Travel Advice
Duration
12 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
5 Ports
30-31 May
Setting sail from Reykjavik
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavik is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and with 24 hour daylight in the summer months, you can play golf at midnight, or choose the perfect place to view the midnight sun such as the lighthouse at Grotta or on the waterfront by Sólfar - the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you're like us, you will find travelling out of Reykjavik by land or sea to be unforgettable.
Don't miss
Take a boat tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to see the numerous whales of Faxaflói Bay: harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and humpback whales.
1-3 June
Iceland: Westfjords
Remote and sparsely populated, the wild Westfjords region extends out from Iceland's northwest corner like a many-fingered hand. Highlights include the thundering Dynjandi waterfalls and the towering bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, where a staggering number of sea birds nest during the summer months, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, cormorants, fulmars and kittiwakes.
4 June
At sea
5 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Jan Mayen
The island of Jan Mayen sits several hundred miles north of Iceland, a remote and inaccessible place where tourist numbers are strictly limited. Towering Mount Beerenburg is the world’s northernmost active volcano, and there is no human settlement except for a very lonely Norwegian weather station.
6-7 June
At sea
8-10 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Svalbard
The Svalbard archipelago is a true wilderness, a land of snowy peaks, frozen tundra and glassy seas. You’ll likely have no fixed itinerary here, due to the unpredictable nature of an Arctic expedition; be prepared to drop everything and rush up to the top deck for the chance of a polar bear sighting!
11 June
Arriving in Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
Your home from home
Named in honour of the accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, the Sylvia Earle is AE Expeditions' second purpose-built expedition ship with a revolutionary new design.
What we love
Just take a look at the pictures - quite different from anything we have seen before, with a revolutionary new patented X-BOW design which has a number of benefits. Not only does it increase passenger comfort by eliminating slamming in heavy seas, but also the journey is speeded up so uncomfortable rides in heavy seas are minimised. This also results in environmental benefits, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
On board, AE Expeditions passengers will enjoy the company's established style - a comfortable, friendly and laid-back vibe in the company of like-minded travellers, for whom the time ashore is everything. The focus is on small group exploration, with a commitment to getting off the ship as much as possible for up close and personal encounters with wilderness and wildlife.
| Capacity | 132 Guests |
|---|---|
| Crew | 80 Staff |
| Style | Relaxed, authentic, cosy - a totally unpretentious and educational experience for true adventurers. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Extend your stay in Reykjavik
Enjoy Icelandic design chic at the super cool 101 Hotel, with a perfect central location.
Private tours from Reykjavik
A helicopter tour is a must do here; the unforgettable spectacular day-tours will give you a completely different perspective.
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
