The 2023-built, Ocean Albatros offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, and design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.
Four Arctic Islands Cruise
On this voyage to four Arctic islands, sample it all: The wildlife-rich shores of Svalbard, the birder's paradise of Jan Mayen, the impressive glaciers and Inuit communities of East Greenland and post-cruise opportunities to explore Iceland's infamous geology. Modern 192-guest Ocean Albatros gets you there in comfort and style.
Aug
Sep
FROM
$12,595
USD
PER PERSON
/
Experience the vast wilderness and diversity of the Arctic on this thrilling voyage to four Arctic islands. Sample it all: The wildlife-rich shores of Svalbard, the birder’s paradise of Jan Mayen, the impressive glaciers and Inuit communities of East Greenland and post-cruise opportunities to explore Iceland’s infamous geology.
Starting in Longyearbyen, explore the majestic high Arctic islands of Svalbard, home to a vast diversity of wildlife, from walrus and reindeer to puffins and polar bears. Marvel at the pioneering history of this archipelago, where scientists work hard to conserve this natural paradise. From Svalbard, sail towards Jan Mayen, an isolated island crowned by Mt Beerenburg, the world’s northernmost volcano, where fulmars, kittiwakes and gulls throng the black volcanic cliffs.
Then sail towards East Greenland, visiting the fascinating and friendly settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit before heading into Scoresbysund–Earth’s largest fjord system. With vast glaciers, blooming tundra and vast mountains rising straight out of the icy sea, Scoresbysund is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular locations anywhere in the Arctic. Cross the Denmark Strait and disembark in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland and the ideal gateway to explore the land of ice and fire.
Purpose-built, 192-guest Ocean Albatros serves as your floating basecamp. This ice-breaker polar ship features modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency, a smooth ride and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Her fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, plus citizen science equipment, keep travelers active outside the boat. And their inviting lecture room and library, plus relaxing wellness amenities, keep guests engaged between excursions.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Arctic trips, including Greenland small ship cruises and Svalbard cruises.
Four Arctic Islands Itinerary
Oslo, Norway, Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard & EmbarkReykjavik, Iceland
This itinerary features the highlights of Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Greenland, with the chance to independently explore Iceland after disembarkation. Travel from Longyearbyen to Reykjavik for a taste of the various landscapes, people and wildlife that make the Arctic a must-visit destination.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbor; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!
During the Arctic “night,” sail past Prins Karls Forland to the stunning Kongsfjord, framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. The first stop is Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers like Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings.
Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers, whose haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, hosting arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.
On your final day on Svalbard, your expedition enters the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund, nourished by Atlantic currents. These fertile valleys support reindeer, arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and drifting icebergs from nearby glaciers. Rich in wildlife and history, the area offers highlights like Alkhjornet’s bird cliffs and the historic sites of Calypsobyen and Bamsebu, making it one of Svalbard’s most diverse and captivating regions.
Departing Svalbard, Ocean Albatros heads southwest across the Greenland Sea towards Jan Mayen. Cold currents drifting down from the Arctic Ocean mix with the last gasp of the Gulf Stream, creating vast biological productivity. During sea days, you can enjoy fascinating lectures, indulgent spa treatments, or simply relax and watch seabirds from the ship’s hot tubs.
The active volcanic island of Jan Mayen is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the ‘spine’ of the Atlantic Ocean. This enigmatic and isolated island is the only active volcano in Norway, and the northernmost active volcano on Earth. Jan Mayen is inhabited by only around 18 people, a mixture of scientists and Norwegian troops. The volcanic origin is visible all over with cinder cones, lava flows and the Fuji-esque peak of Beerenberg looming above, while creeping tundra plants and squabbling seabirds eek out a living in the rugged cliffs.
From Jan Mayen, the ship will sail on towards the coast of the largest island on Earth. The sea ice in East Greenland is some of the most persistent in the Arctic; even in midsummer, the coast can be icebound, creating the perfect habitat for ice-loving species such as polar bears and belugas. With luck, catch a glimpse of this vast icy wilderness during your passage towards Scoresbysund.
