Arctic & North Atlantic
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Iceland - Jan Mayen - Bear Island - Spitsbergen
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Southwest Greenland
Disko Bay - Umanak
Thule
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland
East Greenland
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M/V Polar Star - Remote Coast of

East Greenland

M/V Polar Star - Viking Trail to the Americas
M/V Polar Star - Northeast Canada
M/V Polar Star - Magic of Islands & Fjords

M/V Polar Star - Remote Coastal Region of the UK

Spitsbergen Grand Expeditions
Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise
Spitsbergen Adventure Cruise
MS Nordstjernen Anniversary Cruise

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EAST GREENLAND 2006

(Keflavik - Keflavik)

 

11 days / 10 nights, Keflavik - Denmark Strait - Scoresby Sund - Danmark Ø - Cape Hofmann Halvø -

Eielson Glacier - Scoresby Land - Sydkap - Jameson Land - Illoqqortoormiut - Scoresby Sund -

Blosseville Coast - Nansen Fjord - Mikis Fjord - Kangerlussuaq Fjord - Skaergårdshalvø - Keflavik

 

Departures:

MLT15 Sep 14 – Sep 24 aboard Professor Multanovskiy
GMK16 Sep 16 – Sep 26 aboard Grigoriy Mikheev
MOL15 Sep 18 – Sep 28 aboard Professor Molchanov

The Arctic coastlines offer some of the finest scenery and wildlife experiences in the world. Visitors to the region can witness enormous colonies of seabirds thronging the cliffs and shores, and enjoy the thrilling antics of whales and dolphins at sea and seals and Walrus hauled out on the rocks and ice floes. Greenland and its surrounding waters are home to an impressive array of wildlife: eight species of whale, two million seals, Walruses, Polar Bears, Reindeer, Musk Oxen, Arctic Hares, Arctic Wolves and a spectacular variety of birds. The largest island in the world, 90% of its surface area is covered by ice and it is inhabited by less then 100.000 people, though with a fascinating history and culture. Our voyages focus on East and Northeast Greenland, among the most isolated, sparsely populated and scenically superb parts of the island. Fortunately, from the wildlife enthusiast’s point of view, they are also the most rewarding regions with regular sightings of Musk Oxen, Arctic Hares, Narwhals and a variety of birds, including Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese. Access to this highly indented and ruggedly mountainous coast is dependent on ice conditions. For much of the year, the region is locked in by pack ice, which by late summer has broken up sufficiently to allow vessels such as ours the chance to penetrate and explore.

 

Day 1 Keflavik
Arrive at Keflavik airport and make the short journey to the small port of the same name to join the ship. In the early evening we leave Iceland and sail west towards the Denmark Strait.

Day 2 Denmark Strait - Arctic Circle Crossing
At sea, sailing north through the Denmark Strait. This is a good area for spotting the Blue Whales, the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth. It is believed that there are just 600 or so (out of a world population of around 6,000) in the North Atlantic. We may also see Orcas (Killer Whales), and are almost certain to see Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets and rafts of Common Guillemots and Razorbills. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing White-beaked Dolphins, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales.

Day 3 East Coast of Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Volquart Boons Coast
In the morning we will spot our first icebergs appear as we approach the east coast of Greenland, passing the huge cliff faces of Kap Brewster. We intend to make our first landing in Scoresby Sund. Since the mouth of this, the world's longest fjord, remains ice-free almost all the winter, it is an excellent place for viewing seals. The area is also home to the only large seabird colonies on the eastern coast of Greenland. Serious hikers can cross the valley and climb on to the plateau of Kap Brewster from where they will have an excellent view over the fjord, Liverpool Land and the sea. On their way they may spot the white Gyr Falcon, Wheatears and Snow Buntings, and Arctic Hares. In the evening we sail further into the Scoresby Sund making our way along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Coast, a good place for seeing Narwhal.

Day 4 Scoresby Sund - Danmark Ø
We continue along Scoresby Sund, taking a Zodiac cruise along the glacier front in Vikingebugt, a bay surrounded by basaltic mountains. Later we land on Danmark Ø where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are excellently preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites.

