Voyage Overview
Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins
in Iceland and ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland. Then sail to Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,”
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds.
Trip Details
Duration: 15 Days
Ship: Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 128 passengers
Start at: Reykjavik, Iceland
End at: Helsinki
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik
Day 2: Embarkation
Day 3-4: Cruising
Day 5-8: East Greenland
Day 9-10: Cruising
Day 11-14: Spitsbergen
Day 15: Disembark Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki, Finland
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Your Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik. Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Day 3-4: Cruising
While sailing north through the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. You’ll learn about the history of exploration in the Arctic, as well as glaciology. You’ll also learn about the incredible sights, geology and ecology you will soon explore.
Day 5-8: Exploring East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen — 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Day 9-10: Cruising
As we continue to sail north, the Greenland Sea is your pathway toward Svalbard. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Day 11-14: Exploring Spitsbergen, Norway
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas and Brünnich’s guillemots.
Day 15: Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki, Finland
The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
Ocean Explorer
Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
Ocean Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Owner’s Suite
DECK 7
The largest suite onboard Ocean Explorer with a master bedroom, living room with sofa bed, and a dining area with 4-seat table. Take in the spectacular polar views from the triple sized balcony on the highest cabin deck. Additional features include two large master bathrooms (one with a bathtub), two TV’s and state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
443 sq. ft. (41.2m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 singles + sofa bed
Penthouse Suite
DECK 7
Two room suite featuring a bedroom and a separate sitting area with sofa bed. The double sized balcony can be accessed from both rooms. The bedroom has a connecting bathroom with shower and there is an additional powder room off the siting area. There are two TV’s and a state-of-the-art ‘infotainment system’.
296 sq. ft. (25.0 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Junior Suite (Triple Suite starting Antarctica 2026-27 season)
DECK 6
These spacious 2-room suites are conveniently located near the library and lecture lounge. The inner bedroom has a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. The outer sitting room is furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. There are also 2 TV’s, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
298 sq. ft. (27.7 m2)
1-3
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Suite
DECK 4
DECK 6
Located throughout the ship Veranda Suites feature a sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
205 sq. ft. (19.2 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single + sofa bed
Veranda Stateroom
DECK 4
DECK 6
DECK 7
Veranda Staterooms have a sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table and a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
208 sq. ft. (19.3 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
DECK 4
The lowest priced double occupancy cabins on the Ocean Explorer with a forward location on deck 4. Staterooms feature a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony, desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. There are just 4 cabins in this category so you’ll need to book early to secure this entry level price.
182 sq. ft. (16.9 m2)
1-2
1 double or 2 single
Studio Veranda Single
DECK 7
Solo occupancy cabin located high on the ship with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. As there is only one Studio Veranda Single cabin, it is more often than not often sold out.
162 sq. ft. (15.1 m2)
1
1 twin
Studio Single
DECK 3
Dedicated solo occupancy cabins with a low location and porthole view. Cabins feature a desk and chair, TV, state of the art ‘infotainment’ system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
177 sq. ft. (16.5 m2)
1
1 double
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- All shore landings per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official expedition parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Transfer from port to Longyearbyen town center on disembarkation day
- Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
Exclusions:
- International airfare
- Arrival transfer in Reykjavik
- Transfers in Helsinki
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Solo Travelers
An expedition cruise to the Polar regions is a fantastic trip for solo travelers. On most ships, there is the option to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender to keep the pricing down. Solo occupancy cabins are also an option for guests who prefer to have their own space. Please reach out for more information and pricing for solo travelers.
