Arctic traveler in yellow polar jacket stands out on deck of ship watching northern lights of purple, blue & green in Greenland.
Tandem kayakers in lime green boat paddle glassy water beside a large blue iceberg during an Under The Northern Lights cruise.
View from behind front paddler in inflatable yellow tandem kayak on a sunny day on an Under The Northern Lights Arctic cruise.
Greenland traveler stands atop green & gold tundra on a cliff overlooking a fjord with icebergs during a northern lights cruise.
Arctic traveler in yellow polar parka stands on deck of ship looking at sea with floating ice chunks on a northern lights cruise.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

Scoresbysund, the world’s longest fjord system, beckons you to explore Greenland. Enticing you with some of the world’s best displays of the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit also offers a rare connection to the past, as they still live off the land as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Discover this home to the largest fjord system in the world, offering diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Begin this 14-day Arctic adventure by cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords, then move on to Greenland’s remote northeast coast.

With the 128-guest Ocean Adventurer as your home base, explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet; featuring iceberg-choked fjords, tundra hikes and the Arctic wildlife of Greenland National Park, enjoying picture-perfect scenes every day. One of the most active expeditions, you can climb atop mountains and watch herds of grazing muskoxen on the horizon. This is pure wilderness, the untouched Arctic as it was thousands of years ago—and the best way to experience it is aboard a small ship.

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



Itinerary

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland Itinerary

This 14-day Iceland and Greenland cruise travels along the world’s longest fjord system looking for the northern lights and begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Route map of Under the Northern Lights Arctic small ship expedition, operating round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland, with stops along the Vestfjords and southeast Greenland's Ittoqqortoormilt, Milne Land & Ella Island.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

The adventure begins with an included overnight hotel stay in thoroughly modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.

Accommodations

Reykjavik hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

This afternoon, board the vessel and begin the expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

dinner

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Day 3
Exploring the Vestfjords

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs.

Spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or horse grazing in the distance. A few little outposts of civilization, small fishing communities are nestled on fjord edges and the shores of the Denmark Strait, facing out into the mighty Atlantic and toward East Greenland—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the Viking days.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
At Sea

As the ship cruises north across the Denmark Strait, the expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around the ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 12
Exploring Northeast Greenland

During this tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out
for grazing muskoxen, as 40% of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, it’s obvious why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet.

Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where there may be time to interact with the Inuit people and learn about their way of life. There may also be a chance to see the northern lights here if
the skies are clear.

Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs
and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
At Sea

As this Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by the onboard experts, share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during this time at sea. The expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Accommodations

Ocean Adventurer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of the journey. Take a provided transfer to a central downtown location for booked post-expedition accommodation, or continue travel onward to home or another adventure.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer and house wine during dinner; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; complimentary reusable water bottle; hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik; group transfers to/from ship.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival and departure transfers; 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, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any optional activities.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% 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 apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund, less $500 admin fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 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.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot (2023 season) for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The Under the Northern Lights voyage begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with an included transfer downtown. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik according to guidelines provided in your final documents. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included. Sea kayaking may be available for $695 per person (2023 & 2024). Taken in small groups of 10 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. You must have some prior kayaking experience, including the capability to do a wet exit. One-time paddling excursions are available for $195 (2023 & 2024) per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. 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. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ocean Adventurer: Superior, Deluxe, Suite & Owner’s Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. 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

Sep 08 - Sep 21, 2023
Ocean Adventurer • 14 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $11495USD
Per Person
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Sep 20 - Oct 03, 2023
Ocean Adventurer • 14 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $11495USD
Per Person
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Sep 20 - Oct 03, 2024
Ocean Adventurer • 14 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $11695USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
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 Adventurer

A handsome and refurbished expedition ship, the Ocean Adventurer combines travel to the polar regions with superior onboard comfort for her 128 passengers.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires July 4th, 2023
Save Up To 40% On Select 2023 & 2024 Arctic Expeditions

Book your select 2023 or 2024 Arctic expedition and receive up to 40% off, depending on cabin selection.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires July 5th, 2023
Save 40% + $1000 Air Credit On Select 2023 Arctic Northern Lights Expeditions

Book your September-October 2023 Arctic cruise by July 5th to save up to 40% per person and receive $1,000 in air credit.

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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

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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15 Day Cruise
Southbound Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland

Sail southbound, from Svalbard to Iceland, on this award-winning 15-day expedition cruise aboard 128-guest Ocean Adventurer see the coast of Greenland, sail along Iceland and go above the Arctic Circle in Spitsbergen.

Special Offer
From $11495USD
Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
10 Day Land Tour
East Greenland Arctic Adventure

Discover Greenland like never before! The safari-style Base Camp Greenland offers an eye-level vantage point of Arctic icebergs, whales and seals in frigid waters. Kayak, hike and meet local Inuit who live in harmony with nature.

From $12995USD
Jul Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
10 - 11 Day Cruise
A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Iceland's world-class geology and unique cultural heritage come alive in this Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard National Geographic ships 148-guest Explorer or 126-guest Resolution or Endurance. Cruise round-trip from Reykjavik; see glaciers, geysers and immense cliffs with world-class guides leading the way!

Special Offer
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Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland