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East Greenland Scoresby Sund & Aurora Borealis | Hondius

9 Days
From AUD 6,895

STYLE: Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACOWSSAB

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

SHIP: Hondius

DestinationDestination

Arctic, Greenland

DestinationDeparture Date

09/09/2023

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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OVERVIEW

Embark on an incredible voyage as you are guided by one of the most stunning light shows in the world. On board the Hondius, you will depart on an incredible 9 day voyage through the Arctic Circle. Sail through Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world, filled with giant icebergs and home to multiple species of whale. Encounter the unique and hardy residents of Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbylund, as sled dogs dash past colorful huts, bringing stark contrast to the dramatic surrounding landscape. Spot unique wildlife from arctic hares to narwhals and polar bears. Last but not least, you will undertake this incredible voyage all the while looking to the stars to witness one of the most incredible natural visual displays as you gaze upon the mystifying Northern Lights. 

ITINERARY

On the Iceland Road

Your journey begins in the morning, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus* from the city hall of Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.

*Please Note: This transfer is not included and must be booked in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait

Sailing to East Greenland

While sailing north you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.

Inuit Neighborhood of Yesteryear

Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.

Colors of the cape

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions: The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Enormous bergs, Arctic Hares

In the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.

Settlement at Scoresbysund

Today you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Narwhal waters, polar bear shores

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you have your best shot at spotting narwhals and polar bears.

At sea toward Akureyri

A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.

Disembarkation in Akureyri

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus(a six-hour transfer that is not included, that you must book in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • You will have the opportunity to sail through Scoresbysund, the largest and most beautiful fjord system in the world. 

  • Encounter unique wildlife from arctic hare, narwhal, polar bears and even multiple species of whale. 

  • Pay visit to the unique settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, where a small and hardy population call home, unique for its colourful huts and deeply ingrained local heritage. 

  • Witness the incredible and colourful display of the northern lights as they guide your journey, adding a unique touch of magic and mysticism. 

Hondius

Hondius

Hondius will be the first vessel to be built to class “LR PC6”, meeting the latest and highest demands of Lloyd’s Register for “Polar Class 6” vessels, the highest Polar Class notation for ice-strengthened vessels. The vessel will also fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Polar code, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for safe ship operation and the protection of the Polar environment.

Hondius will be the strongest ice-strengthened vessel in the Polar Regions and will be equipped with stabilizers, and very suitable for advanced, innovative exploratory quality voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.

Ice Class: Length: 107.6 meters
Breadth: 17.6 metersMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 15 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
174

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Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

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Photography

For photography enthusiasts of any skill level. You will receive expert advice on taking and producing amazing photos of Antarctica.

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inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

East Greenland Scoresby Sund & Aurora Borealis | Hondius from AUD 6,895
Departing Ending Duration
09 Sep 2023 17 Sep 2023 9

Important Information

  • Shipboard accommodation on board the Hondius 
    All meals on board
    All scheduled landings and excursions
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team 
    Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes throughout voyage 
    All port taxes 

    Exclusions

    Airfares to and from embarkation/disembarkation city 
    Transfer Day 1 from Reykjavik city hall to ship in Akureyri 
    Transfer Day 9 Akureyri to Reykjavik city hall
    Visa fees (if applicable) 
    Travel insurance
    Beverages (other than tea and coffee) 
    Personal expenses such as laundry, on board communication (Telephone calls, faxes, email) 
    Gratuities for the crew (recommended US$ 15 per person per day) 
    Optional activities

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • Available upon request, contact us for more details. 

  • * Please note the transfers on Day 1 and 9 must be booked in advance, and will incur an extra cost.

    Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions. 

  • Departure date, season and availability.