The Wild Arctic: Cruise
from Svalbard
to Iceland
An expedition from Svalbard to Iceland featuring Arctic wildlife, drifting pack ice, remote high-latitude coastlines, and Iceland’s geysers, hot springs, and cascading waterfalls.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
The world’s northernmost town, surrounded by glaciers and Arctic mountains. Guests embark here and get their first glimpse of Svalbard’s polar wilderness.
North West Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard
A remote Arctic landscape of glaciers, sea ice, bird cliffs and walrus haul-outs. One of the best regions for spotting polar bears, Arctic foxes and ringed seals.
Kong Oscar Fjord, East Greenland
A vast and remote fjord system framed by steep mountains, wide glacial valleys, and drifting ice. Kong Oscar Fjord offers some of East Greenland’s most dramatic polar landscapes, with quiet waterways, towering cliffs, and blue icebergs shaped by Arctic winds and tides.
Ísafjörður, Iceland
A small Icelandic town set among dramatic Westfjords peaks. A gateway to local wildlife, fishing traditions and the region’s carved coastal landscapes.
Vigur Island, Iceland
A tiny island in the Westfjords known for its puffin colonies, eider ducks and Arctic terns. A sanctuary for seabirds and a rare glimpse into traditional Icelandic farm life.
Dynjandi Waterfall, Iceland
The “jewel of the Westfjords,” a series of cascading falls dropping 100 meters down a wide cliff face. One of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital, framed by mountains and the North Atlantic. The final port of the voyage, offering geothermal landscapes, culture and volcanic scenery.
Longyearbyen – Reykjavik
Included in the price
From
Dates
July 27 – August 9, 2026
Duration
13 nights
Ship
SH Vega
Feel the Arctic’s raw power as you sail from Svalbard’s polar frontier to Iceland’s volcanic edge. This 13-night voyage explores drifting pack ice, remote northern coastlines, dramatic glacial landscapes, and the shifting light of the High Arctic. Aboard SH Vega, experience Zodiac cruising, wildlife observation, and immersive expedition activities.
Longyearbyen
The world’s northernmost town, surrounded by glaciers and Arctic mountains. Guests embark here and get their first glimpse of Svalbard’s polar wilderness.
Longyearbyen
The world’s northernmost town, surrounded by glaciers and Arctic mountains. Guests embark here and get their first glimpse of Svalbard’s polar wilderness.
Expedition Highlights
A polar frontier journey across the High Arctic — from ice-bound northern landscapes to dramatic glacial coastlines and finally the volcanic shores of Iceland, all aboard the polar-class SH Vega.
Ittoqqortoormiit Community
Discover one of the world's most remote towns and the most isolated community in Greenland, whose 450 residents mostly rely on hunting and fishing, and proudly preserve the Greenlandic traditions.
Sea Ice, Glaciers & Polar Landscapes
Experience drifting pack ice and sculpted blue icebergs as you move between Svalbard and East Greenland, with tidewater glaciers and shifting sea-ice fields shaped by Arctic winds and currents.
Wildlife Spotting
Scan the sea and skies for Arctic wildlife as you cruise from Svalbard toward Greenland and Iceland. Watch for whales surfacing in cold waters, and look to the cliffs and open ocean for seabirds that thrive this far north, from broad winged gulls to dense colonies.
Expedition Highlights
A polar frontier journey across the High Arctic — from ice-bound northern landscapes to dramatic glacial coastlines and finally the volcanic shores of Iceland, all aboard the polar-class SH Vega.
Ittoqqortoormiit Community
Discover one of the world's most remote towns and the most isolated community in Greenland, whose 450 residents mostly rely on hunting and fishing, and proudly preserve the Greenlandic traditions.
Sea Ice, Glaciers & Polar Landscapes
Experience drifting pack ice and sculpted blue icebergs as you move between Svalbard and East Greenland, with tidewater glaciers and shifting sea-ice fields shaped by Arctic winds and currents.
Wildlife Spotting
Scan the sea and skies for Arctic wildlife as you cruise from Svalbard toward Greenland and Iceland. Watch for whales surfacing in cold waters, and look to the cliffs and open ocean for seabirds that thrive this far north, from broad winged gulls to dense colonies.
Expedition Itinerary
Sail from Svalbard to Iceland along remote Arctic routes, encountering drifting pack ice, sculpted ice formations, and dramatic high-latitude coastlines before arriving at Iceland’s geothermal shores.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town, framed by glaciers and sharp Arctic peaks. Explore the compact settlement before boarding SH Vega and beginning your High Arctic voyage.
- •Town walks and local museum visits
- •Views of surrounding glaciers
- •Embarkation & welcome briefings
- •Evening sail-away
Wildlife
Encounter High Arctic wildlife along your route — from drifting pack ice where polar bears and ringed seals hunt, to vast seabird cliffs in Svalbard and the deep fjords of East Greenland, home to Arctic foxes and migrating whales.
