ocean nova northern lights cruise

Arctic Express: Greenland's Northern Lights

  • Overview
    For those short on time, the benefits of this expedition are many. You’ll witness the delights of the world’s largest fjord system of Scoresby Sund, discover the fascinating Inuit settlements and people of Ittoqqortoormiit, and have the possibility of viewing some of the world’s most vivid displays of Northern Lights. As one of our more active adventures, you’ll have the chance to trek along the tundra and at Greenland National Park, climb mountains and watch grazing musk ox and other arctic wildlife on the horizon.
    Duration: 10 days
    Passengers: 72 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavik, Iceland
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.7x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland

      Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.

    • Day 2 - Embarkation Day at Constable Point

      You’ll fly from Reykjavik to Constable Point to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

    • Day 3 - Apelfjord

      You’ll cruise through breathtaking Alpefjord. Fjords punctuate the scenery all around. Your day will be spent exploring and Zodiac cruising through a multitude of dazzling icebergs, fjords and sounds in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout for arctic fox and musk ox, which roam free here.

    • Day 4 - Brogetdal and Watershausen Glacier

      Multi-hued mountains surround lovely Brogetdal, which was originally called “painted valley,” and later translated to mean “multicolored valley.” You’ll view colorful vistas, and fascinating geology. Later, you’ll travel to the impressive and rarely visited Waltershausen Glacier, an imposing ice floe at the head of Nordfjord, named after German explorer Baron Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen, after his failed 1869 attempt to reach the North Pole via East Greenland.

    • Day 5 - Blomsterbugten and Renbugten

      Blomsterbugten, the “Bay of Flowers,” is home to beautiful purple and gold colored rocks that you’ll view from a distance, or on a hike for those who wish. Later we’ll continue to Renbugten, called “Reindeer Bay” for the herd of 12 reindeer seen on one of the first expeditions to the area. Arctic hare are a common and delightful sight in this area.

    • Day 6 - Ella Oya (Ella Island)

      Ella Oya is a hiker’s paradise. The area is surrounded by ice-choked waters, rugged cliffs and sky-blue icebergs. Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the island—the views are worth it.

    • Day 7 - Ittoqqortoormiit and Hall Bredning

      At the start of the sound, Itoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community and boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. With clear skies, you’ll have a great opportunity to see the northern lights. You can also support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts. Our time here is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life. Later, we’ll see huge icebergs - larger than football fields, taller than apartment buildings - crossing Hall Bredning, part of Scoresby Sund.

    • Day 8 - Frederiksdal and Sydkap

      Sailing on, deeper into Scoresby Sund you’ll encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we approach Sydkap. The scenery here is unforgettable, with towering mountain sides and hundreds of monumental icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception.

    • Day 9 - Disembarkation at Constable Point

      Arrive at Constable Point and disembark the ship. Sit back and enjoy your charter flight from Constable Point to Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland. Overnight in your comfortable Reykjavik hotel.

    • Day 10 - Depart Reykjavik

      Make your own way to the airport for your return flight home, or spend some extra time in Reykjavik - you’ll be amazed at the variety of attractions and must-see places of interests Reykjavik has to offer.

    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.

  • Highlights & Activities

    Kayaking

    Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the Polar regions.

    Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

    USD$ 611 per person

    Hiking

    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.

    Included

    Dance Under the Aurora Borealis

    The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere.

    Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.

    Musk Ox

    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.

    Scoresby Sund

    Sailing deep into Scoresby Sund, towering mountains and unforgettable landscape make for a dramatic couple of days. However, it is icebergs on a grand scale that are sure to impress us the most. Scoresby Sund icebergs are often some of the most dramatic and intricately shaped, set against Greenland’s incredible mountains, there are few landscapes like this!

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Comfortable expedition boots and a high quality expedition parka, specifically designed for the polar regions.

    Transfers& Accommodation

    Transfers and accommodation are included on your embarkation and disembarkation days in Reykjavik

    Charter Flights

    Return charter flights are included between Reykjavik and Constable Point

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Emergency evacuation insurance up to USD$500,000
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - All shipboard accommodation and meals
    - Charter flight from Reykjavik to Constable Point
    - Greenland cruise passenger tax
    - Transfers on embarkation and disembarkation day
    - 000 per person
    - Service taxes and port charges
    - Photographic journal of your expedition
    - All shore excursions and lectures in the itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Pre and post-cruise accommodation
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - Gratuities
    - Phone & Internet charges
    - Bar charges
    - Laundry charges
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Baggage / cancellation / interruption and medical travel insurance
    - Government arrival & departure taxes
    - Passport & Visa expenses
    - International airfare
  • Map
    Screen shot 2017 07 05 at 2.01.50 pm
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    OCEAN NOVA

    Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Ocean Nova was built in Denmark. This ship delivers clean, crisp Scandinavian styling with a reputation as an excellent ship in the Polar regions. Ocean Nova’s ice strengthened hull has enabled the ship to sail the ice-choked waters.

    Features & Facilities
    • Comfortable expedition vessel
    • glass enclosed observation lounge and presentation room
    • dining room
    • bar
    • library
    • small gym and infirmary.
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 3
    Guests #: 78
    Crew #: 38
    Ice Class: 1B, EO
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 73m
    Width: 11
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 2183
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V / 2 Round Pin
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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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.

Quad

22 Sep 2018 - 01 Oct 2018
Quad cabin with private facilities with window
USD$ 5,440pp
USD$ 5,440pp

Triple

22 Sep 2018 - 01 Oct 2018
Triple cabin with private facilities with window
USD$ 5,888pp
USD$ 5,888pp

Upper/Lower

22 Sep 2018 - 01 Oct 2018
Twin cabin with private facilities with window
USD$ 7,232pp
USD$ 7,232pp

Bridge Deck

22 Sep 2018 - 01 Oct 2018
Twin cabin with private facilities with window
USD$ 7,552pp
USD$ 7,552pp

Upper Deck

22 Sep 2018 - 01 Oct 2018
Twin cabin with private facilities with window
USD$ 8,000pp
USD$ 8,000pp