Explore three Arctic islands and the least-visited national park in the world on an unforgettable wilderness adventure. This voyage is also available in 2018. Read about it here.
See the Arctic Crown of Norway - Spitsbergen
After embarking on MS Roald Amundsen in Longyearbyen, we sail out of Isfjord towards the open ocean that evening. Why not join the Expedition team on deck as they scan for whales?
Glorious isolation
As we start sailing along the coast of Greenland, the splendid isolation of the journey begins to take hold. Once in the fjords of northeast Greenland, your sense of distance, as well as your perceived size and shape of the surrounding scenery, will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world, and the alpine landscape, with hanging glaciers and dramatic vertical granite walls, stretches as far as the eye can see. All along our route, we will go ashore to explore the wilderness. You can also participate in exciting excursions such as kayaking and hiking.
Our last call in northeast Greenland is the most isolated town in the country, Ittoqqortoormiit. For up to nine months of the year, the town is cut off from the outside world. Our local guide will show you the sights, including a visit to the museum and the church as you discover this unique settlement on foot.
The "Saga Land"
We explore western Iceland, often called the "Saga Land." The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes referred to as Iceland in a Nutshell. Dotted with towns and villages, mountains, bird cliffs, saga sites, and hiking trails, it is truly a world of unique beauty.
- Visit three Arctic islands in one expedition
- Explore the largest national park in the world
- Visit the most isolated settlements in Greenland
- Chance to see polar bears, musk oxen, polar hares, gyrfalcons, and polar wolves
Price includes:
- Expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Coach-class flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Longyearbyen
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Price includes:
- Expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Coach-class flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Longyearbyen
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
The Crown of Arctic Norway - Oslo/Longyearbyen
Norway's capital city of Oslo is often referred to as 'the blue, the green, and the city in between.' Forests, lakes, hills, and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find unique architecture, a thriving cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping possibilities, and a large and visible immigrant community who add their own colorful touch to the city.
Leave Oslo in the late evening and head for the High Arctic—Svalbard.
Next to the North Pole - Longyearbyen
The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of this mighty wilderness is the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen; warm under the light of the Midnight Sun as you arrive at the airport, transfer to the harbor where MS Roald Amundsen awaits.
Spotting Wildlife from the Deck - At Sea
Within the Svalbard Archipelago, there are about 3,000 polar bears—far more than the region's human population and probably one of the largest polar bear concentrations on Earth. That said, polar bears are solitary animals with no set colony or living area. They roam wherever they can expect to find food. While there are no guarantees of sighting these top predators, the more eyes scouting through binoculars, the better chance we have of spotting the King of the Arctic.
The polar bear is a marine mammal, so we are most likely to observe one close to, or even in, the water. When we are close to drift ice, we will be sure to look carefully, because there is a chance that a polar bear will use this ice floe as a platform when at sea.
The Least-Visited National Park in the World - Northeast Greenland National Park
As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, the splendid isolation of this journey begins to take hold. Apart from a few abandoned trapping stations, a weather station, and the traditional Sirius sled patrol, there are no traces of human life here.
Within the borders of Northeast Greenland National Park, there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters are free of ice, only 500 guests are able to visit the park. Once inside the fjords of northeast Greenland, your sense of distance, as well as your perceived size and shape of the surrounding scenery, will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces, reaches as far as the eye can see.
Wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic foxes, hares, and wolves abound, as do a wide variety of seabirds. And remember, where there is ice, there might be polar bears!
We will call on the isolated research station of Danmarkshavn. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord is an unforgettable experience. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions. We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, like sled dogs.
Entering the fjords of Scoresbysund, a natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito Bay), where the legendary governor of northeast Greenland had his base. We have the chance to land on the small, flat islands of Bjørne Øer which are surrounded by sheer, pointed granite mountains. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely lead you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to giving briefings and lectures about the places we explore.
The Most Isolated Settlement in Greenland - Ittoqqortoormiit
In Ittoqqortoormiit you can visit the museum, church, and a photo exhibition, or explore on your own. The trappers living in this town are the only people that are allowed to hunt within Northeast Greenland National Park. You will likely see that they are drying animal skins and storing their dog sleds outside their houses.
Lectures and Wildlife Spotting - At Sea
As we leave Greenland, we sail towards the western coast of Iceland. This is an excellent day to attend lectures and prepare for our return to 'civilization.'
Iceland in a Nutshell - Stykkíshólmur
As we reach the western region of Iceland, you will understand why this area is dubbed 'The Sagaland.' Take your time to explore Stykkishólmur’s diversity of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. Participate in a range of exciting excursions such as kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding.
The World’s Northernmost Capital - Reykjavík
Iceland's capital city offers visitors a rich urban life. Relatively close to Reykjavík you will find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and mountains, while the city itself hosts fine restaurants, museums, and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and this is where our voyage ends.
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