Arctic Svalbard Greenland Cruise

Board the Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon, settle in and sail down magnificent Isfjorden, flanked by bird cliffs, vast glaciers and jagged mountains.

The exploration of Spitsbergen's northwest coast features calving icebergs, mountain and tundra hikes, historic whaling stations and trappers' camps. Hopefully you will see Brunnich's guillemots, little auks, and kittiwakes in their thousands. Board Zodiacs for close views of ice cliffs, walrus haulouts and possibly even polar bears. Reindeer roam the tundra and you will too, photographing wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion, bell-heather and hairy lousewort.

Crossing the Greenland Sea, sail through the Polar Basin's nutrient-rich waters, searching for fin whales and beluga whales, encroaching pack ice, and seabirds. Expert naturalists and guest lecturers entertain with fascinating, illustrated talks on Arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of such early explorers as Nansen, Andrée and Scoresby. These are relaxed days, wonderful for getting to know fellow expeditioners and preparing for a landing, if conditions permit, in the world's largest national park – Greenland's northeast coast. The region is home to polar bear, walrus, Arctic hare, and musk ox. From Zodiacs you'll watch for ringed, bearded, harp, and hooded seals.

Ice is often the overwhelming first impression of Greenland. An ice cap covers 81 percent of the island and pack ice, even in summer, may fill northern bays. Ashore, cozy trappers’ huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk ox, Arctic fox, and eider ducks roam. These are just some of the delights in Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a microclimate for spectacular hanging gardens. Kong Oskar Fjord offers spectacular glacier-carved mountains.

In Scoresbysund, the world’s biggest fjord, the vast Greenland icecap sweeps down in massive glaciers that calve explosively, creating giant icebergs. Near Sydkap, your Zodiacs weave through a maze of grounded icebergs, some more than 30-meters high, sculpted with deep green tunnels and aquamarine lakes. Enjoy a warm Ittoqqortoormiit welcome, from Inuit happy to share their culture and explain the challenges of Arctic life. Kayakers find ideal paddling conditions, winding their way through interconnected waterways, watching for polar bears and narwhals.

Sailing south along the Blosseville Coast, searching for musk ox and narwhals and marvel at the mountain scenery that dominates the skyline. If weather permits, head for Rømer Fjord, a deep waterway with stunning mountain views.

As you sail across Denmark Strait towards Iceland, take time to reflect on all you have seen, enjoy the flight show of northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins and orcas in their feeding grounds.

Arrive early in the morning in Isafjordur, a stunning fishing town in Iceland’s northwest. After breakfast, bid farewell to Polar Pioneer and her crew and catch a flight to Reykjavik or continue your adventure by exploring Iceland.