Cruise from Iceland to Svalbard | SH Vega | IExpedition

Cruise from Iceland to Svalbard

  • Overview

    Board our Arctic Discovery cruise in the land of fire and ice, and explore regions in the northernmost part of the world, from Iceland to East Greenland, the rarely visited Jan Mayen Island, and Svalbard inside the Arctic Circle. On your adventures, you’ll encounter some of the world’s most interesting indigenous cultures and ways of life, as well as national parks, protected areas for wildlife, and the planet’s most extensive fjord system.

     

    Duration: 12 days
    Passengers: 192 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik
    Disembarkation Point: Longyearbyen
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Reykjavik

      In the centre of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town. Cosy bars, cafes and shops line the surrounding streets heated by Iceland's geothermal waters. The regenerated harbour is home to a striking modern concert hall. Popular trips include to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour taking in Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir National Park.

    • Day 2 - Dynjandi Waterfall

      Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

    • Day 3 - Isafjordur

      Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland. The charming old town of Neskaupstadur features colorful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

    • Day 4 - Hrisey Island

      Hrisey Island is a small island in the Eyjafjordur fjord in northern Iceland. It is home to various wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Hriseyjarfjall Mountain is the highest point and offers views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of Eyjafjörður fjord. Despite its size, Hrisey Island possesses a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Icelandic crafts, such as hand-knitting and woodworking, preserve the island's identity.

    • Day 4 - Grimsey Island

      Grímsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.

    • Day 5 - Husavik

      Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.

    • Day 6 - At Sea

      Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

    • Day 7 - Jan Mayen Island

      The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, the only residents on this Norwegian island are members of the Norwegian Armed Forces or working at the meteorological station. During a nature walk to the station, and along the black sandy beach, you can see numerous plant species. Nesting northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make the island an important birding area.

    • Day 8 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 9/11 - Svalbard

      Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

    • Day 12 - Longyearbyen

      The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
    - 24-hour room service
    - One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
    - Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
    - Onboard gratuities and port taxes
    - Standard WiFi
    - Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
    - Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
    - Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
    - All meals onboard

    Not included in your Expedition

    - You will need to purchase your own visas where required, travel insurance, flights, domestic transfers, and any hotel requirements pre or post-cruise unless otherwise stated within the itinerary description.
    - Premium wines and spirits, plus purchases from the ship’s boutique and any spa treatments are not included.
    - Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, plus private Zodiac tours, cost extra.
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Our brand new ship - SH Vega, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.

    SH Vega incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

    Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 152
    Crew #: 120
    Ice Class:
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 113m
    Width: 24
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage:
    Registry: Panama
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Oceanview D4

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 12,902pp
USD$ 6,276pp

Oceanview M4

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 13,532pp
USD$ 6,276pp

Balcony D5

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 5, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 16,808pp
USD$ 8,368pp

Balcony M5

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 5, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 17,627pp
USD$ 8,368pp

Balcony D6

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 18,446pp
USD$ 8,368pp

Suite

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
USD$ 23,486pp
USD$ 9,763pp

Premium Suite

02 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
USD$ 25,943pp
USD$ 25,943pp