HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise
from Scotland to the lush green islands of Orkney, Shetland, the Faroe
Islands, and onwards to the high Arctic islands of Jan Mayen and
Svalbard
- Enjoy
fair-lighted days and matchless landscapes and seascapes
- Watch
migrating birds, dolphins, and whales on this cruise through the wild
North Atlantic.
- Visit
the cozy town of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands
- Stop
at the Isle of Noss - a small isle hosting one of the largest and most
spectacular mixed-species bird colonies in the UK
- Sail
further north to the fabled Faroe Islands, making our first landing at
the beautiful village of Vágur, and then on to the capital
and largest city of Tórshavn
- Explore
this small but perfectly formed capital, famous for its ancient Norse
heritage and beautifully preserved turf-roofed buildings
- Journey
to the enigmatic isle of Jan Mayen, Earth's northernmost volcano and
one of the most isolated and spectacular islands anywhere in the world.
- this island is home to vast numbers of seabirds, and is an excellent
place to spot whales
- Then
set a course for Svalbard, following the migrating birds which come to
nest on this isolated high Arctic archipelago
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Cat. F | Cat. G | Cat. E | Cat. D | Cat. C | Cat. B | Cat. A | Freydis Suite | Brynhilde Suite |
|---|
| May 26, 2025 | Jun 06, 2025 | 7,495 | 12,595 | 10,595 | 9,695 | 10,895 | 14,295 | 17,695 | 19,995 | 22,295 |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:(Optional Partial Transfer Package Sold Separately)
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Cat. F | (Mid-range)
Cat. C | (High-end)
Brynhilde Suite |
|---|
| May 26, 2025 | Jun 06, 2025 | 7,495 | 10,895 | 22,295 |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:(Optional Partial Transfer Package Sold Separately)
ITINERARY
DAY
1: ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - EMBARKATION
Our
journey begins in Aberdeen, Scotland's famous Granite City. The city of
Aberdeen is one of the wealthiest in the UK with a long and illustrious
history. The modern city grew out of a rich fishing and shipbuilding
tradition, and has since become the UK's main port serving the oil and
gas industry. The glittering granite buildings for which the city is
nicknamed demonstrate the prestige and power of northern Scotland's
economic hub.
Our
expedition vessel awaits embarkation in the city's bustling harbour,
with comfortable staterooms ready to welcome our guests. After our
mandatory safety briefings and lifeboat drill, your floating home for
the next eleven days will sail out of Aberdeen and chart a course for
the ancient Isles of Shetland.
DAY
2: LERWICK, SHETLAND, SCOTLAND
On
the morning of the second day of our voyage, Ocean Albatros will arrive
at Lerwick on the Mainland of Shetland. The Shetland Islands consist of
over a hundred islands, of which only sixteen are inhabited year-round.
The islands form the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, located
approximately 300 km north of the Scottish mainland.
The
history of Shetland dates back to the Neolithic period, and Shetland
was part of the Kingdom of Norway until the late 1400s; the Norn
language, derived directly from Old Norse was spoken on the islands
until the 1850s, peppering the placenames and slang of Shetland with
Viking heritage. Norse connections are strong here, from the Shetland
flag to the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival, held every year in midwinter.
Modern Lerwick is a prosperous, bustling town, which thrives on the
oil, gas and green energy industries, and increasingly on tourism.
Enjoy a stroll through the town's busy high street, lined with
independent shops selling local products, immerse yourself in history
at the Shetland Museum and Archives, or watch the local ferries come
and go from the busy harbourfront.
An
optional coach excursion exploring the highlights of Shetland is
offered this day.
DAY
3: VÁGUR, FAROE ISLANDS
Vágur
is a small village situated on the windy island of Suðuroy, the
southernmost of the Faroe Islands. Being one of the largest and more
isolated islands in the archipelago, Suðuroy locals are known
for their distinctive language dialect, history, and practical
no-nonsense attitude. The village is typically Faroese, with colourful
clapboard houses clustered around the village harbour, which sits at
the end of a sheltered fjord backed by sweeping layered basalt
mountains.
The
village of Vágur is first referenced in Norse litarature in
1350, when it was mentioned that several dogs and their owners lived in
the area. The village has been a hub for the Faroese fishin industry
since, and was the site where Nólsoyar Páll
constructed the first Faroese ship in centuries, challenging the
long-standing Danish trade monopoly.
Vágur
sits amid some of the Faroe Islands most spectacular nature, offering a
multitude of opportunities to see these islands' wild side. The large
lake Vatnið sits on the edge of the village, and is an
excellent spot to see the islands' native bird life - with further
oppotunities to birdwatch and learn about the island's fishing history
at the nearby coastline of Vágseiðið. A huge
number of hiking trails begin in Vágur, including the
spectacular trail to Eggjarnar which overlooks the dramatic cliffs of
the west coast of Suðuroy, exposed to the raw fury of the North
Atlantic. The town also hosts several excellent museums, including the
works of local painter Ruth Smith.
