Modern ship in blue & white sits in calm sea beside jagged beige peaks with snowy overlooks & geologic striations in East Greenland.
White arctic hare sits among red & brown tundra, seen on the Complete East Greenland cruise.
Zodiac with Complete East Greenland cruise guests motors toward a big white glacier under a hazy sky in the Arctic.
Local Greenlandic man in white anorak stands & beats a hand drum beside a hill with colorful homes in the Arctic.
Travelers in red & black jackets stand on deck of a ship & photograph a green aurora borealis at night in East Greenland.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Complete East Greenland Cruise

Wild. Rugged. Remote. Pristine. Words which describe, but fail to capture the majesty of one of the wildest regions on planet Earth. Come aboard 192-guest Ocean Albatros to experience this special region of East Greenland.

The flickering aurora borealis, vast glaciers, precipitous mountains and charismatic arctic wildlife are just some of the spectacles you’ll hope to see on the wild shores of Earth’s largest island. Experience Tunumiit culture and incredible history in Ammassalik region, meet the locals in Greenland’s most isolated community in Ittoqqortoormiit, and experience the unrivalled majesty of the Northeast Greenland National Park–the largest in the world. Blending ancient culture, mind-boggling natural beauty and the chance to see some of the Arctic’s most charismatic wildlife, this voyage showcases the best of the Arctic’s largest wilderness.

Purpose-built, 192-guest Ocean Albatros serves as your floating basecamp. This ice-breaker polar ship features modern technology, state-of-the-art efficiency, a smooth ride and nimble design for active off-ship excursions. Her fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, plus citizen science equipment, keep travelers active outside the boat. And their inviting lecture room and library, plus relaxing wellness amenities, keep guests engaged between excursions.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruisesGreenland small ship cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Complete East Greenland Itinerary

The Complete East Greenland itinerary cruises round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland with visits that highlight the region’s culture, beauty and diversity. A highlight is the chance to visit Northeast Greenland National Park—the largest protected area on Earth.

Route map of Complete East Greenland cruise round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland, including a visit to Northeast Greenland National Park.
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Day 1
Embark Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik, a vibrant city known for Nordic cuisine, unique museums and lively shopping. After safety briefings, set sail toward the wild coasts of East Greenland.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait

The Denmark Strait, a narrow passage between Iceland and Greenland, teems with rich marine life. Your onboard experts guide guests in spotting wildlife as you cross these productive waters. Nearing Greenland, the team shares insights on ecology, geology and wildlife, preparing guests for Zodiac operations and polar bear safety.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Kuummiut & Ikateq, East Greenland

The day begins in Kuummiut, a picturesque and prosperous village nestled in the serene Ammassalik Fjord. Roughly meaning “People who Live by the River,” Kuummiut thrives on its rich fishing grounds and is home to East Greenland’s only fish factory, drawing fishermen from across the local area. With no road access, the sea serves as its highway, and the village offers a glimpse into traditional East Greenlandic life, marked by sled dogs, motorboats and the quiet rhythm of Inuit life. It’s a peaceful setting to watch drifting icebergs and meet the locals to learn about their beautiful culture.

In the afternoon, the journey continues eastward to Ikateq, a fjord steeped in wartime history. During World War II, the U.S. military built a large airbase here—Bluie 2 East—as part of a transatlantic air route. Despite hazardous terrain and harsh weather, a full airfield, port, hangars and supplies were established. When the base was abandoned in 1947, nearly everything was left behind. Decades of political debate between Nuuk, Copenhagen and Washington followed over the site’s environmental impact, leading to a cleanup of hazardous materials. Today, Ikateq stands as a haunting and well-preserved relic of the wartime era, set amid Greenland’s breathtaking natural landscape.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Tasiilaq, East Greenland

Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s largest settlement, sitting on rugged Ammassalik Island. Isolated from European contact until its founding as a trading post in 1894, it preserves the unique culture of the Tunumiit people. Once home to Greenland’s last shamans, Tasiilaq is the origin of the tupilak, a feared magical creature–now a celebrated art form. Visitors can meet sled dogs (with owners’ permission), experience drum dancing, hike tundra meadows and visit the famous Stunk Artist’s Workshop.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
At Sea: En Route to Ittoqqortoormiit

Keep your binoculars at hand as you sail along this remote rugged coastline; cold currents drifting down from the Arctic Ocean mix with the last gasp of the Gulf Stream along the East Greenlandic coast, creating vast biological productivity. As you sail these rich seas, you can enjoy fascinating lectures, indulgent spa treatments, or simply relax and watch seabirds and other wildlife from the ship’s hot tubs.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Ittorqqortoormiit

