Voyage Overview
Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime,
this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland.
In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds. During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here.
Trip Details
Duration: 15 Days
Ship: Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 passengers
Start at: Helsinki, Finland
End at: Reykjavik, Iceland
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Helsinki
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen and Embark
Days 3-6: Explore Spitsbergen
Days 7-8: At Sea
Days 9-12: East Greenland
Days 13-14: At Sea
Day 15: Disembark Reykjavik
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Day 3-6: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Day 7-8: At Sea
While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Day 9-12: Exploring East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Day 13-14: At Sea
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.
Day 15: Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Ocean Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Owner’s Suite
DECK 7
The largest suite onboard Ocean Explorer with a master bedroom, living room with sofa bed, and a dining area with 4-seat table. Take in the spectacular polar views from the triple sized balcony on the highest cabin deck. Additional features include two large master bathrooms (one with a bathtub), two TV’s and state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
443 sq. ft. (41.2m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 singles + sofa bed
Penthouse Suite
DECK 7
Two room suite featuring a bedroom and a separate sitting area with sofa bed. The double sized balcony can be accessed from both rooms. The bedroom has a connecting bathroom with shower and there is an additional powder room off the siting area. There are two TV’s and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
296 sq. ft. (25.0 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Junior Suite
DECK 6
These spacious 2-room suites are conveniently located near the library and lecture lounge. The inner bedroom has a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. The outer sitting room is furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
298 sq. ft. (27.7 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Suite
DECK 4
DECK 6
Located throughout the ship Veranda Suites feature a sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
205 sq. ft. (19.2 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
DECK 7
Veranda Staterooms have a sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
208 sq. ft. (19.3 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
DECK 4
The lowest priced double occupancy cabins on the Ocean Explorer with a forward location on deck 4. Staterooms feature a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony, desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There are just 4 cabins in this category so you’ll need to book early to secure this entry level price.
182 sq. ft. (16.9 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Studio Veranda Single
DECK 7
Solo occupancy cabin located high on the ship with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. As there is only one Studio Veranda Single cabin, it is more often than not often sold out.
162 sq. ft. (15.1 m2)
1
1 twin
Studio Single
DECK 3
Dedicated solo occupancy cabins with a low location and porthole view. Cabins feature a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
177 sq. ft. (16.5 m2)
1
1 double
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official expedition parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Transfer from Longyearbyen town center to port on embarkation day
- Group transfer to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
- Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data intensive applications.)
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Arrival transfer in Helsinki
- Airport transfer in Reykjavik
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? If willing to share a cabin, we can match you with another passenger of the same gender to avoid a single supplement.
Single occupancy price is 1.5x the per person share price.
