Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland & Spitsbergen
Sail north or south, between Svalbard and Iceland, on this award-winning 15-day expedition cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine. See the coast of Greenland, sail along Iceland and go above the Arctic Circle in Spitsbergen.
Three Arctic Islands is an award-winning 15-day expedition cruise enabling travelers to check three different Arctic regions off the list, heading above the Arctic Circle to Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, to the remote East Greenland and on to beguiling Iceland. The towering cliffs, iconic wildlife, massive glaciers and swaths of untouched tundra of these three Arctic tours de force never cease to impress. Southbound departures begin with a charter flight from Helsinki, Finland to embark the ship in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, sailing to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Iconic Arctic animals such as the polar bear, musk ox, reindeer and walrus are commonly seen while traveling from Longyearbyen, Svalbard southwest down the coast of Greenland to Reykjavik, Iceland. Enjoy opportunities to hike, Zodiac cruise, photograph wildlife and scenery, and learn from onboard expert-led lectures. Optional added-cost activities of sea kayaking and one-time paddling excursions may also be available.
Home base is aboard the technologically-advanced, 199-guest Ultramarine, take advantage of two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience.
National Geographic Traveler named this itinerary as one of its 50 Tours of a Lifetime. To experience the Arctic in all of its beauty, venture to these three Arctic islands: Greenland, Iceland and Spitsbergen, Norway.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Svalbard cruises, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises and Arctic trips.
Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen Itinerary
The Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland voyage moves southbound, beginning with a charter flight from Helsinki, Finland, to embark Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and disembarking in Reykjavik, Iceland.
This Arctic voyage begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If arriving early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at the included airport hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the private group charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As the ship sets sail, enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bear and Spitsbergen reindeer among the possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, the expedition team teaches about the wildlife and history of Greenland, the next stop. On deck, learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie – there are many things to do during this time at sea.
During this tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen—40% of the world’s population of this fascinating mammal lives here. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
As the ship cruises south, the Denmark Strait is the pathway toward Iceland. The expedition team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds that will inevitably be seen soaring above the ship.
Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of the journey.
Included
Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $995 in 2026 and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel with breakfast on Day 2, charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, arrival transfer in Longyearbyen and arrival transfer to central downtown location in Reykjavik); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by an experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax; transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day; group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day.
Excluded
International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional pre- or post-expedition overnight accommodation; optional activities (additional fee).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 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 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
(For expeditions booked prior to June 26,2025: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)
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 Three Arctic Islands voyage begins in Helsinki, Finland (HEL) and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan to arrive any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is not needed, as the Day 1 hotel is at the airport. A group flight (with airport transfer) to Longyearbyen is on Day 2 of the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your final documents.
On Day 15 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with an included transfer downtown. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik according to guidelines provided in your final documents. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
A group charter flight between Helsinki and Longyearbyen is required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed in this trip’s Inclusions. The flight to Longyearbyen is expected to depart early. There is a strict luggage limit on the flight from Helsinki, which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. Please pack accordingly as there is no option to pay for additional luggage or store it on land.
Activities
Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included. Various optional activities may be available on your Southbound Three Arctic Islands cruise, for guests aged 16 and older, at the following per person costs: sea kayaking for $1,795(2026) and one-time paddling excursion for $295(2026). Sea kayaking is arranged in small groups of 10 people, multiple times per voyage, and only conducted during calm weather conditions. You must have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. One-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. 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. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. 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 new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration. The vessel boasts specialized exploration tools, cutting-edge safety measures and an incredible 40-day cruising range to focus on hard-to-reach places, while at the same time providing a high-end onboard experience. Ultramarine was built in 2021 by Croatia’s award-winning Brodosplit, the largest shipyard in the country, and is designed by LMG Marin, Europe’s leading naval architect. Her first sailings were in the Arctic in early 2022.
