Day 1 | Friday

ATHENS, MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS) - POROS
The adventure begins. Join us on board as you get to know your home at sea, and fellow travellers, over a welcome drink. We’ll set sail, heading for Poros and arriving just in time for dinner. Relax and find out more about each other, before our overnight journey to Poliegos.

Day 2 | Saturday

POLIEGOS - FOLEGANDROS
Wake up in uninhabited Poliegos. The hardest decision you’ll make today is whether to jump into the sea, or to enjoy breakfast on deck. We recommend you do both. In the afternoon we’ll sail to Folegandros to explore the town and Venetian castle, before dressing for dinner and tasting traditional Greek food at a local taverna. Overnight in Folegandros.

Day 3 | Sunday

SANTORINI
Santorini calling. We’ll arrive early with plenty of time to explore the capital, Fira, as well as the smaller village of Oia with its blue-domed views over the caldera. This is the place to get those Instagram shots. Optional tour of the archaeological site, Akrotiri. As evening falls, enjoy the world-famous Santorini sunset with sundowners on deck. Overnight in Santorini.

Day 4 | Monday

ANTIPAROS - PAROS
Today we’ll sail to Paros, with a quick stop in a beautiful bay on neighbouring Antiparos. Yes, you’re welcome to dive in. In Paros, explore both the port city of Parikia, and Naoussa - a quaint, and incredibly photogenic village in the north. Tonight it’s time to show off your dance and plate smashing skills at Greek Night. Overnight in Paros.

Day 5 | Tuesday

DELOS - MYKONOS
Before waving ahoy to Mykonos, we’ll stop for a few hours at sacred Delos. The island is an archaeological site, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us on a guided tour before we sail to more hedonistic Mykonos. Here, the night is yours. Join the jet-set and vibe at the hottest bars and restaurants. Overnight in Mykonos - in case you don’t want to leave the party early!

Day 6 | Wednesday

SYROS
Wake up and refresh with a morning dip in the sea then all aboard for the trip to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. Here you can relax, rest, and rejuvenate on the beach, or take a tour of the town to learn about its unique architecture. Overnight in Syros.

Day 7 | Thursday

KYTHNOS - MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS)
We begin our journey back to Athens, with a last opportunity to jump into the inviting sea at Kolones Bay, Kythnos. Dry off as we sail towards Cape Sounion to hike up to the Temple of Poseidon. On arrival back at Marina Zea, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner before bedding down for one more night on board.

Day 8 | Friday

ATHENS - MARINA ZEAS (PIRAEUS)
Breakfast and disembarkation at 8.30-9am. But this is not goodbye. We’re sure your cabin mates have become friends you’ll stay in touch with. As for us - we hope this is only bye for now, and that we’ll see you on one of our cruises again soon.

Day 1

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Embarkation
Board your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness - hyggligt, as we say in Denmark! Immediately after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world. The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen. After arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel leave civilisation behind... And set a course for adventure!

Day 2-3

Northwest Spitzbergen
One of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West Svalbard was declared a national park in 1973. The area is famed for its history, which documents some of the earliest human arrivals on Svalbard. While Norse explorers may have sighted these icy shores during the Viking Age, the first definite arrival was the expedition of William Barents, the legendary Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea is named. While now protected from human distruption, when Barents arrived in 1596, he noted the vast numbers of whales and seals which were soon prey to English and Dutch whalers, who arrived within a decade of Barents to pillage the area's wildlife. The area occupied the triple point between land, sea and ice, and as such was the perfect location from which to harvest the gentle giants of the oceans. Sites used to dismember whale carcasses and render them for their precious oil include the Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, where the remains of 16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen. Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya record the darker side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home. Today, all that remains from this period of history are bones and the scant remnants of human habitation. Slowly reclaimed by creeping Arctic nature, the region is now a nature lovers paradise. Tiny Arctic poppies and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief summer, while geese, eider ducks and other seabirds return to the island to raise their young. Walrus can be found hauled out on beaches, and we must always be on careful lookout for wandering polar bears in this now again wild region.

