Voyage from the volcanic shores of Iceland to the icy fjords and snow-capped peaks of Spitsbergen, crossing the Arctic Circle, visiting remote Jan Mayen with its rich seabird life, and following the edge of the ice as you go. Watch for whales, seals, and polar bears on the journey north.
Arctic & Alaska
Arctic Ocean – Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding
9 Days aboard M/V Hondius . From USD $2,750pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: The start of an adventure
- Day 2 to 8: At the Arctic Circle
- Day 9: Journey's end in Longyearbyen
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: The start of an adventure
In the late afternoon, you board m/v Hondius in the port city of Akureyri, a historical fishing port known as the Capital of North Iceland. We sail north through Eyafjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, where we may see our first whales as we reach the open sea.
Dinner included.
Day 2 to 8: At the Arctic Circle
At the Arctic Circle
We land on the small island of Grimsey, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Grimsey has a friendly fishing village and is home to vibrant colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, and Arctic terns. In the evening, we pass Kolbeinsey, a tiny uninhabited island, on our way north. From this point onwards, we will experience daylight around the clock.
Sailing northward
Sailing toward the isolated Jan Mayen, we will look for humpbacks, fin, minke, blue whales, and even orcas. During the crossing, the ship will alter course to provide better viewing opportunities when wildlife is spotted.
Volcanic rock and ocean air
We found ourselves before Jan Mayen, a stark volcanic island crowned by the snow-capped summit of Mt. Beerenberg. From the slopes of this imposing 2,300-meter-high (7,545 feet) volcano, broken glaciers tumble out into the frigid sea. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, you can now visit the weather station. You can also walk to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station amid the thick moss beds of this stark volcanic landscape. This historic place is tied deeply to the Dutch whaling industry of the past and is intensely atmospheric.
Beneath the midnight sun & along the ice edge
Basking in the midnight sun, you sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You then change direction after about 79° north, cutting west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of West Spitsbergen. Here, you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and – near the glacial mouths of the gaping Spitsbergen fjords – surfacing minke whales.
The Arctic island of Spitsbergen
Forlandsundet, between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, is a place of great beauty and fascinating wildlife. Walruses sometimes haul out here. Alternatively, you might sail into St. Johns Fjord or head south to the mouth of Isfjorden, landing at Alkhornet. These cliffsides are crucial for nesting birds. Many species build their nests here, while Arctic foxes search below for fallen eggs and chicks. On the surrounding slopes, reindeer graze sparse vegetation, creating superb photographic opportunities.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 9: Journey's end in Longyearbyen
With Arctic memories that will last a lifetime and cameras full of fantastic images, you disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, once more. While your journey is at an end, the pioneering spirit of Arctic adventure will stay with you, whatever comes next!
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 05 Jun 2026
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026 | USD$2750pp | ||
| Quad Porthole Cabin | USD$2750pp | Contact us | |
| Triple Porthole Cabin | USD$3250pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Porthole Cabin | USD$3850pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Window Cabin | USD$4150pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Deluxe Cabin | USD$4350pp | Contact us | |
| Superior Cabin | USD$4950pp | Contact us | |
| Junior Suite | USD$5650pp | Contact us | |
| Grand Suite with private balcony | USD$6050pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Quad Porthole Cabin
2 portholes, 2 upper & 2 lower berths, small sofa, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe.
Triple Porthole Cabin
2 portholes, 2 lower berths & 1 upper berth, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe.
Twin Porthole Cabin
2 portholes, 2 lower berths, small sofa, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe.
Twin Window Cabin
1 window, 2 lower berths, small sofa, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe.
Twin Deluxe Cabin
2 windows, 2 lower berths, small sofa, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe, minibar
Superior Cabin
2 windows, 1 double bed, small sofa, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe, minibar
Junior Suite
1 double window, 1 double bed, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe, minibar
Grand Suite with private balcony
1 double window, 1 double bed, private balcony, private shower & toilet, flatscreen TV, desk & chair, telephone and wifi, coffee & tea maker, hair dryer, safe, minibar
M/V Hondius Deckplan
Specifications
- Passengers: 170 in 80 cabins
- Staff & crew: Crew 57 | Guides 13 | Doctor 1
- Length: 107.6 meters
- Breadth: 17.6 meters
- Draft: 5.30 meters
- Ice class: Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
- Displacement: 5,590 tonnes
- Propulsion: 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
- Speed: 15 knots
What’s included?
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (this will be advised) from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What’s not included?
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik and Akureyri (ship) (approx. 6 hours).
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Notes
PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.
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