for all higher categories

Adventure Options:

Kayaking (full program, multiple paddles): $1,995/person – requires experience
Paddling (one-time): $395/person
Camping: $295/person

Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.

Cabin Descriptions

Owner's Suite

This palatial, airy apartment offers stunning views from its large private veranda on the highest cabin level (deck 7). The luxurious suite features a large master bedroom, living room and dining area and two large master bathrooms, among other amenities. One double bed made up of two twin berths plus a fold out sofa bed.

443 square feet (41.2 sq. m.)

Penthouse Suite

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. ft (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

Junior Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.

Veranda Suite

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Veranda Stateroom

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.

Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom

Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Veranda Single

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 238 sq. f. (22.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Single

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Deck Plan

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions:

Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
All shore landings per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
An official expedition parka to keep
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)

Exclusions:

Mandatory Transfer Package*
International airfare
Arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the mandatory Transfer Package
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES:

One pre-expedition hotel night in Aberdeen, and one post-expedition hotel night in Helsinki
Group transfer from Aberdeen hotel to ship on embarkation day
Departure transfer in Longyearbyen on disembarkation day
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki on disembarkation day
One night’s post-expedition hotel night in Helsinki

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Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes & Jan Mayen