Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Arctic Islands – Heritage Expeditions

Cruise Itinerary

This departure is from Longyearbyen to Reykjavik.

Join expedition cruise pioneers Heritage Expeditions on an unforgettable 15-day exploration of Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland on the ultimate High Arctic expedition cruise. To voyage around these island jewels is to experience some of the Arctic’s most dramatic landscapes, home to an astounding diversity of wildlife. This 15-day Svalbard Greenland Iceland cruise ranks among the best Arctic cruises available.Your adventure begins with a night in Paris, France, before flying to Longyearbyen, Norway, the world’s northernmost town and capital of Svalbard, nestled in a deep valley on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord and surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers. From here we set out to explore Svalbard, a wilderness archipelago full of astonishing sights, stunning scenery, wonderful nature and a fascinating human history. This collection of large islands, just a few hundred kilometres from the North Pole, is blanketed in snow and ice for much of the year, but during the brief summer, when we’ll be visiting, they burst into life. Millions of birds use their sea cliffs to breed, and Humpback, Blue and Sperm Whales travel here to feed on the ocean’s abundance. Large groups of Walrus haul out on the beaches, and Polar Bears hunt on both land and pack ice. Arctic Fox and Reindeer search for food across the polar tundra, which briefly blooms with a colourful carpet of mosses, lichen and masses of tiny flowers. Being well above the Arctic Circle, under the Midnight Sun, allows for long days of exploration and increases our opportunities for adventure, whenever they arise. A much-loved and true Svalbard cruise highlight for everyone.Even in high summer the ice never completely loses its grip, giving the landscape a primeval, starkly beautiful character. If we are lucky, we may see huge glaciers calving into spectacular fjords, creating stunning ice cathedrals. As the sea ice begins to break up, it creates a maze of sparkling ice floes, resting places for Ringed and Bearded Seals, as well as a hunting ground for their main predator, the Polar Bear. The eastern and western sides of Svalbard display very different characters, and we plan to explore both. The west, bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, makes for a slightly warmer climate and less sea ice, while on the cooler northern and eastern shores, winter’s icy grip seems to cling on for much of the year.From Svalbard, we sail to Greenland, the world’s largest island, and into the heart of the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sund, on the east coast. Cutting deep into the interior, like roots on a tree, allows us to explore this magnificent Arctic wilderness at close range and be dwarfed by nature. The giant ice cap covering 80% of Greenland spills from the mountains feeding enormous glaciers, which calve into Scoresby Sund as massive icebergs, some as high as Big Ben or the Statue of Liberty. In summer large areas of ice-free shores reveal fields of tundra home to a diversity of Arctic wildlife, from massive Ice Age survivors Musk Oxen to tiny Lemmings. The sheltered waters of the fjords also harbour whales and seals, and the birdlife is prolific. The rich wildlife, twisting channels and ever-changing vistas create a unique and stunningly beautiful Arctic oasis to explore. A highlight of any Greenland cruises itinerary, and especially memorable for those seeking a Scoresby Sund Greenland cruise.Our final destination is the rugged northwest shore of Iceland, where we will arrive at the small town of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. Located on a dramatic sand spit, surrounded by sea and stunning mountains, with quaint old timber houses built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th Centuries, it has a very special Icelandic character. We visit the breathtakingly beautiful Dynjandi Waterfall, cascading down in a veil over a series of rocky ledges, as well as the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, famously set against the iconic pyramidal Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most photogenic locations. We also plan to explore the old-world charm of the remote island of Flatey. Here, brightly coloured houses join a traditional rural landscape, a haven for nesting seabirds, to give the island a wonderfully tranquil feel.In true expedition style, our travels around all these islands will be dictated by weather and wildlife, with our experienced expedition team making the best of every opportunity. Whether exploring by ship, cruising in Zodiacs, or landing at remote beaches or quaint harbours for adventures on foot, this will allow us to get up close to the natural wonders and fascinating human cultures of these remarkable Arctic islands. A true Luxury Arctic cruise experience from start to finish. This voyage includes the option to join sea kayaking excursions with an expert guide.

***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***

Heritage Discoverer is a trailblazing expedition ship, purpose-built to navigate the world’s most demanding waters.

Combining decades of exploration, from the Northwest Passage to remote tropical waters, islands, atolls, and down to Antarctica, she boasts a 1A ice-class rating within luxurious, spacious surrounds.

Following renovations in 2018 and 2023, Heritage Discoverer (formerly Silver Explorer) seamlessly blends adventure with exceptional comfort and personalised service, making each expedition unique.

Accommodating a maximum of 130 expeditioners with an Expedition Team of 15, and supported by a fleet of 14 Zodiacs, she ensures every guest can fully experience each destination.

Heritage Discoverer offers a range of comfortable ocean-view accommodation options and features 70 ocean-view accommodation options including 12 luxurious and spacious suites, from 37m2 to 67m2 with private balconies, along with inviting shared spaces designed for relaxation and learning.

On board, discover lavish amenities, welcoming social areas and expansive panoramic decks. Visit the captain and crew on the Bridge under our Open Bridge policy, savour international gourmet fare crafted by leading chefs in our two restaurants and celebrate the day’s adventures in the Bar and Lounge.

Watch your adventure unfold from one of the many spectacular viewing locations, including Heritage Discoverer’s breathtaking Observation Lounge, or take in the scenery from one of our well-appointed cabins, or your private balcony.

An expert team of naturalists, botanists and historians will help interpret the remarkable regions you explore and provide daily lectures in our comfortable Lecture Theatre. When it’s time to unwind, head to the Wellness Centre, where the sauna and dedicated massage room await, visit the well-equipped gym, or soak up the views from one of the two outdoor Jacuzzis.

Blending capability with comfort, Heritage Discoverer provides a luxurious base for exploring some of the world’s most remote destinations.

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Heritage Discoverer - Deck 3

Heritage Discoverer - Deck 4

Heritage Discoverer - Deck 5

Heritage Discoverer - Deck 6

Heritage Discoverer - Deck 7

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Heritage Suite

Located on Deck 7, Heritage Suites are 67m2 including a 15m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub. Includes complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, free laundry, US$100 per person SPA credit, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.

Worsley Suite

Located on Deck 7, Worsley Suites are 57sqm including a 8sqm furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Discovery Suite

Located on Deck 5, Discovery Suites are 39sqm including a 1.5sqm French balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Deck 4 Superior Stateroom

Deck 4 Superior Staterooms are 18sqm and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Deck 3 Superior Stateroom

Deck 3 Superior Staterooms are 18sqm and feature a picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Navigator Suite

Located on Deck 7, Navigator Suites are 37sqm including an 8sqm furnished balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.

Superior Balcony Stateroom

Deck 5 Superior Balcony Staterooms are 19sqm – 20sqm including a 1.5sqm French balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Deck 4 Superior Single Stateroom

Deck 4 Superior Single Stateroom are 16sqm – 18sqm and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.

Deck 3 Single Stateroom

Deck 3 Single Staterooms are 14sqm – 15sqm and feature two porthole windows, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.