The Plancius is a small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.
Photo by: Alexander Kassler
Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis
Spend 10-12 days experiencing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special voyage to the Scoresby Sund, East Greenland, the longest fjord in the world, aboard a selection of small expedition ships.
Sep
Oct
FROM
$6,250
USD
PER PERSON
/
Experience the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special 10-day voyage to Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. It is the longest fjord in the world, and at this time of year, the conditions are optimal to experience the phenomenal northern lights.
The Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Arctic cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, cruising round-trip from Akureyri, Iceland. Set off on the 108-guest Plancius. Cross the Arctic Circle north to East Greenland and back. Look for flashing icebergs on Greenland’s east coast. Zodiac past glacier fronts, basalt columns and ice formations at Vikingebugt. At Danmark Island, find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned 200 years ago. Photograph azure icebergs against a red sediment backdrop near the Rode Fjord and search for musk oxen and rich foliage.
Send a postcard from Ittoqqortoormiit, a town with 500 inhabitants and plenty of sled dogs to meet. Time at sea is perfect for witnessing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, and searching for seabirds including fulmar, kittiwake, gannet and rafts of common guillemot. Greenland and its surrounding waters are home to an impressive array of wildlife. There are about 50 bird species on the island such as gyrfalcon, snowy owl, and barnacle and pink-footed goose. If you’ve ever wanted to see the aurora borealis, the time is right on this itinerary.
In addition to the main 10-day itinerary, longer 11- and 12-day routes fly from Iceland to meet the ship in Greenland and then either fly or sail back, aboard the ice-strengthened, 33-guest motorsailor Rembrandt van Rijn.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, Greenland cruises and specialty northern lights cruise routes.
East Greenland - Scoresby Sund, Including Long Hikes Itinerary
Reykjavik, IcelandReykjavik, Iceland
The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund, Including Long Hikes cruise operates round-trip from Akureyri, Iceland, where the ship embarks and disembarks following a crossing of the Denmark Strait.
The journey begins in the morning, where by request, you can transfer via chartered bus from the city hall of Reykjavik to the embarkation point in Akureyri. Arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland. This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, embark the expedition ship and enjoy dinner on board as the ship leaves Iceland and sails north toward the Denmark Strait.
While sailing north across the Denmark Strait, you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, as snow-capped peaks appear on the horizon, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Kap Brewster and the mouth of Scoresby Sund.
In the morning, you’ll likely encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet (100m) high and more than a kilometer long; most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep. Aim to land at Tyskit Nunat (Greenlandic for Germany) where, in 1930-31, a party of Alfred Wegener’s research team wintered and performed scientific observations. Wegener himself perished on the ice cap that winter.
In the early afternoon, land at Saakattaakajik, where you’ll see the remains of Thule summer houses with whale vertebrae incorporated into the construction. From there, you may make a good walk in the direction of Sydkap (7.5 miles or 12 km), where you also may arrive by Zodiac, depending on weather and sea conditions. In the early evening, sail by the Bjørne Øer (Bear Islands) archipelago at the eastern mouth of Øfjord.
After having sailed through narrow and breathtaking Øfjord, surrounded by mountains in excess of 6,560 feet (2,000m) high, including the spectacular Grundtvigskirken, arrive at the Hoffman Peninsula, where travelers often see muskoxen. Here, excellent opportunities for long hikes present themselves, crossing the tundral peninsula from Harefjord to Rypefjord. Non-long walkers will be offered excursions on the south side of the peninsula in the morning and on the north side in the afternoon. In the early evening, once again enjoy the spectacular views of Øfjord as you retrace your route past Grundtvigskirken.
On the Volquart Boons Kyst, you may enjoy a Zodiac cruise in Vikingebugt near its glacier front, where there are good chances to see polar bears, on the ice shoals in the sea. A walk on the striking basalt columns at Helgenaes provides fantastic views back across towards Øfjord and the distant shores of Jameson Land, and opportunities to see good examples of patterned ground. In the evening, plan to sail some way westward along more of the many glacier fronts on Volquart Boons Kyst.
