Cruise Description

14 Night Cruise sailing from Reykjavik to Oslo aboard Crystal Serenity.

Embark on a captivating two-week cruise where the journey is as spectacular as the destinations. After departing Reykjavik, explore Isafjordur and Akureyri, where the striking Icelandic landscapes reveal their pristine beauty. Two sea days offer opportunities to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the ship's amenities before an overnight in Longyearbyen, the gateway to the Arctic, ample time to explore Svalbard's rugged wilderness. Sail next to North Cape, then the stunning, unique fjordic vistas of Leknes, and Bergen, interspersed with enjoyable sea days. Disembark in Oslo.

Highlights of this cruise:

Reykjavik
Formed by volcanic eruptions and settled by Norse Vikings, Iceland is an unforested land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. While its preserved language remains, this is a forward-thinking, eco-friendly country and Reykjavik is its capital where 60% of the population lives. Europe’s second largest island is known for whale watching and its ancient maritime history.

Akureyri
Situated on one of the most magnificent fjords in Iceland, bounded by snow-capped mountains and gently sloping pastures, the weather here is surprisingly moderate despite being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle. Charming and historical, here you’ll find over 2,000 species of plants in the Botanical Gardens, which thrive without the benefit of a greenhouse.

Longyearbyen
This glacier-clad, barely sub-North Pole clime once hosted a tropical forest. That was long ago, in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the forest's presence helped establish what we now know as the town of Longyearbyen. In 1899, coal - the remains of the once-flourishing tropical vegetation - was discovered. In 1906, American John M. Longyear founded the Arctic Coal Company, lending the town his capital and his name. While Americans, Russians and Swedes rushed to the Svalbard archipelago (of which the island of Spitsbergen is a part) in search of black gold, you will make a wealth of other discoveries. During the summer, continuous daylight coaxes flowers into an astounding display of color. Abundant wildlife includes polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, walruses and whales. The town of Longyearbyen offers its own appeal, with an array of interesting shops and welcoming cafés.

Bergen
Mother Nature pulses through Bergen’s veins. The pretty little town is flanked by a mesmerizing canvas of fjords, mountains, and waterways which must be seen to be believed, and cast in the shadow of majestic Mount Fløyen, and visitors who are not afraid of heights should enjoy sweeping views of the valley via the Fløibanen funicular. Bergen is everything you would expect it to be: colorful fishing huts dot the landscape while the vibrant Fish Market, perhaps the beating heart of the town, is where visitors immerse in the flavors of fresh seafood and local produce. Traditional dishes like "klippfisk" and "smørbrød" reveal a deep connection to coastal resources, and are very tasty to boot! Once you have had your fill of sensational landscapes and traditional food, then take a stroll to iconic Bryggen Wharf—a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with vibrantly hued Hanseatic buildings, echoing tales of centuries-old maritime trade.