Jewels of the Arctic - Greenland Solar Eclipse

Greenland

Explore Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, walrus haul out on sea ice and guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs. In East Greenland, sail deep into the world’s largest fjord, Scoresbysund, visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s remotest Inuit settlements, cruise among iridescent icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes, and walk across tundra blooming in brightly coloured flowers

Highlights

  • Witness a solar eclipse - a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Watch arctic fox hunt beneath towering cliffs that are home to enormous colonies of guillemots and fulmars
  • In svalbard, push through pack ice, searching for polar bears and ringed seals
  • Quietly approach musk oxen and reindeer on tundra walks
  • Zodiac-cruise along vast glacial fronts and into øfjord as sunset paints the surrounding 2,000-metre (6,562-feet) walls a vibrant pink

Special Guest: Dr Sandra Magnus

ENGINEER & FORMER NASA ASTRONAUT

Dr. Sandra H. “Sandy” Magnus most recently served as the Chief Engineer for the Traffic Coordination System for Space in the Office of Space Commerce in the Department of Commerce working to establish a civil space traffic coordination system. She is also affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology as part time of Professor of the Practice. Dr. Magnus retired from federal service as the Deputy Director of Engineering in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the Undersecretary of Research and Engineering. Prior to joining the DoD, she served as the Executive Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. Selected to the NASA Astronaut Corps in April 1996, Dr. Magnus flew in space on the STS-112 shuttle mission in 2002, and on the final shuttle flight, STS-135, in 2011. In addition, she flew to the International Space Station on STS-126 in November 2008, served as flight engineer and science officer on Expedition 18, and returned home on STS-119 after four and a half months on board. She has extensive experience working with the global space community.

Last Places

Stewart's Take

Experience the best of Eastern Greenland with the chance to see a rare solar eclipse!

Overview

Explore Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, walrus haul out on sea ice and guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs. In East Greenland, sail deep into the world’s largest fjord, Scoresbysund, visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s remotest Inuit settlements, cruise among iridescent icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes, and walk across tundra blooming in brightly coloured flowers

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Oslo Having made your way to Oslo. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen Day 2 Fly to Longyearbyen, embarkation This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. Any valuables or personal items should be kept on you throughout the day.  The charter flight is scheduled to depart at 11:35 for Longyearbyen and arrive at 14:50. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of our charter flight to Longyearbyen. Days 3–5 Svalbard Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions and opportunities for wildlife encounters. Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, we stretch our legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly coloured wildflowers. We visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you will hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you will savour for years to come. Days 6-7 At Sea As we sail towards the coast of East Greenland, we may encounter whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. As we approach East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot. The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. Our experts will inform and entertain us with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration. Days 8-13 East Greenland In the coming days, a host of choices are available to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to explore. Our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our itinerary on a day-to-day basis. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and encounters with wildlife. We generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface. East Greenland contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft) high. Gigantic icebergs calved from glaciers drift throughout the fjord system creating breathtaking scenery. The landscape is filled with multi-coloured tundra home to musk oxen and arctic hare. Throughout the area are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and modern Inuit hunters' cabins. Ittoqqortoormiit A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 500 inhabitants. Here you can explore the village, the fascinating museum or sit in the beautiful Lutheran Church. The locals are friendly, and from underneath their Arctic fox-fur jackets, the shy young children are keen to say hello and practice their English. The community boasts an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to meet Inuit people. Solar Eclipse The voyage builds with excitement as we set sail towards our prime viewing position within the totality path. Enjoy lunch onboard while our crew expertly navigates the ship towards the perfect spot to witness the eclipse. As anticipation mounts, gather on deck with fellow eclipse chasers in preparation for the celestial event. The drama unfolds as the moon starts to take a bite out of the sun, slowly plunging the landscape into an ethereal twilight. Then, the grand finale arrives. Totality transforms the day into night for a breathtaking 2 minutes and 18 seconds. As totality recedes, the sun peeks through, creating a stunning diamond ring effect. Relax and relive this unforgettable experience with your fellow travellers over a celebratory dinner. Note: subject to weather, cloud cover, sea state, ice and other conditions beyond our control. Fjords Continue to explore the fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk ox and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider. Hiking There are great hiking options in the area, where flowering tundra plants, scattered bones of whales and muskox from centuries of hunting by the Inuit and fumaroles can be found. These are areas where heated groundwater boil to the surface creating bubbling pools and mineral formations as the water reacts with the atmosphere. The area also boasts some of the most striking sedimentary sandstone, shale, and siltstone formations imaginable. The layers of sediment here are estimated to have taken about 4,000 years to be laid down, and the alternating colours and patterns in the layers of rocks are stunningly beautiful. Day 14 Denmark Strait Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail our ship in the ever-present arctic winds. Day 15 Disembark Reykjavik During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys. Transfer options are as follows:
  • Direct to Keflavik Airport.
  • Direct to The Grand Reykjavik (this option is only available if your hotel was booked by us).
  • Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where you can make your own way to city hotels.
  • For late afternoon and evening airport departures, Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where we will hold your luggage on the coach until your departure to the airport at 1pm. Enjoy free time in the city until your departure.
Note: Do not book flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage

Vessel

Greg Mortimer

The Greg Mortimer

This state-of-the-art 104-metre ship is a purpose-built expedition vessel accommodating a maximum of just 130 passengers per voyage. She operates with a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, these ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Not only can they contend with the most adverse weather conditions, added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. Zodiac loading platforms and activities platform allows for faster disembarkation from the ship – to get out on your adventure quicker, whether by zodiac or by kayak. You will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows and panoramic views, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside! On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain. From the European Arctic to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations in-between, she will make your journey a breeze!

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Prices and Share Policy

Prices quoted are per person in US$, based on twin-share. Single occupancy is 1.7 times the twin share price. No single travel fees apply if you are willing to share your cabin (certain cabin categories cabins only). Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. No refund for unused services.

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of 25% per person at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 120 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

Balances are due 120 days prior to departure. You will be invoiced at the appropriate time. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or on request by major credit card, subject to a 2% surcharge.

Cancellations

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. If the cancellation is made 120 days or more prior to the expedition departure date, you will forfeit your Deposit. If cancellation is made less than 120 days prior to the expedition departure date, you will forfeit the full ticket price, (which includes your Deposit), of the expedition. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance. In the event of cancellation, we will consider any request by you to transfer the Deposit paid towards a subsequent expedition. The decision as to whether or not to agree will be made by the shipping company at its absolute discretion. If agreed, you will be liable to pay a fee of $500 per passenger (in the currency of your expedition) to cover administrative and associated costs and also be any additional price for the subsequent expedition. The transfer of the Deposit is only valid on expeditions that depart within 24 months from the date of the original proposed departure date. Only one transfer of deposit to another expedition is permitted. 

Booking Terms

Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Aurora Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking along with a separate Booking Form

Included

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
  • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Oslo on Day 1.
  • Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on Day 2.
  • Sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, prior to embarkation, on Day 2 (time permitting).
  • Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
  • All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
  • Beer and house wine with dinner.
  • Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
  • Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
  • One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
  • Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information.
  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
  • Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites.
  • Wi-Fi. * Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

Excluded

  • International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Airport arrival or departure taxes.
  • Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
  • Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
  • All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), on board gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges.
  • *A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
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