In the morning, waim to land at Hurry Inlet, in Liverpool Land. Your landing site will likely be on the east side of Hurry Inlet, close to a historic hunter’s cabin, which was erected by the Romanian Dumbrava in 1930. In autumn, the residents of Ittoqqortoormiit fish for sea trout in the surrounding lakes. Walks along the coast provide excellent views over Neils Klinter (Cliffs) at the opposite side of Hurry Inlet, famous for Jurassic fossils. An alternative could also be Hareelv, where travelers often meet muskoxen.
Your afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund, with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards, or stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. The church may also be open, where information about the history of Ittoqqortoormiit is available. In the afternoon, sail south, passing Kap Brewster and the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
The island of Steward Ø is an important hunting area with cabins for the people of Scoresby Sund, with well-preserved remains of dwellings from the Thule people from centuries ago. The hill behind these cultural remains provides superb views of the glaciers nearby. This is a good area to spot polar bears among the glacier ice, narwals and different species of seals.
The exciting narrow Turner Sound with strong currents, where walruses are occasionally spotted, and Rømer Fjord, both grant the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. Here, you may again get the chance to spot narwhals. Halfway into Rømer Fjord on the south side, there are also warm springs. This stretch of coastline is rugged and magnificent – a true example of the ancient beauty of Greenland.
A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds, and at night, the magical northern lights. On your journey back towards Akureyri, you may pass the tiny islet of Kolbeinsey and the Icelandic island of Grimsey. As you approach Iceland as evening falls, the skies may glimmer with the aurora one final time.
Disembark in Akureyri and transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that must be booked in advance) to the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavík.
Included
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).
Exclusions
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; ground transfers between Reykjavik and Akureyri for embarkation and disembarkation; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be 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 90 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 penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% 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.
Arrival & Departure
The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), where you’ll be picked up and transferred by scenic bus through North Iceland. The ship embarks and disembarks in Akureyri, Iceland (AEY), with a transfer back to Reykjavik on Day 10. Plan flights to arrive Reykjavik at least one day prior to embarkation. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. The bus transfer is not included and must be pre-booked (2026 USD cost is $150 one-way, $300 round-trip; 2027 USD cost is $165 one-way, $330 round-trip). Contact AdventureSmith for more details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Select departures offer special long hikes. These guided all-morning, point-to-point treks are up to nine miles over tundra, rivers, rocky shoreline, low hills and rugged backcountry, with boots provided and rest stops and lunch along the way. After a full day (up to 6 hours) of hiking, meet the ship at its second activity stop for the day. Ask your Adventure Specialist to reserve your spot for this included activity at time of booking.
Guided shore excursions, hiking, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.
Families & Children
Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. 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.
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The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins and ample space on five decks make the Plancius a great option for expedition cruises. With a strong focus on off-ship activities, the Plancius is an excellent jumping-off point for exploration of the polar regions.
Plancius Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Plancius review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Plancius with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships sailing Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises including Iceland cruises and cruises to Greenland.
Choose the Plancius for an activity-focused vessel while traveling in a comfortable and nicely decorated small ship that is spacious while imparting character, style and modern technology. The Plancius is a sleek ship made for explorers, much like her sister ship Ortelius. She makes for an excellent base camp for active-, adventure- and wildlife-minded modern explorers. Her polar cruises are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible hiking, kayaking, overnight field camping and even scuba diving.
The Plancius is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10-12 knots. She has also been upgraded for comfort and cruising as the Plancius's diesel-electric propulsion system reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. In 2019, the ship's superior cabins were fully upgraded, the corridors of deck 5 were given new carpeting and there were also renovations made to the ship's restaurant area. And in 2025, Plancius was equipped with IcySea, a software providing near-real-time ice information to ensure safe navigation.
Plancius History
M/V Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named "Hr. Ms. Tydeman." The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/V Plancius is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Plancius
Plancius offers a restaurant/lecture room on Deck 3. The spacious observation lounge and bar on Deck 5 boasts full panoramic views, a coffee and tea station with espresso machine and TVs. In the library, just off the lounge, computers for photo downloading and reference books in multiple languages are available. The Plancius has large open deck spaces with full walk-around viewing areas on Deck 4, offering excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. An infirmary is available if needed.
