This expedition cruise sails as close as possible to the pack ice from the North Pole, where you can see polar bears, whales, and walruses. You will also visit Svalbard, Jan Mayen Island, and Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and wilderness of the Arctic.
A short tour of the city will give you a glimpse into the rich history and modern society that is Longyearbyen - the capital town of Svalbard, possibly the most northern'real' place in the world.
The vessel docks close to town. The Expedition Leader, after boarding the vessel and serving a drink of welcome, will give you information on the journey, daily activities aboard the ship, and various safety and security procedures. A mandatory safety exercise will take place before sailing. Our Arctic Adventure begins when the Captain takes our ship from Advent Fjord.
The wildlife, scenery and history of the Svalbard coast in the northwest are always worth a visit. Since the 1600s, this part of Svalbard has been a major center for whale hunting, with "Blubber Town", the primary target being oil-rich Bowhead Whales, which are the Arctic's sole resident baleen species.
New Alesund, the "town", is located on King's Bay (Kongsfjorden) and it's well worth visiting. This is the northernmost permanent civil settlement on earth. It has a population in summer of around 120 people and an even more hardy population during the winter of 35. It was originally the coal-mining town of King's Bay and played an important role in the exploration of the arctic, particularly flight.
It is now the centre of Arctic research and one of the world's most northern communities. Send a postcard to the most northern Post Office in the World.
The wildlife, scenery and history of the Svalbard coast in the northwest are always worth a visit. Since the 1600s, this part of Svalbard has been a major center for whale hunting, with "Blubber Town", the primary target being oil-rich Bowhead Whales, which are the Arctic's sole resident baleen species.
New Alesund, the "town", is located on King's Bay (Kongsfjorden) and it's well worth visiting. This is the northernmost permanent civil settlement on earth. It has a population in summer of around 120 people and an even more hardy population during the winter of 35. It was originally the coal-mining town of King's Bay and played an important role in the exploration of the arctic, particularly flight.
It is now the centre of Arctic research and one of the world's most northern communities. Send a postcard to the most northern Post Office in the World.
Greenland's northeast is home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes, including the tundra and mountains. The fjords are sheltered, calm water that reflects the large icebergs. Northeast Greenland has some of the most amazing features. It is no surprise that this part of Greenland, which boasts the largest island in all of Earth's history, also holds many records. The North-east Greenland National Park is the largest in the world, covering 375,000 square kilometers.
Scoresby Sound, one of the largest and longest fjords in the world (Scoresby Sund is Danish), is another stunning feature. You could spend an entire cruise exploring the system. This part of Greenland is rich in wildlife and you can expect to see the Musk-Ox as well as many other birds. Keep an eye out for Gyr Falcons, which are the world's largest falcons. Look out for Wheatears, Lapland buntings, Arctic Hares, Lemmings and Stoats - or Ermines in winter white coats.
Snowy Owls breed in areas where Lemmings are present, although many of them have already migrated to the south when cruise ships visit the area at the end of the season.
Polar Bears are more elusive in remote areas of Greenland, though they are less aggressive than Svalbard Bears. Walruses and other seals become wary due to hunting. Although the effect is low, because there's only one settlement in this vast area, Ittoqqortoormiit.
The stunning Greenland scenery with its icebergs, autumn colors, and prehistoric Musk-Ox is a real treat for visitors in late season, after many seabirds are finished breeding.
Greenland's northeast is home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes, including the mountain ranges, tundra and icebergs that are reflected by the protected fjords. Northeast Greenland has some of the most amazing features. It is no surprise that this part of Greenland, which boasts the largest island in all of Earth's history, also holds many records. The North-east Greenland National Park is the largest in the world, covering 375,000 square kilometers.
Scoresby Sound, one of the largest and longest fjords in the world (Scoresby Sund is Danish), is another stunning feature. You could spend an entire cruise exploring the entire system. This part of Greenland is rich in wildlife and you can expect to see the Musk-Ox as well as many other birds. Keep an eye out for Gyr Falcons, which are the world's largest falcons. Look out for Wheatears, Lapland buntings, Arctic Hares, Lemmings and Stoats - or Ermines in winter white coats.
Snowy Owls breed in areas where Lemmings are present, although many of them have already migrated to the south when cruise ships visit the area at the end of the season.
Polar Bears are more elusive in remote areas of Greenland, though they are less aggressive than Svalbard Bears. Walruses and other seals become wary due to hunting. Although the effect is low, because there's only one settlement in this vast area, Ittoqqortoormiit.
The stunning Greenland scenery with its icebergs, autumn colors, and prehistoric Musk-Ox is a real treat for visitors in late season, after many seabirds are finished breeding.
Greenland's northeast is home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes, including the tundra and mountains. The fjords are sheltered, calm water that reflects the large icebergs. Northeast Greenland has some of the most amazing features. It is no surprise that this part of Greenland, which boasts a world-class island, also holds many records. The North-east Greenland National Park is the largest in the world, covering 375,000 square kilometers.
Scoresby Sound, one of the largest and longest fjords in the world (Scoresby Sund is Danish), is another stunning feature. You could spend a whole cruise exploring the entire system. This part of Greenland is rich in wildlife and you can expect to see the Musk-Ox as well as many other birds. Keep an eye out for Gyr Falcons, which are the world's largest falcons. Look out for Wheatears, Lapland buntings, Arctic Hares, Lemmings and Stoats - or Ermines in winter white coats.
Snowy Owls breed in areas where Lemmings are present, although many of them have already migrated to the south when cruise ships visit the area at the end of the season.
Polar Bears are more elusive in remote areas of Greenland, though they are less aggressive than Svalbard Bears. Walruses and other seals become wary due to hunting. Although the effect is low, because there's only one settlement in this vast area, Ittoqqortoormiit.
The stunning Greenland scenery with its icebergs, autumn colors, and prehistoric Musk-Ox is the highlight of late season visits.
Western Greenland has some of the Arctic's most active glaciers. Kangerlussuaq, a small village north of the Arctic Circle that is popular for viewing the Northern Lights and easy access to the Ice Sheet. Disko Bay offers whale-watching opportunities.
Polar Bears are found in the western part of Greenland, but they're very hard to find due to hunting.
In winter the sea ice connects the very north-east part of Greenland to Ellesmere Island. The area is more closely linked to the Canadian Arctic, and its wildlife.
This part of Greenland is renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and wildlife.
Your cruise will arrive in Reykjavik early the next morning. The crew must say goodbye and the journey home begins.