Skip to main content

Spitsbergen, Northeast Greenland & Aurora Borealis | Ortelius

14 Days
From AUD 11,150

STYLE: Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACOWSNG

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

SHIP: Ortelius

DestinationDestination

Arctic: Spitsbergen & Greenland

DestinationDeparture Date

29/08/2024

TransportAccommodation

Standard



Enquire Now

OVERVIEW

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland on this incredible 14 day expedition. On board the Ortelius, you will embark on a true expedition experience into some of the greatest wonders of the Arctic. Search for polar bears in the Raudfjorden fjord system, bear witness to calving glaciers, floating ice-bergs and dramatic sea cliffs home to vast colonies of sea birds. Bear witness to the incredible northern lights as you sail under the stars. This is a truly unforgettable experience.

ITINERARY

Embarkation in Longyearbyen

You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Route to Raudfjorden

Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Onward to East Greenland- Days 3-4

The following days will be spent at sea. Take this time to enjoy on board experience, familiarise yourself with the crew and fellow passengers.

You may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.

Tundra, Mountains and Icebergs

As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century), there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.

The Islands of Antarctic Sound

You arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound, where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

Alpefjord's Lofty Peaks

In the morning you enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Sights of Arctic Autumn

The first half of the day you spend in Antarctichavn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

The rest of the day will be spent at sea and at your own leisure.

Scoresbysund

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 Rode 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 Rode 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.

Sea Life Under Northern Lights

The following day will be spent at sea. Take this time to reflect on the incredible experience you have had so far. Reflect on this incredibly transformative experience with your fellow passengers and newfound friends

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

Disembark in Akureyri

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer (T) by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance, at extra cost) to the Reykjavik city hall, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • On board the Ortelius you will experience a true expedition adventures, as you take incredible hiking excursions through frosty tundra and zodiac through immense fjords.

  • You have the opportunity to see incredible wildlife including colonies of sea birds, whales, musk ox and perhaps even the might polar bear. 

  • You will have the opportunity to cruise through Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world.

Ortelius

Ortelius

With its origins in Poland, the M/V Ortelius now plies the waters of the Antarctic and Arctic as an ice-strengthened Polar expedition vessel. It is named after the Flemish cartographer and geographer, Abraham Ortelius, who also created the first modern atlas. Adept at navigating through solid one year sea-ice and loose multi-pack ice, this ship is ideally suited to reaching more remote locations such as the Ross Sea.

The comfortable M/V Ortelius accommodates up to 116 passengers. Cabins range from quadruple and triple cabins with portholes and both upper and lower berths, to twin porthole, window and deluxe cabins with lower berths only up to superior cabins which feature a double bed. The ship has plenty of open-deck spaces as well as a large bridge accessible to passengers. Alongside the expedition team that is made up of an expedition leader plus 5 guides/lecturers, the ship is manned by 34 extremely experienced Russian nautical crew, 15 international catering staff and a doctor.

On board there are also two restaurants, a bar/lecture room and a sauna. There are 11 Zodiacs on board, maximising time spent on shore and wildlife opportunities.

 

Ice Class: Length: 90.95m / 299.4ft
Breadth: 17.20m / 57.8ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14.5 knots
Electricity: 240 volts Passenger
Capacity:
116 passengers & 52 Crew & Staff

View Ship Details

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.

Learn More
inside tour type 1 and 0

Pricing per person & date

Spitsbergen, Northeast Greenland & Aurora Borealis | Ortelius from AUD 11,150
Departing Ending Duration
29 Aug 2024 11 Sep 2024 14

Important Information

  • All accommodation on board vessel 
    All meals whilst on board
    Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
    Lectures, programs and on board presentations
    Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes during course of voyage
    All port fees and taxes

    Exclusions

    International flights
    Travel insurance
    Visa fees 
    Gratuity for staff and crew
    Any personal expenses such as laundry and on board communication

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

  • Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions. 

  • Departure date, season and availability.