Iceland past and present
In Reykjavík, you'll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, museums delving into Icelandic history and culture through the ages. On tiny islands and in coastal fishing villages, you'll hear tales of elves and epic Viking sagas.

Volcanic landscapes, whales and seabirds
Discover Iceland's starkly beautiful, volcanic scenery – with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. Iceland offers among the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year, from humpbacks to belugas. Among the birdlife we’ll be on the lookout for Atlantic Puffins and many others.

Highlights


• 11-day Iceland Circular Expedition Cruise from and to Reykjavík


Discover Iceland's modern capital Your Iceland expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a city full of art, culture and history. Visit Laugavegur, the main shopping street and head towards the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. Or why not explore the galleries and museums dotted around the city. Once aboard MS Maud – a smaller ship built for more personal exploration – it's time to settle in, meet your Expedition Team, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner. Pre-Programme With so much to explore, you may want to arrive early to join one of our Pre-Programmes and explore the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands.
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes It's as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains. Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’snicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes. At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.
Visit a stunning beach, waterfalls and go birdwatching Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village. You can enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views. Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular falls in the Westfjords. Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills live on Europe’s largest bird cliff.
Explore northwest Iceland, expedition-style One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary we won't know exactly what's in store until the day itself. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure. We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike, swim or beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything! Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub.
Explore a ghostly factory and hike in magical surroundings The remote village of Djúpavík,at the edge of the Westfjords, has an eerie charm. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting, and a guided tour of the old building will reveal all. Inside its cavernous interior, huge machines rust away quietly, and the everyday objects of the workers sit on desks untouched. Explore the magical surroundings here on foot and take a short, invigorating hike to the waterfall just above the old factory. Looking down onto the shore, you may spot the old rusting ship from a previous era – this really is a place of contrasts.
Explore Akureyri and see volcanic moonscapes Today we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, to Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital. It's a prime area to see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Stroll around the interesting streets of Akureyri, which feature charming, colourful houses. You can also learn about the history of the city at the Akureyri Museum, and visit Into the Arctic – Norðurslóð –a museum dedicated to Iceland’s settlement, culture and life in the north. Further afield you can visit the picturesque Goðafoss – ‘God’s Waterfall’ – where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. Seek out Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur. This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is associated with its Atlantic Puffin colonies. But Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island – the only part of Iceland where it does so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back! Hike to the Orbis et Globus sculpture, a huge concrete sphere that’s repositioned each year to fit the northward movement of the Arctic Circle. In fact, by 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic!
Iceland's best whale watching spot Today you’ll explore Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales. Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum. You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.
Local folklore and natural beauty Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny settlement a bit off the beaten track. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. A popular hiking area, you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Discover the town that defied a volcano Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful 1973 volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island. Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing Mount Eldfell –at the volcano’s summit you’ll have incredible views of the town below.
Explore Reykjavík at your leisure Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavík. Now is a great chance to see the places you missed when you first arrived. Relaxing with friends in heittur pottur, geothermal waters, is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, why not visit Iceland’s most famous place for doing just that – the Blue Lagoon –one of the true natural wonders of the world. Here, you’llexperience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters. Post-Programme You can also join our Post-Programme and explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.
Itineraries are subject to change.

Polar Inside. From

$8,355 AUD pp
Polar Inside. From
Our cozy Polar Inside cabins are located on all decks. All cabins include bathrooms with a shower/toilet. Most cabins have separate beds, with one doubling as a sofa. Others are equipped with upper and lower berths. All cabins have individual specifications.

Polar Outside. From

$8,856 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are mostly situated on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with a shower/toilet. They have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, or upper and lower berths. All cabins have individual specifications.

Arctic Superior. From

$10,443 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. Situated on both the upper and middle decks, they all have bathrooms with shower/toilet. They are also equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities. Most of them have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, and some have double beds. All cabins have individual specifications.

Expedition Suite. From

$17,879 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most luxurious cabins. Situated on the ship’s upper deck, the suites feature seating areas with TV and bathrooms with shower/toilet, all with double beds. Some suites have more amenities than others. Located on decks 6, 7, and 8. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.

Polar Inside. From

$8,355 AUD pp
Polar Inside. From
Our cozy Polar Inside cabins are located on all decks. All cabins include bathrooms with a shower/toilet. Most cabins have separate beds, with one doubling as a sofa. Others are equipped with upper and lower berths. All cabins have individual specifications.

Polar Outside. From

$8,856 AUD pp
Polar Outside. From
Our Polar Outside cabins are mostly situated on the middle or lower decks and all have bathrooms with a shower/toilet. They have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, or upper and lower berths. All cabins have individual specifications.

Arctic Superior. From

$10,443 AUD pp
Arctic Superior. From
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. Situated on both the upper and middle decks, they all have bathrooms with shower/toilet. They are also equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities. Most of them have separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa, and some have double beds. All cabins have individual specifications.

Expedition Suite. From

$17,879 AUD pp
Expedition Suite. From
Our Expeditions Suites are the most luxurious cabins. Situated on the ship’s upper deck, the suites feature seating areas with TV and bathrooms with shower/toilet, all with double beds. Some suites have more amenities than others. Located on decks 6, 7, and 8. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 135,75 m

Passenger Capacity: 528

Built: 2003

About the ship

MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud').

Ship features

This ship has passed stringent tests and has been accredited by the leading independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). The strict and thorough safety audit required by BV ensures every ship is in compliance with industry and international health, safety and hygiene best practices. When you see the SafeGuard label, you can feel confident the vessel you’re sailing in meets the highest standards to achieve certification. SafeGuard furthermore ensures that best practice guidelines are being followed with regard to hygiene, sanitation and limiting the spread of infectious diseases on board.

Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles.

Premium expedition comfort

Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year. Channel your inner scientist in the advanced Science Center and enjoy daily lectures in the lecture hall or in the comfort of your cabin with our new streaming service. Sample delicious dishes from local suppliers in the restaurants and enjoy beverages and the spectacular views in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. On deck 9, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the outdoor Observation deck. There’s also a gym and a sauna with stunning views.

Interior and Cabins

MS Maud is well-suited for expedition cruising, with a décor inspired by Norway’s stunning nature, reflected in many of the pieces of Norwegian modern art on board. Her bright interiors are appointed in a classic Art Deco style. Colours are inspired by the Midnight Sun, allowing you to relax in warm vibes every day of the year.

Explorer lounge & bar

Enjoy the view with a drink in the Explorer lounge & bar.

Science Center

The hub of onboard learning is our Science Center, an edutainment venue where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. We stream for your comfort our lectures to cabins.

Gym

The MS Maud offers a complete gym.

Sauna & Ralaxation

After a day of exploring, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the hot tubs or the sauna, exercise in the gym, take in the scenery in the elegant Explorer Lounge & Bar, or browse in the on-board shop.

Library 

The ship has a small selection of books that are available to guests while on board.

Observation Deck

The Observation Deck is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch wildlife with your binoculars.

Aune Restaurant

Welcome onboard to a culinary journey and our award-winning food sourcing program. On board you find restaurant Aune - our main dining room; Named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune.

Fredheim Restaurant

The ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Fredheim - with casual fast food and plant based alternatives.

Lindstrom Restaurant

And our fine dining restaurant Lindstrøm, named after Polar Hero and Amundsen Chef Adolf Lindstrøm. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy.

Cabin layout for Maud

Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• On board lectures
• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Transfers unless otherwise stated
• Optional Excursions
• Pre and Post voyage accommodation
• Beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Meals while ashore
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Notes
• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements 
• No gratuities expected
Maud
Iceland ExpeditionExpedition
11 Days from
$8,355 AUD pp

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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