Day 4

Northeast Svalbard
In the morning we cruise into the vast icy wilderness of northeastern Svalbard. This region does not recieve the ocean currents which keep western Svalbard warm and wet, and thus the environment is radicaly different, with rocky polar desert landscapes. Vast glaciers flow from the mountains into the sea, which is often choked with ice, even in summer. While it may appear barren, the truth is it is anything but. Hardy animals such as Arctic foxes eke out a living on these chilly shores, constantly on the lookout for prey. In the cliffs above the sea, hundreds of thousands of seabirds crowd on rocky ledges, carefully tending their precious eggs. While the coastal waters of the area are cold, they are incredibly productive; shellfish grown in abundance, and these in turn are preyed upon by walrus, which are common in the area. The exact locations we visit will depend on the sea, wind and ice conditions in the area, which vary year on year, and can change rapidly even in summer - this is the essence of polar exploration, moving with the rhythms of Mother Nature, and taking the opportunities to explore which she provides!

Day 5

North Svalbard
Now we reach some of the northernmost pieces of land on Earth - the northerly coasts of Svalbard, barren landscapes almost permanently beset by ice. With luck we may reach the island of Nordaustlandet and hopefully the seven (or nine, depending on how you count) smaller islands of Sjuøyane in the far north of Svalbard. The almost vegetation-free, rocky islands are located around 1000 km more northernly than mainland Norway’s famous Nordkapp. Weather permitting, we will land and walk upon these most northern landmasses. The high Arctic islands are quite barren, and only moss and lichens cover the stones. The birdlife is rich in this area, with flocks of grazing geese and some of the rarer gulls frequently seen on these islands. Definitely bring your binoculars! At the end of the day, we will start cruising towards the Arctic ice pack which stretches from Svalbard to the North Pole.

Day 6

Into the ice
An icy breeze touches your exposed cheeks. The scent of snow and sea fills your nostrils. Sunlight reflects off the floating ice, illuminating the clouds overhead. Enter an environment like no other, the vast shape-shifting realm of floating ice which crowns our planet. The vast ever-changing ice pack to the north of Svalbard stretches from this already isolated archipelago to the North Pole, and onwards across the Arctic Ocean towards the northern shores of Chukotka and Alaska. The Arctic ice pack is one of Earth's largest habitats, although unlike most it varies hugely year on year, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary wildly - however, your Expedition Leader will work hard to maximise our chances of finding and exploring this impossibly remote environment. At first glance, this stark white wilderness seems barren, empty and lifeless. This icy wilderness holds on to its mysteries, and of course wildlife sightings are at the whims of Mother NatureWith a little perseverance however, the ice reveals its secrets. As Ocean Albatros pushes through the narrow channels in the ice, tiny cod-like fish can be seen silhouetted against the ice in the clear water. Kittiwakes and Gloucous Gulls follow the vessel as it distrubs the water. Further out on the ice, black dots appear; moving closer, they resolve into seals, basking on the ice. A plume of water reflects the sunshine - a pod of belugas perhaps, or maybe even the vast gentle bowhead whale crushing the ice from below as its massive body surfaces. There, beyond the banks of rucked ice - a yellowish dot pads along the ice, the head swinging from side to side: the King of the Arctic continues his never-ending quest for prey. This is the kingdom of the polar bear, the vast icy wastes at the top of the world.

Day 7

Kongsfjorden Area
During the ‘night’ (what is night, when the sun never sets?), Ocean Albatros will have repositioned past the saw-toothed mountains of Prins Karls Forland and arrived in magnificent Kongsfjord. Surrounded by craggy mountains, bounded by the magnificent Kongsbreen and Kongvegen Glaciers, and crowned by the Three Crowns (a set of pyramidal mountains said to represent the monarchies of Norway, Sweden and Denmark), this is surely one of the most beautiful and tranquil corners anywhere in the world. Our first landing will be at the small settlement of Ny Ålesund. Situated further north than Longyearbyen, Ny-Ålesund is Earth's northernmost settlement, if a group of scientific stations, a post office and a single shop open for a few hours can be described as such... You will have to judge for yourself! These islands' geographical location has made them the staging post for exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries - a proud legacy which continues to this day. The setting is spectacular, and the scientific projects are as fascinating as the history of the town, which has hosted the Nobile, the Norge and the Fram, Amundsen, Nansen and Nordenskiöld, all legends of polar exploration who passed this lonely outpost seeking to push the boundaries of humanity. The remnants of these expeditions (such as the mooring mast of the Norge) can still be seen today.

Day 8

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

Day 1

PALMEIRA (SAL ISLAND)
Palmeira, Sal (3-4PM)
Ben Vindo! That’s Portuguese for welcome, and we welcome you to Cape Verde. Meet us on board at the port of Palmeira in Sal and get to know your home for the week, as well as your fellow travellers, over housewarming (or should we say shipwarming) cocktails. We’ll have dinner on board together, before a midnight departure to Boavista. Overnight at sea.

Day 2

SAL REI (BOA VISTA ISLAND)
Boa Vista is the island that has it all: volcanic landscapes, white stretches of sand, sparkling seas. Appreciate the relaxed way of life at one of the many beaches, or join us on an optional tour to discover the authentic aspects of island life: ceramics, colourful architecture and local agriculture. We’ll meet for lunch at a traditional restaurant (don’t miss the specialty *homemade goat’s cheese*) before we embark on our overnight journey to Santiago. Overnight at sea.

Day 3

PRAIA (SANTIAGO ISLAND)
Early morning arrival at Santiago, the largest of the Cape Verde archipelago. We know you’re eager to jump into the tempting waters and this morning is a great opportunity. Enjoy a morning at leisure followed by lunch on board before our optional afternoon trip to Cidade Velha. Founded in 1462, this was the first city to be built on the islands, and the former capital. Come evening, we’ll set off for an overnight at sea. Destination Fogo, the island of fire.

Day 4

SAO FELIPE (FOGO ISLAND)
We arrive at the island to the dominating sight of Fogo Volcano. Fogo means fire in Portuguese: no prizes for guessing how the island got its name! Today’s optional excursion is a full-day expedition: first to the top of the volcano for a walk along the crater’s edge with lunch in Chã das Caldeiras, the crater’s village. This is a trip for the ages, but we’re not finished yet. We’ll visit charming San Felipe in the afternoon, before setting sail for Sao Vicente. Overnight at sea.

Day 5

MINDELO (SAO VINCENTE ISLAND)
Mindelo, Sao Vicente, is a cultural hub known for its traditional music, art and architecture. Join our optional walking tour, meandre through the colonial streets and soak up the colourful sights, sounds and flavours. Visit the National Museum of Handicrafts for a deeper understanding into the rich island heritage. Mindelo is also famous for its lively nightlife; revel in it this evening as we overnight in the port.

Day 6

MINDELO (SAO VINCENTE ISLAND) - PORTO NOVO (SANTO ANTAO)
With just 10 KM between the two islands, it’s a short sail from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao this morning. Santo Antao is the greenest of all the Cape Verde Islands; let us show you its verdant heart - Valley Paul - on our optional tour. A place where passion fruit, mangos, and sugarcane grow in abundance, and where local alcoholic drink, Grogue, is distilled from the latter. Go ahead, try some - but not too much as we’ve still got time to visit the Valley of Ribeira before dinner on board. Overnight in port.

Day 7

PORTO NOVO (SANTO ANTAO)
This morning we’ll discover the south west of the island, with its volcanic, arid landscapes. Join our optional half day excursion as we journey through volcanic landscapes, crop plantations, and isolated villages. Lagedos is one such village, where ecological tourism…. Overnight at sea on route to Sal.

Day 8

PALMEIRA (SAL ISLAND)
As we come full circle (literally!) back to Sal, it’s time for breakfast and goodbyes. For now. We hope to sea you on board one of our other cruises soon.