DAY
4: TÓRSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS
We
arrive in the early morning at Tórshavn, one of the smallest
capitals in the world, ruling the scattered eighteen islands that make
up the Faroes. An autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, the
Faroe Islands are situated roughly equidistant from Norway, Iceland and
Scotland. 'Føroyar' (as the islands are locally known) is a
corruption of the Old Norse roughly meaning 'Sheep Islands', hinting at
the island's long sheep farming tradition and Norse roots. The local
Faroese language is closely related to Icelandic and Old Norse, and
indeed to the Norn language once spoken in Shetland and Orkney (with
which the Faroes share ancient historical ties).
While
not as cold as nearby Iceland, the Faroe Islands are nonetheless known
for their challenging weather, largely due to their isolated location
in the North Atlantic - here, the frigid sea rules life, and
experiencing four seasons in the same day (or even hour!) is not
uncommon. Nonetheless, their northerly location creates long light
summer days, and while the weather is rarely warm, the climate is
perfect for exploring!
Centred
around the grass-roofed Parliament on Tinganes (one of the oldest in
the world), Tórshavn - or simply 'Havn' as the locals call
it - has a fascinating history. Originally a trading post established
by Norwegian kings and operated as a monopoly by the Danish crown,
Tórshavn was proclaimed a town in 1866 and has been the
capital of the islands ever since. In the aftermath of British
occupation during the Second World War, a narrowly contested referendum
almost resulted in Faroese independence, after which the islands were
granted autonomy.
Today,
the Faroes operates as its own nation, excluding foreign affairs,
defence and policing (which are handled by Denmark), and
Tórshavn is a modern bustling city in miniature. Explore
Skansin, the 16th century fort which found a modern use as the British
garrison during WWII, experience Faroese culture at the Listasvn
Føroya Art Museum, or shop for snuggly woollen goods in the
city's many boutique shops. Explore the old Faroes in the city
Cathedral, or the new Foroes in the architectural marvel of the Nordic
House cultural centre. Alternately, unwind on a sunny terrace on
Bryggjubakki (the waterfront area modelled on Copenhagen's famous
Nyhavn) and indulge in a fresh local seafood lunch with a view of
Tinganes- perhaps with a crisp local beer to match!
An
optional coach excursion exploring the highlights of the Faroe Islands
is offered this day.
DAY
5: AT SEA, EN ROUTE TO JAN MAYEN
Leaving
the Faroe Islands behind, Ocean Albatros will spend a day at sea en
route to Jan Mayen, an isolated volcanic island roughly equidistant
between Greenland, Svalbard and Iceland. Here, warmer water from the
Atlantic meets the cold waters of East Greenland, often producing murky
foggy conditions. However, the mixing of currents produces rich waters
which nourish the wildlife of the area - from the vast shoals of
herring so important to towns like Tórshavn, to the whales
which grow more common as we approach the shores of Jan Mayen.
Days
at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard
for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your
knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear
specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture
and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply
watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the
Ocean Albatros flies across the Arctic Circle into parts unknown.
DAY
6: JAN MAYEN
The
active volcanic island of Jan Mayen lies approximately mid-way between
Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. If not exactly in the middle of the
Greenland Sea, it is located precisely on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the
reason for its volcanic existence. This enigmatic and isolated island
is the only active volcano in Norway, and the northernmost active
volcano in the world - although the almost perpetual clouds and fog
hovering over the summit can make it hard to spot! The volcanic peak of
Mt. Beerenberg reaches 2,277m altitude - making it one of Norway's 300
summits exceeding 2000m.
The
island is inhabited by only 18 persons, a mixture of scientists running
the meteorological station and Norwegian Military personnel. Subject to
strong winds and large swell, landing on this incredibly remote island
can be challenging; we will try to go ashore at the narrowest part of
the island, from either south or north, depending on the prevailing
wind and surf. The volcanic origin of Jan Mayen is visible all over
with cinder cones, lava flows and the Mount Fuji-like appearance of
Beerenberg looming above. On the bare rock of the shores, creeping
tundra plants and squabbling seabirds eek out a living in the extreme
polar environment of the island.
DAY
7 & 8: AT SEA, EN ROUTE TO SVALBARD
From
Jan Mayen, we set a northeasterly course, aiming for the high Arctic
islands of Svalbard. Situated approximately 800km north of the
Norwegian mainland, Svalbard is extremely remote and isolated;
Longyearbyen, the islands' "capital" lies only 1200km from the North
Pole, 800km closer than Oslo.
Sailing
to Svalbard requires a ship capable of handling any ice or rough
weather which may be encountered in these northerly seas. To the west
of Jan Mayen lies the West Ice, a vast expanse of floating sea ice
which hugs the coast of East Greenland, occasionally drifting across
the Greenland Sea to Svalbard even in summer. Luckily, Ocean Albatros
boasts Polar Code 6 and Ice Class 1A ratings, making her ideal for all
but the thickest Arctic ice. The unique X-Bow design of the hull also
offers enhanced stability in rough seas.
