East Greenland Explorer
Explore the Majestic Wilderness of Scoresby Sund on board the Freya
Length
10 Days
Ship category
Premium
Ship type
Micro-Cruise
Capacity
12 Passengers
East Greenland Explorer
4 Reviews
Trip highlights
Intimate group of 12 like minded explorers
Visit the remote Ittoqqortoormiit settlement
Explore the longest fjord on the planet
Immerse yourself in pristine wilderness
The Polartours experience
Best price guaranteed
A chance of encountering the Northern Lights
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project
Learn from expeditions experts
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Greenland cruise, where you’ll explore the stunning Scoresby Sund fjord system with a small group of just 12 guests. This unique expedition begins with a charter flight from Iceland to East Greenland, eliminating any days at sea.
Witness the majesty of towering icebergs and untouched landscapes as you sail through steep-sided fjords. With two expert guides and only 12 guests, you’ll have the opportunity to make shore landings and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness. In September, you can marvel at the Northern Lights in one of the most spectacular places on Earth, free from light pollution.
Fly directly to East Greenland from Iceland and join the ship with no days at sea. Experience the longest fjord system on the planet on a small ship expedition led by our expert guide team. Encounter gigantic icebergs, glaciers, and the steep-sided fjords of Scoresby Sund. Visit the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy the chance to see the Northern Lights in the wilderness during our September expeditions. Sail on the Vikingfjord, featuring an on-deck hot tub, sauna, and a spacious guest lounge, ensuring your comfort throughout the journey. Benefit from a small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers.
Join us for a journey that promises to be both comfortable and enriching, led by world-class expedition leaders. Our team will ensure you leave with memories and images that will last a lifetime.
Your ship: Freya
Explore the Arctic in style aboard our small expedition ship, the Freya. With a recently upgraded interior and a solid ice-strengthened hull, this vessel is perfect for traversing Arctic waters while retaining first-class comforts. Originally used as a lighthouse-building vessel, Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Arctic. The Freya will be exploring the shores of Svalbard and East Greenland (Scoresby Sund) during the Arctic seasons of 2024 and 2025, from April to October.
Freya is not just a vessel but an experi … Read more about Freya
Cabins
Amenities
Library
Hot Tub
Sauna
Observation Deck
Open Bridge Policy
Zodiac Fleet
Restaurant
Food & Drinks
The Freya offers a delightful culinary experience in its large dining saloon, which features a bar and ample seating for 18 guests. The classic style interior creates a cozy charm, making every meal enjoyable. Freshly prepared meals by the onboard chef ensure a high-quality dining experience. The spacious saloon with large windows allows guests to savor their meals while taking in breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape.
Map
Itinerary
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavik
Day 2
Embark in Greenland, and start your adventure!
Join the Vikingfjord in Greenland. After a good night’s sleep at the hotel in Reykjavik, the journey begins with a private charter flight to the remote landing strip at Constable Point within Scoresby Sund. Upon arrival, the friendly crew of the Vikingjord will greet you and transport you via Zodiac to the ship. After a safety briefing from the captain, get ready to set sail into the breathtaking wilderness of Greenland. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime!
Day 3-5
Exploring Scoresby Sund - Viking Bay & Danmark Island
Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Volquart Boons Coast in Greenland, where you’ll witness one glacier after another for miles. As you sail west, you’ll come across the impressive basalt columns of Viking Bay, where you can take a zodiac cruise at the foot of the towering cliffs. Nearby, Danmark Ø offers a glimpse into the ancient Inuit settlement with well-preserved archeological sites of their winter and summer houses. Take a closer look at the vast glacier front and disembark for a hike to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Greenland.
Day 6-8
Exploring Scoresby Sund - Røde Fjord & Hare Fjord
Røde Fjord & Hare Fjord
As you navigate through a maze of towering icebergs, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the smaller branches of the fjord system, including Røde Fjord and Hare Fjord. If you’re lucky, you might even get to visit Røde Ø, the Red Island, with its striking red sandstone formations that resemble the surface of the planet Mars. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
Ø Fjord & Sydkap
Witness the awe-inspiring Ø Fjord, one of the world’s most impressive fjords. This 74 km long strait is surrounded by towering mountains and tranquil waters filled with colossal icebergs. As you sail through Scoresby Sund, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of these ice giants, some of which are anchored to the seabed, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Day 9
Ittoqqortoormiit & flight back to Reykjavik
Before we disembark we will visit the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. This small community of only 400 Greenlandic people is isolated by sea ice for much of the year, making it a truly unique destination. As the expedition comes to a close, our crew will transport you to the landing strip for a charter flight back to Reykjavik.
