Puffins in Fair Isle

British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard - 13 Days

Onboard  Sea Spirit – 114 passengers

Experience the history, culture and birds of the British Isles before making the journey further north to Jan Mayen and Svalbard. The remote island of Jan Mayen and the wild coast of Spitsbergen (Svalbard) are High Arctic destinations accessible only by ship. 

Highlights

  • Seeing a huge number of birds on Fair Isle
  • Experiencing Viking heritage in the Faroes
  • Jan Mayen: visiting a remote, uninhabited island and the northernmost active volcano
  • Cruising the scenic west and north coasts of Spitsbergen
  • Searching for wildlife including polar bears, nesting seabirds, seals and whales. 

Tour Dates

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Edinburgh, Scotland (hotel night) 
Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of our expedition. To provide you with more time to enjoy this metropolis rich in history and culture, we’ve arranged pre-cruise hotel accommodations. Relax and take a stroll through town, enjoying both medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. The famous Edinburgh Castle rises majestically above it all.

Day 2: Embarkation 
Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Each corner of Edinburgh’s old streets opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of the distant sea. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the hotel to the ship in the nearby Port of Leith. Before dinner, there’s time to explore the Sea Spirit, your home-away-from home for the next days.

Day 3: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Kirkwall is a small, quiet town, with a gentle pace of life. The town is the capital of the remote and amazing Orkney archipelago. Kirkwall is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in 1046. Such a long history has left a rich heritage that we explore today. The most famous are the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, considered the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland, the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace.

Included tour “Ancient treasures of Orkney with St Magnus Cathedral.” Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through the gentle rolling landscape of Orkney and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness, we will stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We then continue on to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor centre. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.

Hear some of the stories from your guide today en route back to Kirkwall. Once back in the island capital we will take a tour of St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500 year reign over the islands.

Day 4: Fair Isle, Shetland Islands
Fair Isle is a real paradise for birdwatchers. Huge number of birds inhabits the lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs. Over 345 species have been recorded here – more than anywhere else in Britain. During our walk across the island, we hope to see northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas.

Day 5: Torshavn, Faroe Islands
National Geographic Traveler had designated Faroe Islands as “authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so”. It seems that the Nature spares no colours in “painting” the islands. Deep-green hills, bright blue sea, colourful houses and boats, orange-red puffins’ beaks make the sceneries unforgettable, meanwhile traditional wooden dwellings with turf roofs look like they belong in a fairy tale.

The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking heritage and their love of the sea. Today we will explore Tórshavn, the capital and largest city of Faroe Islands. Tórshavn is a unique city, where history meets modernity, where picturesque old turfed houses and modern buildings stand side by side…

Day 6: At Sea
Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

Day 7: Jan Mayen
Jan Mayen hosts the landscapes of breathtaking beauty and northernmost subaerial active volcano on the planet – the Beerenberg. The island is wild and uninhabited not including members of Norwegian weather station. The signboard at the entrance door says (translated from the Norwegian): “Theory is when you understand everything but nothing works. Practice is when everything works but nobody understands why. On this station, we combine theory and practice in a way that nothing works and nobody understands why”. Northern fulmars, Kittiwakes, and Brünich’s guillemots breeding on steep cliffs and slopes represent the birdlife of Jan Mayen.

Day 8: At Sea
The lectures of our invited speakers prepare us for meeting with the unique Arctic wildlife and awesome landscapes of Svalbard.

Days 9-12: Exploring Svalbard 
This is a real expedition in a true High Arctic wilderness. As such, our route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions we encounter. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the best possible advantage will be taken of the circumstances presented to us by Nature in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic. Polar bears and other quintessential Arctic wildlife can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. We exploit every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, to discover incredible scenery, and to walk in the footsteps of the historic polar expeditions that came before us.

We anticipate exploring the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands in the western part of Svalbard. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales. The whole area is alive with migratory birds, including numerous rare species, taking advantage of summer’s fecundity in 24-hour daylight.

To complete the Arctic experience we also explore places rich with history. Our area of exploration contains the historical remnants of whaling camps, coal mining operations, trappers’ cabins, staging areas for historic attempts to discover the North Pole, and even an abandoned polar research station. The days are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough stunning scenery and wildlife to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions.

Day 13: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard 
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you farewell in Longyearbyen. We provide transfers to the airport or to the town center in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard. By this time, you may already be making plans for your next amazing trip with us into the polar worlds!

