Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Ortelius in East Greenland, embracing the wonders of Scoresby Sund and the Aurora Borealis. Witness diverse wildlife like fulmars, kittiwakes, and gannets while sailing north. Encounter icebergs near Brewster and explore the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Take Zodiac cruises, visit basalt columns, and marvel at giant icebergs near Milne Land. Land at Charcot Havn for a walk to Charcot Glacier, then sail through stunning fjords with chances to spot musk oxen. Look at colossal icebergs near Sydkap and start a 12 km hike to Nordøstbugt, unveiling the region's natural beauty. Stop at Ittoqqortoormiit to explore the settlement before ending the trip in Akureyri.
Highlights
Cross the Arctic Circle, with a chance to spot whales
View colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters high
Mail a postcard from Ittoqqortoormiit, Scoresbysund's largest settlement
Watch for Arctic seabirds, such as fulmars and kittiwakes
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, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, 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.
While sailing north you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.
Today you reach Scoresbysund, 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, we plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If you can also land at Charcot Havn, take a walk to the Charcot Glacier. Continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord.
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde 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. Walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. If you opt out of the long walking group, join at this location for your 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 Scoresbysund 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.
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 – and at night, the magical northern lights.
Day 9: Akureyri | Disembark | Reykjavik
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 will 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.
4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and private facilities (these can also be used as triple or twin cabins). Spacious outside cabins with a minimum of two portholes or windows per cabin
1 suite with 2 windows (minimum), 1 double bed, 1 single (sofa) bed, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, ample storage space.
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 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 Ortelius - 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
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 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.
AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
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 Akureyri (Ship) and Radhus Reykjavikur / City Hall in Vonarstraeti and v.v. (6 hours)
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.9 | 322 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 322 reviews on
1 hour ago
Planners listened carefully to goals of travelers and were aware of trip costs and add-ons. Very knowledgeable and helpful with scheduling the trip details
Susan
4 hours ago
Shannon, understood what we needed and executed it. Our trip was further complicated by us being in 2 different countries.
Bill P
1 day ago
Responsive and helpful information from Jessica.
Monica Moore
1 day ago
Kassandra and Maria made the process idiot-proof and enjoyable. I'll book with Adventure Life for a third time based on these interactions alone!
Michelle Morrow
3 days ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews