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.
A hiker looks our over a bay full of icebergs on a bright day while exploring Iceland & Greenland on a trip Under the Northern Lights.
View from behind front paddler in inflatable yellow tandem kayak on a sunny day on an Under The Northern Lights Arctic 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

Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords & the Northern Lights

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 11-day Arctic adventure from Iceland’s Reykjavik, sailing to Greenland’s remote northeast coast.

With the 138-guest Ocean Explorer 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, Greenland cruises and northern lights cruises.



Itinerary

Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords & the Northern Lights Itinerary

This 11-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 southeast Greenland's Ittoqqortoormilt, Milne Land & Ella Island.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.

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 Explorer

Meals

dinner

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Day 3
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 Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 8
Exploring Northeast Greenland

Experience the wonders of nature in Segelsellskäbets Fjord, where a spectacular display of geological art awaits your landing: alternating layers of limestone and dolomite stretching before you in a stunningly beautiful canvas created over tens of thousands of years. In the afternoon, cruise the natural beauty of Alpefjord and pass by the impressive Selströms Glacier.

During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. You’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40% of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.

Accommodations

Ocean Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 10
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 Explorer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
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 from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2; group transfer from the ship to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day.

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 when booking 181 days or more prior to departure. A second deposit of 25% of trip cost is due 180 days prior to departure. Bookings made 180 days or less prior to departure require a deposit of 50% of total trip cost. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days prior to departure. 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 121 days – 100% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 75% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

(For expeditions booked prior to October 15,2024: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

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 Adventures in Northeast Greenland cruise 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 11 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. Various optional activities may be available on your Adventures in Northeast Greenland cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Sea kayaking is available for $795 per person (2025). 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 $295 (2025) 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 Explorer: Grand & Royal Veranda Stateroom; Studio Veranda Single; Explorer, Junior & 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

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

Aug 26 - Sep 05, 2025
Ocean Explorer • 11 days
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From $10114USD
Per Person
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Sep 04 - Sep 14, 2025
Ocean Explorer • 11 days
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From $10114USD
Per Person
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Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2025
Ocean Explorer • 11 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option
From $10788USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Oct 02, 2025
Ocean Explorer • 11 days
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From $11463USD
Per Person
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Sep 10 - Sep 20, 2026
Ultramarine • 11 days
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From $8717USD
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
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Expedition Ship
Ocean Explorer

The 138-guest Ocean Explorer offers refined spaces, a relaxed atmosphere, state-of-the-art technology, a design optimized for smooth and efficient cruising, an elevator servicing all decks, and a private balcony in most cabins. Come aboard this polar ship for amenities like Jacuzzis and a sauna, plus tenured guides.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
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Don't miss out! Sav 15-25% when you book your select 2025 or 2026 Greenland expedition.

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Iceland Adventure: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice

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Iceland's world-class geology and unique cultural heritage come alive in this 8- or 10-day Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard 138-guest Nat Geo Endurance or 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer. Cruise round-trip from Reykjavik; see glaciers, geysers and immense cliffs with world-class guides leading the way!

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Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords & the Northern Lights

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