Don't Miss
The Polar Museum, housed in a traditional wharf house, has a fascinating collection from the days of early polar exploration, and explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen.
From Tromsø to Reykjavik
Northern Lights Explorer
From Tromsø to Reykjavik
Northern Lights Explorer
Voyage Itinerary
Before you board
One night in Tromso
Fly to Tromsø, in Norway's far north, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your included hotel for an overnight stay. The following day, enjoy a tour and talk at the Tromsø Science Centre to prepare you for the celestial displays you will hopefully witness on your voyage, before transferring to the pier to join Sylvia Earle.
2 September to 3 September
Norway: Tromsø
Tromso’s location well within the Arctic Circle means the summer months are lit by the Midnight Sun, a compensation for long dark winters. Explore the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses, see the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral, or take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for a fantastic view.
4 September
Norway: Torsken
5 September
Norway: Svolvær
Svolvær is the largest town in the Lofoten Islands, though with just over 4,000 inhabitants it’s hardly a bustling metropolis. From the picturesque harbour you can strike out into the stunning Lofoten countryside, where dramatic mountains tower above rustic little fishing villages.
6 September
Norway: Leknes
Leknes is the gateway to the Lofoten islands, home to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Norway, and sailing through the archipelago is a wonderful experience. Fishing is still the main source of income for most of the picturesque wooden villages that are dotted along the nearby coast.
6 September
Norway: Reine
The little village of Reine enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in the Lofoten Islands, where the colourful wooden fishermen’s cabins are dwarfed by towering mountains. For the picture postcard view you’ll need to scale the 1,500 or so stone steps to the top of Reinebringen.
7 September to 8 September - At sea
9 September
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.
10 September to 15 September - At sea
16 September
Iceland: Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest town in Iceland’s wild Westfjords, dramatically located on a spit of sand hemmed in by mountains on three sides. The town itself is fairly low key, and the main attraction is exploring the surrounding landscapes, such as the spectacular Hornstrandir Peninsula.
16 September
Iceland: Vigur
The little island of Vigur is a haven for seabirds during the summer months, when thousands of Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns and black guillemots gather here. The island is also home to a single family-owned sheep farm, a 200-year-old rowing boat and Iceland’s last surviving windmill, built in 1840.
17 September
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.
18 September
Iceland: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is like Iceland in miniature, with a varied landscape of lava fields, waterfalls, beaches and basalt cliffs. Looming over everything is the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, and the peninsula is home to wildlife including seals, whales and puffins.
19 September
Arriving in Reykjavik
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavík 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 enjoy 24 hour daylight in the summer months.
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.
The ship
Sylvia Earle
- Capacity:
- 130 Guests
- Crew:
- 80 Staff
- Style:
- Relaxed, authentic, cosy - a totally unpretentious and educational experience for true adventurers.
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 design.
What we love
The second ship in AE Expeditions' fleet also has the innovative 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 time is reduced so uncomfortable rides in heavy seas are minimised. This also results in environmental benefits, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
On board, AE Expeditions guests 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.
inclusions
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee
- Soft drinks throughout the day
- Beer and house wine with dinner
- Landings, Zodiac cruises and select excursions
- Onboard lecture programme
- 3-in-1 polar jacket on polar voyages
- WiFi
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Tromsø
The Scandic Ishavshotel has a great location on the quay so nearly all the rooms have magnificent views.
Around Tromsø
Take a tour by RIB to see the beautiful islands and beaches of this remote region, lapped by Gulf Stream waters.
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.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
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Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
