Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Antrim.



Day 2

Portrush, Antrim Coast
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Rathlin Island, home to some of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies.


Day 3

Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Easily one of Britain’s most picturesque towns, Tobermory is the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Mull and positively oozes Scottishness, from the Tobermory Distillery on the harbourfront to the golden eagles which frequent the crags above town. Colourful buildings line the harbour, a mix of cosy cafes, welcoming pubs and boutique galleries selling gorgeous local artworks. Situated between the Sound of Mull and the island’s rugged interior, Tobermory is the ideal jumping-off point to explore this island gem.

Day 4

St Kilda
Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.


Day 5

Kirkwall, Orkney
The capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery – Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However the islands’ history stretches back much further to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history; these are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.


Day 6

Invergordon
Sitting in the calm Firth of Cromarty, Invergordon is a port town serving the North Sea oil industry and the nearby city of Inverness. The are is synonymous with the famous nearby Loch Ness, and of course its legendary monster. Make sure to bring your binoculars for a day of exploring these mythical lands!


Day 7

Aberdeen, Scotland – Disembarkation
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew, step onto the granite stones of Scotland’s most important port city, the ideal place to head back home with treasured Scottish memories, or as a jumping off point to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Day 1

All Aboard in Dublin!
Our expedition begins in Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland. Hosting sites such as the famous Ha’penny Bridge and the spellbinding Book of Kells in Trinity College, the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and the legendary Guinness Storehouse, visitors are spoiled for choice in the Irish capital. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin aboard Ocean Victory and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Cork.

Day 2

Cobh (Cork)
In the morning we sail into the vast natural harbour of Cobh, gateway to Cork, Ireland’s second city. While famous sites such as Blarney Castle and her famous Stone are just a short drive away, Cork city centre is surprisingly compact and walkable, and trad tunes drift from the door of almost every pub. The best food in the city is indisputably found at the English Market, where some of Ireland’s best produce is sold and prepared -an absolute treat for any foodie!

Day 3

Knightstown and the Skelligs
Sitting on Valentia Island, Knightstown is the epitome of rural Ireland – lush, green and dripping with Gaelic charm. Join a hike to the nearby Valentia Island Lighthouse, or journey back through time and see the tetrapod footprints – a palaeontological marvel. In the afternoon we will cruise around the Skellig Islands, magnificent rock pinnacles once home to hermit monks, now a wildlife refuge populated by thousands of seabirds. Keep your binocular handy!

Day 4

Galway
Early in the morning morning, we will pass the legendary Cliffs of Moher before arriving in Galway. While not the largest city in Ireland, Galway is indisputably the island’s cultural capital, sitting in the heart of the Gaeltacht on the windswept Atlantic coast. Immerse yourself in ancient Celtic culture and discover the ancient heritage of the wild west of Ireland.

Day 5

Kilronan, Aran Islands, and Clare Island
Venturing off Ireland’s wild west coast, we find the windswept Aran Islands. Although small, the Aran Islands are probably the most famous of Irish Islands – barren limestone landscapes and ancient hillforts make up the mesmerising landscape, and the ancient Irish language is spoken almost universally – not to mention the islands’ world-famous knitwear! In the afternoon we sail to Clare Island, once home to legendary pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley – thankfully, the welcome here is considerably warmer today than in her time!

Day 6

Portrush, Antrim Coast
Sitting on the island’s northern coast, Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland.

Day 7

Dublin, Disembarkation
On the final day of our expedition, Ocean Victory sails back into Dublin harbour. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the Officers and Crew and step back onto the stones of the Fair City with memories to last a lifetime.

Day 1

All Aboard in Longyearbyen!
Begin your journey in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen offers warm Nordic hospitality. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by crisp polar air, dramatic mountain views, and a polar bear warning sign reminding visitors of their wild new location. Your expedition ship Ocean Albatros awaits you in the harbour; toast your departure from civilization as you sail into the Arctic wilderness, on course for adventure!

Day 2

Northwest Svalbard
Northwest Svalbard, a National Park since 1973, preserves a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area became a hub for Dutch and English whalers. Their haunting remnants, such as the blubber ovens and graves of young sailors at sites such as Smeerenburg, remain visible. Now heavily protected, the region has been reclaimed by nature, rich in Arctic flowers, seabirds, walrus, and polar bears, making it once again a pristine wilderness and haven for wildlife.

Day 3

Northeast Svalbard
In the morning, the expedition enters the icy wilderness of northeastern Svalbard, a stark polar desert shaped by the absence of warming ocean currents. Here, vast glaciers descend into ice-choked waters, surrounding rugged landscapes which appear barren, yet teem with life. Arctic foxes prowl the chilly shores, while hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs above. These cold coastal waters are rich in shellfish, attracting the walrus, which are common in the area. Our exploration plans depend on rapidly changing sea, wind, and ice conditions, embodying the dynamic and unpredictable essence of true polar adventure.

Day 4

North Svalbard
Next, we strive for some of the northernmost pieces of land on Earth – stark landscapes almost permanently beset by ice. With luck, we may reach the polar desert island of Nordaustlandet, or the smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km further north than mainland Norway’s famous Nordkapp. Weather permitting, we will land and walk upon these most northern landmasses. These high Arctic islands are quite barren, and only moss, hardy tundra plants and lichens cover the stones. The birdlife is rich in this area, with flocks of grazing geese and nesting terns and skuas – keep your binoculars handy! At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Arctic ice pack which stretches from Svalbard to the North Pole and beyond.

Day 5

Into the Ice
The Arctic ice pack north of Svalbard is a vast, ever-changing wilderness stretching to the North Pole and beyond to Alaska and Siberia, forming one of Earth’s largest and most dynamic habitats. Though it appears empty at first, this icy realm conceals abundant wildlife—from tiny cod-like fish to seabirds and seals, belugas, bowhead whales, and the elusive polar bear, the region’s apex predator. Ocean Albatros can navigate these narrow ice channels, offering a rare glimpse into this mysterious, shifting environment where nature’s secrets unfold with patience and careful observation.

Day 6

Kongsfjorden Area
During the Arctic “night,” we sail into the stunning Kongsfjord, a vast fjord system framed by glaciers and the dramatic Three Crowns mountains. Here we will visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement, known for its scientific stations and historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers such as Amundsen and Nansen. This remote outpost continues to support vital research amid its breathtaking surroundings, blending the frontiers of science and exploration.

Day 7

Longyearbyen Disembarkation
On the final morning of our expedition, we arrive back in Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after days of isolation in the wilderness of the Arctic! After exploring Longyearbyen and bidding a fond farewell to the crew and fellow Arctic explorers, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.