Throughout time, the Polar Regions have had a
mystical allure. Today this attraction is
perhaps even stronger after the recent
International Polar Year and heightened
concern about global warming. Witness
firsthand the Arctic environment with its
stunning scenery and elusive wildlife. The
tales of the early explorers will spellbind
as we visit settlers’ huts and today’s Inuit
settlement, and then take a walk in this
dramatic natural landscape. Cruise among the
pack ice and late summer icebergs and scan
the expansive tundra for signs of wildlife,
the waters for marine life and the skies for
seabirds.Day 1:
Svalbard
Join the ship in this fascinating Arctic
Norwegian town of Longyearbyen.
Days 2 & 3:
Svalbard
Through coastal cruising and landings
planned for Alkehornet, Freskvannsbukta
Fjord, Magdalenefjord, Moffen Island and
Amsterdamøya, witness the Arctic nature and
wilderness of this archipelago and perhaps
see walrus and the King of the north, the
mighty Polar Bear.
Days 4 & 5: At
Sea
There is time to relax at sea, attend
lectures, stroll the decks or climb to the
bridge to observe navigation in progress and
watch for sea life and the pack ice.
Days 6 to 9:
East Greenland
We begin this coastal exploration as far
north as the ice allows and each day will
bring treks ashore and Zodiac cruising to
discover rugged tundra, icebergs, waterfalls
and glaciers, explorers’ huts, remnants of
Inuit settlements and the headquarters of
the Danish Dog Patrol. All the time, keep a
watch for the elusive wildlife, hardy in
their natural environment but sensitive to
human influence. Destinations may include
Shannon Island, Hansa Bay Daneborg, Dead
Man’s Bay, Wordies Glacier, Myggbukta,
Blomsterbukten, Isfjord and King Oscar’s
Fjord.
Day 10:
Scoresbysund
The largest fjord in the world is
Scoresbysund Fjord with towering granite
walls, mountain peaks and spectacular
glaciers. Strong currents keep the fjord
entry open making it a haven for wildlife.
Days 11 & 12:
East Greenland
A morning in Ittoqqortoormiit gives some
insight into life in the most northern
permanent settlement in East Greenland. In
the afternoon we set out to sea heading for
Iceland and keeping a keen watch for sea
life.
Day 13: Iceland
Disembark in Reykjavik to continue your
Arctic discoveries or begin your homeward
journey.
