fbpx

Four Arctic Islands (Ocean Albatros)

Sale!

Four Arctic Islands (Ocean Albatros)

Was From $ 22,505 AUD
Now From $ 19,395 AUD
Sale!

Description

Embark on a 13-day voyage where you’ll experience four vastly different Arctic islands including the volcanic terrain of Jan Mayen, the rich wildlife of the Svalbard archipelago and Greenland’s large fjord system at Scoresbysund – then end your adventure in Reykjavik, Iceland. Encounter Arctic wildlife like walruses, seals, Arctic foxes and rare seabirds. Wander the Northwest Spitzbergen National Park, behold the northernmost active volcano in the world and visit one of the most remote communities on the planet in Ittoqqortoormiit. Keep an eye out for polar bears and beluga and bowhead whales as you navigate icy waters on a polar adventure.

Trip Name
Four Arctic Islands (Ocean Albatros)
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
13
Capacity
187
Highlights
  • Navigate the Arctic islands of Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland, including visits to the northernmost city in the world at Longyearbyen and one of the most remote settlements on earth at Ittoqgortoormiit, East Greenland.
  • Sail into the huge fjord system at Scoresbysund, potentially exploring the labyrinth of icebergs surrounding the Bjorne Islands, the basalt mountains of Cape Brewster or historic European and Inuit settlements.
  • Cruise on Zodiac boats and go on nature walks along the tundra, accompanied by an expert Expedition Team who will maximise opportunities for exploring the Arctic wilderness.
  • Visit Ny-Alesund – formerly a base for polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it’s now a hub for scientific research into climate change in the Arctic.
  • Get out your binoculars for some of the most spectacular birdwatching the Arctic has to offer in South Svalbard – the towering Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs are teeming with tens of thousands of guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic skuas.

Itinerary

No two Polar voyages are the same and this is part of the excitement of travelling in these remote regions. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife will all affect where your ship is able to access, and most importantly, where your Expedition Team think you will get the best possible experience from your trip. Onboard, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries cannot be guaranteed but an amazing voyage full of adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is.

Day 1 - Longyearbyen
Hei! Welcome to Oslo. Your adventure begins with an included flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Svalbard – the northernmost city on Earth. When you arrive at Svalbard Airport, you’ll be transferred to your ship, the Ocean Albatros. When you’ve boarded, settle into your cabin, then meet the Expedition Team who will be joining you on your journey and have a safety and orientation briefing. Mingle with your fellow travellers as you set sail on your Arctic adventure!
Day 2 - Kongsfjorden
Sail past Prins Karls Forland, taking in the view of this island’s distinctly steep mountains, on your way to Kongsfjord. This fjord region is framed by glaciers and three mountain peaks to the east, known as the ‘Three Crowns’. Here, you’ll visit Ny-Alesund – the world’s northernmost settlement. Previously a base for polar explorers like Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, it’s now a hub for scientific research into climate change in the Arctic.
Day 3 - Northwest Spitzbergen
Today, explore the Northwest Spitzbergen National Park. Established in 1973, this park showcases northwest Svalbard’s rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. See the ruins of blubber ovens and the graves of sailors on a visit to the 17th-century Dutch whaling station at Smeerenburg (AKA ‘Blubber Town’). This protected nature reserve is home to walruses, polar bears and rare seabirds as well as Arctic flowers like the Svalbard poppy, purple saxifrage and polar willow.
Day 4 - South Svalbard
Spend your final day in Svalbard exploring the greener, warmer fjords of Bellsund and Hornsund. These fertile valleys are abundant with reindeer and Arctic foxes. Watch seabirds nesting and icebergs drifting from glaciers. Have your binoculars ready for birdwatching at the towering Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs, where tens of thousands of birds nest on every ledge and crevice on the cliff faces. See (and hear) guillemots, kittiwakes and Arctic skuas. You’ll also visit the historic mining settlement of Calypsobyen and the ruins of a hunter's cabin at Bamsebu.
Day 5 - At Sea
Head southwest across the Greenland Sea, towards Jan Mayen. During these two days at sea, attend educational talks from the Expedition Team to learn about the region’s history, geology and ecology, watch seabirds from the ship’s hot tubs or even treat yourself with a spa treatment.
Day 6 - At Sea
a:0:{}
Day 7 - Jan Mayen
Arrive on Jan Mayen, an active volcanic island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (AKA the ‘spine of the Atlantic Ocean’). Beerenberg is the only active volcano in Norway – and the northernmost on Earth. Jan Mayen only has around 18 residents, a mixture of scientists and Norwegian troops. See cinder cones (small volcanic formations), lava flows, tundra plants and the peak of Beerenberg looming above as you traverse this island.
Day 8 - At Sea
Spend today at sea, on the way to the largest island on Earth – Greenland. The ice in these waters is some of the most persistent in the Arctic, visible even during the middle of summer. This makes for the perfect habitat for polar bears and beluga whales – have your camera and binocular ready in the hopes of some sightings today.
Day 9 - Ittoqqortoormiit
Today, you’ll visit one of the most remote communities in the world – Ittoqqortoormiit. Experience this town's strong sense of community and traditional culture on your visit to the local museum and church. As you wander the streets, you’ll get a feel for what daily life is like in such a remote town. Traditional hunting still takes place here – supply ships only arrive in Ittoqqortoormiit once or twice a year.
Day 10 - Scoresbysund
Venture into the maze of fjords and islands that make up Scoresbysund. Your itinerary today will depend on the ever-changing wind, sea and ice conditions. Your Expedition Team will use their expert knowledge to maximise today’s opportunities for adventure – embrace the thrilling unpredictability of Arctic exploration! You might explore the labyrinth of icebergs and skerries that make up the Bjorne Islands, the basalt mountains of Cape Brewster or the ruins of European and Inuit settlements.
Day 11 - Blosseville Coast
Cruise along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. This area has long been navigated by the Inuit. Weather permitting, you’ll have the rare opportunity to make a landing in this now-uninhabited region. Have your binoculars and camera ready to see towering, basalt peaks and spectacular glaciers.
Day 12 - At Sea
Reflect on your Arctic adventure as you sail towards Reykjavik. Celebrate your journey by joining your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team for a slideshow of memories from the trip. This evening, enjoy a farewell cocktail party with the captain and your new travel friends.
Day 13 - Reykjavik
After breakfast, disembark from your ship. You’ll then be transferred by shuttle to Reykjavik Airport or downtown Reykjavik, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 26,840-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 31,143-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 37,232-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 28,575-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 22,005-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 19,395-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 25,797-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 22,664-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 23,852-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 20,029-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 21,084-
29-08-202710-09-2027AUD $ 37,905-

Accommodation

Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

Map