Iceland & East Greenland Explorer

Your Arctic expedition begins in the bustling Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, one of the coolest capitals in the Nordic region. Renowned throughout the world for its modern Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, and friendly, relaxed vibe, Reykjavík is the ideal starting point for any Arctic adventure. After boarding our expedition ship and completing the mandatory safety and lifeboat drills, join your Expedition Team on the outer decks (perhaps with an expertly crafted cocktail in hand) as we set sail along the Reykjanes Peninsula, following ancient Viking sea routes toward the wild Westman Islands.

Heimaey is the largest of the volcanic Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) Islands and the only one permanently inhabited. Visitors to this dramatic isle are spoiled for choice! Perhaps join local guides to explore the dramatic lava fields of Eldfell volcano—site of the infamous 1973 eruption, when heroic locals fought back, cooling the lava with seawater jets to save their community. Alternatively, grab your binoculars and head to the cliffs of the island to watch for puffins, fulmars, and gannets frolicking in the icy waters below. Weather permitting, we will cruise past Surtsey on departure, a young volcanic island strictly reserved as a natural laboratory for scientific research.

Today you arrive at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often known as “Iceland in miniature” for its rich and varied attractions. The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður, where we will make landfall, is a picture-perfect slice of Iceland: neat multicolored houses cluster around a bustling harbor, backed by the brooding presence of Kirkjufell, a striking peak made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones. This staggering backdrop can be explored on foot right from town, so be sure to pack your hiking boots! Grundarfjörður is also the gateway to the incredible Snæfellsnes National Park, the jewel in the crown of which is the enormous Snæfellsjökull volcano, a looming peak adorned with tumbling glaciers.

Words can barely capture the natural paradise of Vigur Island, a small, privately owned island nestled deep in the calm waters of the Westfjords. This tiny island holds some of Iceland’s largest bird colonies and is one of the few places where genuine eiderdown is still sustainably harvested. Avoiding the many nesting puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns here is far harder than spotting them! In the afternoon, we will visit the bustling harbor town of Ísafjörður, capital of the Westfjords, before we set out across the North Atlantic Ocean en route to East Greenland.

Between Iceland and Greenland lies the Denmark Strait, a chilly section of the North Atlantic rich in marine wildlife. As we cross to Greenland, join your Expedition Team in the Theater to learn about the ecology, history, and wildlife of the region, or head onto the outer decks with a pair of binoculars to watch the waves for wildlife. Alternatively, work up a sweat in the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or simply relax in the hot tubs as Greenland beckons beneath the midnight sun.

This is it—this is why explorers young and old set out for the wilds of Greenland. Between Ammassalik Island and the edge of the vast inland ice sheet lies the majesty of Sermilik Fjord, a name simply meaning “icy” in Greenlandic. A number of large glaciers much farther inland deliver enormous quantities of ice to the coastline, where it breaks off as enormous icebergs. Join your Expedition Team on the water as we explore this jaw-dropping expanse of drifting ice; this is one of the best areas in Greenland to see whales, so remember to bring your binoculars!

In the morning, we will visit the incredible historic site of Ikateq, also known as Bluie Two East. This fascinating former American air base was used during the Second World War but abandoned soon after, in 1947, leaving everything behind, from hangars and vehicles to thousands of fuel drums. The site has since been cleaned up, leaving haunting remains amid breathtaking natural beauty. In the afternoon, we will visit Kuummiit, one of the larger villages in the area; here, we will meet the friendly locals and experience the beauty of East Greenlandic culture amid the beautiful surroundings of Ammassalik Fjord.

The largest settlement on the eastern coast of Greenland, Tasiilaq is the only town on rugged Ammassalik Island and the heartland of East Greenlandic language and culture. The town was founded in 1894 as a trading post and has deep connections to Greenland’s shamanic traditions, as well as to the tupilak—a once-feared magical creature now preserved as a celebrated art form. Visitors are spoiled for choice, with options to meet the local sled dogs (safely, with their owners’ permission), witness a traditional Inuit drum dance, hike the flower-filled hills outside town, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs at the famous Stunk artisan workshop.

As our expedition draws to a close, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on your thrilling voyage. Compare photos with your fellow explorers, join the final lectures from the Expedition Team, unwind in the hot tubs, and look forward to the final voyage slideshow presented at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party. Skål!

The bustling city of Reykjavík may come as a bit of a shock to the system after spending time in the wilderness of the Arctic! After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to your fellow explorers and the Expedition Team, Officers, and Crew of Ocean Victory, descend the gangway back to dry land, ready to explore the Land of Ice and Fire anew or head home with memories to last a lifetime.