Large sea bird flies past arches of pink & tan rocks with lime green algae at their waterline, seen on a Jan Mayen cruise.
Arctic fjord with jagged peaks behind & small icebergs in the foreground, seen at sunset on a Greenland & Iceland cruise.
Tall, mushroom-shaped iceberg drips water as it melts in the sun, seen on a Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland's East Coast cruise.
Small icebergs float in glassy water under a partly cloudy sky on a Greenland & Iceland cruise, creating a mirrored reflection.
Spotting scope on a tripod sits behind a wall of glass panes on the bridge of a small ship, looking at snowy mountains at dusk.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

East Greenland: Wild Shores of The High Arctic Cruise

On this 20-day voyage aboard National Geographic Endurance, discover epic ice and wildlife amid seldom-seen islands and fjords of the high Arctic. Venture into the largest national park in the world—Northeast Greenland National Park—to spot polar bears, musk oxen, arctic hare and more. In this remote area where animals outnumber humans, hike vast tundra with naturalists, kayak through pristine fjords and take in dramatic mountain views. Possibly see the spectacular Northern Lights along Greenland and Iceland. Plus, explore with time to linger in Norway’s fjords of legendary beauty at Tysfjord and in the Lofoten Islands.

Lasting memories are made on an itinerary packed with highlights. Sail into Norway’s spectacular fjords and explore secluded inlets and coves by kayak or Zodiac. Call at the seldom-visited Jan Mayen Island, where the only residents operate a remote weather outpost and have this northernmost volcano all to themselves. Conditions permitting, see the spectacular Northern Lights. And visit Iceland’s colorful villages to see contemporary life, hike over geologically recent volcanic flows and soak in the country’s iconic hot springs.

Explore aboard 126-guest National Geo Endurance. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic tripsIceland cruises and Spitsbergen & Svalbard cruises.



Itinerary

East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic Itinerary

On this Norway to Reykjavik via Greenland itinerary, cruise the Norwegian fjords, cross the sea via the seldom-visited isle of Jan Mayen, explore eastern Greenland and take in Iceland’s less-visited Westfjords before disembarking in Reykjavik.

Route map of East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic cruise from Oslo, Norway, to Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Days 1 - 2
Fly to Oslo, Norway

Fly overnight to Oslo. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Bristol. In the afternoon, explore this charming city. Stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced Frogner Park. Visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is at leisure.

Accommodations

n/a (day 1); Hotel Bristol (day 2)

Meals

n/a (day 1); lunch (day 2)

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Day 3
Fly to Tromso & Embark

Depart Oslo on a chartered flight to Tromsø and embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Tysfjorden

Explore the dramatic, glacier-carved Norwegian coastline of Tysfjorden, where the fjord’s almost vertical walls surround the ship. By Zodiac and kayak, get closer views of the birch forests, tumbling waterfalls and small villages on the rocky shore. Nearby, the U-shaped valley of Hellmobotn cuts nearly to Sweden and has a trail to hike almost to the border.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 6
Nordfjord & Svartisen

Svartisen National Park consists of a large ice field of the central Norwegian coast. Enter the park on a beautiful fjord called Nordfjord. As the ship crosses the park boundary, the sheer walls of the fjord tower above. The captain anchors the ship near the mouth of a glacier-fed river flowing down from a hanging glacier off the main ice field of Svartisen. The morning will be spent gasping at the scenery, taking walks ashore in the birch meadows, and possibly kayaking in the protected waters. Zodiac cruising along the shores is always popular to view the numerous waterfalls cascading down the rock walls. Be on deck while cruising into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the compact yet dramatic Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway’s mythical beings: trolls.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Lofoten Islands

Start the day on deck as the ship glides into Trollfjorden, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords. The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages framed by jagged, granite peaks that rise straight from the sea. Explore the many islets, and go ashore at Værøy to hike and kayak. Seek out Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots on a Zodiac cruise.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 9
At Sea & Jan Mayen Isle, Norway

Spend the next day at sea, enjoying the ship’s amenities as she cruises toward Jan Mayen Island. Listen to talks given by the onboard naturalists, head to the bridge to watch for whales, or relax in the sauna or library. The following day, take the extremely rare opportunity to visit Jan Mayen, a remote Norwegian island with a small military and weather station that holds the settlement’s only residents. The seldom-visited isle is presided over by the ice-capped crater of Beerenberg, the world’s northernmost active above-ground volcano.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 12
East Greenland, Scoresbysund

With flexibility and exploration as the priorities, head just south of the national park to Scoresbysund, the largest fjord in the world, where one may see the elusive narwhal, Atlantic walrus and beluga whales. On the nearby shore sits the brightly colored Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated town in Greenland. The town is blocked by sea ice for most of the year, and its inhabitants—fewer than 500 of them—survive by hunting and fishing the surrounding waters. This is also the time of year where it is possible to view the Northern Lights and onboard staff will be available to help everyone photograph the experience.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 13 - 16
Exploring Northeast Greenland National Park

Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world, is a pristine swath of Arctic wilderness in the northeast corner of Greenland. Here, find towering mountains, glacial lagoons and tremendous wildlife—polar bears, musk oxen and walrus. With its advanced ice class, the ship makes it possible to navigate the region’s dense pack ice and explore up close the coastline and inlets of the park.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Northwest Iceland

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and view the down cleaning process.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 18
Flatey Island

Explore Iceland’s western frontier. Visit Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, to walk around the charming little hamlet, and opportunities to see and photograph numerous species of birds. Zodiac cruise the coast and see where Erik the Red sailed from in the year 982 A.D., bound for Greenland.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 19
Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—which comes into view as the ship cruises past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 20
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or hot springs, a geothermal power plant, and a horse farm, prior to the flight home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations (including one hotel night in Oslo); meals indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes. Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens. Complimentary beer & wine on National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird, with a complimentary full bar on all other ships.

Exclusions

One-way charter flight from Oslo to Tromso, Norway ($980 per person in 2023, subject to change); passport; visa; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

For expeditions departing prior to April 1, 2024:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $3,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750*
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

*$750 USD will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which only may be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

For expeditions departing April 1, 2024 onward:
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic cruise begins in Oslo, Norway (OSL), and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Embarkation time may vary based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland, is after breakfast on Day 20 of the outlined itinerary. Departure times on Day 20 may vary depending on group flights. Inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Oslo and Tromso, Norway, is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions. There is a strict luggage limit of two checked bags weighing up to 57 lbs (25 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (8 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, photography, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Sep 06 - Sep 25, 2023
National Geographic Endurance • 20 days
From $27030USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
No Single Supplement On Select 2023 Arctic Cruises

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement fee when you book your select 2023 departure from an array of Arctic expedition cruises.

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
Book One, Get The Second 20% Off On Select 2023-2024 Antarctic Or Arctic Expeditions

Travel to both poles and save up to 20% when you book two consecutive cruises to the Arctic or Antatcaboard a National Geographic expedition ship.

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
Groups Save 5% On National Geographic Expeditions

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on National Geographic expeditions in this special deal.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

Firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class next generation expedition ships. From X-Bow design to on deck igloos, this in depth ship review covers what you need to know.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

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East Greenland: Wild Shores of The High Arctic Cruise