Important: Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Effective January 1, 2025, new regulations by the Norwegian Government require a minimum distance of 300 meters from polar bears in Svalbard at all times, except from March 1 to June 30 – minimum distance is increased to 500 meters. If a polar bear is spotted closer than the distance limit, it is required to move away to observe the legal distance. The distance limit does not apply in inhabited areas and outside Svalbard territorial waters (12 nautical miles of the shore). Our cruise operations have adapted well to the new regulations while delivering the most memorable experience to our adventure travelers.

Route Map

British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard route map

Trips and Rates

Please note, rates are Per Person in USD

British Isles, Jan Mayen & Svalbard

May 27 - Jun 8, 2025 (13 days)
Kayaking
Triple
$6,795
Save 10%
$6,116
 
Main Deck Suite
$9,395
Save 10%
$8,456
Limited
Classic Suite
$9,995
Save 10%
$8,996
 
Superior Suite
$10,195
Save 15%
$8,666
 
Deluxe Suite
$11,395
Save 15%
$9,686
 
Premium Suite
$12,495
Save 15%
$10,621
 
Owner's Suite
$16,095
Save 15%
$13,681
Limited
Single Suite
$13,995
Save 10%
$12,596
Limited

Single Travelers: 

  • Can book a dedicated single cabin at the Single Suite prices listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Triple Suite, Main Deck Suite, Classic Suite and Superior Suites
  • Twin cabins can be booked at single occupancy at 1.7x the per person price for Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites or 2x the per person price for Deluxe, Premium and Owner’s Suite

Adventure Options: 

  • Kayaking program: $795/person – requires experience

Single Travelers: 

  • Can book a dedicated single cabin at the Single Suite prices listed above
  • Can book into a share cabin in the following categories: Triple Suite, Main Deck Suite, Classic Suite and Superior Suites
  • Twin cabins can be booked at single occupancy at 1.7x the per person price for Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites or 2x the per person price for Deluxe, Premium and Owner’s Suite

Adventure Options: 

  • Kayaking program: please enquire
  • Camping: please enquire

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

Cabin Descriptions

Sea Spirit Owners Suite

Owner's Suite

Super-spacious elegant suite on the Sun Deck. Designed for entertaining, the Owner’s Suite has a separate living room with game and meeting area. A BOSE stereo system provides background music, or watch videos on the HD plasma TV. Sliding glass doors lead to a private deck. Refresh in the jetted bathtub in en suite facilities. Slumber in the King Size bed. A sofa bed can accommodate a third person.

678 square feet (63 square meters)

Sea Spirit Premium Suite

Premium Suite

The Premium Suites are located on the Sun Deck and feature two twin beds or a King Size bed and access the private balcony by a sliding glass door. Amenities include: en suite facilities, lounge area, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Averaging a generous 323 square feet (30 square meters)

Sea Spirit Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

The Deluxe Suites are located on the Sports Deck and feature two twin beds or a King Size bed and a sliding glass door that leads to a private balcony. These suites feature a walk-in closet or wardrobe. Amenities include en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and a hair dryer.

Averaging 258 square feet (24 square meters)

Sea Spirit Superior Suite

Superior Suite

Superior Suites are located on the Club Deck with easy access to the public wrap around deck, Club Lounge and Library. These cabins feature two twin beds or a King Size bed. The picture window overlooks the outside walkway. Amenities include: en suite facilities, walk-in closet or wardrobe, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, hair dryer.

Averaging 215 square feet (20 square meters)

Classic Suite

Classic Suites are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window, two wardrobes and a choice of either two twin beds or a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)

Sea Spirit Main Deck Suite

Main Deck Suite

Main Deck Suites are equipped with either two twins or a King Size bed. They are located on the Main Deck with a minimum of two portholes for exterior views. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD individual temperature control and hair dryer.

Averaging 248 square feet (23 square meters)

Sea Spirit Triple Suite

Triple Suite

Triple staterooms have two twins and a comfortable sofa bed. The twins also convert to a King, if desired. Located on Oceanus Deck, these suites have a picture window, two wardrobes and en suite facilities. Amenities include: in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)

Single Suite

Single Suites are located on the Oceanus Deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a King Size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/VCR, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Averaging 226 square feet (21 square meters)

Deck Plan

Sea Spirit Ship Deck Plan

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions: 

  • 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
  • Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All meals on board throughout the voyage
  • AECO fees and governmental taxes
  • Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily
  • All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
  • Expedition parka to keep
  • Rubber boots for loan
  • Welcome and Farewell cocktails
  • All port fees
  • Group transfer upon disembarkation
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Wi-Fi on board

Exclusions: 

  • Airfare
  • Visa and passport fees (if applicable)
  • Luggage and trip cancellation insurance
  • Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls
  • Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per person
  • Staff gratuities
  • Pre- or post-cruise travel expenses