The only settlement in this region, Ittoqqortoormiit is among the most remote communities on Earth. While the establishment of the town by Danish authorities in 1925 was challenging, residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle, essential when supply ships arrive only once or twice per year. Ittoqqortoormiit is a town with a strong sense of community and traditional culture, hosting an excellent museum and a beautiful traditional church. Locals often welcome visitors wearing colorful traditional costumes. Ittoqqortoormiit is the perfect introduction to the culture and lifestyle of Greenland.
Venturing deep into the maze of fjords and islands that comprise Scoresbysund, it is easy to see why this region is spoken of with awe by even experienced explorers! The exact locations you’ll visit in Scoresbysund will be dictated by Mother Nature–this far north, all human activity is subject to wind, sea and ice conditions. Options include the Bjørne Islands, a labyrinth of skerries which trap vast icebergs in their rocky net, the sweeping basalt mountains of Cape Brewster, and the abandoned remains of European and Inuit settlements. Wherever you visit in the depths of Scoresbysund, adventure is guaranteed!
The ship will sail south along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a rugged landscape shaped by volcanic activity around 50 million years ago. First surveyed by explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, this area has long been navigated by the Inuit. If conditions allow, you may land in this now-uninhabited region of breathtaking beauty.
During your time at sea approaching Reykjavik, relax and reflect on your thrilling Arctic adventure. Attend final lectures from the expedition team, relive your adventure at the voyage slideshow, and celebrate your voyage with new friends at the captain’s farewell cocktail party.
Hallgrímskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik, a vibrant city known for Nordic cuisine, unique museums and excellent shopping. Such a bustling capital may feel strange after the remote wilderness of the Arctic! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and expedition team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.
Included
Arrival transfer from airport to ship (Day 1); shipboard accommodations; waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition; English-speaking expedition team; guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary (excluding optional activities with cost); briefings and educational lectures; citizen science program; all meals on the ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands, no wine at lunch); 24-hour access to tea, coffee and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food; welcome and farewell cocktail parties; taxes and landing fees; 500MB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device; digital expedition memento.
Exclusions
Mandatory charter flight package ($500 in 2027, see Internal Flights for details); international or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary; excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary (such as optional, added-cost activities); meals and beverages not listed as included; voluntary gratuity for the crew and expedition team; personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry and communications unless specified; mandatory travel insurance and insurance of any kind; visa, reciprocity and passport fees; medical care or emergency evacuation; expedition jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes (inquire for more details); life jackets for selected minors (inquire for more details); premium alcohol and any alcohol not mentioned in Inclusions; WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 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 fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – $1,250 cancellation fee
180 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 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 Four Arctic Islands cruise begins in Oslo, Norway, with a mandatory charter flight linking travelers to the embark point of Longyearbyen, Norway (LYR); the cruise ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Charter flights are unique per departure, inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details, but in general plan flights to arrive to Oslo any time before Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer in Longyearbyen is included. The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend booking your return flight as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 10:00am, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Prior to embarkation, a mandatory group charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen is part of this trip’s itinerary (see Exclusions for pricing). Detailed information is available approximately 11 months prior to departure. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early on Day 1 of the itinerary. A group transfer from the Longyearbyen airport to the ship is part of the package.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Four Arctic Islands cruise. Per-person prices for the 2027 season: discover kayaking $350; photography, citizen science, trekking, the polar plunge and Zodiac cruises included. For the discover kayaking program, the minimum required age is 14 and all kayakers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; weight limit is 260 pounds per person. Discover kayaking one-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the immersive kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s discover kayaking excursion may be pre-booked or booked on the ship. Note: Activities are capacity-controlled; book early via your Adventure Specialist to reserve your space. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the activity fee is required per person at time of booking.
Room Configuration
Single travelers (18+ only) wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Aboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, third person rates are available at 50% reduction of the double occupancy rate, in Junior Suites and Deck 4 Superior Balcony Suites (inquire for pricing).
Families & Children
Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an Arctic voyage. However, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 7-11 may be accepted with additional screening prior to booking. Children under 18 years old must room with a responsible adult who is designated as the lead passenger on the booking.
