Norwegian Fjords, Wildlife of Svalbard & The Arctic

Begin your Expedition Voyage in Norway and the World Heritage-listed city of Bergen. This Hanseatic fishing port is almost 1,000 years old and considered one of the prettiest cities in Scandinavia, tucked between majestic mountains and a breathtaking fjord.  This afternoon, you will meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. On board, be greeted with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink at the Sky Bar and toast to the start of an epic journey as you set sail into the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord. Please book your flight to arrive into Bergen prior to 02:00 PM.

Nestled at the heart of Sognefjord and flanked by steep mountains, the tiny village of Flam is one of Norway’s most popular destinations. Here you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, the 20km Flam Railway, which offers views of the valley as it winds gently through the peaks towards town.  Depart after lunch for an awe-inspiring scenic cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord. This World Heritage-listed site is the most wild and beautiful arm of Sognefjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Later, be immersed in the charming village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes.  

On an arm of Sognefjord, Gudvangen is at the foot of steep cliffs soaring 5,500 feet above the water's surface and plunging deep to form one of the region's deepest fjord basins. Snow-capped mountains, green cliffs, and veils of tumbling waterfalls characterize the vertical landscape on the approach to Gudvangen. The fjord is so narrow in places that during winter the sun can't reach the valley floor. Mystical Gudvangen is the site of white caves and medieval stave churches. Standing sentinel over the ornate entrances to the venerable wooden sanctuaries are visages of fierce trolls and dragons, carved by long-dead Viking craftsman from the region.

An Art Nouveau gem at the entrance to Geirangerfjord, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. It was completely reborn after a devastating fire in 1904, and its gorgeous architecture acts like a living time capsule.Wander the streets lined with some of the best period architecture in Europe or learn about the city’s unique history at the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE. A late departure lets you experience the vibrant nightlife in a place where the sun does not set. 

Make a short stop this morning in the small village of Hellesylt. Then you’ll cruise into the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord, sailing over sparkling waters beneath 800-metre cliffs. Look out for the jaw-dropping Seven Sisters Waterfall. Perhaps join the Discovery Team on kayaking excursions or other discovery experiences.For more information, don´t miss the evening recaps hosted by the Discovery Team. 

The Geirangerfjord, which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, is Norway's most spectacular and perhaps best-known fjord. The 16-km-long (10-mile-long), 960-foot-deep Geirangerfjord's most stunning attractions are its roaring waterfalls—the Seven Sisters, the Bridal Veil, and the Suitor. Perched on mountain ledges along the fjord, deserted farms at Skageflå and Knivsflå are being restored and maintained by local enthusiasts.The village of Geiranger, at the end of the fjord, is home to fewer than 300 year-round residents, but in spring and summer its population swells to 5,000 due to visitors traveling from Hellesylt to the east. In winter, snow on the mountain roads often makes the village isolated.

This morning, head to your private verandah or join the other guests on the Observation Terrace and prepare to be amazed as you sail into the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. Rising dramatically from the sea, these tall, craggy outcrops with impossibly blue water, sheltered coves and pristine beaches are a must-see.Leknes is the gateway to the islands’ outdoor adventures with sea kayaking, hiking and surfing available nearby.  Tonight, under the glow of the midnight sun, Scenic Eclipse will sail through the majestic Trollfjord.  

Known as the cultural hub of the Arctic, Tromsø sits 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Surprisingly cosmopolitan for its remote location, during the summer Tromsø is full of locals basking in the endless sunlight, tucking into fresh seafood on the docks, enjoying a drink at the world’s northernmost brewery or taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the local beach. Tromsø has been the point of origin for many Arctic expeditions over the past two centuries, and you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers through the town or learn their stories at the museum. 

Today, a remarkable sight awaits you on the Observation Deck or with a drink at the Sky Bar after lunch. Scenic Eclipse will sail past Nordkapp, or North Cape, soaring 307 metres from the sea into the sky. This is the northernmost point of Europe, where the sun does not set for up to three months over summer.  Use your time today to dive into Norwegian history and the legends of the fjords with engaging lectures from the Discovery Team. Your Discovery Yacht will sail north tonight, across the Barents Sea towards Svalbard. 

Welcome to the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra, and craggy mountain peaks. Bear Island, or Bjørnøya in Norwegian, is the southernmost island in the archipelago. It is home to the largest seabird colony in the northern hemisphere with around 1.5 million nesting birds – use the binoculars in your suite to spot Svalbard rock ptarmigans, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, black guillemots and more. Scenic Discovery: If conditions allow, join a Zodiac tour to explore spectacular sea caves and tunnels or step ashore on an island where the only inhabitants work at a meteorological station. 

Due to the extraordinary nature of Svalbard, your itinerary will be flexible over the next five days. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long hours, weather, and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.Daily Scenic discovery excursions include Zodiac cruises, kayak tours and nature walks where you can discover majestic Arctic scenery, native wildlife, and marine life. Then join the Discovery Team for insightful lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre. 

As we continue sailing around the islands of Svalbard, there may be opportunities to see whales, Arctic foxes, seals, and seabirds, along with sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines, and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife. Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water. Scenic Discovery: You will enjoy Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayaking and nature walks. Explore pristine locations and discover majestic Arctic scenery and tundra landscapes. 

Your Discovery Yacht’s Open Bridge policy offers a unique opportunity to observe the Captain’s expert navigation firsthand. Enjoy some of the best views on board and discover how decisions adapt to ever-changing ice and weather conditions in the Polar regions. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement.  Weather permitting, more Discovery excursions will be available today, taking you further into these spectacular landscapes. Meet up with the Discovery Team to answer any questions you may have and to help plan your upcoming expedition experiences. In the evening, escape to France at Lumière (available by reservation), complete with a luxurious champagne bar, or savor an intimate dining experience in your suite with an extensive 24-hour menu at your fingertips. 

Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg dotted waters to jagged snow topped mountains towering over slopes of tundra.  Continue cruising around the spectacular Svalbard Archipelago. As you immerse yourself in daily Discovery excursions, take the opportunity to seek photography tips and expert guidance from our Discovery Team, ensuring you capture every moment perfectly. They will help you immortalise incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs and kayaking around impressive ice formations.  With up to 20 members including geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists, the Discovery Team is at the heart of your Expedition Voyage. Scenic Discovery: You will enjoy Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayaking, and nature walks. Explore pristine locations and discover majestic Arctic scenery and tundra landscapes. 

Mark your final day in Svalbard with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and, while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht’s marina so that you can don your swimsuit and leap into the icy water below. After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa# for some relaxation.  

Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew who have shared this once-in-a-lifetime journey with you. As you disembark, share the highlights of your Expedition Voyage in this spectacular part of the world with your new friends, knowing you have created memories to last a lifetime. You will be transferred to Oslo for an overnight stay, the final part of your journey.  

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

After breakfast in your hotel, take the time to say goodbye to your fellow Arctic travellers. As you fly out of Norway, treasure all the memories made on your voyage on board The World’s First Discovery Yacht. For those looking to explore even more of Scandinavia, consider joining our pre-cruise land tour from Copenhagen to Bergen, an unforgettable journey through charming cities, and rich Nordic culture before embarking on your ocean voyage. Inquire today for more details on this exclusive opportunity. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine, and vintage wines, Champagnes, and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.Helicopter and Submersible not operational in Svalbard.The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.