Keep
your binoculars close at hand as we approach Svalbard. These islands
are a haven for wildlife; as we migrate northwards, so do the whales,
seals and birds which live on and around this magnificent archipelago
during the summer. As we approach Svalbard, we can expect the
concentration of wildlife to increase. As we near the continental shelf
offshore of Svalbard during our second afternoon at sea, keep watch for
the seabirds which come to feed on the abundant plankton which rises to
the surface. Once hunted to near-extinction for their oily blubber, the
whales which were once rare here these are now staging a comeback and
can sometimes be seen off the coast of Svalbard in summer - a true
conservation success story!
DAY
9: KONGSFJORDEN REGION
During
the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never
sets?), our vessel will have repositioned past the saw-toothed
mountains of Prins Karls Forland and arrived in magnificent
Kongsfjord. Surrounded by craggy mountains, bounded by the magnificent
Kongsbreen and Kongvegen Glaciers, and crowned by the Three Crowns (a
set of pyramidal mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway,
Sweden and Denmark), this is surely one of the most beautiful and
tranquil corners anywhere in the world.
Our
first landing will be at the small settlement of Ny Ålesund.
Situated further north than Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund is
Earth's northernmost settlement, if a group of scientific stations, a
post office and a single shop open for a few hours can be described as
such... You will have to judge for yourself!
These
islands' geographical location has made them the staging post for
exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries - a proud legacy
which continues to this day. The setting is spectacular, and the
scientific projects are as fascinating as the history of the town,
which has hosted the Nobile, the Norge and the Fram, Amundsen, Nansen
and Nordenskiöld, all legends of polar exploration who passed
this lonely outpost seeking to push the boundaries of humanity. The
remnants of these expeditions (such as the mooring mast of the Norge)
can still be seen today.
DAY
10: NORTHWESTERN SPITZBERGEN
One
of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West
Svalbard was declared a national park in 1973. The area is famed for
its history, which documents some of the earliest human arrivals on
Svalbard. While Norse explorers may have sighted these icy shores
during the Viking Age, the first definite arrival was the expedition of
William Barents, the legendary Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea
is named. While now protected from human distruption, when Barents
arrived in 1596, he noted the vast numbers of whales and seals which
were soon prey to English and Dutch whalers, who arrived within a
decade of Barents to pillage the area's wildlife. The area occupied the
triple point between land, sea and ice, and as such was the perfect
location from which to harvest the gentle giants of the oceans.
Sites
used to dismember whale carcasses and render them for their precious
oil include the Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, where the remains of
16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen.
Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya record the darker
side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who
hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home.
Today,
all that remains from this period of history are bones and the scant
remnants of human habitation. Slowly reclaimed by creeping Arctic
nature, the region is now a anture lovers paradise. Tiny Arctic poppies
and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief
summer, while geese, eider ducks and other seabirds return to the
island to raise their young. Walrus can be found hauled out on beaches,
and we must always be on careful lookout for wandering polar bears in
this now again wild region. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on
contstant lookout for wildlife (including polar bears) throughout the
voyage, and we will always inform guests if we spot something exciting!
DAY
11: CENTRAL SPITZBERGEN
As
we retreat from our voyage's northernmost point, we will set a course
for central Spitzbergen. Measuring around 400km in length from north to
south, Spitzbergen is the largest island of Svalbard, the archipelago
it is synonymous with. The entire island of Spitzbergen experiences a
polar tundra climate, with short, cool summers and long, dark, brutally
cold winters. Nonetheless, life clings on here, and Svalbard's
extraordinary wildlife can be found throughout Spitzbergen.
On
our final full day in Svalbard, we will head to wherever offers us the
best opportunities for landing, exploration and wildlife experiences,
guided by our experienced Expedition Leader and Captain - such is the
essence of an Arctic expedition! Perhaps we will find a particularly
spectacular glacier, and launch our fleet of Zodiacs to explore the
hinterland where ice meets land meets sea. Maybe we will notice a
colony of seabirds, or a herd of reindeer, and come ashore to observe
them. Or maybe we will be lucky enough to spot a polar bear, king of
the Arctic as we cruise along the coastline towards our final
destination of Longyearbyen, 'capital' of Svalbard.
DAY
12: LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD - DISEMBARKATION
During
the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port
of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after
days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! Longyearbyen
contains the world's northernmost... well, nearly everything! This
remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world
(if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund,
slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's
northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The
town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality
and coziness - 'koseligt' as the Norwegians say! After bidding a fond
farewell to the crew and Expedition Team of Ocean Albatros, enjoy some
time at leisure to explore Longyearbyen before heading to Svalbard
Airport to join your flight back to Oslo- with memories to last a
lifetime.
Ocean Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12-day/11-night
cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double stateroom with a
private bathroom in the category chosen
- English-speaking
expedition staff
- Near-port
walks with the expedition team
- Nature
hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- Information
briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Special
photo workshop
- Full
board on the ship
- Dinner
drink package
- Free
coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- Taxes,
tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital
visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list, and more
EXCLUSIONS
- Optional
Transfer Package: Flights between Longyearbyen - Oslo and Group
Transfer between the vessel and Longyearbyen Airport. To be booked 11
months prior to departure at additional cost.
- International
flights
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Transfer
to the ship in Aberdeen
- Travel,
cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Photography
- Wildlife
Observations
- Zodiac
Cruises
- Lectures
