Norwegian Fjords & Crossing the Arctic Circle

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in Oslo, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your luxury accommodation for the night. Arrive early and spend the day exploring the Norwegian capital to see the blend of modern Scandinavian architecture, meets cool waterfront dining and medieval Viking folklore.

After breakfast in your hotel, begin your journey of wonder as you fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, where your 6-star Discovery Yacht awaits. Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago and the northernmost territorial capital in the world. Towering glaciers and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see will delight your adventurous spirit, providing a taste of what’s to come in the days ahead. Upon embarking, meet the world-class crew on board Scenic Eclipse, including the Discovery Team. Comprised of expert naturalists, marine biologists, historians, and more, they will guide you through multi-sensory moments that will be the highlight of your voyage, sharing with you their passion and knowledge about your destination and the wildlife around you. Settle into your luxurious suite before raising a glass of Champagne with fellow guests on the Observation Deck to toast your onward journey. As you set sail into another world, you may even be lucky to see the northern lights dancing in the sky.

Discover the remote wilderness of Svalbard, known as a polar desert, surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your voyage itinerary is flexible, dependent on weather conditions. 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 daylight hours, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world. Daily Scenic Discovery excursions include outings by Zodiac, kayak and nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, native wildlife and marine life while exploring pristine locations. Feel the excitement building as the Discovery Team explains how your Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboarding, nature walks, Scenic Freechoice and other Discovery excursions will take place in this polar region. Join an on board lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre and learn more about the places you’ll be visiting with our expert historians, geologists, archaeologists and photographers.

Allow your butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in-suite dining menu or head to the Yacht Club before looking for wildlife in the pristine Arctic scenery that’s gliding by. During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to always 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. Possible landing sites include Ny Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, where few are lucky enough to have travelled. Learn about this quaint town’s rich history in the Kings Bay Museum and hike Arctic trails with your Discovery Team to ensure your safety in polar bear country.

Join the Captain on the bridge as we sail through an Arctic wonderland. The open bridge policy provides an opportunity to learn about the technical abilities of your Discovery Yacht as well as joining the captain and Discovery Team in spotting wildlife from one of the best vantage points on the ship.  See how the Captain navigates through Polar regions where ice and weather conditions can rapidly change plans before your eyes. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement for the guests and the crew.   Spotting the Arctic’s elusive wildlife might be a chance of luck, but thanks to the eagle-eyed, experienced crew, your chances are greatly increased on board Scenic Eclipse. You can also always look for the Discovery Team experts to answer any questions you may have about this frozen world and expedition experiences – they are always on hand to share with you their knowledge and passion for this remarkable destination.

Open the midnight sun relieving blackout curtains in your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring view. Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg dotted waters to jagged snow topped mountains towering over green slopes of tundra.   Today our journey may take us to the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve, the area’s highest population of polar bears and walrus, or to the North West Spitsbergen National Park, where we can cruise through spectacular fjords and see the vast wall of ice known as the Monaco Glacier. Join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature’s floating ice sculptures.  Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery from the Observation Deck and cabanas near the Sky Bar and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water for possible wildlife sightings.   

Be sure to pack your swimmers for the ultimate icy 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 leap into the icy water below.  Feel the adrenalin build as you prepare to jump, then a moment that seems to stretch forever before you splash into the coldest water of your life. The polar plunge is an invigorating and refreshing shock to the system that you’ll be talking about for years to come. If you’d rather watch than jump in, you can enjoy the fun with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the spacious viewing areas.   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.

Svalbard’s southernmost island, Bear Island, or Bjørnøya in Norwegian, rises from gentle flat scenery in the north to dramatic sea cliffs on its southern shores. The island has the largest seabird colony in the northern hemisphere with around 1.5 million nesting birds and was originally called Bird Island. Use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge or the binoculars from your suite to see how many species you can count, including Svalbard rock ptarmigans, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, and black guillemots, whose feathers get whiter the farther north they are found.  If conditions allow, join a Zodiac tour to see the spectacular sea caves and tunnels created by the power of the waves, or possibly step ashore on an island where the only inhabitants work at a meteorological station. 

