12-day last-minute Arctic cruise – East Greenland – Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly, and quintessentially Nordic city.

We recommend starting at the superb National Museum and Culture House for an excellent overview of Iceland’s history and culture. You will also want to visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s most famous landmark. For those interested in natural history, we recommend the Whales of Iceland museum, which houses full-sized models of the 23 species of whale found around Iceland. For dinner, Reykjavík offers countless options for an authentic Icelandic meal.

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden or relax in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the city’s heart. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Remember, you will soon receive your own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. After getting underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to admire the views as we sail through Faxaflói, where we can encounter our first whales.

As we sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, we celebrate our crossing of the Arctic Circle. We keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, we have our first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.

The itinerary for this voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts, and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq, in the Greenlandic language. This area is known for its impressive scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The exact schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice conditions, but the area is expected to be minimally affected by sea ice at this late stage of the season. The fjord system is one of the most extended and visually stunning in the world and almost totally devoid of human habitation. The area of exploration includes part of Northeast Greenland National Park, known for its untouched tundra wilderness and opportunities to spot polar bears and other marine mammals. Visitors will also have the chance to visit the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region, and potentially view the Northern Lights. The itinerary offers a chance to explore one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments through hiking, Zodiac cruising, and sea kayaking.

After our fantastic time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff and our range of onboard recreation facilities ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

Our last expedition day is spent in Iceland’s beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords). This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. Deep fjords are home to whales, while estuaries abound with seals and birdlife.

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik international airport or the city center if you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.