Crossing the Arctic Circle – Scotland, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen
Memorable and diverse journey linking Scotland with the Arctic | 13 days
Follow in the footsteps of Vikings and Gaels and explore the dramatic islands of the North Atlantic. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and the Faroes and their ancient history.
The ship departs from Edinburgh bound for the Orkneys, Fair Isle, the Shetland Islands and the Faroes. Spend a day on wild and remote Jan Mayen Island before four days with opportunities to hike and view wildlife in Spitsbergen.
Each day we explore off the ship in the company of expert guides, cruising in Zodiacs and enjoying walks on shore.
Ship: Sea Spirit
When: 19 – 31 May 2022
Guide price: £6,230 per person in twin cabin (private facilities) with early booking discount

Trip Reports relating to the Scottish Isles

Map

Travel Tips

Comments

Fiona’s travel tips
BEST TIME TO GO: May and June for the best weather.
MIDGES: Unfortunately the first midges start to appear in Scotland early June and can be around right up to the end of October! However they don’t like strong sunlight, breezes or white or light clothing. Wearing protective clothing and repellents will help keep them at bay.
TOP TIP: Book a Scotland to Spitsbergen voyage and then the consecutive North Spitsbergen one. It’s fun to leave the UK by ship and you will get a discount off the second voyage.
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Clients’ comments
“I felt I received a personal and accessible service from Fiona from my initial enquiry to near the time of my departure. The holiday itself lived up to all my expectations”.
Jennifer Dalmaine, Scotland to Spitsbergen Arctic voyage
“Our favourite part of the trip was observing the walrus, least favourite, the dining area was too noisy during meal times. In all other respects the trip was excellent and was hugely blessed by the quality of the lectures and lecturers.”
John and Beryl Bannister, Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen
“I really enjoyed being among the ice and seeing how it moved in relation to the ship and other bits of ice. There were polar bears and walrus too, but for me the wildlife took second place to the ice and the general environment. Having talked to some of the other passengers, I think the service you provided was exemplary and I have been singing your praises…I’ve never gone on a holiday organised by someone else before so I didn’t know what to expect, but it seems that my experience was far better than some of the others. There were a few times during the trip when I felt a little ‘herded’ but I think that’s the price you pay for being in such an inaccessible part of the world. All in all, a very enjoyable experience and one I would repeat in the northern hemisphere again, in a few years’ time”.
Anne Robinson, Jan Mayen to Spitsbergen
“Particular thanks to Fiona for her courtesy, professionalism and help with booking flights back to Edinburgh. Pre-departure information very good. Excellent handling of last-minute changes caused by change of vessel.”
Mr and Mrs Norman Robb, Ann Rayner and Ronald Cramond, Aberdeen to Spitsbergen voyage
“Deepest thanks for all your kindness and help before departure and to lovely staff on board.”
Alison Lambie, St Kilda, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen (Plancius)
“Weather – very good. Scenery – spectacular. Wildlife sightings – excellent. Boat – extremely comfortable. Expedition staff – mostly extremely good. Atmosphere – friendly and convivial on the whole. The result was one of the more memorable and enjoyable holidays we have ever had.”
Mr and Mrs John Nugée, North Rona, Faroes, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen (Plancius)