Gaze up at the northernmost point in Europe from your spacious Observation Deck or a sun lounger beside the Panorama Bar. Soaring 307m from the sea into the sky, Nordkapp, or North Cape, is an unforgettable sight and marks the start of our journey down one of the world’s longest coastlines to Bergen.   Learn more about Norwegian history, culture and the magnificent fjords you will soon be sailing through in an engaging lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre with one of the Discovery Team experts.   You may also spend some reinvigorating time on board as you join a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio. Sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing; alternatively, work out in the fully equipped gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available.   In the evening, up to 10 extraordinary dining experiences await. From contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to the freshest Japanese culinary at Sushi @ Koko’s, youll see a Scenic Eclipse voyage is also a remarkable culinary journey.

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 sunlight, tucking into fresh seafood on the docks, enjoying a drink at the world’s most northern brewery or taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the local beach.  The starting point for many Arctic expeditions, you will love discovering the unique history of Tromsø.  The cable car up the Storsteinen Mountain offers sweeping views over Tromsø and the surrounding mountains.  

Have your cameras ready for one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway. Ask your butler to bring you a hot chocolate onto the Observation Deck or join the Captain on the bridge as you sail by  Trollfjord’s narrow 100m wide entry with steep sheer cliffs on either side. The Trollfjord is only around 3km long  and is framed by 1100m mountain peaks with glaciers and waterfalls.   The postcard views continue cruising past the staggering peaks, sheltered coves and picturesque fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands. Enjoy specialty Kusmi teas and aromatic illy coffee in the Observation Lounge or Sky Deck where you can read books, play board games or enjoy a drink in one of the Discovery Yacht’s nine all-inclusive bars and watch the magnificent vistas roll by.  

Luxuriate in a relaxing day at sea. Be led through a meditation beside large amethyst clusters in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates or perhaps book a treatment* in the Senses Spa, where you can be pampered with ESPA treatments blending traditional holistic therapies and modern-day techniques.   Select from the extensive list of facials, massages, body treatments and more*. The 550m2 facilities also include Scandinavian inspired plunge pools, infrared women’s and men’s saunas, steam room, a relaxation lounge and an outdoor pool area.  In the evening, join new travel friends in raising a glass of French Champagne before a seven course French fine dining meal paired with world-class wines at Lumière or ask your butler to set a private dinner for two in your ultra-luxury suite and watch a movie on your HDTV with Bose® speakers.

The World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord is one of the most mesmerising scenes in Norway, where you can sail over sparkling waters beneath 800m high cliffs. Explore the protected fjord with the Discovery team. Your Discovery Yacht’s GPS Dynamic Positioning will enable her to maintain location without dropping anchor, preserving the sensitive eco-system.  The fjord is one of the best kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities of your voyage and a chance to quietly glide past waterfalls tumbling from snow covered mountain peaks. For more incredible views take to the skies in one of our on board helicopters^.  

An Art Nouveau gem, Ålesund was reborn as one of Norway’s most beautiful cities after it was mostly destroyed in a fire in 1904. The Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE is a great place to learn about the city’s special history and stroll streets lined with some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. See otters, seals, Humboldt penguins, fish and more at Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium, Atlanterhavsparken.   On board, explore other forms of art through the carefully curated art collection on Scenic Eclipse. Tea Time by Francois Bertrand, a cocktail dress made from more than 4,000 spoons in Lumière, and three custom installations by British graffiti artist Carl Hush in Koko’s are some of the highlights you’ll see around your ultra-luxury yacht.

Take in the views along Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway, from Scenic Eclipse’s Observation Terrace or breathe in the fresh fjord air as you sit back in one of the cabanas. Known as the ‘King of the Fjords’, at its deepest, Sognefjord plunges more than 1,300 metres below you as glide between steep mountains on either side.   One of Norway’s most popular destinations, the picturesque village of Flåm is where you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys. The 20km Flam Railway offers unobstructed views of the valley, as you gently wind through the steep mountains towards the town centre.

You’ll finish your journey in one the World Heritage-listed city of Bergen. Savour one last luxurious breakfast on your 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 journey in this spectacular part of the world with your new friends, knowing you have created stories for life.  Please book your flight to depart out of Bergen after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.