Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard the M/V Ortelius, cruising from Akureyri to Longyearbyen. This journey from Northeast Greenland to Spitsbergen promises a memorable experience filled with breathtaking polar landscapes and abundant wildlife sightings. The Ortelius will take you to numerous areas that are teeming with wildlife, from whales, seals, and polar bears to various seabird species. And that's not all! You might also catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. This expedition presents the perfect opportunity to explore some of the world's most remote and beautiful places!
Highlights
Explore Sydkap, and have a good shot of seeing Arctic hares
Sail through the largest fjord system on Earth, Scoresby Sund
Experience the colors of the cape with a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø
Explore the tundra and mountains of Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your journey begins in the morning, where by 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.
While sailing north, you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. Cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening the first icebergs flash into sight with the approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster, and at night you might enjoy views of the enchanting aurora borealis.
Reach Scoresby Sund, Earth’s largest fjord system, 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. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago.
The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening, continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions. The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
In the morning, encounter colossal icebergs, some of which are 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). Land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.
For the first half of the day, have an easy landing and excursion at a lagoon 4 km (2.5 miles) west of Kapp Stewart, a place where migrating geese and waders collect for their autumn migration. The low and gently undulating tundra is ideal for some easy walks, and continuing to see other local wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit.
In the morning, pass through the strait between North Liverpool Land and the island of Uunartoq Qogertaq. Last century it was connected by a glacier with the mainland, but in 2005 an OEX expedition discovered that the glacier had disappeared and that you can now sail through the strait. In the afternoon, land at 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.
Enter Segelsällskapets Fjord in the morning, seeing the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. The landing will be on the south shore, where you can see ancient sedimentary formations lying right at your feet. A hike takes us near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, experience a definitive Greenland adventure.
The morning plan is to head into Antarctic Sound, where find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing. 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.
Sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. In the morning, land in Margrethe Dal near Thule/Dorset remains, and later, sail into Foster Bay at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century, there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. In the afternoon, sail northward along the Greenland coast and will probably have the last sights of Greenland when you sail by Shannon Island.
Sail northeast along the outer fringes of the southward-moving Greenland sea ice, with its seabirds, whales, seals, and maybe a polar bear sighting. The aim is Spitsbergen.
Sail northeast along the outer fringes of the southward-moving Greenland sea ice, with its seabirds, whales, seals, and maybe a polar bear sighting. The aim is Spitsbergen.
Day 14: Longyearbyen | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 09:00 AM at the latest. From here, take a shuttle to the airport, departing for home or wherever your next adventure lies.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Iceland Cruises & Tours.
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
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.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.9 | 316 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 316 reviews on
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The company representatives were totally dedicated to helping me secure my trip! I was very impressed with how courteous and knowledgeable they were!
Carey Atkins
6 hours ago
Friendly people who ask good questions to make sure your trip is what you want
K.Godinez
17 hours ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life are excellent - very knowlegable, helpful, professional and responsive.
Avi Argaman
1 day ago
Excellent, friendly, and knowledgeable service and assistance.
Vaughna Cochenour
1 day ago
Was very easy to come up with an itinerary that included everything I wanted in a trip to Nepal with good communication, prompt service and really felt my needs were considered.