Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet by joining our Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights itinerary. Cruising along Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes—and possibly cap off a day of Arctic exploration with a nighttime show of the dramatic Aurora borealis as you’ll be in a region where the Northern Lights are regularly visible. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Greenlandic culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and against a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Expedition Highlights
• Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen and seals
• Hike the tundra, visit an Inuit community and explore a breathtaking fjord system of East and Northeast Greenland
• Strong likelihood of viewing the enchanting Northern Lights (Aurora borealis)
• Cruise in a Zodiac to explore majestic landscapes
• Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Day 1 - Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 2 - Embarkation Day
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Day 3 - Cruising
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
Day 4/8 - Exploring Northeast Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Ø offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.
Day 9/10 - Sailing southbound across Denmark Strait and once more crossing the Arctic circle, though southbound this time.
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 11 - Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
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.
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery
This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera lens on board!
Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets—places the ships can’t reach. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable.
There are options on most excursions for shorter walks, often to take advantage of excellent lookouts, that don’t require hiking boots and other equipment. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion.
If you’re interested in kayaking and would like to try something less in depth than Sea Kayaking, you can still enjoy the benefits of adding an on-water experience to your expedition with a Paddling Excursion. Sign up for a onetime paddle on our sit-on-top kayaks, which are stable and unencumbered— perfect for anyone with little to no kayak experience. Expert guides take rotating groups of passengers on calm days to connect with the sea.
Ocean Explorer - the 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.
Luxury star rating: | |
Guests #: | 138 |
Crew #: | 105 |
Ice Class: | 1A, PC6 |
Speed: | 16 |
Refurbished: |
Year built: | |
Length: | 104m |
Width: | |
Draft: | 5 |
Tonnage: | |
Registry: | Portugal |
Elec Outlets: |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.