The 14-day Arctic Odyssey explores between Svalbard and Iceland, with time along Eastern Greenland to pack three Arctic islands into one epic voyage aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit small expedition ship. Enjoy a flexible itinerary based around sea and ice conditions. The captain and crew are determined to engage every opportunity for wildlife viewing, and the possibility exists to see the dazzling northern lights in these unique polar ecosystems.

Start by exploring Svalbard—one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat, the pack ice. Discover the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands in the northwestern part of Svalbard. Polar bears, walruses, endangered bowhead whales and other arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around this High Arctic archipelago. Visit historical trappers’ cabins and the arctic research community of Ny Ålesund, complete with gift shop, post office and museum—all testimonies to incredible human history.

Move on to East Greenland, focusing on parts of Northeast Greenland National Park—the world’s largest national Park. Be awed as your small expedition ship slips through deep fjords and narrow channels flanked by ice-clad peaks and massive tidewater glaciers. Watch for iconic arctic animals such as the arctic hare, musk oxen, polar bears and reindeer. Select departures operate northbound as well, from Reykjavik, Iceland to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. And in 2026, a special solar eclipse voyage will position the ship in the path of Totality.

Sailing aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit is like floating aboard a fine hotel that is highly maneuverable and capable of navigating narrow bays and icy channels. Add the incredible amenities, a generous crew, expert leaders and onboard photography lessons and this Arctic voyage is complete.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, including Greenland cruises, Svalbard Cruises and Iceland cruises, plus solar eclipse cruises and Arctic land trips.

2026 Northbound Arctic Odyssey Itinerary

Reykjavik, IcelandLongyearbyen, Svalbard

The northbound Arctic Odyssey begins in Reykjavik, Iceland with a pre-voyage hotel night, and ends in Longyearbyen. In 2026, this itinerary spends 2 extra days along Greenland and less time exploring Svalbard (& no visit to Iceland’s Westfjords).

Route map of reverse Arctic Odyssey small ship cruise from Iceland to Spitsbergen with visits along east Greenland.

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Check into the pre-arranged hotel and get ready for our upcoming Arctic adventures, or use this opportunity to explore the city. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the Perlan observation deck, the futuristic Hallgrímskirkja church towering over the city, cozy houses with colorful tin roofs, narrow streets, historic relics of the Viking era and breathtaking landscapes surrounding Reykjavik. Walk along Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, or visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the National Museum. For dinner Reykjavík offers countless options to enjoy an authentic Icelandic meal.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
MEALS Na

After breakfast at the hotel the morning is yours to explore the city. The expedition starts in the afternoon. Take an included group transfer to the pier where the M/V Sea Spirit awaits. After departure, jump into a schedule of info briefings and introductions from the expedition staff. After a sumptuous dinner, step out onto the open decks to admire the spectacular views as we sail through Faxaflói. And keep your eyes open for whale encounters!

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Spirit
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Iceland head toward East Greenland, crossing the Arctic Circle on the way. Presentations and workshops by the expert staff, as well as a range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows and balconies.

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Spirit
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The itinerary and exploration opportunities in East Greenland are dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. The Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. This whole area contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks over 6,560 feet (2,000m) high, reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. Tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs that float with wind and tide throughout the fjord system. On shore, fields of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and arctic hare. The landscape—vast, open and seemingly untouched since the beginning of time—is a hikers’ paradise. Throughout this area one can also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins.

The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and of course the opportunity to meet Inuit people.

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Spirit
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From East Greenland the ship heads toward Svalbard. All along the way the expedition team remains vigilant for sightings of marine mammals such as whales, seals and the polar bear.

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Spirit
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Svalbard is a true High Arctic wilderness and this part of the voyage is a real expedition. The route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions. The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant; be assured that the best possible advantage will be taken.

Anticipate exploring in the northwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful arctic fox. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to a wide variety of marine mammals. Polar bears can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. Also in this area is Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers, complete with museum, gift shop and post office. This was also a staging area for historic attempts to discover the North Pole.

ACCOMMODATIONS Sea Spirit
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying one final breakfast buffet on board, bid farewell in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and final destination of your expedition. After disembarkation, a captivating sightseeing tour awaits you, showcasing some of the most interesting locations in the world’s northernmost city. Then take a provided transfer to the airport, or to the town center in case you plan to stay longer in Svalbard.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

1 pre-voyage hotel night on Day 1 in Reykjavik; group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation on Day 2; shipboard accommodation; all meals on board throughout the voyage; tea and coffee station 24 hours daily; all-inclusive beverage package that includes soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits; all scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions); leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader & expedition team; WiFi on board; branded Poseidon Expeditions parka; rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise; welcome and farewell cocktails; all port fees; sightseeing tour around Longyearbyen upon disembarkation (2 hours); group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation; pre-departure materials and digital voyage log.

Exclusions

International airfare; visa and passport fees (if applicable); transfers from the airport to the hotel on Day 1; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; personal expenses such as laundry, telecommunication charges, etc.; kayaking; staff gratuities; Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of $200,000 USD per person. Fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The northbound Arctic Odyssey itinerary begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) and ends in Longyearbyen (LYR). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. The estimated disembarkation time is after breakfast, between 8:00am and 9:00am on the last day of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Longyearbyen no earlier than 12:00pm Noon. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Hiking, Zodiac cruising, lectures, workshops and an expert photography guide on board each voyage are optional and included. Kayaking may be available on your Arctic Odyssey voyage for $795 (2026). Experience rugged coastlines and remote waters that very few people have paddled or labyrinthine expanses of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean, all from sturdy and stealthy sea kayaks. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in Main Deck Suite, Classic Suite and Superior Suite; and 2x the per-person listed rate in Deluxe Suite, Premium Suite and Owner’s Suite, based upon availability. Cabin share is available only in the following Sea Spirit categories: Triple Classic, Main Deck Suite, Classic Suite and Superior Suite.

Families & Children

Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in this trip; however, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 6-11 may be accepted with additional screening.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $200,000 USD per person, but is not included in the cost of this trip. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

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Sail aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit to experience the Arctic and Antarctica in grand style with all the amenities of a fine hotel. This outstanding vessel is the perfect home away from home.

Expedition Ship 114 GUESTS 297 FEET

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