Arctic Cruise: Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland & Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation Day

Longyearbyen is the seat of government for the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway’s Arctic islands. Located on the picturesque island of Spitsbergen, the community has a population of about a thousand. Boarding of the Adventure Ship Akademik Sergey Vavilov occurs in the late afternoon, so we suggest that you arrive early to explore the quaint village.

Days 2-4: Exploring Spitsbergen and the islands of Svalbard

The Expedition Team plans all your activities to take advantage of local weather and ice conditions. Anticipate visits to the 14th of July Glacier, the settlement of Ny Alesund, a base station of international Arctic research, and Monaco Glacier. Be on the alert as you explore for wildlife. Sightings of Arctic Terns, Arctic Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes, Glaucous Gulls and reindeer are possible. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary, if the conditions are right, you may see walrus hauled out on shore or swimming in the protected waters. Polar bear sightings are another possibility. The optional kayaking will occur at the same time as a shore landing or a Zodiac cruise. The exact location and time will be determined by the kayak master in consultation with the Expedition Leader.

Days 5-6: Greenland Sea

While at sea, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about the wildlife and cultures they anticipate you will encounter in Greenland. The naturalists assist with seabird identification from the deck of the ship. You may participate in as many, or as few, shipboard activities as you choose.

Days 7-10: Eastern Greenland

The coast of eastern Greenland is wild, rugged and often ice-bound. This area is an excellent habitat for wildlife that require ice floes to thrive, such as polar bear. You’ll sail the ice edge, lowering Zodiacs from time to time to cruise at ocean level or to go ashore. If conditions permit, you’ll compare cultures as you visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements and a remote modern day settlement. At all times, be on the alert for musk oxen, because 40% of the world’s population lives on the eastern coast.Before you leave Greenland you sail into Scoresbysund, the largest fjord in the world.

Days 11-12: Eastern Greenland

If conditions permit, you will compare cultures as you visit the reamins of ancient Thule settlements and a remote modern-day village. At all time, you will be on the alert for musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population lives on the eastern coast of Greenland. Before leaving Greenland, you may sail into Scoresbysund, the largest fjord complex in the world, and the birthplace of many icebergs.

Day 13: Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The history of the Westman Islands is as shrouded by the mists of time as a Norse Saga. The name refers to a term used by the Norse to refer to Irishmen, or west men. In the 1600’s a fleet from the Ottoman Empire that included Barbary Pirates raided the islands, capturing 400 inhabitants. They were sold into slavery in Algiers. Like the rest of Iceland, the Westman Islands are volcanically active. As recently as 1963, a new island, Surtsey, was created as a result of a volcanic eruption.

Day 14: Reykjavik

This expedition disembarks in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik.