Quick Email
888 308 4904
Magnificent wildlife in three quintessential Arctic locations
See the majestic setting that the lordly polar bear freely roams as we explore the Arctic Svalbard archipelago of Norway, pulling the ship’s bow up to blue-veined glaciers, alighting on islands where caribou drift like smoke across the tundra. Go from the TV series depiction of Vikings to a real sense of their heroism. From Svalbard, we’ll follow in the wake of these, and other fearless explorers and colonists to discover the dramatic landscapes and rich traditions of Greenland and Iceland. This itinerary enables you to:
Day 1 - Oslo, Norway
Fly to Oslo. On arrival, check into Oslo’s Thon Bristol Hotel (or similar) and explore this charming city. Stroll amid Oslo’s famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian polar explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is at leisure.
Day 2 - Oslo/Longyearbyen; Embarkation Day
Depart Oslo on a charter flight, and enjoy breathtaking vistas en route to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Day 3/15 - Exploring Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
Our day-by-day itinerary, in keeping with the nature of an expedition, will be a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this dynamic arctic region. We’ll take full advantage of our ‘human resources’—our experienced Captain, expedition leader and naturalists—as well as our technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we’ll chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us to exciting discoveries. We have an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the icebergs. The Undersea Specialist will deploy the ROV, bringing back imagery few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice and two photographers on board, you’ll have assistance to get your best photos ever.
We begin in Svalbard, Norway—a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. Venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline.
Svalbard’s wonders are a prelude to days ahead of discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice’s edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness. Be on deck as our captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. And if the ice yields, we’ll aim for Scoresbysund, on the east coast of Greenland, still awakening from winter’s long icy grip. If the ice is unrelenting, we’ll head to Iceland.
The finale of our journey is the west coast of Iceland: Isafjördur, a picture postcard of Icelandic life; the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills; and Flatey Island, a former trading post.
Day 16 - Reykjavík/Disembark/Home
Our grand adventure takes us to Iceland’s lively capital city, Reykjavík. Have a guided overview of the old town, and visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, prior to our flight home.
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
The National Geographic Explorer operates with a mandatory charter flight package on this departure;
Oslo, Norway - Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We pioneered kayaking in polar geographies, allowing our guests to have unprecedented personal experiences in the ice.
Now, nearly all our ships carry types of kayaks designed to get guests of all experience and fitness levels out on the water comfortably and safely. And more than just a token few, we carry a veritable fleet to ensure everyone who wants to can.
Aside from the polar bear, the musk ox is probably the most truly Arctic of the northern land mammals. It is often said to be an artifact species surviving from the late Pleistocene and the last ice age. Of course, all living Arctic animals are somehow survivors of the last ice age, but the musk ox looks the part more. Currently natural populations exist in Arctic areas from northern Canada to Greenland at very high latitudes, and introduced populations exist in northern Europe, Russia, and Alaska. Introductions were attempted in Iceland and Svalbard but they have not survived.
On board our Arctic expedition voyages there is always someone on board with eyes peeled for whales. The experience ship crew will always position the ship in the most respectful manner to achieve the best whale sightings.
Unlike the Antarctic, not all the whales species in the Arctic migrate, some indeed call the Arctic home. Sightings are possible during the early season voyages right through until the end of the season. There is a great opportunity in the Arctic to see Blue, Fin, Orca, Minke, Humpback and potentially the elusive Greenland whale.
Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader, an assistant expedition leader, and a team of eight naturalists, many of them polar veterans, of a variety of specialties: zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history, and more. Other members of the 15-person team include an undersea specialist, a photographer, plus a certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, a video chronicler, and a wellness specialist. Together they provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation for this extraordinary and diverse geography.
Our chefs use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, including sustainably caught fish, and other local and indigenous products. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is served. There are fish or meat choices at every meal, and our chef will happily accommodate vegan or other special diet requests.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the National Geographic alliance, her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, we completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions we explore. She provides a peerless expedition experience. Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
| Luxury star rating: | 5 |
| Guests #: | 148 |
| Crew #: | 70 |
| Ice Class: | 1A |
| Speed: | 18 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | |
| Length: | 112m |
| Width: | 16 |
| Draft: | |
| Tonnage: | 6471 |
| Registry: | Bahamas |
| Elec Outlets: | 220V / 2 Round Pin |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
