Your journey begins in Aberdeen, Scotland, where you'll board the expedition vessel. Sailing north, you'll stop at the island of Fair Isle, known for its beautiful knitwear and accessible seabird breeding grounds. You'll then continue to Jan Mayen, a stark volcanic island with a variety of marine life.
From Jan Mayen, you'll sail north along the edge of the sea ice in search of bowhead whales, harp seals, polar bears, and a variety of seabirds. You'll then change direction and sail west to the rocky edges of the continental shelf of west Spitsbergen, where you have a good chance of seeing fin whales and minke whales.
Your final stop is Forlandsundet, a strait between the main island of Spitsbergen and the narrow Prins Karls Forland, where you may see walruses, seabirds, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.
Arriving in Aberdeen (the Granite City), a frequent winner in the Britain in Bloom contest, is the true start of your trip. The real start to your journey is here. Cetaceans such as orcas, also known as killer whales, are indigenous to the area. You can see Girdle Ness, a lighthouse designed by Robert Louis Stevenson's grandfather. He is the famous Scottish author who wrote such works as Treasure Island or Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. You will be joined by more passengers in Aberdeen.