Plancius offers complimentary internet access via a voucher for a daily allowance of 1.5GB of internet activity, which resets every 24 hours. Additional internet data is available via supplementary vouchers which may be purchased on board.
Dining Aboard Plancius
All meals are served in the dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style while dinners are plated 3-course meals. Options for dinner include meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included however alcohol and drinks are at additional cost.
Crew & Guides Aboard Plancius
Plancius is staffed by 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 11 stewards/cabin cleaners), 7-8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor. An international team of polar experts and field guides are assembled to share their enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge through lectures, briefings and field excursions. The science-minded professionals aboard cover major topics like marine biology, geography, geology, glaciology, ornithology and history. When it comes to excursions, the staff have all been trained and qualified in their respective activity. These scientists, lecturers and expedition guides work hard not just for safety but also to highlight examples of the unique elements of these intriguing polar regions.
Activities Aboard Plancius
As an activity-focused ship, the Plancius offers quality equipment and supplies to create safe, fun and comfortable exploration experiences. Snowshoes for shoreline hikes are available to explore the landscape via foot. Five single and five double kayaks are aboard the Plancius for off-ship on-the-water excursions, as are Neoprene wetsuits, splash shirts and covers, booties, caps and life jackets. Plancius is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V Zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side of the ship, guaranteeing a swift Zodiac operation. Select voyages have opportunities for photography workshops on board and on land, polar diving, camping and mountaineering excursions. All off-ship activities except shoreline hikes and walks require signing-up during the booking process.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Plancius
M/V Plancius accommodates 108 passengers in 50 passenger cabins, each with private toilet and shower, in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 26 twin window cabins, 2 twin deluxe cabins and 10 superior cabins. All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple porthole cabins (for 4 persons in 2 upper and 2 lower beds).
Common amenities include desk and chair, telephone and internet connection, a flatscreen TV and a hairdryer in each cabin and ample storage space. The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so travelers may need a 220v/110v converter.
The three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords and icebergs, and for experiencing the sublime beauty of the northern lights. Ideal for spotting whales, cruising among small islands and exploring remote locations, this 33-passenger sailing vessel appeals to travelers and avid sailors alike.
Rembrandt van Rijn Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Rembrandt van Rijn review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our Rembrandt van Rijn review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Rembrandt van Rijn other small cruise ships and yachts sailing Arctic cruises, including private charter cruises.
Choose the Rembrandt van Rijn for an authentic sailing ship experience with great decks for wildlife and scenic viewing. Guests aboard Rembrandt van Rijn typically have experience exploring remote regions, making for a spirited and adventurous passenger complement.
History of Rembrandt van Rijn
S/V Rembrandt van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1747. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-masted passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands in 1994 and sailed in Spitsbergen (1994-1996) and in the Galápagos Islands (1998-2001). The vessel underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program in 2011 before returning to Arctic waters. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations.
Common Areas Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
S/V Rembrandt van Rijn has large open deck spaces that offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. The dining room is comfortable and relaxed. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship but there are designated places on deck to smoke.
Dining Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
With a spacious restaurant on board, the vessel serves three daily meals of international cuisine, which are served buffet style. There is a separate bar and an area with a reading table. In keeping with the expedition atmosphere, dress on board is informal.
Activities Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
Two Zodiacs enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. Every day there are expected excursions on land, weather and ice permitting, which take place three to six hours per day over untracked areas. The expedition style voyages devote ample time to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history, which attracts independent, like-minded travelers from around the world who enjoy camaraderie and spirit while aboard. The Rembrandt van Rijn crew consists of 12 experienced crew members, including two expedition guides and a cook.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Rembrandt van Rijn
The Rembrandt van Rijn ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 twin cabins. Each cabin contains a shower, toilet and ample storage. The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.
Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary
The intimate three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland, and for a Northern Lights itinerary in the Arctic.
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