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The night lights of Akureyri

Iceland - Northeast Greenland – Spitsbergen

Akureyri - Longyearbyen - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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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!
East Greenland sceneryArctic HareSegelsallskaetsThe night lights of Akureyri
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
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Akureyri | Embark

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.​

Day 2: Sailing to East Greenland

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.

Day 3: Scoresby Sund

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.

Day 4: Røde Fjord

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.

Day 5: Sydkap

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.

Day 6: Jameson Land | Ittoqqortoormiit

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.

Day 7: Sights of the Arctic autumn

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.

Day 8: Alpefjord’s lofty peaks

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.

Day 9: Islands of Antarctic Sound

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.

Day 10: Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord

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.

Day 11-12: Along the sea ice to 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 13: Raudfjorden glaciers

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.

Ship/Hotel

Ortelius

m/v Ortelius at Orne Island
m/v Ortelius Reception
m/v Ortelius Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Iceland Cruises & Tours.
M/V Ortelius Quadruple Porthole
Quadruple Porthole
4 quadruple cabins with 2 portholes, 2 upper / lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, Ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Triple Porthole
Triple Porthole
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
Twin Porthole on the Ortelius
Twin Porthole
23 twin cabins with 2 portholes, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
Twin Window on the Ortelius
Twin Window
10 twin cabins with 2 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/v Ortelius Twin Deluxe
Twin Deluxe
6 superior cabins with 3 windows, 2 lower berths, Private shower & toilet, Desk & chair, Small sofa, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Flatscreen TV, Telephone & WiFi (supplemented), Hairdryer, ample storage space.
M/V Ortelius Superior Cabin
Superior
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.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 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.
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.

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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.
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