Cruising Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Norwegian Fjords
Embark on a thrilling expedition to breathtaking southeastern Iceland, the isolated and unique Faroe Islands and off-the-beaten-path Norwegian fjords. Soak up the lava-crafted, windswept wilds of Hofn, Iceland; visit the brightly colored façades of the Torshavn harbor; and discover the myth and magic of the Sami people in the Vesteralen islands. Enjoy active exploration throughout, including hiking and kayaking with Explorer-in-Residence Fiann Paul.
Highlights
• Explore breathtaking Hofn, Iceland, which sits at the foot of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap; rugged lava beaches; and a striking glacial lagoon
• Enjoy thrilling active adventures from Iceland to Norway with Guinness World Record holder Fiann Paul, including sea kayaking excursions and guided hikes
• Meet the isolated locals of the Faroe Islands, who welcome you with traditional ballad songs, a selection of unique cuisines and a greeting from the country’s sheep, which outnumber the human population by over 20,000
• Voyage through off-the-beaten-path areas of the Norwegian fjords, taking in the beauty of Trondheim Fjord, Vega Island and the mystical Vesteralen islands
Day 1 | Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland |
Day 2 | Reykjavik | Iceland’s Modern Cultural Hub |
Day 3 | The Westman Islands | The Volcano’s Edge |
Day 4 | Hofn, Iceland | Majestic Mountains & Glaciers |
Days 5 & 6 | Faroe Islands, Denmark | Old Ways & Wild Vistas |
Day 7 | At Sea | Rich Habitat |
Days 8 to 10 | Norwegian Fjords | Jeweled Waterways |
Day 11 | Tromso | Colors of the North |
Day 12 | Depart Oslo |
Day 1 ― Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in modern Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Set off on a walking tour of the colorful city center before gathering tonight for a welcome event.
Day 2 ― Reykjavik | Iceland’s Modern Cultural Hub
Despite its small size, the northerly capital of Reykjavik is a vibrant city packed with eye-popping art, buzzy restaurants and historic treasures. Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the city. After lunch, board Le Boreal, your luxury megayacht for the next nine nights.
Day 3 ― The Westman Islands | The Volcano’s Edge
Arrive in the archipelago of the Westman Islands. Discover Heimaey island’s unique geography and local farmhouse ruins. Opt, if you wish, for a moderate or vigorous walk up to the island’s storied volcano before heading to Eldheimar, a museum home to interactive exhibits that detail the crater’s powerful eruption in 1973. This evening, attend the captain’s welcome reception and get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 4 ― Hofn, Iceland | Majestic Mountains & Glaciers
At the foot of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap lies an otherworldly, strikingly picturesque glacier lagoon. Board a small craft and watch these masses of polished and sculpted blue ice float by in peaceful procession on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Soaring mountains ring the lagoon, providing an inspiring backdrop for your cruise. Back on land, take in the rugged, spiky peaks of Vestrahorn Mountain before heading back to the ship.
Days 5 & 6 ― Faroe Islands, Denmark | Old Ways & Wild Vistas
Tiny villages and jaw-droppingly dramatic landscapes dot the northern shores, where you begin your exploration of the rarely visited Faroe Islands. Of mixed Norse and Gaelic heritage, Faroe Islanders likely came from the Irish Sea and the Upper Hebrides of Scotland originally. Known to be fiercely independent, the Faroes maintain the oldest existing parliament in the world today. The islands have a total area of roughly 540 square miles and a population of about 50,000 — along with 70,000 sheep. During your visit, take in Torshavn, the Faroes’ capital city. Torshavn’s old town, Tinganes, is packed with sod-roof houses crowded together on a small peninsula. Old Torshavn contrasts strongly with the new, as modern boutiques and coffeehouses alternate with historic buildings, boisterously sung ballads and traditional chain dancing.
Day 7 ― At Sea | Rich Habitat
Join your expedition staff on deck to look for the whales that populate the Norwegian Sea. Pilot whales, minke whales, orcas and majestic humpbacks all make their homes in these waters. Don’t forget to look up for razorbills, glaucous gulls or kittiwakes as they wheel toward you above the ship. August is an excellent month to spot the northern fulmar or Atlantic puffin in these waters, and your onboard ornithologist helps you identify what you’re observing.