The only settlement in this region, Ittoqqortoormiit is among the most remote communities on Earth. While the establishment of the town by Danish authorities in 1925 was challenging, residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle, essential when supply ships arrive only once or twice per year. Ittoqqortoormiit is a town with a strong sense of community and traditional culture, hosting an excellent museum, a beautiful traditional church, and locals often welcome visitors wearing colorful traditional costumes. Perfectly positioned at the fringes of the Northeast Greenland National Park, Ittoqqortoormiit represents the end of human civilization, and the start of thousands of miles of pristine Arctic wilderness.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 9
Northeast Greenland National Park

As the ship sails past the rugged Liverpool Land peninsula, enter the vast Northeast Greenland National Park—the world’s largest protected land area, spanning nearly a million square kilometers and encompassing the northernmost land on Earth. Uninhabited today, the region was once home to nomadic Inuit hunters who thrived off its natural abundance until the mid-19th century.

Due to the extreme remoteness and unpredictable Arctic conditions, the itinerary within the park is flexible and dictated by weather, wind, sea and ice. The Captain and Expedition Leader determine daily plans, which are announced the evening before. Potential highlights include Ella Island’s dramatic 4,265-foot (1.300m) cliffs at Bastionen, the historically significant Maria Island—site of a German WWII camp—and Blomsterbugten on Ymer Island, where visitors may enjoy views of the striking Teufelsschloss mountain and its vivid geological layers. Other possible destinations include the calving Waltershausen Glacier, the magnificent Moskusokse Fjord, and the wildlife hotspots of Jameson Land.

Throughout your time in the Park, your expedition team provides engaging lectures, friendly discussions and onshore insights, while always scanning the landscape for Arctic wildlife. In this remote and pristine wilderness, guests are promised a journey rich in natural beauty, discovery and adventure.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Blosseville Coast

The ship will sail south along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a rugged landscape shaped by volcanic activity around 50 million years ago. First surveyed by explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, this area has long been navigated by the Inuit. If conditions allow, you may land in this now-uninhabited region of breathtaking beauty.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
At Sea: En Route to Reykjavik, Iceland

During your time at sea approaching Reykjavik, relax and reflect on your thrilling Arctic adventure. Attend final lectures from the expedition team, relive your adventure at the voyage slideshow, and celebrate your voyage with new friends at the captain’s farewell cocktail party.

Accommodations

Ocean Albatros

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

As the Icelandic capital comes into view on the horizon, strange objects appear; trees larger than ankle height, glassy skyscrapers and streets full of cars, busses and people… Such a bustling capital may feel strange after the remote wilderness of Greenland! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and expedition team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodations; waterproof expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition; English-speaking expedition team; guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary (excluding optional activities with cost); briefings and educational lectures; citizen science program; all meals on the  ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands); 24-hour access to tea, coffee and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food; welcome and farewell cocktail parties; taxes and landing fees; 500MB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device; digital expedition memento.

Exclusions

International or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary; excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary (such as optional, added-cost activities); meals and beverages not listed as included; voluntary gratuity for the crew and expedition team; personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry and communications unless specified; mandatory travel insurance and insurance of any kind; visa, reciprocity and passport fees; medical care or emergency evacuation; expedition jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes (inquire for more details); life jackets for selected minors (inquire for more details); premium alcohol and any alcohol not mentioned in Inclusions; WiFi from personal devices in excess of the 500 MB provided.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% 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 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:
Up to 181 days – $1,250 cancellation fee
180 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Complete East Greenland cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. An arrival transfer is not included. The estimated disembarkation time from the vessel is 8:00am on the last day of the itinerary. We recommend booking your return flight from Reykjavik as late in the day as possible, avoiding any flights departing before 12:00pm Noon, in case of unintended delays due to weather or sea conditions. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Complete East Greenland cruise. Per-person prices for the 2027 season: discover kayaking $350; photography, citizen science, trekking, the polar plunge and Zodiac cruises included. For the discover kayaking program, the minimum required age is 14 and all kayakers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; weight limit is 260 pounds per person. Discover kayaking one-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the immersive kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s discover kayaking excursion may be pre-booked or booked on the ship. Note: Activities are capacity-controlled; book early via your Adventure Specialist to reserve your space. A nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the activity fee is required per person at time of booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers (18+ only) wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Aboard Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, third person rates are available at 50% reduction of the double occupancy rate, in Junior Suites and Deck 4 Superior Balcony Suites (inquire for pricing).

Families & Children

Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an Arctic voyage. However, on a case-by-case basis, children ages 7-11 may be accepted with additional screening prior to booking. Children under 18 years old must room with a responsible adult who is designated as the lead passenger on the booking.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $150,000 USD per person. This plan must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses and pre-existing medical conditions. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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 conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Sep 17 - Sep 28, 2027
Ocean Albatros • 12 days
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $9895USD
Per Person
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A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ocean Albatros

The 2023-built, 192-guest Ocean Albatros offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, and design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

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Current Deals on This Trip

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