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Surfacing Humpback Whales

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

Roundtrip Akureyri - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ortelius
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Set sail on a 10-day cruise aboard the Ortelius, exploring the majestic landscapes of East Greenland and the enchanting Scoresby Sund. As you head north, watch for wildlife like fulmars, kittiwakes, and gannets, and witness the beauty of icebergs near Brewster. Zodiac cruises offer close encounters with the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst and the towering icebergs of Milne Land. Walk to Charcot Glacier and navigate stunning fjords, where musk oxen may roam. At Sydkap, marvel at colossal icebergs and Arctic wildlife before visiting the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, where Greenlandic culture thrives. Continue to Stewart Ø, a hunting ground rich in wildlife, with the chance to spot polar bears and narwhals. Along the journey, the mesmerizing Northern Lights will illuminate your path, adding magic to this unforgettable Arctic adventure.
A polar landscapeArctic northern lights on a small ship cruiseA zodiac landing on remote shoresNorthern Lights in GreenlandWhale sighting in Polar waters!The elusive narwhal in the ArcticSurfacing Humpback Whales
Highlights
  • Spot whales crossing Arctic Circle while sailing northward from Akureyri
  • Explore glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst with Zodiac cruise views
  • Cruise past Vikingebugt basalt columns and striking ice formations
  • Witness magical Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic night skies
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: Reykjavik | Akureyri | Embark

Your adventure starts in the morning, where by request, you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik, the designated meeting point. The scenic six-hour journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of northern Iceland, arriving in Akureyri, where you board the ship.

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: At Sea

Watch for fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots as you sail north. Crossing the Arctic Circle, there’s also a chance to spot whales. By evening, the first icebergs come into view as you near the east coast of Greenland, close to Brewster.

Day 3: Scoresbysund

Today, you reach Scoresbysund, 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.

In the afternoon, sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If you can also land at Charcot Havn, walk to the Charcot Glacier. Continue by Bjorneor and sail into Ofjord.

Day 4: Sorte Ø

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Rode Fjord and into Harefjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Day 5: Sydkap

In the morning, you encounter colossal icebergs, some 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). You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.

Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordostbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. Walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. If you opt out of the long walking group, join at this location for your second excursion of the day.

Day 6: Ittoqqortoormiit

Today you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Day 7: Stewart Ø

The island of Stewart Ø is an important hunting station for the people of Scoresby Sund and a good area to spot polar bears, narwals, and the beautiful remains of Thule houses.

Day 8: Turner Sound and Romer Fjord

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.

Day 9: At Sea

A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.

Day 10: Akureyri | Disembark | Reykjavik

  • 1 Breakfast
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually end. You disembark in Akureyri, where, on request, you can transfer (T) 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, Reykjavík, taking home memories that will accompany you 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

Per person starting at
$5,650 2-3 travelers
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
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 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
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.
  • Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rentals for Antarctica voyages. 
  • 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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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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