East Greenland Scoresby Sund Expedition Cruise
Cross the Arctic Circle into a world full of whales and beauty
Length
9 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Small Ship
Capacity
108 Passengers
East Greenland Scoresby Sund
10 Reviews
Trip highlights
Hunt for the Norther Lights
Whale watching & Arctic hares
Explore Greenland like few travelers do
Largest and deepest fjord system in the world
The Polartours experience
Best price guaranteed
Optional Kayaking Progression Camp
Extensive lecture program by noted naturalists
Great hiking and zodiac landings
The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple whale species. This expedition cruise aboard the Plancius will spot enormous icebergs as it sails into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. And if we're lucky, the Northern Lights will guide our way.
Your ship: Plancius
M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.
M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 … Read more about Plancius
Cabins
Amenities
Bar
Lecture Theater
Observation Deck
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Helicopter Landings
Medical Services
Library
Internet/Wifi
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
Your adventure begins in Iceland!
Your journey begins in the morning, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus from the city hall of Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in the port Akureyri. You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.
PLEASE NOTE: This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the Akureyri harbor, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait.
Day 2
Sail to east Greenland
While sailing north you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.
Day 3
Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear
Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.
Day 4
Colors of the cape
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions: The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
Day 5
Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
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 6
Settlement at Scoresbysund
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 7
Remote shores
Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.
Day 8
Sea life under the northern lights
Day 9
Journey’s end at Akureyri
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.
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
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
What's not included
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
Pre- and post- land arrangements.
Passport and visa expenses.
Government arrival and departure taxes.
Meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and Radhus Reykjavikur / city hall in Vonarstraeti and v.v. (6 hours)
The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Credit Card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
Reviews
FAQ
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.
Why is insurance mandatory on all Polar cruises?
A Polar expedition is one of the most singular travel experiences you could ever have. Its isolated location comes with a unique set of health-and-safety-related requirements. Besides it being mandatory to be reasonably fit, here is what you must know about insurances for your trip:
Mandatory for all Polar Trips: Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance. Polar regions are remote and challenging to access in case of a medical emergency. For this reason, all Polar tour operators require travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. Without this coverage, you will not be allowed to board.
For Antarctica, most operators require coverage between $100,000 and $500,000.
In the Arctic, the required coverage ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.
To confirm the exact requirements for your specific cruise, please reach out to one of our Polar specialists. They’ll be happy to assist and ensure you’re fully prepared for your expedition.
If you are an EU resident, please inquire about insurance packages from our partner HanseMerkur by clicking here. If you are not an EU resident, then we must ask you to get an insurance on your own terms. Our customers have made good experiences with World Nomads Rescue and Allianz Care as insurers, both offer such packages that cover Polar Expedition Cruises.
- Not mandatory, but recommended: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance. Polar expedition cruises can be quite expensive. Travel insurance can protect your investment by covering the costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, family emergencies, or other covered reasons.
- Not mandatory and optional: Gear and Equipment Coverage. Polar expeditions often require specialized clothing and gear. Some insurance policies offer coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
Please note that policies change over time and from ship to ship, so it's important to check both the booking documents we send you when you book your expedition and your insurance policy carefully. Some ships may already have some insurance included, some other operators may have specific insurance requirements. The insurers we list above are recommendations only and it's your responsibility to check that the insurance you buy really does cover everything you need for your trip.
East Greenland Scoresby Sund
5.0
(10)
Price
Upon Request
