This 10-day MV Plancius expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland, and travels north to Akureyri to set sail across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland. Cross the Arctic Circle while watching for seabirds and whales before entering Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. Explore glaciated coastlines like Volquart Boons Kyst and Vikingebugt, cruise past icebergs near Sorte O and Rode Fjord, and hike to Charcot Glacier. Spot musk oxen in Harefjord and Arctic hares near Sydkap. Take a 12 km hike to Nordostbugt to see ancient Thule house ruins. Visit Ittoqqortoormiit and the hunting station at Stewart O, where narwhals and polar bears roam. Navigate Turner Sound and Romer Fjord for wildlife viewing. End your journey in Akureyri with unforgettable Arctic memories.
Highlights
Cruise among towering icebergs in Scoresby Sund fjord system
Spot majestic whales, seabirds, and elusive Arctic narwhal
Visit the remote Greenlandic village of Ittoqqortoormiit
Witness polar bears near Stewart O hunting station
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.
Your journey begins in the morning, whereby request you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from the city hall of Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.
PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait.
As you sail north, keep an eye out for fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. Cross the Arctic Circle, where you may spot whales. By evening, the first icebergs appear as you approach the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.
Today you reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.
In the afternoon, the goal is to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If the cruise can also land at Charcot Havn, you can make a walk to the Charcot Glacier, then continue by Bjorneor and sail into Ofjord.
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte O, surrounded by icebergs, where the austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Rode Fjord and into Harefjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
In the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.
Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. We plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join us at this location for their second excursion of the day.
Today you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
The island of Stewart O is an important hunting station for the people of Scoresby Sund and also a good area to spot polar bears, narwals, and the beautiful remains of Thule houses.
Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.
A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds.
Day 10: Akureyri | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer (T) by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavík, taking home memories that accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
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
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
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.
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.
Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik and Akureyri (ship) (approx. 6 hours)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
2 days ago
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
2 days 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
3 days ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
4 days ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
4 days ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
2 days ago
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
2 days 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
3 days ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
4 days ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
4 days ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
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