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Explore volcanic Heimaey Island

Iceland & East Greenland Explorer

Reykjavik Roundtrip - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Victory
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Experience a 10-day Arctic expedition from Reykjavík to Reykjavík aboard Ocean Victory, combining Icelandic history, Westfjords culture, Greenlandic communities, and Arctic wildlife. Visit Heimaey and the 1973 Eldfell eruption site, explore Grundarfjörður and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and see bird colonies on Vigur Island. Cross the Denmark Strait to Sermilik Fjord, where glaciers create icebergs and whales may be spotted. Discover the World War II history of Ikateq, meet residents in Kuummiit, and explore Tasiilaq, a center of East Greenlandic language and culture. Along the route, learn about volcanic islands, coastal ecosystems, local traditions, and remote communities. At sea, join Expedition Team presentations on regional ecology and history, or watch for marine life from the outer decks.
Early morning in Tasiilaq, East GreenlandView of Reykjavik from the Church TowerLine of alert Greenland sled dogsExploring GreenlandSun shining on the iceExplore volcanic Heimaey Island
Highlights
  • Explore Heimaey's Eldfell lava fields and learn about 1973's eruption
  • Explore Vigur's bird colonies and eiderdown traditions
  • Explore Sermilik Fjord and watch for icebergs and whales nearby
  • Discover Tasiilaq's traditions through drum dances and crafts
Activities
Places Visited
  • Arctic
  • Europe
  • Greenland
  • Iceland
  • Reykjavik
  • Ammassalik
  • Denmark Strait
  • Grundarfjordur
  • Heimaey Island
  • Isafjordur
  • Kirkjufell Mountain
  • Sermilik
  • Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Tasiilaq
  • Vigur Island
  • Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland | Embark

The Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. Explore the city’s Nordic cuisine, shops, and relaxed atmosphere before boarding the expedition ship. After completing the mandatory safety and lifeboat drills, join the Expedition Team on the outer decks as the ship sails along the Reykjanes Peninsula toward the Westman Islands, following historic Viking sea routes.

Day 2: Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland

Heimaey is the largest of the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) Islands and the only permanently inhabited island in the group. Explore the lava fields of Eldfell volcano, the site of the 1973 eruption, when residents used seawater to slow the advancing lava and protect the town. You can also visit the island’s cliffs to look for puffins, fulmars, and gannets. Weather permitting, the ship cruises past Surtsey on departure. The island formed from a volcanic eruption in 1963 and is protected for scientific research.

Day 3: Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Today you arrive at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often known as “Iceland in miniature” for its rich and varied attractions. The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður, where you landfall, is a picture-perfect slice of Iceland: neat multicolored houses cluster around a bustling harbor, backed by the brooding presence of Kirkjufell, a striking peak made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones. This staggering backdrop can be explored on foot right from town, so be sure to pack your hiking boots! Grundarfjörður is also the gateway to the incredible Snæfellsnes National Park, the jewel in the crown of which is the enormous Snæfellsjökull volcano, a looming peak adorned with tumbling glaciers.

Day 4: Vigur Island and Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland

Words can barely capture the natural paradise of Vigur Island, a small, privately owned island nestled deep in the calm waters of the Westfjords. This tiny island holds some of Iceland’s largest bird colonies and is one of the few places where genuine eiderdown is still sustainably harvested. Avoiding the many nesting puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns here is far harder than spotting them! In the afternoon, you visit the bustling harbor town of Ísafjörður, capital of the Westfjords, before you set out across the North Atlantic Ocean en route to East Greenland.

Day 5: At Sea

Between Iceland and Greenland lies the Denmark Strait, a chilly section of the North Atlantic rich in marine wildlife. As you cross to Greenland, join your Expedition Team in the Theater to learn about the ecology, history, and wildlife of the region, or head onto the outer decks with a pair of binoculars to watch the waves for wildlife. Alternatively, work up a sweat in the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or simply relax in the hot tubs as Greenland beckons beneath the midnight sun.

Day 6: Sermilik Fjord, Greenland

This is it—this is why explorers young and old set out for the wilds of Greenland. Between Ammassalik Island and the edge of the vast inland ice sheet lies the majesty of Sermilik Fjord, a name simply meaning “icy” in Greenlandic. A number of large glaciers much farther inland deliver enormous quantities of ice to the coastline, where it breaks off as enormous icebergs. Join your Expedition Team on the water as you explore this jaw-dropping expanse of drifting ice; this is one of the best areas in Greenland to see whales, so remember to bring your binoculars!

Day 7: Ikateq and Kuummiit, Greenland

In the morning, you visit the incredible historic site of Ikateq, also known as Bluie Two East. This fascinating former American air base was used during the Second World War but abandoned soon after, in 1947, leaving everything behind, from hangars and vehicles to thousands of fuel drums. The site has since been cleaned up, leaving haunting remains amid breathtaking natural beauty. In the afternoon, you visit Kuummiit, one of the larger villages in the area; here, you meet the friendly locals and experience the beauty of East Greenlandic culture amid the beautiful surroundings of Ammassalik Fjord.

