Arctic Odyssey | Explorer | IExpedition

Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland and Canada

  • Overview

    Sail in the wake of early Viking explorers on a compelling journey that mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that comes alive in well-preserved ruins and local communities continuing to thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Start your adventure in Iceland’s remote Westfjords before charting a course for southern Greenland, where you’ll glide into dramatic fjords flanked by towering, jagged mountains; and visit colorful Qaqortoq, the unofficial capital of the region. In Canada, trace wild coastlines, keeping an eye out for polar bears, whales, and migrating birdlife.

    Expedition Highlights

    • Take in picturesque views as we sail through dramatic fjords and past glaciers and ice floes in southern Greenland

    • Hike in Iceland's remote Westfjords to observe migrating seabird colonies

    • Step back in time at Viking ruins, like Erik the Red’s farm in Greenland and the 11th-century village at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada

    • Navigate across the Denmark Strait, home to the world's largest underwater waterfall, and the Labrador Sea, known for its nutrient rich cold water currents

    • Keep watch on the open Bridge for polar bears, falcons, whales, and other wildlife along the stunning coast of Labrador

    • Witness a total solar eclipse on the 2026 voyage as we navigate to the best position within the path of totality (conditions permitting)

    Duration: 16 days
    Passengers: 126 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Disembarkation Point: St. John's, Newfoundland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

      Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

    • Day 2 - Flatey Island

      Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet that has survived, and hike across trails that trace the cliffs past a seasonal puffin population.

    • Day 3/4 - Crossing the Denmark Strait

      Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean, the Strait is home to the world's largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck and keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship sails across the continental shelf.

      A total solar eclipse will occur in the region on August 12, 2026. The ship will navigate to the best position within the path of totality to witness this rare, natural wonder (conditions permitting).

    • Day 5 - Prins Christian Sund, Greenland

      Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland, passing between soaring pinnacles and glaciers, allowing the ship to sail through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. Glimpse hanging glaciers through the
      fjords that stretch back to the Greenlandic Ice Sheet and keep an eye out for marine and bird life in these sheltered waters.

    • Day 6/7 - Southern Greenland Fjords

      Home to some of the best preserved ruins of the Viking era in Greenland, Qaqortoq and Tunulliarflik Fjord will provide you with two days of insight, culture and local interactions. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red’s farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family’s longhouse. Explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus.

      Visit the unofficial capital of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, with just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, with houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700’s. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment and local art and handicrafts are on display. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq, the best preserved Norse
      ruins in all of Greenland.

    • Day 8/9 - At Sea / Crossing the Davis Strait

      Spend time on the bow of the ship watching for whales, polar bears and other wildlife; enjoy the ship’s amenities; edit your photos alongside photography experts; and attend expert-led talks about the Arctic as the ship navigates the massive icebergs of Davis Strait on the way to Baffin Island.

    • Day 10/13 - Exploring the Labrador Coast, Canada

      Spend four days tracing the beautiful, wild coast of Labrador, exploring on foot and by kayak and Zodiac. As the ship weaves its way through the Lower Savage islands, you'll keep a watchful eye for the polar bears that call these islands home and use Zodiacs as safe havens to experience their environment firsthand. Watch for peregrine falcons and other birds soaring over the rocky shorelines of the spectacularly narrow Mugford Tickle and take in the impressive sight of the 4,000-foot-high Kaumajet Mountains. Continue to scenic Battle Harbour to discover the reconstructed 19th-century buildings and legacy of this historic fishing village.

    • Day 14 - L’Anse aux Meadows

      In the 1960s, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were excavated at L’Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America, who arrived here nearly 500 years before the explorations of Columbus.

    • Day 15 - Northern Newfoundland

      Cliffs, fjords and beaches grace the northwestern tip of Newfoundland. Hike, kayak or explore by Zodiac with your experts amid this stunning scenery, and keep an eye out for migrating birds and whales.

    • Day 16 - St. John’s, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship

      Disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for flights 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.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
    - Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
    - Crew gratuities
    - Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
    - Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
    - Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
    - Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
    - Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
    - Complimentary reusable water bottle
    - Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
    - Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
    - 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
    - Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
    - All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
    - Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
    - Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Passport, visa, and immigration fees
    - Travel protection plans
    - Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
    - Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
    - Pre- and post-expedition extensions
    - Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
    - Private transfers
  • Map
    Map 15
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    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.

    Features & Facilities
    • Luxury expedition vessel
    • Affiliated with National Geographic
    • Dining room & Bistro
    • Large observation decks
    • Open Bridge
    • Library
    • Observation lounge
    • 24 hour beverage station
    • Wellness Centre
    • Gym
    • laundry
    • Spa
    • Internet/Wifi
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 148
    Crew #: 70
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 18
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 112m
    Width: 16
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 6471
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
national geographic explorer category 1 cabin

Category 01

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 25,564pp
USD$ 25,564pp
national geographic explorer category 2 cabin

Category 02

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 27,266pp
USD$ 27,266pp
national geographic explorer category 3 cabin

Category 03

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
USD$ 28,157pp
USD$ 28,157pp
national geographic explorer category 4 cabin

Category 04

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
USD$ 29,654pp
USD$ 29,654pp
national geographic explorer category sa

Category SA

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
USD$ 34,000pp
USD$ 34,000pp
national geographic explorer category 5 cabin

Category 05

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
USD$ 34,311pp
USD$ 34,311pp
national geographic explorer category SB Single cabin

Category SB

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
USD$ 37,449pp
USD$ 37,449pp
national geographic explorer category 6 cabin

Category 06

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
USD$ 38,469pp
USD$ 38,469pp
national geographic explorer category 7 cabin

Category 07

09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026
These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
USD$ 43,059pp
USD$ 43,059pp