Both sides of the Arctic Circle: two Arctic worlds combined on one cruise
Rapturous pristine beauty: marvel at volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers
Home of the polar bears: with a little luck, you might spot Ursus maritimus on Spitsbergen
A summer full of life: a good chance of seeing puffins, whales and walruses
Hikes in a landscape of natural contrasts: craggy and mountainous, vast and icy
At anchor
Further informations
Great adventures lie ahead of you on this route with the HANSEATIC nature, defined by diverse natural phenomena and 24 hours of daylight. Iceland welcomes you first – a foreign world that is surreal, exciting and bursting with sagas and myths. In addition to impressive volcanic landscapes and gigantic waterfalls, the wildlife in summer will draw you under its spell. From an ornithological point of view, you will be amazed when cruising off Latrabjarg. The cliffs are teeming with thousands of puffins, guillemots and auks. Keep an eye out for whales at any time – at this time of year, the gentle giants of the seas return to the north after the winter. Near the small Patreksfjordur, the long Raudasandur beach1 reveals a surprising interplay of colours in a wide bay. Alternatively, the Dynjandi waterfall1, which plunges into the valley from a height of around 100 m (328 ft), is truly exhilarating. No, you’re not in Ireland, even if the steep green cliffs you see when cruising off Hornvik are sure to remind you of the Emerald Isle. The people of Djupavik used to come and go with the shoals of herring. The old herring factory, which has now been turned into a museum, tells the story of those prosperous times. Akureyri is a role model in terms of sustainability, as heating and electricity come 100 % from renewable energy. Iceland’s rugged north1 reveals the power beneath the earth – with evidence of recent volcanic activity, bizarre lava formations and craters. A flight over the volcanic landscape1 will make you aware of the dimensions of Iceland’s largest lava field and the mighty Vatnajokull glacier. Alternatively, take a comfortable trek through nature and get to know some island inhabitants with a friendly character on a ride on Icelandic horses1, known for their special tolt gait. It only takes one step to cross the Arctic Circle on Grimsey.
The vastness of the Arctic lies before you here. Seeing the largely glaciated island of Jan Mayen, crowned by the 2,277 m (7,470 ft) high Beerenberg, will conjure up incredible feelings.
High in the north, where the sun doesn’t set at this time of year, your days of adventure never end. Nautical miles away, the striking silhouette of a peak announces the next terrain you will explore: Spitsbergen. Now in summer, the ice gives way to allow explorations along the “cold coast”, revealing an inhospitable environment of rugged mountain ranges, glaciers, rocky beaches and Arctic tundra. With their many years of polar experience, the captain and crew know which course to take to enable great moments of adventure. Your team of experts opens up captivating background knowledge during presentations, landings with the Zodiacs and on numerous hikes. You’ll see cruising in front of glacier backdrops as well as wildlife from a new perspective. With a little luck, you will be able to spot polar bears, whales, Arctic foxes and walruses. The latter often gather in herds on the small island of Prins Karls Forland. The small settlement of Ny Alesund is known for great polar history and international research, as scientists investigate climate change here. You, however, can explore a shimmering blue ice wall with your own eyes: the 14th July Glacier, named after the French national day. The Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park is a delightful contrasting landscape. Feel the power and sensitivity of nature that also characterises Liefdefjord with the majestic Monacobreen – blocks of ice keep falling into the fjord from the 5 km (3.1 mi.) front. You can also enjoy unforgettable views in the Smeerenburgfjord with its bizarrely rugged scenery. It will be hard to say goodbye but all the easier to wax lyrical about this cruise.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change. 2 Approximately three months before departure, you will be informed at which German airport the charter flight will land.
The itinerary depends on official approval, weather and ice conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Wed, 25.06.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Keflavik Journey to Reykjavik
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
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When we say Arctic, we actually mean the Arctic Ocean. It is around six times larger than the European Mediterranean and borders the continents of Europe, Asia and America. The best travelling conditions prevail in the Arctic summer from June to August/September. This is when the climate is mild and the wildlife is at its richest. With a small expedition ship and the Zodiacs, our robust inflatable boats, you will experience vast landscapes, deeply carved fjords, mighty glaciers and bizarre ice and rock formations from fascinating close-up.
Price special
Limited offer: Travel for the best price with the SILVER fare
For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin/suite.
Sail into summer
Book by 20 Dec 2024 and get a discount of € 1,000 per person on this cruise (limited allotment, valid for the SILVER fare, cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, only for new bookings).
Simply enter the promotional code sh_25 in the field on your order overview before completing your online booking. Please pay attention to the exact spelling of the promotional code.
Special offer for single travellers
There is no surcharge for single travellers on this cruise (cruise only, Categories 1 – 8, applies to the PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and information
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
