Under The Northern Lights: Ocean Adventurer

Greenland

Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky

Spectacular Greenland landscapes
World’s largest fjord system
World's largest and most remote national park
Possible musk oxen and whale sightings
Zodiac cruising
Tundra hiking
Community visits
Optional Kayaking

Save up to 25%

Book before June 29, 2022 and save as follows:

2022 departures: Save 15% for Standard cabins* (excludes Triples) or 20% for Premium cabins** - Use Promocode XXQ15 or XXQ20. Waived single supplement for solo travelers in Standard cabins!

Sep 8 – 21, 2023 departure only: Save 25% for Standard* and Premium cabins** - Use Promocode XXQ25. Save additional 10% if paid in full within 30 days of booking (contact us for details).

(*Standard Cabins: Lower Deck Twin, Main Deck Porthole, Main Deck Window; **Premium Cabins: Superior, Deluxe, Suite, Owner’s Suite)

Stewart's Take

Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast fjord system, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes

Overview

Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.

Day 1 — Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own. Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Reykjavik This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! Day 3 — Exploring the Vestfjords Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs. If we’re lucky and conditions allow, we might cruise along Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, teeming with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more. Another possible destination is the quaint island of Flatey, where a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript, Flateyjarbók, can be viewed in the library. The church here features murals symbolizing life on the island, including one of Jesus wearing a classic Icelandic sweater. Day 4 — At Sea As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here. Days 5 to 12 — Exploring Northeast Greenland During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya. Day 13 — At Sea As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife. Day 14 — Depart Reykjavik, Iceland You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location. Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Luxury Expedition Ship M/S Ocean Adventurer

This Polar Adventure Ship formerly known as Sea Adventurer was built in 1975. She underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998 and again in 2017. Her proud reputation is complimented by her well-appointed, elegance. Ocean Adventurer is the perfect expedition ship for people who enjoy soft adventures and creature comforts. Ocean Adventurer is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level cruising, yet offers fine dining, and cabins with exterior views and facilities en suite.

For full information about this vessel click here...

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks on board throughout your voyage
All shore landings per the daily program
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special
Guests as scheduled
Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative
Arctic Reader
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard ship
Arrival transfer to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation
On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship
On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location
Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

Excluded

International airfare
Passport and any applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel
Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance
Excess baggage charges
Laundry and other personal charges
Telecommunications charges
The voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Any overnight accommodation required due to flight connections
Optional sea-kayaking activities

Rates and Share Bookings Prices shown are per person in US Dollars on a shared basis. We can on request also quote for you in Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars or Swedish Crowns. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we can match you with someone of the same gender at share rate. If desired, Single occupancy is available at 1.7 times the twin share rate for standard cabins (or twice the share rate for premium cabins or suites). Deposits Reservations require a deposit of 20% (minimum $1000 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 90 days of departure require full payment. Final Payments Balances are due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by bank transfer. Cancellations All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refundable in full less an cancellation fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1600, £830, €1100 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. Please note that, as stated above, certain travel arrangements are non-refundable and are subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed. If you were issued a Future Travel Refund Credit (FTRC), it is important to note the Cancellation Terms and Conditions for use and booking with an FTRC differs from the above - please contact us for details. Booking Terms Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Expeditions Online (link at the bottom of this page). This voyage is operated by Quark 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.