Polar bear
The Arctic’s apex predator, often seen patrolling the edges of pack ice in search of seals — a powerful symbol of the High North’s raw, untamed wilderness
Ringed seal
A key species of the Arctic ecosystem, resting on ice floes or surfacing near shorelines, where it feeds in cold, nutrient-rich waters
Arctic fox
A resilient coastal scavenger, moving between tundra, cliffs and shorelines — perfectly adapted to life in one of the world’s harshest environments
Wildlife
Encounter High Arctic wildlife along your route — from drifting pack ice where polar bears and ringed seals hunt, to vast seabird cliffs in Svalbard and the deep fjords of East Greenland, home to Arctic foxes and migrating whales.
Polar bear
The Arctic’s apex predator, often seen patrolling the edges of pack ice in search of seals — a powerful symbol of the High North’s raw, untamed wilderness
Ringed seal
A key species of the Arctic ecosystem, resting on ice floes or surfacing near shorelines, where it feeds in cold, nutrient-rich waters
Arctic fox
A resilient coastal scavenger, moving between tundra, cliffs and shorelines — perfectly adapted to life in one of the world’s harshest environments
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
Discover Swan Hellenic
Boutique luxury expedition cruises designed for those who seek meaning beyond the horizon.
See What Others Don't
Swan Hellenic specialises in cultural expedition cruises, offering immersive journeys to remote and historic destinations. Their fleet of elegant, ice-class ships, featuring Scandinavian design, provides luxurious accommodations and expert-led experiences. With a focus on unique itineraries and high staff-to-guest ratios, Swan Hellenic delivers enriching adventures for discerning travelers.
Here, luxury is not excess, but the art of seeing deeper.
Best in Cruise
Cruise Critic 2024
Excursion & Collaboration Winner
Sailawaze 2025
What our guests say
What our guests say
SH Vega
SH Vega
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you’re taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Vega features elegant interiors, wide unobstructed views throughout the ship, and dedicated expedition facilities – so you can explore remote destinations in style and comfort. Whether you’re taking in remarkable scenery from a panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, SH Vega has you covered.
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory
Launched in 2022
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
152 guests & 117 staff
Exclusive boutique experience
PC5 Polar class
Designed specifically for polar regions
Enrichment
Library, Laboratory
Launched in 2022
Brand new expedition vessel
Wellbeing
Infinity pool, jacuzzi, spa, gym, sauna
Fine Dining
Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar & Grill
Staterooms
Bright and spacious staterooms — your cozy home away from home.
Oceanview
20 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Balcony
25 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 5 m² private balcony
- Two single beds or a double bed
- Bedroom with living room area
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious bathroom
Junior Suite
32-36 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 6 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room area
- Luxurious en-suite bathroom
Suite
41 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 5-10 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and walk-in shower
Premium Suite
41 m²
FROM
Price on request
FEATURES
- 8-12 m² private balcony
- King size bed
- Separate living room
- Flame-effect fireplace
- Luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and shower
- Walk-in wardrobe
Expedition Team
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife
Nicki De Souza
Expedition Leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world’s many wonders.
Mark Evans
Historic
After university Mark relocated to Australia, settling in the remote Kimberly region. There, he established several eco-tourism businesses and led conservation efforts for sea turtles and marine mammals. His diverse career includes producing environmental films in Tanzania, guiding wildlife tours in Australia and Africa and exploring old-growth forests in the US. While living in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, he pursued his passion as a whale-watching captain and grizzly bear guide. In winter, Mark guides expeditions in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
Sue Walsh
Ornithologist
Sue has travelled widely watching wildlife from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. She has been fascinated by all aspects of the natural world since studying geology back in the seventies. She is also an accredited bird ringer/bander which has allowed her to travel and ring birds in different countries. She has been lecturing on cruise ships since 2014, offering a range of informative talks on regional wildlife
Nicki De Souza
Expedition Leader
Nicki brings more than 25 years of experience in expedition cruising, along with a passion for nature, exciting new destinations, people and their cultures. Born in Bavaria, she has travelled around the globe and to all seven continents, exploring everything from the Arctic to Antarctica to the tropics and remote gems in between. Nicki is a skilled leader with a passion for nature and a gift for sharing and revealing the world’s many wonders.
Mark Evans
Historic
After university Mark relocated to Australia, settling in the remote Kimberly region. There, he established several eco-tourism businesses and led conservation efforts for sea turtles and marine mammals. His diverse career includes producing environmental films in Tanzania, guiding wildlife tours in Australia and Africa and exploring old-growth forests in the US. While living in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, he pursued his passion as a whale-watching captain and grizzly bear guide. In winter, Mark guides expeditions in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.
Start Your Journey
For any inquiries and reservations, please contact your travel manager. We’ll help you organize an unforgettable journey.