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Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet on the 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.
Day | Place | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Explore this vibrant city |
Day 2 | Reykjavik | Embark on your voyage in Reykjavik |
Day 3 | Denmark Strait | Whale spotting, Presentations |
Days 4 - 8 | East Greenland | Visit Thule settlements and Scorebysund fjord complex |
Days 9 & 10 | At Sea | Sea Birds, Presentations |
Day 11 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark |
The Ocean Explorer is the newest addition to the Quark fleet, offering modern and elegant design. This 138 passenger vessel is purpose-built for polar exploration, featuring well-appointed and spacious public areas and ample outdoor viewing areas for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. 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.
The newest ship in the Quark fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Ultramarine accommodates 199 guests and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to offer the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. With two dining areas, four bars, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, spa and fitness centre, Polar boutique and an ocean view sauna your days at sea can be as busy or relaxing as you decide.
Your arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland. Arrive in the capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own. You may wish to visit the famous Golden Circle which includes the Strokkur Geysir, the parting of the tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall.
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. You will have time in the morning to visit some of the interesting sites in town before embarkation. Once on board settle into your room before meeting your expedition team and fellow travel companions for a safety briefing and setting sail.
At sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Greenland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll inevitably see soaring above your ship.
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, 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 Øya 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 Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya.
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by the 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.
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, a transfer will be provided to a central downtown location.