Days 8 to 10 ― Norwegian Fjords | Jeweled Waterways
The legendary beauty of this region calls to many travelers, and many have included the stunning Norwegian fjords on their bucket lists. A fjord is a deep, narrow sea or lake drain with steep land on three sides. Norway’s fjords were formed by giant glaciers that descended over the course of several ice ages and carved out the current landscape. Fjords are natural harbors; fascinating cultures developed in the tiny hamlets that formed on their shores. Some of the areas you may visit include:
Trondheim Fjord: This fjord, the third longest in Norway, offers the iconic landscapes and green mountain paradise most people imagine when envisioning the fjords.
Trondheim: Quaint, brightly colored historic residences and shops line the River Nidelva. Cyclists glide by on wide streets, and pedestrians make their way to bustling cafés in this upbeat metropolis of nearly 200,000 people.
Vega Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vega Island is emblematic of how fishermen and farmers survived the harsh Arctic climate for centuries. You might climb 2,000 steps to experience an unbelievable view. Or you may visit an artist’s studio and try your hand at making pottery the way it has been made here for generations.
Vesteralen Islands: Myths, magic and reindeer herding fill the lives of the Sami people, who welcome you into their homes for a seat near a cozy fireplace. You might also hike the mountains of Vesteralen with a local guide, head out on a mountain biking excursion or meet locals from Hadsel Island, who wish to share their favorite dishes with you. Prepare to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the rich cultures of these Arctic regions at the captain’s farewell dinner on one of these evenings.
Day 11 ― Tromso | Colors of the North
Disembark this morning in colorful, charming Tromso and visit the Polar Museum that highlights the heroics of great explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Time permitting, visit playful seals Bella and Mai San at Polaria, the northernmost aquarium in the world. In due course, board your charter flight to Oslo. Recount your adventures as you join your fellow travelers for dinner this evening at the hotel.
Day 12 ― Depart Oslo
Transfer to the airport for your flights homeward as your journey comes to an end.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2021 |
Classic Stateroom |
Deluxe Stateroom |
Premier Stateroom |
Superior Stateroom |
Prestige Suite |
Premier 2-room Suite |
Prestige 2-room Suite |
Owner's Suite |
Charter Air |
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Save $2,500 (Prices in Red) | $18,995$16,495 | $21,495$18,995 | $22,995$20,495 | $23,995$21,495 | $31,995$29,495 | $37,995$35,495 | $40,995$38,495 | $45,995$43,495 | $495 |
Charter Air: Tromso/Oslo Save $2,500 (Prices in Red) | $15,495$12,995 | $17,995$15,495 | $19,995$17,495 | $20,995$18,495 | $28,995$26,495 | $34,995$32,495 | $37,995$35,495 | $42,995$40,495 | $295 |
Charter Air: Oslo/Tromso & Nome/Anchorage Save $4,000 (Prices in Red) | $40,995$36,995 | $44,995$40,995 | $46,995$42,995 | $49,495$45,495 | $58,995$54,995 | $67,995$63,995 | $69,995$65,995 | $79,995$75,995 | $995 |
Call for Single Cabin pricing which varies from approximately 1.5x to 2.0x times the twin share prices above depending on cabin category and departure.
There is no share option available on this ship.
Call for Triple & Quad Rate pricing available in Cat 5&7.
Does not include international airfare.
All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
Owner's Balcony Suite — Deck 6 484 sq.ft. (45 sq.m.) + 97 sq.ft. (9 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed Includes Butler Service |
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Prestige Two-room Balcony Suite — Deck 6 400 sq.ft. (37 sq.m.) + 86 sq.ft. (8 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed. Two toilets, two wardrobes. Includes Butler Service |
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Premier Two-room Balcony Suites — Deck 5 400 sq.ft. (37 sq.m.) + 86 sq.ft. (8 sq.m.) private balcony Includes Butler Service Twin Beds or 1 King Bed. Bathroom features double sink vanity. |
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Prestige Balcony Suite — Deck 6 290 sq.ft. (27 sq.m.) + 54 sq.ft. (5 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed. Two toilets, two wardrobes. Includes Butler Service |
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Superior Balcony Stateroom — Deck 6 200 sq.ft. (18.5 sq.m.) + 43 sq.ft. (4 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed |
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Premier Balcony Stateroom — Deck 5 200 sq.ft. (18.5 sq.m.) + 43 sq.ft. (4 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed |
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Deluxe Balcony Stateroom — Deck 4 200 sq.ft. (18.5 sq.m.) + 43 sq.ft. (4 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed |
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Classice Balcony Stateroom — Deck 3 200 sq.ft. (18.5 sq.m.) + 43 sq.ft. (4 sq.m.) private balcony Twin Beds or 1 King Bed |