Ocean Albatros Northeast Greenland- into the National Park
Greenland by sea is the best way to experience this 9-day journey
Length
9 Days
Ship category
Premium
Ship type
Large Ship
Capacity
189 Passengers
Northeast Greenland - into the National Park
2 Reviews
Trip highlights
Giant fjords
Immense glaciers
Authentic local interaction
The world's largest nature reserve.
The Polartours experience
Visit the Inuit community Ittoqqortoormiit
Learn from industry experts
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project
Digital Visual Journal
Discover one of the world's most beautiful, wild and pristine natural areas in the huge North Greenland National Park. On this unique Albatros expedition cruise, we will venture far from the usual tourist routes and visit places where only true expeditioners and scientists travel. Here we will experience unspoiled Arctic landscapes with good chances of seeing polar bears, whales and musk oxen. Heading out from Reykjavík, our first call is the isolated Inuit community, Ittoqqortoormiit. From here we navigate into the overwhelming Kong Oskar Fjord, which acts as a gateway for the North Greenland National Park, the world's largest nature reserve.
Navigating the sheltered interior of the national park’s fjord system, we are likely to enjoy stable September weather with clear skies and distant visibility. Snow dusts the mountain tops, and the supernatural wonders of Aurora Borealis can be seen at night. We make landings at century old hunting stations in breathtaking landscapes, as our ship navigates north around Ella and Ymer Islands into Kejser Franz Joseph Fjord. On the southbound voyage we aim for the dramatic Blosseville Coast. The last day will be at sea, enjoying lectures from Albatros’ expedition team – or getting glimpses of sea birds migrating south.
This is a true Expedition Voyage, with landings in harsh and pristine nature, abundant wild life – and compulsory permits needed from both national park authorities and the Arctic military patrol Sirius, who acts as national park officers. Albatros Expeditions and our expedition team onboard have huge experience, having navigated these remote fjords for more than 20 years. There are few wilder, more magnificent and untouched places than the Northeast Greenland National Park! And even fewer ships better suited than our Ocean Albatros for such a voyage.
Your ship: Ocean Albatros
Welcome aboard the brand new Ocean Albatros. This stunning, purpose-built polar cruise ship will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, and a variety of exciting new destinations in between.
Ocean Albatros offers a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, and most with their own balcony. Like her sistership, the Ocean Victory, her amenities include two restaurants, a wellness area, the “Albatros Nordic Bar”, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenitie … Read more about Ocean Albatros
Cabins
Amenities
Fitness Center
Bar
Mudroom
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Pool
Observation Lounge
Hot Tub
Spa
Medical Services
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.
Adventure options during the cruise
Day 1
Iceland, Reykjavik - Embarkation
In the afternoon, we board the Ocean Albatros in Reykjavík and set our course northbound for Greenland.
After boarding and welcome drinks, the Expedition Leader will inform you about the voyage, the ship's daily routines and the various security and safety procedures, then you will have time to unpack and get comfortable in your cabin. Before sailing, there will be a mandatory safety drill.
The Captain takes the ship out of Reykjavík in the early evening, as we enjoy our first hours onboard.
Day 2
At sea towards Greenland
Our lecturers onboard will make inspiring and enriching presentations about both Iceland and Greenland’s past history and about nature, wildlife and climatology.
Day 3
Inuit Town Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)
We cross the huge entrance of Scoresbysund during the night and arrive at the Inuit community Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund) in the morning. About 500 people live here, most of whom base a large portion of their households on hunting. Seal, muskoxen and polar bear skins hang to dry outside many of the houses, and the sled dogs are waiting for sea ice to be safe for the first hunts of the fall. The town is extremely isolated, and the inhabitants only receive ship supplies twice a year. We have established good contacts with the local residents during our earlier visits and can go ashore to experience this unique little community.
Day 4-7
Explore the Northeast coast of Greenland
The northeast of Greenland is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, with the tundra, the mountains, and the huge icebergs reflected in the calm waters of the sheltered fjords. As benefits the world’s largest island, northeast Greenland is home to some record-setting features. This part of the country is part of the North-east Greenland National Park, at some 375,000 square miles, the world’s largest.
Another stunning feature here is Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund in Danish), one of the world’s largest and longest fjord systems. It’s so vast you could easily spend an entire cruise in the system and not explore it all. Rich in wildlife, this part of Greenland should let you experience great encounters with the wildlife highlight, the Musk-Ox, as well as a variety of birdlife. Ravens are common and also keep a look out for the Gyr Falcon, the largest falcon in the World. Also look out Wheatear, Lapland Buntings, the Arctic Hare, lemmings, and the Stoat - also known as Ermine in their white winter coats.
The presence of Lemmings mean Snowy Owl breed, but many have migrated south by the time many cruises ships explore the area later in the season.
Being remoter there is a better chance than in other parts of Greenland to see Polar Bear, but it should be stressed that are still elusive and wary compared to Svalbard bears that are not hunted. Because of the impact of hunting, although fairly low due to the fact there is only the one community in the whole vast region, at Ittoqqortoormiit, it does mean Walrus and other seals are wary.
Overall, for late seasons visits, when many seabirds have finished breeding, the real highlight is the stunning and unique Greenland landscape with the huge icebergs and autumn colours, plus the pre-historic looking Musk-Ox.
Day 8
At sea towards Iceland. Lectures and bird watching
During the night, we will have completed our passage through the 160-kilometer/100 mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid farewell to the ship's staff and the Zodiac boats will shuttle us to shore. Return by flight from Kangerlussuaq to Iceland or Denmark.
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.
What's included
9-day/8-night’s cruise with Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double stateroom with private bathroom/toilet
English-speaking expedition staff
”Open Town” and guided walk in Ittoqqortoormiit
Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises as per itinerary, when conditions permit
Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
Special photo workshop
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
Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
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.
Northeast Greenland - into the National Park
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Price
Upon Request
