Arctic Ocean Expedition, Aberdeen - Fair Isle - Jan Mayen - Ice edge - Spitsbergen - Birding | 12 Days | Hondius Cruise

Transfers are available from Vlissingen train station to the ship. Oceanwide Expeditions buses will be parked at Prins Hendrikweg.

We hope that we will be able to see species such as minke whales and orcas while crossing the North Sea.

The excursion will take passengers who boarded at Vlissingen to Fowlsheugh - a seabirds cliff located south of Aberdeen. Here, you can see over 100,000 seabirds of various species. You can also join an excursion in the Ythan Estuary where you will see harbor seals and grey seals on the beach, as well as birds who stay close to shore. Bookings include both excursions.

Fair Isle is a Shetland island whose 70-plus inhabitants are famous for their knitwear. You may also see grey seals. This location is ideal for seabird breeding and has easy access to the area.

The Norwegian island Jan Mayen is 300 nautical miles north of Iceland. You will not be wasting your two days on the sea. Watch out for any water spouts from surrounding waters, which could be a sign of an orca, minke or blue whale.

Jan Mayen, a volcanic island with a snow-capped peak of Mount. Beerenberg. Broken glaciers reach out to the icy sea from the steep slopes of the 2,300 meter high (7,545 foot) volcano. You can visit the Norwegian weather station with permission. In the mossy beds that cover this stark volcanic terrain, you can walk up to the remnants of an old Dutch whaling base from the 17th century.

You sail along the edge the sea ice, basking in the sun at midnight, in search of bowheads whales and other sea birds. After 79deg. north you change directions and head east towards the rocks of the west Spitsbergen continental shelf. You can see fin whales here, and near the mouths of the Spitsbergen glacial fjords you may even spot surfacing minke Whales.

Forlandsundet is located between Spitsbergen's main island and the Prins Karls Forland. It has a beautiful landscape and is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. Here, you can see walruses hauling out. You can also sail to St. Johns Fjord, or go south, landing in Alkhornet, and then head into Isfjorden. These cliffs are home to seabirds that nest there, Arctic Foxes who search for eggs and chicks below, and Reindeer which graze in the sparse foliage.

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must end. After disembarking in Longyearbyen (the administrative centre of Spitsbergen), you will take with you memories to accompany your journey wherever it may lead. If you still want to see the Arctic's iconic predator, join us on our 7-night North Spitsbergen cruise, "in quest of polar bears and pack ice."