Ultramarine - In Detail:
Ultramarine Ship Review
Helicopter Program
Design Features
Crew & Guides
Dining & Cuisine
Common Areas
Cabins, Suites, Amenities & Deck Plan
Why Sail Aboard Ultramarine
Choose this ship for her excellent balance of personal, operational and public spaces, creating a high-end experience to go farther, faster and more safely in the dynamic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Exploration is prioritized with Ultramarine's twin helicopter and helipads for heli-skiing, flightseeing and expeditions to otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hangar and launching system for Zodiacs.
These exploration tools, the ship’s specialized, cutting-edge safety features, and the provisioning and waste handling systems (enabling a 40-day operational range) all ensure the ability to go farther into the polar regions, more safely and more easily than before. For these, and many other reasons, the Ultramarine is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises and exploring in the most active way worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Ultramarine firsthand. Read our dedicated Ultramarine Ship Review, written by our expert who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Ultramarine, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the Ultramarine with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland cruises, Patagonia cruises and Antarctica cruises.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
Designed in collaboration with active expedition leaders, this ship offers innovative features to increase guests’ on- and off-ship experiences.
Helicopters, Zodiacs & Activity Gear
This polar ship has two twin-engine H145 helicopters launched from two simultaneously operable helidecks for heli-skiing, heli-hiking, flightseeing and exploration of air-only accessible destinations. These helicopters are the most fuel-efficient in their class, celebrated for their small footprint and reduced noise pollution. They enable polar travelers to explore deeper in the remote areas in which Ultramarine sails (except for South Georgia in Antarctica and Spitsbergen in the Arctic). Helicopter operations require roughly 20 expedition team members and pilots to run successfully, and operate in tandem with paddling and Zodiac activities.
Days are packed with multiple landings by Zodiac, enabled by the ship's rapid Zodiac deployment tools. Ultramarine's internal Zodiac hanger provides safe and quick deployment of 20 Zodiacs with four embarkation points easily accessible from two ready rooms, enabling all passengers to offload the ship at the same time. When possible, the Expedition team uses a rear dock that lowers to water level for efficient Zodiac loading.
Ultramarine additionally offers the largest selection of classic adventure options, including sea kayaking (hard plastic boat), paddling (inflatable kayak), camping, mountaineering and stand-up paddleboarding (inflatable board). All activities are led by highly trained guides and expedition leaders, and all paddling activities include a drysuit and gloves.
Safety Features
The groundbreaking safety features of Ultramarine include 13 fully redundant critical systems, twin propellers powered by four diesel-electric engines in two separate engine rooms for consistent backup and engine reliability, stabilizers, as well as a fully operational emergency bridge. This expedition vessel also has an ice strengthened hull and dynamic positioning capabilities. The dynamic positioning technology also means no need to anchor, avoiding damage to sensitive seabed ecosystems.
Responsible Travel Features
Ultramarine's sophisticated and environmentally friendly waste handling systems allow for treatment of waste to be managed safely in far-off distances. Her numerous innovations are designed to minimize her environmental footprint to an extent previously unseen for a vessel of comparable size, including a sophisticated water treatment system, state-of-the-art waste handling (Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board), a leading-edge heat recovery system that recycles excess energy back into the ship, LED lighting, and the use of entirely recyclable materials to construct it.
Other Facilities
Digital wristbands enable both keyless cabin entry and computer-logged tracking of entry and exit from the ship. An elevator services all decks. Finally, an onboard, English-speaking doctor is available 24 hours a day. The ship's physician manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 140 crew members of Ultramarine work together to create a seamless guest experience. This premiere ship within the Quark Expeditions fleet attracts top guides, many with over 10 years of experience with the company. The expedition team features guides with advanced degrees, including doctorates, in areas such as glaciology, geology and ornithology. Guides are omnipresent on board and make every effort to interact with travelers throughout the voyage. Special guests may include a cultural interpreter. A large portion of the expedition staff are required for helicopter operations, and the near 1:1 guest-to-guide ratio helps with smooth operations.
