HIGHLIGHTS
- Nansen
Fjord - A hidden gem on the east coast of Greenland, Nansen Fjord is a
postcard-perfect example of Arctic beauty
- Isfjord
- The second longest fjord in Svalbard, Isfjord lies on the west side
of the principal island of Spitsbergen
- Sightings
of Arctic Hare, Harp Seal, Minke Whale, Musk Ox, Bearded Seal
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Quadruple Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior | Junior Suite | Grand Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Quadruple Porthole | (Mid-range)
Twin Deluxe | (High-end)
Grand Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Largest town, biggest island
You
touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen,
the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around
this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make
for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more
than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early
evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first
minke whale of your voyage.
Day
2 - 3: Onward to east Greenland
You
may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice
flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for
whales and migrating seabirds here
Day
4: Tundra, mountains, and icebergs
As
you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster
Bay and land at Margrethedal, where at the east side of the river are
remains of Thule culture from some centuries ago. The lower tundra
areas near the shores are populated by musk oxen. From here you sail
through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and
bright interior icebergs.
Day
5: Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord
You
pass Teufelschloss (Devil's Castle), a mountain with layered geology.
On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt (Flower Bay) and the
intended landing site. In the afternoon we continue through Antarctic
Sound and make a landing on Marie Island.
Day
6: Sights of Muskoxen
The
first half of the day you spend in Blomsterdal (Flower Valley) near
Antarctic Havn, a where we often spot groups of musk oxen. Another
possibility is Ørsted Dal, with landing at Cape Seaforth.
Day
7: Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear
Today
you reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons
Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier
fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of
Vikingebugt.
The
afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains
of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular
stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses
can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with
easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites.
In the evening, you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the
west.
Day
8: Colors of the cape
The
goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world's most cherished
iceberg attractions: The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp
against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon
plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord,
with the chance to see musk oxen and warm late summer foliage.
Day
9: Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
In
the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328
feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are
grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). You
then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot
of seeing Arctic hares.
Day
10: Settlement at Scoresbysund
Today
you make a tundra landing at a lagoon, just west of Kap Stewart. The
afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in
Scoresbysund at about four hundred inhabitants. At the post o?ce you
can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the
sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you
sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
Day
11: Historical d ‘Aunay Bay
This
attractive fjord with several side arms, was discovered and first
described by the Frenchman de Blosseville in 1833. We have seen polar
bears and narwals there at a previous visit.
Day
12: Near Greenland's highest mountain
In
Nansen Fjord, surrounded by enormous glacier fronts, we spot
Gunnbjörns Fjeld. At 3.700 m, it is the highest mountain north
of the Arctic circle. Near the glacier fronts we may see bearded seals
and at the mouth of the fjord large groups of harp seals.
Day
13: Sea life along the counter currents
We
sail eastward in the cold East Greenland Current and later in the warm
Gulfstream Current with a multitude of sea life (whales, seals,
seabirds) at the mixing zones of these waters.
Day
14: Journey ends in Keflavik
We
finally arrive at Iceland's international port and airport Keflavik
where you will disembark the vessel, taking home priceless memories of
friends made, wildlife encountered, and a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic
adventure.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee
and tea.
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff.
- Free
use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers
and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for
those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen.
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO
fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material.
Not
included in this voyage
- Any
airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre-
and post- land arrangements.
- Passport
and visa expenses.
- Government
arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals
ashore.
- Baggage,
cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess
baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry,
bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The
customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other
service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Zodiac
Cruising & Shore Program
