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Northern lights dance across the Arctic landscape

Northeast Greenland Extreme - Aurora Borealis

Longyearbyen - Akureyri - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard MV Hondius
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Embark on a 14-day cruise from Longyearbyen to Akureyri aboard the MV Hondius. Your Arctic adventure begins in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, with a visit to historic sites and a chance to spot minke whales as the ship sets off. At Isle de France (weather permitting), explore ancient Inuit remains and venture onto the ice-covered coastlines for unforgettable sights of musk oxen and elusive Arctic wolves. Sail into Dove Bugt, with a potential stop at Store Koldewey, where you can see unglaciated landscapes and walruses along the coast. As you continue, the historic Sabine Ø promises insights into early polar explorations, while the return of the Aurora Borealis adds a magical nighttime spectacle. Visit Clavering Ø, rich with Inuit heritage, and the expansive tundra of Foster Bugt, home to musk oxen and Thule cultural remnants. Marvel at the jagged peaks of Segelsallskapets Fjord, spotting Arctic hares and ptarmigans, then reach Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s northernmost settlement. Stunning 100-meter-high icebergs await in Scoresby Sund, with stops at ancient Thule ruins and scenic fjords, followed by Zodiac cruises near Vikingebugt’s glaciers, where polar bears sometimes roam. Days at sea offer more wildlife viewing and, under clear skies, mesmerizing Northern Lights before disembarking in Akureyri, Iceland.
Unique villages of Greenland.Bearded seal in Svalbard, NorwayHiking through the arctic tundra.Unforgettable shades of blueHiking the snowy hillsides of Greenland.Stunning views from your zodiac cruiseBe on the lookout for fantastic Arctic wildlife, such as shaggy muskoxen, while on your polar explorationHarp Seal Pup NursingA bearded seal watches your approachSpot the Minke whaleNorthern lights dance across the Arctic landscape
Highlights
  • Discover Longyearbyen’s captivating history and the Svalbard Museum’s Arctic exhibits
  • Explore Isle de France’s ancient sites with archaeological treasures and Inuit artifacts
  • Visit Dove Bugt’s untouched shores, rich in dramatic natural beauty
  • Experience Sabine Ø’s historic sites, early expeditions, and walrus gatherings
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen | Embark

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. Stroll through this historic former mining town, where the parish church and Svalbard Museum offer captivating insights into Arctic life. In the evening, as the ship departs Isfjorden, watch for your first minke whale sighting of the trip.

Day 2-3: At Sea

Sail the open seas toward Greenland, encountering migrating whales and seabirds. These dynamic waters set an exhilarating tone, with adventure lingering in the air!

As you sail westward, the rugged edge of the sea ice glistens in the distance. Keep an eye for whales, migrating seabirds, and seals, and if fortune smiles upon you, you might even glimpse a polar bear.

Day 4: Isle de France

If ice and weather conditions are favorable, you land at Isle de France, first reached by the Duke of Orleans on the Belgica in 1905. You aim to go ashore at Kap St. Jacques, where, under the guidance of an archeologist from the National Greenland Museum, you can see the remains of the Independence II culture. If you don't make it to Isle de France, spend a day on the ice or the west coast of Germania Land, an area with musk oxen and sometimes lonely, ranging wolves.

Day 5: Dove Bugt

When sailing into Dove Bugt, you have landing possibilities at the south coast of Germania Land, a mostly unglaciated area west of the Danmarkshavn station. Alternatively, you land at Store Koldewey, named by the second German Polar Expedition of Koldewey 1869-'70, at Kap Ahrend or Kap Alf Trolle.

Day 6: A historic past, a beautiful present

Sir Edward Sabine performed pendulum experiments on Sabine Ø (formerly Inner Pendulum Island) in 1823. Koldewey built a station at Germaniahavn. On its south side is Hvalros Island, where the population of walruses is increasing again and from this date onward, sailing south, experiencing darkness at night, and having increasing opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis.