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
What's included
English-speaking expedition staff.
"Open Town” and guided walk in Ittoqqortoormiit.
2 guides for a group of 12 offering best ratio.
Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises as per itinerary, when conditions permit.
Information briefings and lectures by expedition team.
Special photo workshops.
Full board on the ship.
Free Coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship.
Taxes, tariffs, and AECO fees.
Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
What's not included
Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement and stateroom upgrades
Meals not on board the ship
Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
Travel & cancellation insurances
Personal expenses
Credit Card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
Reviews
FAQ
Should I Cross the Drake Passage by Ship or Fly to Antarctica?
When it comes to traveling to Antarctica, one of the first questions that often arises is, "Can I fly to Antarctica?". The answer is: Yes, you can. Most trips start in Patagonia (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas) and cross the Drake Passage by ship, but there are also trips that use planes to cross that infamous sea passage. Here are the Pros and Cons for each method:
Flying to Antarctica:
Pros: Flying to Antarctica is the quickest way to reach the continent. It offers convenience and is often the choice for those with very limited time.
Cons: There are limited commercial flights to Antarctica, and these are primarily reserved for research and expedition purposes. Tourist accessibility is limited, and it can be costly. Also, as not many trips include flights, you'll be limiting your choice a lot if you decide to only look for such trips.
Crossing the Drake Passage by ship:
Pros: If you choose to cross the Drake Passage by ship, you embark on an incredible adventure. This journey is not just a means of transportation; it's an expedition in itself. The crossing takes 1.5 - 2 days, which are filled with scientific lectures that prepare you for the experience. You'll witness diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales, as your anticipation starts building up. To us, the crossing is a quintessential experience of a true Antarctic explorer.
Cons: Crossing the Drake Passage takes some time, and the seas can be rough. It's not the quickest way to reach the continent, and you need to allocate more time for your expedition.
In conclusion, when it comes to traveling to Antarctica, you have these two choices. Flying offers efficiency and direct access, perfect for specific purposes. Crossing the Drake Passage by ship provides an unmatched adventure and connection with Antarctica's unique environment. Consider what truly matters to you, and you'll find the Antarctic transportation choice that suits your goals and spirit of exploration.
What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
How to choose the right ship?
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
- Determine your budget and desired level of comfort: Are you looking for luxury or more budget-friendly options? On our website you can set the price range.
- Consider ship size: Large ships offer more amenities and facilities, but they can also feel crowded and impersonal. Smaller ships offer a more personal experience, but may not have as many amenities.
- Look at the cabins: Although you probably won’t spend much time in your cabin, look at the photos and read the descriptions to make sure you're happy with the one you choose.
- Consider the activities on board: Are you interested in kayaking, camping, diving or a photography workshop? Or maybe you want to take part in a Citizen Science Program? These activities can enhance your overall experience. See what our ships have to offer.
- Read customer reviews: Learn about other travelers' experiences by reading reviews.
- Ask your Polar Specialist: Feel free to contact your Polar Specialist. They are happy to share their knowledge and are always ready to help.
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
What is the booking process for a Polartours Cruise?
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
When is the best time to book?
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
What can i do to avoid seasickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness then here are a few hints to help you.
Firstly, book a cabin in the middle of the ship. The middle of the ship will move less, both in roll and in pitch. Secondly, chose a larger ship. Bigger vessels typically are more stable, and some of them are even equipped with "stabilizers", fins under water that remove the rolling in the swells. Thirdly, take medical advice on anti-seasickness medication. Some traditional remedies are said to be very effective, such as taking ginger or using commercially-available acupressure wristbands.
Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.
East Greenland Explorer
5.0
(4)
Price
Upon Request