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Northeast Greenland Extreme – Remote Greenland Off the Beaten Path Expedition

Northeast Greenland Extreme – Remote Greenland Off the Beaten Path Expedition

From USD $7,750

Description

Venturing to the dramatic, rugged coastline of Northeast Greenland, you’ll enter the world’s largest fjord, Scoresby Sund, encountering whales, seabirds, and musk oxen before voyaging north through the most beautiful straits and fjords. Along the way, sea ice, polar bears, and landing opportunities will guide your Arctic adventure through historical, natural, and scientific wonder.

Trip Name
Northeast Greenland Extreme - Remote Greenland Off the Beaten Path Expedition
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Class Expedition Ship Length: 107.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 170 Built: 2019 Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica. Happier polar passengers, healthier polar environment Not only will the numerous amenities and on-board entertainments help make your Hondius voyage truly memorable, this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas. Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible. Hotel comfort, expedition class Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius. Though elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern décor, this vessel holds true to Oceanwide’s distinctive cozy and informal atmosphere. Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding are that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking. The fast, flexible, friendly heart of the polar regions Our top priority is taking advantage of every wildlife and terrain opportunity as it occurs. To keep our itineraries flexible itineraries and our response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots. But Hondius sacrifices no warmth to achieve its keen polar edge: You will have 70 crew and staff members (including expedition and hotel staff) at your service while on board, ensuring that what little time you do spend on the ship you will spend comfortably entertained. Age and nationality Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities. What to wear In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck. How to pay Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates. Electric current The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter. Gratuities The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash. Non-smoking policy We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers. Your physical condition You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: On the Iceland road
Your journey begins in the morning. By request, you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked and paid for in advance.In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, where, we often see whales at the mouth of the fjord. At night, we cross the Arctic Circle.
Day 2 - Day 2: Sailing to East Greenland
While sailing north, you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, common guillemots, and possibly whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight as you approach the east Greenland coast near Kap Brewster. The scent of adventure is in the air.
Day 3 - Day 3: Arriving at Earth’s largest fjord
Today, you reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.In the afternoon, we plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we may walk to the Charcot Glacier. We will then continue by Bjørneøer, a small group of islands – Bear Islands in English.
Day 4 - Day 4: Enormous icebergs & Arctic hares
In the morning, you will likely encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. We plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join us at this location for their second excursion of the day.
Day 5 - Day 5: Landfall at Ittoqqortoormiit
The morning stop is at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only settlement in Scoresby Sund with about four hundred inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals, polar bears, and musk oxen. In the afternoon, you sail north, passing the picturesque landscapes of Liverpool Land. In the night, we sail into Kong Oscar Fjord.
Day 6 - Day 6: Alpefjord’s lofty peaks
Today, you will enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the striped slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You will land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans.Alternatively, the ship ventures into Alpefjord, which is aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.
Day 7 - Day 7: The islands of Antarctic Sound
In the early morning, you pass by the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Then you arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with impressive layered geology. Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site are on the other side of the fjord. In the afternoon, you sail, among icebergs, through the majestic Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Mackenzie Bugt.
Day 8 - Day 8: Remains of Thule Culture at Eskimonaes
We hope to land at Eskimonaes on the southern shore of Clavering Ø, where Douglas Clavering met a small group of Thule culture people in 1823. This group represents the only living Thule people ever seen in Northeast Greenland. The remains of their existence can be found across Greenland.
Day 9 - Day 9: Islands with polar history
From early in the morning until late in the day, we sail by a choice of islands, where more than a century ago, the first polar expeditions set feet on land: Sabine Ø and Bass Rock (Pendulum Islands), where Edward Sabine did his Pendulum experiments in 1823, and cabins built by the Baldwin-Ziegler Polar Expedition were constructed. In the night, we will pass Shannon Ø.
Day 10 - Day 10: Store Koldewey
This long island was named by the second German Polar Expedition of Koldewey 1869 –’70. We will try to land on historical Kap Alf Trolle or Kap Ahrend. We are now well into the High Arctic climate regime. The landscape is getting lower and rounded, being much less alpine than more to the south. We may encounter heavier sea ice streaming south. Proposed landing sites may be given up due to sea ice, and others may be reachable.
Day 11 - Day 11: Germania Land
Today, we could land at Thoms Thomsen Naes, Fyrretyvekilometersnaesset, or another site in Germania Land, an area with musk oxen and sometimes a lonely wolf. The landing sites depend on ice and weather conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Day 12 - Day 12: Through or around the sea ice
When sailing eastward through and along the jagged edge of the Northeast Greenland sea ice, we keep watch for whales, seals, polar bears, and migrating seabirds. This is a landscape of constant change, and a real frontier for many species found in the Arctic.
Day 13 - Day 13: Approaching Spitsbergen
At open sea now, we sail eastward in the northernmost branch of the warm Gulf Stream toward Spitsbergen. If time allows, we may land late in the day at the walrus haul-out at Poolepynten.
Day 14 - Day 14: Longyearbyen
In Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, you may enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are fascinating attractions. Alternatively, you can board the first plane to Oslo for your onward journey.
Day 15 - Please Note:
The probability of sailing into Scoresby Sund is high (based on our experiences from 1999 to 2024), but there is still a minor chance (about 5 %) that ice will obstruct passage into the fjord system. As we move northward, the chances increase that ice will come our way. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per State and AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $8,550Quadruple Porthole
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $10,550Triple Porthole
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $12,450Twin Porthole
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $13,400Twin Window
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $14,400Twin Deluxe
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $16,150Superior
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $18,450Junior Suite
15-08-202628-08-2026USD $19,950Grand Suite With Private Balcony
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $10,850Twin Porthole
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $11,950Twin Window
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $12,650Twin Deluxe
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $14,050Superior
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $16,150Junior Suite
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $17,400Grand Suite With Private Balcony
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $7,750Quadruple Porthole
06-09-202619-09-2026USD $9,350Triple Porthole

Inclusions

    • Scoresby Sund: Explore the world's largest fjord system, filled with massive icebergs, Arctic wildlife, and dramatic landscapes.
    • Ittoqqortoormiit: Visit Greenland's remote settlement with traditional sled dogs and rich cultural history.
    • Alpefjord: Marvel at the spire-like peaks and Zodiac cruise near Gully Glacier for unparalleled views.
    • Thule Culture Remains: Discover historic Eskimonaes, where the Thule people once thrived.

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