HIGHLIGHTS
- Remain
vigilant for sightings of marine mammals such as seals, and the
majestic polar bear
- Enjoy
some of the world's most impressive scenery and Greenland's best
wildlife viewing
- Explore
Scoresby Sund, one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord
systems in the world
- Sail
through deep fjords and narrow passages that are framed by sheer rock
walls up to 2,000 meters high
- Take
a look at colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and
sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift
throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling
blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow
- Visit
the Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest and most northerly
national park in the world
- The
Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of Northeast
Greenland National Park, the world's largest and perhaps most remote
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Classic | Main Deck Suite | Classic Suite | Superior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Premium Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Classic | (Mid-range)
Superior Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland (hotel night)
Welcome
to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of
our Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International
Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle
or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged by us
and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to
explore this attractive, friendly and quintessentially Nordic city. For
an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture, we
recommend starting at the superb National Museum and Culture House. You
will also want to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church,
Reykjavík’s most famous landmark. For those
interested in natural history, we recommend the Whales of Iceland
museum, which houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found
around Iceland. For dinner, Reykjavík offers countless
options for an authentic Icelandic meal.
Day
2: Welcome Aboard!
After
breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy
Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden
or a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the
abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the heart of
the city. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some
last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you
will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to
borrow on board the ship. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to
the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition
vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore
the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary
adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events
kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your
expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board,
step out onto the open decks to admire the views as we sail through
Faxaflói, where it is possible to encounter our first whales.
Day
3: Across the Greenland Sea
From
Reykjavik we head southwest across the Greenland Sea toward East
Greenland. In these far northern latitudes, it is possible to encounter
sea ice any time of the year. All along the way, we remain vigilant for
sightings of marine mammals such as seals, and the majestic polar bear.
In previous eras, a large number of different species of whales,
especially bowhead whales, lived in the Greenland Sea. But due to
hunting which lasted into the 20th century, the whales were on the
verge of extinction. Now, fortunately, the populations are recovering,
and sometimes we can see these majestic animals passing by.
Day
4-12: East Greenland Adventure
The
itinerary for this part of our voyage focuses on the spectacular
fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as
Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of
the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s
best wildlife viewing. As with any true polar expedition, our exact
schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. At this late
stage of the season, we expect our explorations will be minimally
affected by sea ice. However, we will be alert for icebergs from
surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational
challenges. Our experienced captain and expedition leader will
continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in
this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.
Scoresby
Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in
the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of
the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic
wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of
incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by
sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal
icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and
water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate
fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and
polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal
plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of
Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for
“scenic”.
Our
area of exploration includes part of Northeast Greenland National Park,
the largest and most northerly national park in the world. This vast
Arctic landscape is a paradise for hikers who appreciate astounding
views of untouched tundra wilderness. Across hillsides emblazoned with
autumnal red and yellow, a flash of white reveals the flight of a snowy
owl or a startled mountain hare. Tufts of the finest fleece ensnared in
polar willows underfoot point the way to a nearby herd of shaggy musk
oxen. You may hear the crack of horns colliding as bulls engage in
fearsome battles of strength. Boreal fowl of every description are
preparing to migrate south with their newly fledged chicks. All
throughout the waterways of Scoresby Sund, we are on constant watch for
polar bears and other marine mammals, including a variety of seals,
walrus and narwhal, which can be spotted at any time.
The
Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of Northeast
Greenland National Park, the world’s largest and perhaps most
remote. This whole area contains some of the Arctic’s most
magnificent scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by
ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high, reach far into the mountainous
heart of Greenland. Tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs that
float with wind and tide throughout the fjord system. On shore, fields
of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare.
Ancient
Thule archeological sites remind us of humankind’s age-old
relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a
look at how this tradition has been carried forward, we plan to visit
the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent
settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the
world. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade
crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled
dogs.
In
September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities
to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for
nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights.
East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view
this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the
perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby
Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby
Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are
mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and
serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.
This
itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most
scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your
days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class
Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and
overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and
sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the
planet.
Day
13: Back to Iceland
After
our amazing time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark
Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff,
as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this
day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can
be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.
Day
14: Westfjords, Iceland
Our
last expedition day is spent in the beautiful Vestfirðir
(Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of
crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees
only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to
whales while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.
Day
15: Disembarkation in Reykjavík, Iceland
After
filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond
farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik
international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend
your stay in Iceland.
Sea Spirit (Luxury Expedition, 114-guests)
The ice-strengthened small all-suite expedition ship Sea Spirit (originally Renaissance V) was built in 1991 in Italy. From that time she has changed several operators and regions of navigation, cruising in Singapore, Alaska, Pacific Basin, Arctic and Antarctica. The vessel was modified in late 2010. Providing spacious suites for accommodation of maximum of 114 passengers (the smallest suite is 20 sq. meters) the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctica.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Grand Hotel Reykjavik;
- Group
transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Shipboard
accommodation;
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team;
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka;
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails;
- All
port fees;
- Group
transfer to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or centrally located
hotel for luggage storage right after disembarkation;
- Pre-departure
materials;
- Digital
Voyage Log;
- Wi-Fi
on board.
Rates
Do Not Include:
- Airfare;
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel at beginning of the program;
- Visa
and passport fees (if applicable);
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations;
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person;
- Kayaking;
- The
cost of any applicable medical tests (such as COVID-19) or vaccinations
required either by a national government or Poseidon Expeditions
before, during or after the cruise;
- Staff
gratuities.
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 655
- Photography:
Free
