STYLE: Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACADNAS
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Finish: Reykjavík, Iceland
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Arctic
24/06/2023
Cabin on board ship
Challenge yourself on this incredible journey into the wake of the Vikings. On board the Ocean Endeavour, you will follow in the trail of the vikings of old as you sail from Scotland, discovering the incredible beauty of the Faroe Islands and ultimately Iceland itself. This is an incredible journey of personal enrichment as you experience some of the most pristine sights in all of the Arctic. Develop incredible connections to these unique places with your fellow passengers. Witness dramatic bird cliffs, home to hardy puffins and storm petrels. Enrich yourself in the unique viking history of Torshavn before discovering the otherworldly beauty of Iceland complete with steep cliffs, volcanos & dramatic fjords. This is truly a humbling journey to some of the most enriching locations within the Arctic..
**Please note that due to the recent increase in global fuel prices, a fuel surcharge has been applied to all voyages across the Arctic 23 season. This has already been applied to the price**
Many of Aberdeen’s historic stone buildings are of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver. The city is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. In recent years, Aberdeen has become the gateway to the North Sea oil industry, but the city retains its old world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout. Embarkation on board the Ocean Endeavour is scheduled for the afternoon.
Kirkwall is dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137. We’ll visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. We’ll also tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.
Fair Isle was a Viking hub and is now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. Its sixty residents include global citizens who have relocated to help maintain Fair Isle’s traditions including world-famous woolen crafts. Fair Isle boasts sightings of three hundred and fifty bird species including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers. The local museum is dedicated to preserving island heritage. The National Trust Bird Observatory is now being reconstructed after a fire in 2019.
Suduroy Island, Faroes, is famed for its dramatic cliffs towering over the North Atlantic. It’s a paradise for bird, including northern fulmars, European storm petrels, European shags, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, common guillemots, and black guillemots. The village of Sumba, population 239, occupied since the seventh century, is a stronghold of Faroese chain dancing. Hiking is excellent in the foothills of nearby Beinisvøro Mountain, affording spectacular, panoramic views of the region.
Torshavn, literally “Thor’s harbour,” is the Faroe Islands’ capital and largest town, with a population of 19,000. A former Viking trading centre, Torshavn is a splendid little city to explore. The National Art Gallery is a treasure, surrounded by gorgeous grounds with walking trails. Nordic House is a must, widely considered the finest example of architecture in Scandinavia. Torshavn offers excellent shopping and handicrafts, restaurants and pubs, and a cathedral dating 1788.
The northwestern shores of Eysturoy and Streymoy islands are beyond spectacular. Hiking, birding and photography are outstanding. Charming villages connected by high-tech tunnels through mountains and beneath the ocean floor are a unique and startling feature of Faroese life. The spectacular waterfall at Gasadalur is reached through one such tunnel— but look for the old switchback trail over the mountain, once used by the local postman!
Mykines is the westernmost of the Faroes and a geological marvel. Great columns of balsalt (called the Stone-wood) tower thirty metres above the ocean. On the western end of the island, connected by a forty-metre footbridge, is the islet Mykinshólmur, famed for its sea stacks and a lighthouse dating to 1909. Mykines has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for its large numbers of puffins and gannets, guillemots, razorbills, northern fulmurs, Manx shearwaters, European storm petrels, European shags, and black-legged kittiwakes.
This day will be spent at sea at your own leisure. Take this time to reflect on the incredible memories you have made so far with your fellow passengers, savour these incredible moments and prepare yourself for the amazing journey ahead.
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited.
Numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbour.
Reykjavík, “steamy bay”, is a cosmopolitan capital city on the site of what is believed to be the first permanent settlement in Iceland, established in AD 874. Entirely powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavik is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
Night life, cuisine and culture are vibrant here during the summer months, when locals and visitors alike make the most of the midnight sun. The Culture House promotes Icelandic national heritage, including treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. Today you will disembark Ocean Endeavour, bid farewell to your fellow passengers and newfound friends, and prepare for the journeys to come.
You will have the opportunity to see the Faroe Islands, a truly enriching experience as you cruise through dramatic and otherworldly landscapes where hardy seabirds dangle of sheer cliffs and soar over deep chasms.
On your voyage you will come across the prehistoric village of Skara Brae , a UNESCO world heritage site. A truly humbling experience offering a deeper understanding into Europe's most complete Neolithic village.
You will undertake this voyage on board The Ocean Endeavour, a sturdy and comfortable vessel, perfect for expedition cruising.
You will have the opportunity to visit Reykjavik, a clean & contemporary city, bustling with energy and full of rich Scandinavian history.
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! The ship carries forward-facing zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel. There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a heated saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness. Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age. SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: In such unprecedented times, we now more than ever understand your want to travel safely and with the support needed to fully enjoy your expedition to the Antarctic in the most responsible and healthy manner possible. For more please see our Sailing With Confidence - Covid-19 Response * PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM * ICE CAMPING * SEA KAYAKING * SNOWSHOEING * DAY PADDLE SHIP LAYOUT
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP
We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
With a large fleet of 22 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
Yoga, hiking, kayaking, zodiac expeditions, our exclusive photography program, showshoeing and camping. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. Learn More >
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group. Learn More >
Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! Learn More >
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery. Learn More >
Ice Class:
Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:200
View Ship Details
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.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreDeparting | Ending | Duration | From Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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24 Jun 2023 | 04 Jul 2023 | 11 | USD 6,695 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
All scheduled landings & excursions
All port fees & landing fees
Expedition jacket provides (yours to keep)
Pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team and crew
Nikon Camera Trial Program
Exclusions
Flights to/from embarkation & disembarkation city
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Beverages (other than tea & coffee)
Personal expenses such as laundry & on board communication
Gratuities for the crew
Pre or post cruise travel expenses
Optional activities, refer optional activities section for details
Please Note: Category 3 to 7 cabins have no single supplement. Contact us for more details.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, ice & sea conditions.
Departure date, season & availability.