Day 7: First and last Inuit

On the south side of Clavering Ø, the English Explorer Douglas Clavering met the local Inuit in 1823. It was the first and last Europeans met these people in Northeast Greenland, but the material remains of their culture are frequently seen. You hope to make a landing near Eskimonaes.

Day 8: Tundra, mountains, and icebergs

You may sail into Foster Bugt and land at Margrethedal, where Thule culture remains from some centuries ago on the east side of the river. Musk oxen populate the lower tundra areas near the shores. From there, sail through Sophia Sund, surrounded by mountain slopes where musk oxen graze.

Day 9: Alpine landscapes

You enter Segelsallskapets Fjord, with the banded slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. Land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at your feet. A hike takes you close to a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans.

Alternatively, you land in Blomsterdal (Flower Valley) near Antarctic Havn, where you often spot groups of musk oxen. In the evening, sail along the strait between the island of Isikaja and the mainland. Until 30 years ago, Isikaja was connected to the mainland by a glacier, but it has now disappeared.

Day 10: Ittoqqortoormiit

The morning stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the only settlement in Scoresby Sund at about four hundred inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards or stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

If time allows, you may land at a beautiful lagoon a few km west of Kap Stewart, where migratory birds gather, and you can have an opportunity to stroll on the autumnal tundra of Jameson Land.

Day 11: Enormous icebergs & Arctic hares

In the morning, encounter icebergs, some over 100 meters high and a km long. Most are grounded as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep. You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and Arctic hares. Today's walk may go from Sydkap to Nordostbugt (12 km to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. You can walk south along the shore to Satakajik and see whale vertebrae in the construction of the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join again at this location. In the evening, sail south by Kap Brewster near the southern entrance of the fjord.

Day 12: Leaving from Earth's largest fjord

In the early morning, sail by the east coast of Milne Land among many giant icebergs. After a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt, where you now and then have met polar bears, you may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts on the Volquart Boons Coast. In the early evening, you leave Greenland, sailing south by Kap Brewster.

Day 13: Sea life beneath the Northern Lights

Sail southward in the cold East Greenland Current and later in the warm Gulfstream Current with many sea life (whales, seals, seabirds) at the mixing zones of these waters. A sea day allows you to spot whales and seabirds – and, at night, the magical Northern Lights.

Day 14: Akureyri | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
You disembark in Akureyri, where, on request, you can transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik.

Ship/Hotel

MV Hondius

Hondius
Hondius Grand Suite Balcony
Hondius Reception

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,750 2-3 travelers
MV Hondius
Quadruple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 upper & lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Triple Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin Porthole
Located on deck 3. Approximately 129 to 194 sq. ft. 2 portholes, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin Window
Located on deck 4. Approximately 129 to 151 sq. ft. 1 window, 2 single beds, Small sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Twin deluxe
Located on deck 6. Approximately 205 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 2 single beds, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Superior
Located on deck 6. Approximately 215 to 226 sq. ft. 2 windows, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
MV Hondius
Junior Suite
Located on deck 7. Approximately 205 to 215 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.
Grand Suite with Private BalconyMV Hondius
Grand Suite with balcony
Located on deck 7. Approximately 291 sq. ft. 1 double window, 1 double bed, Sofa, Private balcony, Private shower & toilet, Flatscreen TV, Desk & chair, Telephone and WiFi, Refrigerator, Coffee & tea maker, Hairdryer, Cabinet, Wardrobe.

Notes

Single supplement - Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate.
Child discount: Children aged 3-15 will be discounted 40% in triple or quad cabins, one child per cabin.
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.
  • Upon boarding, passengers receive an internet voucher, providing 1.5 GB of free internet per day. This daily allowance resets every 24 hours. Supplementary internet vouchers are available to purchase on board for those requiring additional internet availability. This applies to all trips scheduled for the 2024-25 Antarctic season and will continue across all future motor vessel trips in both Antarctica and the Arctic.
  • AECO Fees and Governmental Taxes
  • Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen.
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.
  • Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours)

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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