Day 5 Cape Hofmann Halvø - Eielson Glacier - Scoresby Land
We go ashore at Cape Hofmann Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. We may also spot Rock Ptarmigans and at sea Great Northern Divers. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when the Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch change color. Arctic Blueberry and Crowberry add their own colorful touch - the berries are tasty too !
Later, during a Zodiac cruise along the 3 km wide face of the Eielson Glacier, we will come close to huge icebergs and may also see Ringed Seals, as well as distant views of Musk Oxen on shore. In the evening we sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, hoping to see Narwhal again and enjoying the contrast between the warm autumnal colors of the vegetation on shore, backed by huge dark mountains, and the cold blue of the icebergs.

Day 6 Scoresby Land - Sydkap - Jameson Land
On our way to Sydkap in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100 m high and a mile in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400 m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating, but the climate is harsh - sometimes snow lies throughout the summer - but some animals - Musk Oxen and Collared Lemmings - survive on the meager vegetation. The lemmings are preyed upon by Long-tailed Skua, Snowy Owl and Arctic Fox.

Day 7 Illoqqortoormiut - Scoresby Sund
We land in Illoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement near Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs and the drying skins of seals, Musk Ox and Polar Bear. After lunch we will sail south, passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast where groups of Harp Seals can be spotted among the ice floes.

Day 8 Blosseville Coast - Nansen Fjord - Mikis Fjord
We continue along the Blosseville Coast with wonderful views of snow covered peaks - these are the highest mountains of Greenland, some of them reaching over 3000m. At the mouth of Nansen Fjord we spot Gunnbjørns Fjeld, at 3700m: it is both the highest peak in Greenland and also the highest mountain north of the Arctic Circle. Next we sail into Mikis Fjord, bounded by steep cliffs. The fjord is a good place to spot Narwhal, Polar Bear, Ringed Seals and Harp Seals. At Södalen at the head of Mikis Fjord we land in a marshy delta. There are good populations of both Common and Arctic Redpolls, as well as a chance of seeing flocks of Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Geese.

Day 9 Kangerlussuaq Fjord - Skaergårdshalvø
In the morning, we head south for Kangerlussuaq fjord where glaciers reach the sea creating a fabulous landscape of glacier fronts, icebergs and cliffs. On shore there are the remains of dwellings of Thule culture people. The fjord is also a good place to see Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. We conclude the day with a Zodiac trip to Skaergårdshalvø, a popular summer hunting ground for the people of Ammassalik. Most years a number of families arrive here in early summer and stay until the end of the hunting season and we might be able to meet them. In the afternoon we will sail south-east towards the Denmark Strait.

Day 10 At Sea
The whole day at sea offers excellent opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, at night the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Day 11 Keflavik
Arrive and Keflavik, and transfer for the airport for the flight home.

When East Greenland ice conditions are heavy,

(about 25 % chance each year): Ammassalik

Day 3 Nansen Fjord - Sødalen - Mikis Fjord
At the mouth of Nansen Fjord we spot Gunnbjørns Fjeld, at 3700m: it is both the highest peak in Greenland and also the highest mountain north of the Arctic Circle. Next we sail into Mikis Fjord, bounded by steep cliffs. The fjord is a place where we sometimes spot Narwhal, Polar Bear, Ringed seals and Harp Seals. In the afternoon, we will land at Sødalen in a marshy delta at the head of Mikis Fjord. This is a fine area for walking, both around the delta and further into the valley. There are good populations of both Common and Arctic Redpolls here, as well as a chance of seeing migrating flock of Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese.

Day 4 Kangerlussuaq Fjord
In the morning we sail into the Kangerlussuaq fjord where glaciers reach the sea creating a fabulous landscape of glacier fronts, icebergs and cliffs. On shore there are the remains of dwellings of Thule culture people. The fjord is also a place to see sometimes Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. After several landings we sail out of the fjord in the evening.

