ICELAND, GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN
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15 DAYS
This expedition cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland then sails to to Scorsbysund, on the northeast coast of Greenland, cruising through fjords and stopping at an Inuit community before continuing to Spitsbergen high above the Arctic Circle. Iconic Arctic animals such as the polar bear, musk ox, reindeer and walrus are commonly seen.
ITINERARY SUMMARY ICELAND, GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN
Day Place Highlights
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland Explore this vibrant city
Day 2 Rekjavik Embark on your voyage in Reykjavik
Days 3 & 4 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
Days 11 - 14 Spitsbergen Polar bears, glaciers, walrus, reindeer, Arctic birds
Day 15 Oslo, Norway Disembark in Spitsbergen, Flight to Oslo
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
World Explorer
Launched in 2019, the World Explorer is fully equipped to venture to the High Arctic. This ship takes 176 guests and each cabin has either a private walk-out balcony or a Juliet balcony for direct ocean views as well as an en-suite bathroom. There are many comfortable public areas to relax after a day filled with excursions including the glass domed observation lounge, the explorer lounge and a dedicated lecture theatre where the educational program is conducted. There are health and wellness facilities featuring an outdoor running track, small gym, sauna and spa.
Ocean Adventurer
The expedition ship Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort and has a classic style and feel. She was originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976 and has undergone several renovations; in 1999, 2002 and her most significant in 2017. The Ocean Adventurer is ice-strengthened and a beautiful small ship upon which to discover the wonders of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
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.
Day 2 Embark Reykjavik
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.
Days 3-4 Denmark Strait
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.
Days 5-8 East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen; 40% of the world’s population lives here. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Days 9-10 Greenland Sea
As the ship cruises north, the Greenland Sea is your pathway toward Svalbard. On deck, you’ll be able to spot seabirds and keep your eyes open for whales. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Days 11-14 Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and dramatic beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep- walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Day 15 Disembark Longyearbyen, fly to Oslo, Norway
The time to say goodbye to the expedition team and crew has come. Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen where you will disembark. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.