Travel Insurance
Medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $150,000 USD per person. This plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
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The Ocean Albatros accommodates 192 guests and 104 crew members, offering a high level of service and comfort. It’s also Arctic- and Antarctica-maximizing, designed for total comfort and safety in even the roughest seas. And its superior 1A Super ice rating and Polar Class 6 mean it can push through deeper ice and deliver access to ever more remote and elusive areas. On board enjoy spacious rooms, everywhere visibility, and seamless access to Zodiacs, all joining forces to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience that will exceed your highest expectations. Our experts can help compare this ship to her nearly identical sister Ocean Victory.
Ocean Albatros Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Ocean Albatros ship review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Antarctica and the Arctic. Please read our Ocean Albatros review below then contact our experts to compare the Ocean Albatros with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships operating Antarctica cruise itineraries and Arctic cruises, including Svalbard cruises and Greenland small ship cruises.
Choose the Ocean Albatros for her superior comfort and modern feel. Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros lies decades of learning and adaptation to the harsh Antarctic environment. Her patented X-BOW offers unprecedented stability and comfort; her many onboard amenities are designed to maximize your Antarctic experience; and her spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors makes Zodiac boarding quick, safe and effortless.
Design and Sustainability
The Ocean Albatros is powered by two diesel and two electro engines, controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel efficiency. Compared to traditional expedition ships, this technology allows the ship to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% and by implementing the Green Initiative Program, the ship and guests enjoy the highest standards of both comfort and sustainability.
Onboard Facilities
The Ocean Albatros is designed to keep the polar world front and center, from wake-up to lights out. A variety of observation decks are accessible from multiple indoor spaces. Two hydraulic platforms can be lowered to offer unprecedented near-water-level views–and rare photograph opportunities. Even the two outdoor Jacuzzis provide 360 views of the mesmerizing landscape that surrounds you. Ocean Albatros also offers superior observation decks, for the best views of the polar landscapes.
Aboard the Ocean Albatros, guests can indulge in a variety of activities to enhance their polar expedition. World-class cuisine and live entertainment provide delightful moments, while the observation area offers stunning panoramic views. Enrich your mind in the lecture room or community library, and explore the wonders of science in the citizen science laboratory. Stay active in the fitness center and unwind in the panorama sauna (an amenity not available on sister ship Ocean Victory) or Albatros Polar Spa. Guests can also enjoy the Albatros Ocean Boutique, the infinity pool and the Jacuzzi.
Dining & Bars
The main dining room (Jens Munk Restaurant, Deck 5) offers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere with options for made-to-order hot and cold dishes, multiple entrée choices and scrumptious desserts. For a more casual experience, the Bistro on Deck 8 ("specialty restaurant") offers everyday favorites from a buffet as well as menu items inspired by dishes being served in the main dining room. For guests on the go, a 24/7 self-serve station at the Deck 5 bar is stocked with quick bites. Several bars and lounges provide a wide selection of beverages, potentially including curated wine lists and tasting menus, alongside cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic drinks.
Activities & Expeditions
Ocean Albatros invites her passengers to take part in the Citizen Science Program, uniquely with a custom-built Citizen Science laboratory. Citizen Science is a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record and report on natural phenomena. A variety of activities engage guests in supporting important research projects across major disciplines. For example, the data collected contributes to a better understanding of climate change and how it’s affecting the Antarctic Continent.
Increased storage space aboard Ocean Albatros translates into more adventure equipment aboard, including kayaks, dry suits, neoprene gloves, and camping gear consisting of insulated sleeping bags and pads, sleeping bag liner, dry bags and four-season mountaineering tents or bivy sacks. More activity equipment allows more guests to participate in added-cost activities. This expedition ship provides all guests with excursions in Zodiacs, loaded and unloaded via the stern’s Zodiac launching platform.
Cabins & Ocean Albatros Deck Plan
Every stateroom provides a generous view, and most include private balconies. Your stateroom is serviced daily with a provided turn-down service. Suites will have VIP services. All staterooms feature a sitting area with chairs or sofa and table, a complimentary mini-bar, flat-screen TV, telephone, safe to store your valuables, independent temperature controls, luxury toiletries and a hair dryer. All Suites include wine and fruit on arrival, restocked mini-bar (non-alcoholic), laundry service, and an in-room espresso machine.
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