Arctic Discovery - Svalbard and Iceland
14 Days - SH Vega
Explore the remote Arctic wilderness from Iceland's hot springs, spouting geysers and gushing waterfalls, to the fjords and glaciers of Svalbard. Our journey takes us to the rarely visited Jan Mayen Island on your way across the Norwegian Sea. Whether zodiac cruising past massive glaciers and icebergs, or searching for elusive wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, whales and puffins, this polar adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime exploration.
from NZD $15722pp
Prices shown after discount
Home » 14 Day SH Vega: Arctic Discovery – Svalbard and Iceland
Itinerary Highlights
- Keep your eyes peeled for Arctic residents such as polar bears, walruses, ringed seals and seabirds.
- Marvel at spectacular carpets of wildflowers in tundra fields.
- Uncover the fascinating stories of early trappers by discovering historic old trapper's huts.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Longyearbyen
- Day 2 to 8: Svalbard
- Day 9: Day at Sea
- Day 10: Jan Mayen Island
- Day 11: Day at Sea
- Day 12: Grimsey Island
- Day 13: Isafjordur - Vigur Island
- Day 14: Reykjavik
Day 1: Longyearbyen
The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.
Day 2 to 8: Svalbard
Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox.
Day 9: Day at Sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 10: Jan Mayen Island
The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area.
Day 11: Day at Sea
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Day 12: Grimsey Island
Grímsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.
Day 13: Isafjordur - Vigur Island
Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland with colourful wooden 18th- and 19th-century houses in its old town, Neskaupstadur. Nearby, Sudavik is home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Iceland’s only mammal, the arctic fox, lives on the lush tundra of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the northernmost peninsula in the Westfjords with two of Europe’s largest bird cliffs.
A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.
Day 14: Reykjavik
Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
18 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025 | NZD $15722pp | ||
Triple Oceanview M4 | NZD $15722pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview D4 | NZD $17756pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview M4 | NZD $18867pp | Contact us | |
Triple Balcony M5 | NZD $20352pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D5 | NZD $21922pp | Contact us | |
Balcony M5 | NZD $23033pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D6 | NZD $24144pp | Contact us | |
Quadruple Suite | NZD $24483pp | Contact us | |
Suite | NZD $32644pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | NZD $36089pp | Contact us |
- Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
- Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Oceanview D4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Oceanview M4
20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.
Balcony D5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony M5
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Balcony D6
25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.
Suite
40 m2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.
Premium Suite
47 m2
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.
Triple Oceanview M4
19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
Triple Balcony M5
28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
Quadruple Suite
44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
SH Vega Deckplan
Specifications
CREW: 120
GUESTS: 152
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 337 ft (115 m)
DRAFT: 18 ft (5.5 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
REGISTERED: Panama
CRUISING SPEED: 15.5 knots in open water
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
PROPULSION DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES: 4x Medium speed, Polar code Cat A
Whats included?
- Group return transfers (Airport to hotel, hotel to airport for charter flight, Airport to ship, ship to airport)
- One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard. Copenhagen hotel if cruise start in Longyearbyen and Reykjavik hotel if cruise start in Kangerlussuaq
- One way charter flight from Copenhagen to Longyearbyen or from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
- Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard WiFi
- Self-service laundry
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- One selected shore excursion per non-expedition port of call
- Up to 2 expedition activities per expedition port of call
- Stainless Steel water bottle and backpack
What’s not included?
- Flights not mentioned
- Any items not mentioned as included.
Notes
- Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
- Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
- Children under 18 years of age at time of travelling only pay 10% of fare when sharing a room with 2 full fare paying adults.
Ask us for specific pricing.