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Northern lights dance across the Arctic landscape

North Iceland - Aurora Borealis & Whales

Example 4 Day Cruise aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
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During this 4-day cruise aboard the 3 mast-schooner Rembrandt van Rijn visit the island of Grimsey and take a guided walk across the Arctic Circle. At night observe the stunning Aurora borealis (Northern Lights). While sailing across Skjafandi Bay hope to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoise.
Whale breaching near the shipRed house on a fjord in IcelandSurfacing Humpback WhalesThe breathtaking scenery of IcelandNorthern lights dance across the Arctic landscape
Highlights
  • Observe the Northern Lights, Aurora borealis
  • Attempt a zodiac landing on the island of Grimsey
  • Sail across Skjafandi Bay searching for humpback and minke whales
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Akureyri | Embark

Embark in Akureyri at 16.00 hrs. The ship leave port in the early evening and sail north towards the island of Grimsey. Late night arrival and anchor outside town. At night you might see Aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

Day 2: Island of Grimsey

Depending on weather conditions attempt a zodiac landing on the island of Grimsey in the morning. Take a guided walk across the Arctic Circle. There is a sign on the island which marks the coordinate 66,34 degree North. The Arctic Circle is the most northerly of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. After lunch get back on the ship and depart towards the small town of Husavik. While sailing across Skjafandi Bay hope to see whales. In the evening arrive near Husavik and anchor outside town.

Day 3: Husavik

Spend the morning in town of Husavik with free time ashore and the possibility to visit the whale museum (entrance fee not included). Lunch is served onboard. In the afternoon the ship sail across Skjafandi Bay with good chances to witness humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoise. Spend the night at sea, and arrive in Akureyri in the early morning hours.

Day 4: Akureyri | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Akureyri after breakfast at 09.00 hrs (no bus provided on this day).

Ship/Hotel

Rembrandt van Rijn

Zodiac cruising from the Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn

The Rembrandt Van Rijn was built as a herring lugger early last century and has undergone extensive retrofitting making it suitable for arctic explorations. With just 33 guests, explore the polar waters aboard this sailing vessel.
Exterior image of the Rembrandt van Rijn.
Relax at the bar aboard the Rembrandt van Rijn.
Lounge area aboard the Rembrandt van Rijn.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
Rembrandt van Rijn's Triple Private Porthole Cabin.
Triple Private Porthole
Main deck, upper and lower berths, private bath facilities and porthole.
Rembrandt van Rijn's Twin Private.
Twin Private Inside
Lower deck, upper and lower berths, inside cabins with private bath facilities.
Rembrandt van Rijn's Twin Private Porthole.
Twin Private Porthole
Lower deck, upper and lower berths or two lower berths, private bath facilities and porthole.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Children between the ages of 3-15 receive a 40% discount in triple cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Rembrandt Van Rijn - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Included
  • 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
  • Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • 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.
  • Medical travel insurance — including emergency medical attention and evacuation coverage — is required, with a minimum of EUR/USD 50,000 per person for Arctic trips, EUR/USD 100,000 per person for Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, and EUR/USD 300,000 per person for the Ross Sea. A comprehensive travel insurance policy should typically meet these requirements.

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