This expedition aboard the MS HONDIUS to the Arctic pack ice is an extraordinary journey full of adventure, spectacular scenery , and fascinating wildlife encounters . The diverse route leads through breathtaking Icelandic landscapes, from volcanoes and glaciers to the pristine expanses of sea ice. On this voyage, you will encounter a rich array of wildlife, including puffins, whales, seals , and possibly polar bears , gaining a profound insight into Arctic nature.
Besides the unique natural scenery, this expedition also offers cultural insights, such as visits to traditional fishing villages and historical sites. Whether hiking along dramatic cliffs , sailing through the pack ice , or observing wildlife – every moment of this journey is an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Arctic up close. The combination of adventure, wildlife viewing, and history makes this expedition an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers .
In conclusion: This expedition cruise on the MS HONDIUS offers a unique opportunity to discover the rugged beauty of Iceland’s Arctic north. The route leads through pristine fjords , past vast seabird colonies , and into the ever-changing pack ice, where whales, seals, and perhaps even polar bears can be spotted.
Since June 2019, travelers have been able to explore the polar regions aboard the MS HONDIUS. The newest ship in the Oceanwide Expeditions fleet boasts a high ice class (Polar Class 6) and offers a special deluxe standard to a maximum of 170 passengers in 82 cabins, while maintaining a distinctive, relaxed, and comfortable atmosphere. Wildlife observation and exploration of the natural environment are the focus of expedition voyages on the MS HONDIUS.
Not only do the numerous amenities and entertainment options on board contribute to making your expedition an unforgettable experience, but with this ship, you also have the assurance of having chosen one of the most environmentally friendly vessels in the polar seas. The MS HONDIUS uses LED lighting, steam heating, biodegradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art energy management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions to a minimum. This means that when you travel on board this ship, you can enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife to the fullest while minimizing your impact on them.
Ship data | MS HONDIUS:
Equipment | MS HONDIUS:
One deck is fully dedicated to lectures (including multilingual ones) and presentations.
A large panoramic lounge and a separate lecture hall are available for this purpose. Quick boarding of the Zodiacs is ensured by two separate gangways and an additional indoor platform, which can also be used for special outdoor activities (such as the kayaking and diving programs).
Cabin Classes:
The ship accommodates a maximum of 170 passengers in 80 cabins, all equipped with a shower and toilet. The spacious cabins range from luxurious suites with private balconies, suites, superior cabins, twin window cabins, and porthole cabins, as well as three- and four-berth cabins with portholes
Deck plan:
You can reach Keflavik International Airport in Iceland with a scheduled flight from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Welcome to the starting point of your Arctic expedition!
Overnight stay in a hotel in Keflavik
In the morning, you’ll have time for further exploration of Keflavik. Your journey begins in the late afternoon with check-in aboard the MS HONDIUS at the port of Keflavik, near the international airport. As the ship sets sail north, it will pass Faxaflói Bay, a body of water renowned for its excellent whale-watching opportunities. With a bit of luck, you might spot the first whales of your trip here. Continuing along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll experience spectacular coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs and the iconic glacier-capped volcano Snaefellsjökull.
The first few days of your ship expedition will take you through Iceland’s diverse and varied landscapes. In Breidavik near Arnarstapi, you’ll hike along impressive bird cliffs towards Hellnar, with the mighty Snaefellsjökull glacier dominating the scenery. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the glacier that inspired Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
The route continues into Breidafjordur Bay – an area with hundreds of islands and skerries that serves as a refuge for numerous seabirds. On Flatey Island, you’ll explore a traditional fishing village and visit the local church, which houses unique paintings by the Spanish-Icelandic artist Baltasar. As you cruise through the region, you’ll spot white-tailed eagles, black guillemots, huge puffin colonies, and red-necked phalaropes in the inland ponds.
Another highlight is a visit to the small island of Klofningur, characterized by a lighthouse and extensive breeding colonies of shags, fulmars, and great black-backed gulls. In the evening, you will pass Látrabjarg, Iceland’s largest seabird colony and a paradise for ornithologists and nature photographers.
Keep an eye out for whales and eider ducks!
The next destination is the impressive Skutulsfjörður fjord, on whose coast lies the town of Ísafjörður. You will visit the island of Aedey, where an Icelandic family runs an eider duck farm. Here you can experience the fascinating interplay between humans and nature: the eider ducks nest protected around the houses, and then, at the end of the breeding season, their down is sustainably harvested.
The island’s shores are also home to numerous nesting puffins. In the afternoon, the MS HONDIUS continues its journey – either from Jökulfirdir or directly out of the fjord, giving everyone another chance to look out for whales. With a bit of luck, you might spot humpback whales or orcas as you sail northwest and cross the Arctic Circle.
At the edges of the sea ice
Your adventure reaches its climax when you arrive at the northernmost point of the journey – the ever-shifting ice edge north of Iceland. Here, in a wild and unpredictable Arctic landscape, you will spend two days observing the wildlife of this unique environment. Harp seals and hooded seals are common in this region, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a lone polar bear foraging for food on the pack ice.
Whales are also frequently seen in this area, foraging for food along the edge of the sea ice. Vast colonies of seabirds accompany the journey as our ice-worthy vessel navigates safely through the slowly southward-moving pack ice. This region is among the most pristine areas of the Arctic and a true paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.
Crossing the Arctic Circle again
After leaving the pack ice behind, the MS HONDIUS continues its southward journey. Early in the morning, it passes Kolbeinsey – a tiny, uninhabited island slowly eroded by the relentless force of the sea. Later, you’ll land on Grimsey – a small island located just on the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a traditional fishing village and observe numerous seabirds, including kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, and Arctic terns. In the evening, you’ll cruise along the mouth of the Éyafjord, where there will be another chance to spot whales.
On the last dayYour expedition will take you to Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland. Here the cruise ends, but the unforgettable impressions of glaciers, volcanoes, wildlife and the majestic sea ice will surely stay with you for a long time.
They will return to Reykjavík by chartered bus to conclude their trip in the Icelandic capital.
Overnight stay in Reykjavik
In time for your return flight, you will be taken to Keflavik Airport and from there you will begin your return flight to your home airport.
Alternatively, we offer an individual program extension in Iceland, which we would be happy to arrange for you upon request.
Note:
The landing sites described here are for your guidance only. The itinerary can vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions. The captain and expedition leader on board determine the final route, also to be able to react to current conditions regarding potential wildlife sightings. The itinerary may include locations for which landing permits are required, which must be issued by the relevant national authorities. Such permits are not always guaranteed before the itineraries are published. Your flexibility is of utmost importance and a prerequisite for expedition cruises.
We are obliged to point out that this trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us in individual cases.
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