Onboard Facilities
With a modern and high-end feel, guests aboard the Ultramarine polar expedition ship can feel right at home while traveling to these extreme locations. A modern spa and fitness facilities offer guests the ability to relax and rejuvenate in between the active off-ship explorations. A polar boutique is stocked with basic toiletries, sunscreen, Ultramarine logo gear, base layer clothing, gloves, hats, jackets, waterproof pants and gifts. Satellite WiFi is available in public spaces and some cabins, however service may be intermittent due to the remote locations in which the ship sails.
Dining, Bar & Lounge
The gourmet Balena Restaurant services two dining rooms with tables from 2-10 guests each. The indoor/outdoor Bistro 487 on the upper deck, and four bars, provide additional food and beverage options (including self-serve espresso) while aboard. The bistro offers an alternative menu and various healthy options, plus any early riser breakfasts, afternoon tea and late-night snacks.
Food on board is healthy and varied, with options including meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, grains, soups, cheeses, desserts and fruit. Most special diets (vegetarian, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, nut free, shellfish free) are easily accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts and lunches are typically buffet style, while a la carte dinners are made to order and plated.
The Panorama Lounge & Bar is a space for special events; when this space is not in use for a function, guests can enjoy its far-reaching views with complimentary binoculars and spotting scopes, plus coffee, espresso and tea. The bar offers complimentary soft drinks, juices and water. Beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails are complimentary with dinner and during bar service hours. A selection of premium liquors, spirits, beer, wine and champagne is available for a fee.
Observation Decks
Deck 5 of Ultramarine features a wraparound promenade that's ideal for walking and al fresco wildlife viewing, including a large forward-facing viewing area. Deck 7 has a large exterior deck space with forward and side facing views, and quiet outdoor spaces can be found at the back of the ship. The Bridge, open in calm weather and open seas, is spacious and offers 180-degree views and binoculars to enjoy them with. This heart of the ship is where guests will find the expedition leader, captain and crew continuously evolving the expedition's course.
Spa, Sauna, Steam Room & Gym
The Tundra Spa offers treatments and massages bookable on board. The steam room is a great place to relax after an off-ship excursion. The sauna features commanding views of the icy landscapes outside. The gym is equipped with a variety of machines and weights, including exercise bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, weight machines, free weights, yoga and stretching mats. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors blend with wooden accents and a polar theme.
Library & Lecture Theater
The library features a collection of field guides, picture books and reference materials relevant to the polar regions. Find materials in various languages, covering a selection of topics such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. A selection of games further provides entertainment while the ship is underway. The Ambassador Theater seats all passengers and acts as the main lecture hall. Enjoy a variety of comfortable seating arrangements including chairs, tall tables and bench seating near the bar, bar stools, booths with bench seating and chairs. Visit this auditorium for briefings, recaps, presentations and movies.
Ready Rooms & Studio
The thoughtfully designed mudroom Ready Rooms (A & B) are equipped with an open storage locker assigned to each guest, plus ample space and benches. Travelers can keep their parka, boots and life jacket here, between excursions. Located near to the helideck, the Studio is a preparation room for helicopter excursions, where travelers are weighed for balancing the aircraft, and arranged into flight groups.
Cabins, Amenities & Deck Plan Aboard Ultramarine
Passengers benefit from 11 different cabin styles, each are spacious and designed for superior comfort. Amenities include key-less entry via wristbands, Egyptian cotton bedding, non-allergenic pillows, bedside USB charging stations, 220-volt electrical outlets (standard European two round pin plugs), reusable water bottle, refrigerator and a safe. The heated-floor private bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, and their feel is high-end, with a rain shower and in-shower bench. TVs in-room offer movies and the ability to tune into live presentations going on in the Ambassador Lounge.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The new Ultramarine polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 40-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.
Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect
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Expert Review: What to Expect on a Polar Bear Cruise
A travel expert lends her Arctic cruise insight on what you can expect aboard a small ship polar bear cruise in the Arctic Svalbard region.
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Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review
Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.
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