Day 5 Tassilap Fjord - Kangertigtivatsiaq Fjord - Sangmilik - Glacier de France
Today we explore the Tassilap and Kangertigtivatsiaq fjords, both hemmed in by towering mountains. We land at Sangmilik, one of the few landing sites in these fjords. On shore there is a chance to pick delicious Arctic Blueberries and Crowberries. We then take a Zodiac trip along the impressive front of the Glacier de France in Schweizerland. This is an area packed with huge icebergs and frequented by hunters from the Ammassalik area.

Day 6 Ammassalik
Ammassalik is the capital of East Greenland and the centre of an area of small hunting and fishing settlements, a population of about 3,000 living by hunting Walrus, Narwhal and Polar Bear, and fishing for Arctic Char. We will spend the whole day in and near this friendly village enabling us to experience modern Greenlandic culture.

Day 7 Køge Bugt - Husryggen - Umivik
In Køge Bugt (Ikeq) the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea. Though a true glacier the ice cap is not dangerous and easy to walk on. Those who have visited Antarctica will note the similarities of the landscape, with giant tabular icebergs calving from vast glacier fronts. We intend to land at Husryggen and abandoned settlement from the sixties. At Umivik we look for the place, where Nansen started his ascent of the Greenlandic ice-cap.

Day 8 Skjoldungen Island - Qoornoq - Dronning Marie Dal
The highlight of this days are the views of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the whole of Greenland as we circumnavigate the fantastic Skjoldungen Island. Ringed Seals are frequently seen here. At the southern end we sail by a deserted Greenlandic settlement, while further into the fjord we land near the remains of a Thule culture settlement at Qoornoq. We make a landing in the Balder Fjord with its stunning geological formations. On the second day, at the head of the fjord we make an excursion to Dronning Marie Dal, strolling through a landscape made colorful by the autumn hues of different species of berries. Later we sail into Nörrevig and make a zodiac excursion along the front of Thryms glacier.

Day 9 & 10 Denmark Strait
We return across the Denmark Strait, again keeping a sharp lookout for whales and, at this time of year, hoping to catch sight of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights).

Day 11 Keflavik
Arrive in Keflavik and transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Please Note:
Depending on weather conditions (specifically the ice conditions and direction of the wind on Day 1 we may decide to make this voyage in reverse, sailing first to Skjoldungen and departing from Nansen Fjord.
 

 

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Departure Dates
South -West Greenland (Keflavik - Ilulissat)
Voyage Date Port Date Port Vessel
MLT15 Sep 14 KEF Sep 24 KEF Prof. Multanovskiy
GMK15* Sep 16 KEF Sep 26 KEF Grigoriy Mikheev
MOL15 Sep 18 KEF Sep 28 KEF Prof. Molchanov
KEF = Keflavik/Iceland  

 

Prices in US Dollars
Triple Non Private Twin Non Private Twin Private Superior Suite
2,900 3,410 4,020  4,510 5,060
 

Included

  • Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as per itinerary

  • All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship incl. 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

  • Transfers and baggage handling between hotels, airports and ship only for those passengers on the group flights in Spitsbergen and in Greenland

  • All miscellaneous services

  • Taxes and port charges throughout the program

Not Included

  • Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights

  • Pre- and post land arrangements;

  • Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen and Greenland

  • Passport and Visa expenses

  • Government arrival and departure taxes

  • Meals ashore

  • Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges

  • The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)

  • $ 25 Service fee

Please note:

All dates & rates are subject to change.

All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 25 participants (motor vessels) & 12 participants for the ?Noorderlicht?.

All rates are quoted per person in US Dollar, based on twin occupancy.

Twin non private and Twin private cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price US Dollar rates apply for all sales outside the area of the European Union.

5% discount will be granted for bookings for one or more consecutive voyages.

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

 

News:

Oceanwide Expeditions is the proud winner of the prestigious award:

WORLD'S LEADING POLAR EXPEDITION OPERATOR 2005

 

Fuel surcharge

Due to the continuous increases of fuel prices a fuel surcharge of US $ 14.00 per night per passenger has been added to the Arctic and North Atlantic Expedition Cruises on board the vessels

m/v “Professor Molchanov”, m/v “Professor Multanovskiy”, m/v “Grigoriy Mikheev” and

m/v “Aleksey Maryshev”.

 

Disclaimer

All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

 

 

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