Set out on a 30-day cruise aboard MV Plancius to explore the rugged beauty of Greenland. Start in Longyearbyen’s tundra, filled with wildflowers, then sail through giant fjords like Scoresby Sund, home to icebergs and Arctic hares. Take in the stunning views of Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Blomsterbugt, where you can spot musk oxen and seabirds. Visit the remote village of Ittoqqortoormiit, where sled dogs and drying musk ox skins offer a glimpse into local traditions. Hike the stunning basalt formations of Vikingebugt, and relax in the iceberg-ringed Uunartoq hot springs. Walk in the footsteps of famous explorers at Umivik, then enjoy a spectacular passage through the mountain-lined Prins Christian Sund. Finally, experience the mesmerizing northern lights over the Denmark Strait before arriving in Keflavik, Iceland.
Highlights
Observe migrating whales and seabirds from ship and shore
Discover Norse ruins at Erik the Red’s historic settlement, Bratthalid
Cruise near massive glacier fronts in Vikingebugt fjord
Navigate through stunning fjords like Prins Christian Sund & Scoresby Sund
Experience the mesmerizing northern lights over Denmark Strait
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.
Start your adventure in Longyearbyen, the vibrant hub of Spitsbergen. Explore the former mining town, home to a captivating parish church and the renowned Svalbard Museum. Surprisingly, this seemingly barren land boasts a rich variety of over a hundred plant species. As dusk approaches, set sail from Isfjorden, where the anticipation of spotting the graceful minke whale heightens the excitement of the journey.
Be on the lookout for the striking east Greenland sea ice looming into view, creating a breathtaking spectacle if circumstances allow. Keep a keen eye out for magnificent whales and migratory seabirds, enhancing your maritime experience.
As you approach Greenland, sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut where Norwegian trappers once hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox, there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen as well as geese floating the small lakes. From here you sail through Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.
Arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound, where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.
The first half of the day you spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.
Today, the journey reaches Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. The route continues along the east coast of Milne, deeper into the fjord.
In the morning, colossal icebergs are encountered, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long. Most are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). The journey then lands near Sydkap, offering fine views of Hall Bredning and a good chance of seeing Arctic hares. Later, there is a landing at Satakajik to see the remains of Thule dwellings.
Today, a tundra landing is made on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund, with about three hundred inhabitants. At the post office, buy stamps for postcards or stroll around to see the sled dogs, drying skins of seals, and musk oxen. In the afternoon, the journey sails south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
The next stop is Stewart Island, an important hunting area for the people of Scoresby Sund. Beautiful remains of Thule houses can be seen here. Meanwhile, Romer Fjord and Turner Sound offer the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at their heads and are not clogged with ice. This also provides good hiking opportunities.
Sailing south along the East Greenland coast, the journey enters several fjords competing in beauty: d’Aunay, Nansen, and possibly Ikersuaq or Kangertitsivaqmiit. Most of these fjords have glacier fronts at their heads, but any of them can offer a chance to see polar bears.
Tasiilaq, once known as Angmagssalik (about 2,000 inhabitants), is the next port of call. This charming town is the center of East Greenland, boasting a museum where you can learn about the colorful local history of this incredibly remote area.
Next, sailing south, the journey lands at Umivik, where the explorer Fridtjof Nansen ascended the Greenland ice sheet. Here, you may even be able to walk a short distance in his steps.
Today, circumnavigate Skjoldungen through one of the most spectacular fjords in southeast Greenland, then land at Qornoq to see houses from the Thule culture. Then, visit Mariedal, a beautiful valley where Greenlanders used to collect berries in the autumn.
Moving on to Timmiarmiut, an abandoned Greenlandic settlement that possibly sail into the fjord. Polar bears have sometimes been spotted here in the past. As an alternative, you may visit Igutsait to the south.
The westward passage of the Prins Christian Sund is surrounded by mountains of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) and is one of the highlights of the voyage. A landing may be made at Svaerdfiskens Havn or in the evening at Ikigait, once known as Herjolfsnes, a former Norse settlement.
Today, reach Lichtenau, a lovely though nearly deserted Greenlandic village where the Herrnhuters had a mission in the 18th century and where some of their large German-style buildings remain. Then try to get to Uunartoq, where you can bathe in a large hot spring surrounded by icebergs. Across at Vagar, find the remains of a Norse homestead.
In Eriksfjord, land at Itilleq, in a bay from which you can walk 4 km (2.5 miles) down a road to Igaliku (Gardar). In this small Greenlandic village, see the remains of a 13th-century Norse church and other ruins. Then, in the afternoon, plan to visit Bratthalid, the base of Erik the Red. This is a sub-Arctic area with birch trees, agriculture, and cattle. Later that evening, you arrive at Narsarsuaq for the final night of the voyage.
Today you reach Lichtenau, a lovely though nearly deserted Greenlandic village, where the Herrnhuters had a mission in the 18th century and where some of their large German-style buildings still remain. You then attempt to reach Uunartoq, where you can bathe in a large, hot spring surrounded by icebergs. Across at Vagar, find the remains of a Norse homestead.
Your eastward passing of Prins Christian Sund is surrounded by mountains of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) and is one of the highlights of the voyage. You try to make a landing at the small village of Augpilaqtoq, where you can still meet some hunters of the area. As an alternative, you may make a landing at Svaerdfiskens Havn.
Sailing northward in the East Greenland Current, the goal is to reach Igutsait Fjord or Napassorsuaq Fjord. Both feature glacier fronts and small icebergs, where an isolated population of polar bears was once found hunting seals.
Today you land at Tingmiarmit, seeing an abandoned Greenlandic settlement and remains of Thule houses on the north side of the island. Deep into the Tingmiarmiut Fjord, you are again in the area where polar bears hunt seals among the drifting glacier ice.
Next we visit Skjoldungen, one of the most spectacular fjords of southeast Greenland. The goal is to land at Qornoq, where you see houses from the Thule culture, then visit Mariedal and a beautiful valley where Greenlanders used to collect berries in autumn.
Sail to today’s landing at Umivik, where the explorer Fridtjof Nansen ascended the Greenland ice sheet. Here you may even be able to walk a short distance in his steps.
As you sail in Denmark Strait on your way to Iceland, the going can be rough. But be sure to spend some time on deck looking for migrating whales, seabirds, and the magical light show of the aurora borealis.
Day 30: Keflavik | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Return from our adventure with memories that last a lifetime, arriving at the Icelandic port town of Keflavik.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple 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.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share twin price
-Children between the ages of 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
29 Breakfasts, 28 Lunches, 29 Dinners
29 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.
Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability.
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on a selection of flights (advised by Oceanwide) to and from Longyearbyen.
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
Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
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 with a minimum of $100,000 of evacuation coverage is required.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
It is always so easy planning trips with Mary Curry. And I know from experience that the follow-through will be excellent as well.
Rosemary Bell
20 hours ago
I have traveled solo with Adventure Life many times. The process is always easy peasy. They are very helpful with documents and payments. So far so good on my next adventure to Equador.
Anita
1 day ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
2 days ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
2 days ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
