Follow the Vikings’ way from northeast Scotland to the land of the midnight sun. Our enthusiastic historian and expert naturalist reveal the Orkney and Shetland islands, from Stone Age villages and Viking relics, to world class distilleries and spectacular birdlife. We follow migrating whales along Norway’s dramatic coast, visit picturesque fishing villages and toast our Arctic Circle crossing. In Spitsbergen, we enter a polar wonderland, where delicate wildflowers adorn tundra and the summer sun never sets
Lofoten Islands’ majestic fjords and soaring granite walls
Spot puffins, guillemots, fulmars and eagles
Toast your crossing of the Arctic Circle
Reindeer and ringed seals in Spitsbergen
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Aberdeen
Days 2-3: Orkney Islands
Days 4: Shetland Islands
Days 5: At Sea
Days 6-9: Norway
Day 10-13: Bear Island & Spitsbergen
Day 14: Spitsbergen
Day 1: Aberdeen, West Scotland
Welcomed aboard Polar Pioneer mid-afternoon in Aberdeen, we set sail north.
Day 2-3: Orkney Archipelago
Among Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, a treasure trove of archaeology, history and wildlife awaits. We follow the passage of time – from 5000-year-old, World Heritage-listed, Neolithic sites to Viking relics, from reminders of World War II occupation to present-day crofting communities. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds, inviting our Zodiacs and kayakers to explore fascinating coastlines. At Fair Isle we visit traditional crofts to admire local knitwear and nearby colonies of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins.
Day 4: Shetland Islands
Warmed by Gulf Stream currents and near 24-hours’ daylight, the Shetland’s 100 islands are peppered with nature reserves and archaeological sites. These include the complex Stone, Bronze and Iron Age settlement of Jarlshof, the world’s best preserved broch (fortified Iron Age tower) on Mousa, and remnants of Viking conquest along the coast.
Day 5: At Sea
As we sail towards Norway, our historian and naturalist delight us with fascinating talks and inspire our bird-watching.
Day 6 -9: Norway
An intricate maze of islands protects Norway’s coastline. We celebrate crossing the Arctic Circle and visit special places, like Sør Gjaeslingan, once home to a busy cod-fishing fleet. Today it provides fantastic birdlife, including kittiwakes, terns and skuas that migrate here each summer. Continuing north, we pass by Torghatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole through it, and learn the fable of lost love and a troll’s arrow. Majestic scenery delights in Lofoten Islands, from romantic beaches to narrow fjords hemmed by granite walls. Share the water with orcas, the skies with puffins.
Days 10-13: Bear Island & Spitsbergen
We cross the Barents Sea, past often fog-shrouded Bear Island, favourite nesting ground for fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls. Beyond Spitspbergen’s South Cape, we explore South Spitsbergen National Park, a sanctuary for barnacle geese and eider ducks, before entering the iceberg-laden waters of Hornsund. Surrounded by polar desert on a grand scale, we search for reindeer, ringed and bearded seals and the mighty polar bear. We learn of human history dating back 400 years and if lucky, we’ll encounter the elusive beluga whale.
Day 14: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We disembark in Longyearbyen, bid goodbye to expedition staff and are transferred to the airport.
Departs - Selected dates (listed below)
Polar Pioneer Ship Cabins
Triple Public
2 Cabins
Two lower bunks and one upper bunk
Desk
Small washbasin
Ample storage and hanging space
Portholes
Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins
Twin Public
12 Cabins
Two lower bunks
Desk
Small washbasin
Ample storage and hanging space
Couch
Porthole
Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins
Twin Economy Private
Cabin: 402, 403
Deck: 4
Upper and lower bunk
Private bathroom with shower
Couch, desk, chair
Cupboard with hanging space
Air-conditioning control
Outside deck access to main deck
Twin Private
12 Cabins
Two lower bunks
Desk
Windows
Private bathroom with shower
Toilet
Washbasin
Cabins #402 and #403 have upper and lower bunks and a couch
Mini Suite
2 Cabins
Double bed in a separate room
Foldout couch that can be used as a single bed
TV
Video player
Windows
Desk
Table area
Fridge
Private bathroom with shower
Toilet
Washbasin
Captain's Suite
1 Cabin
Double bed in separate room
Foldout couch that can be used as a single bed
Forwards and port windows
Lounge and table area
Fridge
TV
Video player
Private bathroom with shower
Toilet
Washbasin
Ship Deck Plan
SHIP INFORMATION: POLAR PIONEER
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers.
A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.
This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.
The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is our most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome.
What's included?
Post-voyage group tour in Longyearbyen
Group transfers from ship to airport in Longyearbyen
On-board accommodation
All meals during voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac landings
Presentations from naturalist staff and expedition team
Access to on-board doctor and basic medical services
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10% off 2019 departures! 
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