Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Discover Iceland’s modern capital

Your expedition cruise to east Greenland and Svalbard starts in Reykjavík, a vibrant city full of culture and history. Take a stroll down Laugavegur to striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral or visit one of the many art galleries and museums.

MS Maud awaits you in Reykjavík Harbor. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail for adventure.

Pre-Program

With so much to see, come early and join one of our Pre-Programs to the Golden Circle or the Icelandic Highlands to experience Iceland’s amazing waterfalls, hot springs, and geysers.

Picturesque Ísafjörður

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside town

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor. You’ll arrive just after lunch, so there’s plenty time to explore this picturesque harborside town. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. If you prefer something more energetic, take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft—the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top.

Relaxing at sea

Appetite for adventure

As we sail towards Jan Mayen, relax and take advantage of our expedition ship’s great onboard facilities.

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, learn what to expect in the epic fjords of Greenland and in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway’s stunning Arctic wonderland. Join one of our Citizen Science projects and contribute to global research, if you feel like helping out.

Then hit the gym, relax in the hot tub, warm up in the sauna, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our three onboard restaurants. The world is your oyster!

Volcanic Jan Mayen

Visit an active volcano that’s a haven for birdlife

Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. We're one of the few to even attempt landings here. If conditions are favorable, you may set foot on one of Earth’s most remote places.

Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the volcanic cone of Mount Beerenberg. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano, which last erupted in 1985.

You won’t see land mammals, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of northern fulmars, Brünnich’s guillemots and little auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the waters, including whales and seals.

Sailing towards Svalbard

Unwind and prepare for Svalbard

This day sailing the Arctic waters toward Svalbard is a great chance to relax on board the ship. Enjoy panoramic views and chat to fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge or fill your lungs with fresh air as you soak in the hot tubs on deck.

Use your time as you see best. This is your chance to get away from your busy world and reflect on the wild beauty surrounding you. Don’t miss fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition Team (sometimes out on deck), which cover topics including Arctic history, geology, and wildlife.

Stunning Svalbard

On expedition in Svalbard

Our daily activities in this remote Arctic peninsula will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions and the expertise of the Expedition Team. The first planned stop is Hornsund, one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colorful vegetation transforms into towering mountains along this picturesque waterway.

We then hope to journey north past the snow-capped cliffs of Bellsund as we head toward Isfjord. The lush fjord system here and the immense, glacier-carved valleys are rich in wildlife, flora, and human history.

Our last planned stop in Svalbard is Ny-Ålesund. It is known as the northernmost settlement in the world and the starting point for many renowned Arctic expeditions.

Crossing the Greenland Sea

Learning and leisure time

After the last few days in Svalbard, you’ll no doubt have lots of photos and a hunger to learn more about the destinations on our voyage. As we cross the Greenland Sea, the Expedition Team will be giving lectures and answering your questions about the destinations.

You can use this time to enjoy the ship’s facilities and take it easy. Head out on deck with a pair of binoculars and look for wildlife, including whales and the seabirds that follow the ship. You could also find a cozy corner inside to read a book with a hot drink.

Scoresby Sund fjord system

Soak up serenity in the world’s largest fjord system

Prepare to be awed. Local conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan for the next three days is to explore east Greenland’s Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system.

You’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged landscape, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters, surrounded by looming mountains.

We will make the most of current conditions and pack in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours, and wildlife sightings as possible. This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Whether you want to be active or just soak up the serenity is up to you.

Community Visit

Get an insight into authentic Greenlandic life

After our expedition in Scoresby Sund, we return to (sparse) civilization. Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. It is located on an Arctic peninsula that is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year. This makes the settlement the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere!

Ittoqqortoormiit was founded in 1925 as a hunting and fishing town. That cultural legacy is still easy to observe. Less than 500 brave souls call this remote outpost home, and they’ll be proud to show you around and give you a warm welcome.

Sailing back to Iceland

Rest and relax as you cross the Irminger Sea

The ethereal beauty of Greenland and Svalbard will by now have captured your imagination! As we cruise back toward Iceland, you’ll feel invigorated and connected to nature. On deck, you might spot seabirds following the ship, or whales breaching the surface in the surrounding seas.

Spend your time at sea sharing your experiences with new friends, recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, or discovering more about the delicate ecology of Greenland’s fjord system in the Science Center.

Return to Reykjavík

Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland

We say a fond farewell to MS Maud and end where we started in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. Visit the places you may have missed when you arrived. There’s plenty to enjoy in Reykjavík, including stylish galleries, restaurants, and geothermal pools.

Post-Program:

If you want to discover more of Iceland, join our optional Post-Program to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or you could simply extend your stay and enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end your epic journey!