This cruise immerses you in the rapturous pristine beauty of Arctic habitats straddling the Arctic Circle, showcasing dramatic contrasts of craggy mountains, vast icy expanses, and vibrant summer wildlife. Highlights include marveling at Iceland’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and glaciers, with potential sightings of polar bears on Svalbard, alongside puffins, whales, and walruses thriving in the season’s vitality. Active hikes bring the stunning scenery to life, while the journey from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen, via Iceland’s rugged coast and Svalbard’s fjords and glaciers, offers an unforgettable exploration of nature’s grandeur.
- Rapturous pristine beauty in spectacular habitats on both sides of the Arctic Circle
- Great natural contrasts: craggy and mountainous, vast and icy
- Iceland: marvel at volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers
- With luck, spot polar bears on Svalbard
- A summer full of life: a good chance of seeing puffins, whales and walruses
- Experience the scenery in an active way on hikes
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Departure 19.00 hrs
(Patreksfjordur , cruising off Hornvik, Djupavik , Akureyri, Grimsey )
An island of breathtaking natural phenomena, simultaneously hot and cold. Here, an expedition awaits you into foreign worlds - surreal, thrilling, and steeped in legends and myths. Beyond the stunning volcanic landscapes and colossal waterfalls, the wildlife will also captivate you. At this time of year, you might spot whales as these gentle giants return north from their winter havens. In the tranquil Westfjords, Patreksfjördur offers peace and serenity, where our experts will guide you through the small town and its surroundings. The Westfjord panorama and the Dynjandi waterfalls vividly illustrate the transformations wrought by the ice age. While most coasts are covered in black lava, Raudasandur Beach presents a striking palette of red, orange, and gold sands. No, you are not in Ireland, though the green-clad cliffs of Hornvik might suggest otherwise. The history of Djupavik is intertwined with the herring shoals that once thrived here, reflected in the old herring factory, now a museum. Akureyri, a gem of the north, welcomes you as your gateway to majestic nature. This is the homeland of writer Jon Sveinsson and a place where Iceland's rugged north reveals the signs of contemporary volcanic activity with bizarre lava formations and craters. At Lake Myvatn, observe numerous seabirds before the Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," offers a spectacle of roaring impressions. Alternatively, a scenic flight over the volcanic landscape unveils the immense scale of Iceland's largest lava field and the mighty Vatnajökull glacier. For a more personal interaction with Icelandic nature, ride friendly island inhabitants, the Icelandic horses, renowned for their smooth Tölt gait. Expand your knowledge with fresh insights on Grimsey, where you will delve into the Viking history, birdlife, and geology of this volcanic island lying directly on the Arctic Circle.
Next, the largely glaciated island of Jan Mayen, crowned by the towering 2,277-meter Beerenberg, serves as a formidable prelude to another thrilling chapter of your explorer's journey.
(Prins Karls Forland, Ny-Alesund, 14th July Glacier, Liefdefjord, Smeerenburgfjord)
Your journey continues northward as the HANSEATIC nature takes you to the spectacular natural wonders of Spitsbergen. Here, whales, polar foxes, walruses, and polar bears play the leading roles. You will be escorted by glacier fronts and distinctive peaks that appear in ever-new forms. The extensive polar experience of the captain and crew ensures extraordinary moments as you cruise before unique glacial landscapes, land with the Zodiacs, and embark on numerous hikes with your experts. With some luck, the small island of Prins Karls Forland offers impressive wildlife sightings: herds of imposing walruses often gather here. In Ny Alesund, you will reach one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a coal mining site, today, international scientists focus on meteorology, climate change studies, and aurora research. Another highlight of your exploration route is the 14th of July Glacier. Its blue-white appearance contrasts with the dark mountains rising on either side. The blue shimmering Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord similarly showcases the wonders nature is capable of. The finale is marked by the deep blue sea and the snow-covered peaks of the Smeerenburgfjord — a truly unforgettable sight! Following in the tradition of legends like Willem Barents, Roald Amundsen, and Umberto Nobile, you now join the ranks of those who have discovered the polar worlds.
Arrival 7.00 hrs
Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Germany.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hanseatic Inspiration
| Length | 138 metres |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 230 passengers |
| Launched | 2021 |
The HANSEATIC inspiration, a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship with a maximum of 230 guests, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort for explorers seeking to uncover the world’s wonders. As an international vessel conducting cruises in both English and German, it brings over 30 years of expertise from a market leader in German-speaking countries to every journey. Each expedition is a masterpiece, passionately crafted to reveal far-flung worlds—be it icy realms, tropical paradises, wildlife havens, or cultural gems—making every voyage a unique discovery aboard this exceptional ship.
Features of all cabins and suites
An ocean view with even more: exclusively outside cabins and suites, almost all with balconies or French balconies
Spaciously designed - enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms from 21 m²/226 ft² up to 71 m²/764 ft² in size
Exceptionally equipped - for example, with binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, air conditioning, coffee machine and mini bar (free of charge) and 24-hour cabin service
Separable beds
Rain shower and heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forwardview camera, navigation chart, films and much more
Restaurants
Aboard the HANSEATIC inspiration, a new kind of freedom blends adventure and pleasure with a culinary journey across three exceptional restaurants. The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant offers flexible mealtimes and a free choice of seating, serving a daily-changing menu of global flavors inspired by local specialties, paired with fine wines and supported by attentive 24-hour cabin service. At the Lido Restaurant, guests can savor breakfast under the open sky or enjoy a perfectly grilled steak from the outdoor barbecue, complete with panoramic views and an open show kitchen. The specialty restaurant Nikkei fuses fine Japanese creations with modern Peruvian cuisine, delivering a unique dining experience that elevates exploration to new heights—all while bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium offer favorite drinks against stunning backdrops, from Nordic fjords to icy Antarctic vistas.
Fitness and Wellness
On the HANSEATIC inspiration, an extraordinary time out awaits after thrilling Zodiac rides, challenging hikes, or Arctic adventures. Unwind in the Ocean Spa, where a Finnish sauna with stunning ocean views, a gentle steam sauna, an ice fountain, and a relaxation room rejuvenate your senses, complemented by professional massages, cosmetic treatments, and eco-friendly products made from natural, vegan ingredients. Stay active in the 100 m² fitness room or separate course room—both with ocean vistas—guided by a fitness coach offering personalized advice and a variety of courses, either indoors or on deck. The pool area, with its flexible canopy, invites relaxation year-round, featuring water loungers, a whirlpool, and a bar, ensuring a perfect blend of indulgence and revitalization against the backdrop of the open sea.
Knowledge
Shore excursions and Zodiac rides come alive with deeper context through fascinating presentations in the HanseAtrium, a high-tech lounge where experts share daily precaps and recaps, doubling as an atmospheric evening bar for films and discussions. The Ocean Academy enhances the journey with a Study Wall and interactive poster of scientific insights, microscopes for exploring hidden wonders alongside experts, and Study Seats—with swivel touchscreens—for personal dives into science. Supported by travel diaries and destination videos, this immersive experience broadens horizons with cutting-edge tools and expertise.