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Enjoy northern lights on an Arctic cruise

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard World Explorer
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Experience two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet with the 14-day Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland itinerary. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.
Sail past bird colonies on your Arctic cruiseA towering icebergWhale sighting in Polar waters!Colorful homes in GreenlandEnjoy northern lights on an Arctic cruise
Highlights
  • Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen and whales
  • Marvel at the dramatic mountains and bird cliffs of Iceland’s oldest region
  • Possibly view the enchanting northern lights
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to explore diverse landscapes
  • Immerse in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventure
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: Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2: Reykjavik | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3: Explore Vestfjords (Westfjords)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs. If the conditions allow, it is possible to cruise along Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, teeming with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more. Another possible destination is the quaint island of Flatey, where a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript, Flateyjarbók, can be viewed in the library. The church here features murals symbolizing life on the island, including one of Jesus wearing a classic Icelandic sweater.

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
While cruising north across the Denmark Strait, the Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights to explore. Search for the seabirds soaring around the ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.

Day 5-12: Explore Northeast Greenland

  • Ship
  • 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
During the tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Be aware and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. If the skies are clear, there's a chance to see the northern lights here. Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya

Day 13: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by the onboard experts, share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. The Expedition Team are on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 14: Reyjavik | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of the journey. Transfers to a central downtown location are available to those who have booked post-expedition accommodation.

Ship/Hotel

World Explorer

World Explorer
World Explorer
World Explorer

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,495
World Explorer
Select a Date
Triple Cabin
Located on Deck 6, and approximately 242 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, separate combo sitting area with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Infinity Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 270 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, floor-to-ceiling glass Juliet balcony, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Veranda Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Superior Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 278 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
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Deluxe Suite
Located on Deck 5, and approximately 334 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, and private bathroom with shower.
World Explorer
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. Suites feature one double or two single beds, walk-out balcony, sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, and bathtub.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Available Around the Clock
  • Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Expedition Leader
  • Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
  • Official Expedition Parka to Keep
  • Select Beer and Wine During Dinner
  • Photographic Journal Documenting the Expedition
  • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
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
  • Internet & Phone Charges
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Mandatory Waterproof Pants for Zodiac Cruising & Any Other Gear Not Specifically Mentioned
  • Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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