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Four Arctic Islands | Ocean Adventurer

18 Days
Save Up To 33%

WAS From NZD 23,000   Now From NZD 15,882

STYLE: Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACQEFAI

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Helsinki, Finland

Finish: Reykjavík, Iceland

SHIP: Ocean Adventurer

DestinationDestination

Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship

DEPARTURE DATES



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OVERVIEW

Visiting the Arctic for the first time? This Arctic expedition cruise is perfectly designed to highlight the best of the region, visiting four spectacular destinations. On your 18-day cruise, you'll enjoy an unforgettable taste of the region, featuring giant icebergs, towering mountains, granite cliffs, iconic wildlife, traditional Inuit culture and more. The adventure begins in the remote, stunning landscape of Spitsbergen, renowned for its abundant, varied wildlife, including polar bears and walrus. Next you will, sail south to the mysterious volcanic Jan Mayen, a nature reserve so remote that few have ever been fortunate enough to explore. The next stop is Greenland’s enchanting east coast, where you will cruise deep into Scoresbysund to marvel at the overwhelming beauty of the world’s largest fjord system, filled with unimaginably vast icebergs. Admire the diversity of the flora and fauna in this unique landscape or jump in a kayak to get a closer look at the beauty of life in the Arctic. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements. Next, your epic adventure comes to a close with a journey under the midnight sun to Reykjavik, where you can soak up Icelandic culture in a city that never sleeps. 

 

*Discounts, promotions and dynamic pricing are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or changed at any time and subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services.. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Exploring Spitsbergen - Day 3 to 6

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

At Sea - Day 7 & 8

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, your Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, it’s fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.

Exploring Jan Mayen - Day 9 & 10

North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, is the mysterious Jan Mayen, deep in the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.

Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island’s highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. If we’re fortunate, we may get a close-up view of the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise around the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres).

Exploring Scoresbysund, Greenland - Day 11 to 15

Your tour of Scoresbysund—the largest, deepest and, some say, most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world—will offer plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise. At one moment you’ll be stepping back in time, exploring the remains of ancient Thule settlements with views of icebergs and towering mountains rising straight out of the sea, and the next you’ll be immersed in contemporary culture, meeting the locals and gaining an appreciation for their way of life in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s most remote community. At the mouth of the sound, this remote settlement boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles and is actually closer to Iceland than it is to its nearest Greenlandic neighbours to the southwest. Here, you’ll have the chance to support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts.

In terms of wildlife, grazing muskoxen are a possible sight, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in this region. Polar bear sightings are also a remote possibility, as are encounters with more elusive arctic wildlife, such as the arctic hare. Seabirds to watch out for nesting atop the steep cliffs of the sound include little auks, fulmars and guillemots.

At Sea - Day 16 & 17

As we cruise south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

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Ocean Adventurer

Ocean Adventurer

Built in 1976 in Yugoslavia, the Ocean Adventurer underwent extensive conversion and refurbishment in 1999 with a further extensive upgrade in 2017. This comfortable ship carries a maximum of 128 passengers, accommodated in 66 cabins all with private en-suite facilities, exterior views and each equipped with a TV and DVD player. The ship also features a large multi-purpose lounge and presentation room, bar, spacious window-lined dining room and exercise room. There are ship-to-shore satellite communications with email and wireless internet access on board. The Ocean Adventurer with its ice-strengthened hull was designed specifically to carry travellers to the remotest corners of the world. It is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for shore transfers, landings and Zodiac cruises. There are also 4 partially enclosed lifeboats on board. Why we like it "This purpose built expedition ship carries just 132 guests. There are refined public spaces and generous cabins all with private facilities. The ship is sturdy at sea and strong in the ice. This is one of our favourite ships to charter due to the all-round nature of the vessel. Excellent international crew and exceptional food put this ship in the “must recommend” bracket!"

Ice Class: Length: 101 metres
Breadth: 16.2 metresMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
132

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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.

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Day Paddling

If you are looking for another way to nurture your inner adventurer, our day paddle excursion might be the perfect fit! Absorb the majestic scenery from a more intimate vantage point as you paddle through the pristine waters of Antarctica on a sit-on-top kayak.Our expertly guided, one-time, Paddle Program gives you the rare chance to see Antarctica from the same perspective as most of the wildlife – at the surface of the sea.

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Pricing per person

Triple

Features:-

A Triple Cabin has two lower berths and one upper berth, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.

33 % off

NZD 23,000 NZD 15,882

Available

Enquire Now
  • Triple (3 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Lower Deck Twin

Features:-

A Lower Deck Twin cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.

33 % off

NZD 27,000 NZD 18,582

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Main Deck Twin Porthole

Features:-

A Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views. Please note that porthole covers may be closed during sea days or during inclement weather as a safety precaution.

33 % off

NZD 29,800 NZD 20,472

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Main Deck Twin Window

Features:-

A Main Deck Twin Window cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and two windows with exterior views.

33 % off

NZD 32,600 NZD 22,362

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Superior

Features:-

A Superior cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views. Note: this cabin has either corner or parallel bed configuration.

33 % off

NZD 35,800 NZD 24,522

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Deluxe

Features:-

A Deluxe Cabin has two lower berths, private facilities, and windows with exterior views.

33 % off

NZD 35,800 NZD 24,522

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Suite

Features:-

A Suite has a double bed, windows with exterior views, private facilities.

33 % off

NZD 45,200 NZD 30,867

Available

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  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Owner's Suite

Features:-

An Owner's Suite has a double bed and private sitting room. One features a large panoramic window facing aft, and the other two suites face port and starboard. Cabin 403 has a bathtub; other Owner's Suites have showers.

33 % off

NZD 48,300 NZD 32,960

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS

    Shipboard accommodation    
    All meals on board throughout your voyage   
    Beer & Wine during dinner. Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock   
    All shore landings per the daily program, weather permitting   
    Presentations by expedition team & special guests.   
    Downloadable photographic journal documenting the expedition   
    Expedition boots on loan for shore landings   
    An expedition parka to keep   
    Complimentary reusable water bottle   
    Hairdryer and bathrobe available in every cabin   
    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program   
    Luggage handling aboard the ship   
     

    Mandatory Transfer Package  


    One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast.   
    Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen   
    Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen   
     

     

    EXCLUSIONS   
     

    Any airfare unless otherwise specified in the itinerary   
    Arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package   
    Passport and visa expenses   
    Government arrival and departure taxes   
    Any meals ashore unless otherwise specified   
    Travel insurance   
    Excess baggage charges   
    Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified   
    Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned   
    Telecommunications charges   
    Voluntary staff and crew gratuities

     

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

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

  • Departure date, seasonality and availability

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