Arctic Cruise

   
 
 

Jewels of the Arctic Cruise

14 Days / 5 locations in Svalbard, Norway, Greenland, and Iceland

Pre- and post-cruise packages available. Please inquire.

Please note that the August 9, 2014 and August 3, 2015 departure begins in Longyearbyen and the August 22, 2014 and August 16, 2015 departure begins in Reykjavik. The itinerary should be adjusted accordingly.

Jewels of the Arctic combines the best of Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Spitsbergen’s rugged northwest coast comprises mountains, tundra and fjords. While crossing the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, our onboard experts share their knowledge of the region’s plants, animals and history. Greenland’s remote east coast shows off the immensity of the icecap, fantastic icebergs and a fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 1000 m above exquisite fjords! The local Inuits welcome us and share their unique culture.

We will ‘adopt a Polar Bear’ on behalf of each passenger booked on our ‘Jewels of the Arctic’ voyages in 2014. The new ‘adopt a Polar Bear’ initiative will support the WWF wildlife adoption program, assisting to conserve the Arctic’s rich biodiversity and maintaining a healthy environment for the Polar Bears; specifically targeting the bears in the Svalbard archipelago, the region that we visit each year. Each passenger will receive a complimentary polar bear adoption pack, including certificate and updates on how the donations are being spent throughout the year.

COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS 2013 AND 2014

Join Moab Master Photographer Joshua Holko and Pro Wildlife and Nature Photographer Daniel Bergmann who will be conducting outdoor photography workshops on this voyage. Accredited by Canon, the photography workshops are open to all levels of photographer and will provide passengers with the chance to develop their skills out in the field alongside two of photography’s rising stars.

Wildlife Watching

Aurora Expeditions’ voyages to remote, untamed regions offer unique opportunities to experience some of our planet's most extraordinary and rare bird and wildlife. Every one of our voyages offers you the chance to join our expert naturalists as we actively search, high and low, for some of the most unique wildlife around. Our naturalist will also provide detailed and entertaining talks so you can learn more about different species and varieties of animals that call our wonderful destinations home. Find out more.

Kayaking

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh your soul. Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes in the north and south as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Find out more.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Longyearbyen
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Dinner

We board Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon, settle in and sail down magnificent Isfjorden, flanked by bird cliffs, vast glaciers and jagged mountains.

 
Days 2 - 3     Spitsbergen
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Spitsbergen’s northwest coast features calving icebergs, historic whaling stations and trappers’ camps. Brunnich’s guillemots, little auks and kittiwakes nest in their thousands. Reindeer roam the tundra and so can you, photographing wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion, bell-heather and hairy lousewort. From our Zodiacs, gain fantastic views of ice cliffs, including Monacobreen, one of Spitsbergen’s largest glaciers. In the north, there’s a good chance of seeing walrus – and possibly even polar bears – on the pack ice.

 
Days 4 - 5     Spitsbergen
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin’s nutrient-rich waters, searching for fin and beluga whales, encroaching pack ice, and seabirds. Our expert naturalists and guest lecturers entertain us with fascinating, illustrated talks on European Arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of such early explorers as Nansen, Andrée and Scoresby. These are relaxed days, wonderful for getting to know fellow expeditioners and preparing for a landing, if conditions permit, in the world’s largest national park – Greenland’s northeast coast. The region is home to polar bear, walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. Watch for ringed, bearded, harp and hooded seals from the Zodiacs.

 
Days 6 - 8     At Sea
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Ice is often the overwhelming first impression of Greenland. An ice cap covers 81 per cent of the island and pack ice, even in summer, may fill northern bays. Ashore, cosy trappers’ huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk ox, Arctic fox and eider ducks roam. These are just some of the delights in Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a microclimate for spectacular hanging gardens. Kong Oskar Fjord offers spectacular glacier-carved mountains.

 
Days 9 - 11     Illoqqortoormiut
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

In Scoresbysund, the world’s biggest fjord, the vast Greenland icecap sweeps down in massive glaciers that calve explosively, creating giant icebergs. Near Sydkap, our Zodiacs weave through a maze of grounded icebergs, some more than 30-metres high, sculpted with deep green tunnels and aquamarine lakes. Enjoy a warm Ittoqqortoormiit welcome, from Inuit happy to share their culture and explain the challenges of Arctic life. Our kayakers find ideal paddling conditions, wending their way through interconnected waterways, watching for polar bears and narwhals.

 
Day 12     At Sea
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Sailing south along the Blosseville Coast, searching for musk ox and narwhals and marvel at the mountain scenery that dominates the skyline. If weather permits, we head for Rømer Fjord, a deep waterway with stunning mountain views.

 
Day 13     At Sea
On Board the Polar Pioneer
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

As we sail across Denmark Strait towards Iceland, there’s time to reflect on our rich experiences, enjoy the flying antics of northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins, orcas and other whales in their feeding grounds.

 
Day 14     Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast

Arrive early morning in Isafjordur, a stunning fishing town in Iceland’s northwest. After breakfast, bid farewell to Polar Pioneer as you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Reykjavik.

 

Notes

Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.

Price Includes
Pre-Departure Information Packet
Port Taxes and Charges
Medical Service on Board
Entertainment & Conferences on Board
Shore Excursions
All Meals on Board
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Flight from Isafjord to Reykjavik or V.V.
Transfers to and from Ship
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Price Does Not Include
 Optional Kayaking - $1040
AUR-1269
1.28.15.WP26