14 Day The Far North from Spitsbergen to Iceland

Cruise

Oceanview

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Balcony

$22,394

Suite

$33,889

* Port charges, taxes and fees included

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Cruise Length

14 Days

Cruise Starts

Paris

Cruise Finishes

Reykjavik

14 Day The Far North from Spitsbergen to Iceland Itinerary (Ponant)

Countries Explored: France, Norway, Greenland, Iceland

Cruise Line

Ponant

4 Reviews

Ship

Le Lyrial

Departures

Aug 2026

Passengers

264

Crew

140

Launched

2015

Refurbished

2021

Cruise Code

LYRREK13

Overview

Beyond the Arctic Circle, facing landscapes frozen in time by the ice, set off on a fascinating journey to discover the islands of the Far North. For 14 days, from Spitsbergen to Iceland, via Jan Mayen Island and the eastern coast of Greenland, between fjords and glaciers, observe wild and mischievous nature as it wakes itself up, and set off to encounter the communities who live in these parts of the world, guardians of these untamed spaces.

From Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost towns, you will weigh anchor, leaving behind the small colourful wooden homes that dot the landscape....read more />
You will set sail to the north-west of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out for the appearance of the first glaciers and the huge snow-covered peaks that gave the region its name. In this white kingdom, you will sail soothed by the romantic play of the midnight sun upon the icy waters of the fjords. You will observe the slow dance of the colonies of Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes and guillemots nesting on the vertiginous cliffs. On your left, in the distance, bearded seals laze on a piece of ice floe while, on the neighbouring peninsula, mossy tundra offers Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes an ideal playground. You will scan the horizon in the hushed silence of the fjord, hoping to spot the lord of the manor: the polar bear.

Next, your ship will make its way to Jan Mayen Island, which was very dear to Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Located on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, this isolated and uninhabited volcanic island was a whale hunting centre and is home to large bird colonies.

As you sail along, you will perhaps see whales, before reaching the region of Ittoqqortoormiit on the east coast of Greenland. In the eponymous village, you will receive a warm welcome from the Inuit community and discover their traditions during special and authentic moments, before entering Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord network. This unique setting, made up of gigantic icebergs, golden brown moorland and sheer walls reddened by the minerals, is home to exceptional fauna: musk oxen, Arctic wolves and foxes, seagulls, barnacle geese and other migratory birds. Aboard Le Lyrial or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region’s elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Finally, your ship will set sail towards Iceland. From the village of Isafjörður to Westfjords, between lost valleys and sheer cliffs, discover a land of legends, of wild and enchanting beauty.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 18:00

Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Seven islands comprise Ålesund , and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels. Feeling energetic - climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for panoramic views of the town, surrounding islands and fjords or how about visting the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, which offers an immersive look at marine life.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Humpback and Minke whales play and feed in the waters around the impressive island of Jan Mayen with its towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches. The landscape is dominated to the north by Mt. Beerenberg, an active volcano covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985.

With permission from the Norwegian authorities, a landing is possible at this rarely visited outpost. Visitors may walk to the research and weather station, or beyond, for birds-eye views of the meteorological station and the long black sandy eastern shore of the island.

Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the remotest inhabited places in the world. It is bordered to the south by the vast Greenland National Park, which, at 18,000km, is the largest national park in the world. To the northwest is the world’s deepest multi-branched fjord system, Scoresby Sound.

Covered with ice and snow for nine months of the year, you will be able to discover the ancestral way of life of the last hunters of the polar region. As soon as the thickness of the ice floe allows, they set out on the trail of walruses, seals, narwhals, musk ox and polar bears, travelling by traditional dog sleds.

Scoresby Sund, located on Greenland's eastern coast, is the largest fjord system in the world, offering stunning, unspoiled Arctic scenery. The town of Ittoqqortoormiit serves as the gateway to this majestic region, where towering icebergs and dramatic cliffs create a breathtaking landscape. The local museum provides insights into the history and culture of the Inuit people who inhabit this remote area.

For adventure seekers, Scoresby Sund offers opportunities for kayaking among the icebergs, hiking through rugged terrain, and wildlife spotting, including polar bears and whales. The pristine environment and serene beauty of Scoresby Sund make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Surrounded on three sides by remarkable mountains jutting upwards around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. Smaller ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Isafjordur:

visit the Osvor and Maritime Museums
look for Puffins on Vigur Island
journey to the Dynjandi waterfall
cruise through the Glacier Fjords

Arrives: 07:00

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.