Day 8: Tasiilaq, Greenland

The largest settlement on the eastern coast of Greenland, Tasiilaq is the only town on rugged Ammassalik Island and the heartland of East Greenlandic language and culture. The town was founded in 1894 as a trading post and has deep connections to Greenland’s shamanic traditions, as well as to the tupilak—a once-feared magical creature now preserved as a celebrated art form. Visitors are spoiled for choice, with options to meet the local sled dogs (safely, with their owners’ permission), witness a traditional Inuit drum dance, hike the flower-filled hills outside town, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs at the famous Stunk artisan workshop.

Day 9: At Sea

As the expedition draws to a close, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on your thrilling voyage. Compare photos with your fellow explorers, join the final lectures from the Expedition Team, unwind in the hot tubs, and look forward to the final voyage slideshow presented at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party. Skål!

Day 10: Reykjavík, Iceland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The bustling city of Reykjavík may come as a bit of a shock to the system after spending time in the wilderness of the Arctic! After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to your fellow explorers and the Expedition Team, Officers, and Crew of Ocean Victory, descend the gangway back to dry land, ready to explore the Land of Ice and Fire anew or head home with memories to last a lifetime.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory

Ocean Victory, built for polar exploration, blends cutting-edge innovation with comfort. Its X-Bow design ensures a smooth, stable voyage with a 50% lower carbon footprint. Guests enjoy balcony staterooms, Jacuzzis, a spa, and easy Zodiac access for immersive Arctic and Antarctic adventures.
Ocean Victory
Pool deck
Ocean Victory's Panorama Specialty Restaurant

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$10,395 2-3 travelers
Cat F Triple
CAT F Triple
Triple Stateroom (4) 18 - 22 sqm, Porthole
CAT D PORTHOLE
CAT D Porthole
Porthole Stateroom (6) 13 - 22 sqm, Porthole
CAT E FRENCH BALCONY
CAT E French Balcony
French Balcony Stateroom (9) 14 sqm, French Balcony
CAT C STANDARD
CAT C Standard Balcony
Balcony Stateroom (9) 18 - 22 sqm, incl. Balcony
CAT C SUP
CAT Csp Superior Balcony Stateroom
Superior Balcony Stateroom (48) 22 - 25 sqm incl. Balcony
CAT C XL
CAT Cxl Grand Balcony Stateroom
Grand Balcony Stateroom (4) 25 - 30 sqm, incl. Balcony
CAT G SINGLE
CAT G Single
Single Stateroom (5) 14 sqm, Porthole
CAT B BALCONY SUITE
CAT B Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite (2) 26 - 32 sqm, incl. Balcony
CAT A JUNIOR SUITEOcean Victory's Cat A
CAT A Junior Suite
Junior Suite (4) 36 sqm, incl. Balcony
CAT PREMIUM SUITE
CAT PS Premium Suite
Premium Suite (1) 42 sqm, incl. Balcony
CAT E FRENCH BALCONY
Category ES Solo French Balcony
Solo French Balcony (3) 14 sqm, French Balcony

Notes

ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, PAYABLE IN USD
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4)
A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy with a 70& surcharge.

OCEAN VICTORY DETAILS
Share Cabins Available: Triple (F), Porthole (D), Balcony (C/CSup/CXL)
3rd Berth Available: Jr Suites (A) and Deck 4 Superior Balconies (CSup) - 3rd berth is 50% off
Suite Inclusions: All suites (B, A, PS, FS) include wine and fruit on arrival, restocked mini-bar (non-alcoholic), laundry service,  and an in-room espresso machine
French Balconies (E) have fixed queen beds

Travel Insurance - All passengers must carry a Travel Insurance Plan. This Plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, and pre-existing medical conditions. As any potential evacuation from Antarctica can cost up to $200,000, we recommend that no policy carry less than this amount of coverage. Polar Latitudes will require information as to carrier, policy number, and a 24-hour contact number.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 1 GB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device
  • Digital Voyage Log
  • Citizen Science program: participation in a variety of scientific activities that support important research projects
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • All scheduled landings and excursions
  • A pair of loaner boots for use during the voyage
  • All port and landing fees
  • Photography Coach
  • Welcome” and “Farewell” receptions with sparkling wine and soft drinks
  • Snowshoes for use during landings (subject to avail.)
  • 24-hour access to tea, coffee, and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Pre- or post-voyage expenses
  • Onboard communication charges such as outgoing phone calls or more than 500 MB WiFi from personal devices
  • Mandatory travel insurance (must meet mandatory minimum coverage requirements for medical treatment and evacuation)

Map

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