The Ultimate Arctic Odyssey is an 18-day / 17-night expedition aboard Discoverer linking some of the voyage’s most remote Arctic environments on a route from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to Reykjavík, Iceland. Described by Polar Latitudes as its most comprehensive Arctic expedition, the journey spans six Arctic regions across three countries, beginning among Svalbard’s protected landscapes before reaching Bjørnøya (Bear Island) and the Lofoten Islands of Norway. After exploring Svolvær and Reine, Discoverer crosses toward isolated Jan Mayen and continues to East Greenland, where the itinerary features Ittoqqortoormiit, Northeast Greenland National Park and the Blosseville Coast. Fjords, glaciers, icebergs, wildlife-rich areas, remote communities and expedition exploration shape the journey before the final crossing of the Denmark Strait to Reykjavík.
Day by day
Cruise Includes
Certified Emergency MD and onboard Medical Clinic
World-class international cuisine in the ship’s restaurant
Expert expedition lecture program
Fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and wildlife cruising
Complimentary in-cabin refreshments (soft drinks, juice & sparkling water)
Voyage photographer
Dedicated passenger service manager
Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
En-suite shipboard accommodation in the selected category.
Waterproof expedition jacket for guests to keep.
Rubber-style muck boots available on loan.
English-speaking Expedition Team.
Guided walks and hikes in accordance with the itinerary.
Zodiac landings and excursions according to the itinerary.
Expedition briefings and educational lectures.
Citizen Science Program.
Full-board meals and snacks.
Selected complimentary beverages.
Tea, coffee and grab-and-go food available 24 hours a day.
Welcome and farewell cocktail parties.
Applicable taxes and landing fees.
1 GB of complimentary Wi-Fi.
Digital expedition memento featuring selected photos and videos, an expedition log, map and wildlife list.
Cruise does not include
International and domestic airfare.
Pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation unless specifically stated in the itinerary.
Passport, visa, and entry-related expenses.
Travel and medical insurance.
Optional activities or excursions not included in the selected expedition package.
Personal expenses such as laundry, spa treatments, and purchases from the onboard shop.
Premium alcoholic beverages and other drinks not included in the voyage package.
Gratuities for the crew and Expedition Team.
Any services or transfers not specifically mentioned as included.
International and internal airfare unless the itinerary specifically states that it is included.
Activities and excursions not identified as included.
Food and beverages outside those specified in the inclusions.
Gratuities for the crew and Expedition Team; Polar Latitudes recommends USD 20 per person per day.
Personal expenses such as spa treatments, boutique purchases, bar charges, laundry and communications unless otherwise specified.
Mandatory travel insurance that satisfies the required minimum coverage for medical treatment and evacuation.
Highlights
Journey through the protected Arctic landscapes of Svalbard, from Kongsfjorden to its northwest and southern regions.
Experience Ny-Ålesund and its connections to both historic polar exploration and international research.
Observe the seabird-rich environment of remote Bjørnøya / Bear Island from the water.
Experience the fishing culture and mountain landscapes surrounding Svolvær and Reine in Lofoten.
Reach isolated Jan Mayen and encounter the volcanic terrain surrounding Mount Beerenberg.
Travel toward East Greenland with the late-summer possibility of Northern Lights.
Gain insight into East Greenlandic culture during a visit to isolated Ittoqqortoormiit.
Spend four expedition days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park and the Blosseville Coast.
Discover Arctic fjords, glaciers, icebergs, cliffs and wildlife-rich environments.
Explore by Zodiac and on shore with the Expedition Team.
Activities
Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.
Explorer Boats
Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.
Yoga
It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.