Greenland’s High Arctic Odyssey

Embark on an extraordinary 15-night Arctic expedition aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Explorer, journeying from Iceland to the remote shores of Greenland and its spectacular High Arctic wilderness. Discover enormous icebergs, active glaciers, UNESCO-listed landscapes, and isolated northern settlements while experiencing the rich culture and warm hospitality of Greenlandic communities. This immersive voyage combines scenic sea passages, wildlife-viewing opportunities, Zodiac excursions, and unforgettable encounters in one of the world’s most pristine destinations.

• Accommodation: Shipboard accommodation aboard Ocean Explorer with daily housekeeping.
• Meals: All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board.
• Selected beverages: Select beer, wines and cocktails during designated bar service hours and dinner; coffee, tea and cocoa.
• Expedition team: Services of experienced expedition leaders, guides and onboard guest speakers.
• Shore excursions: Scheduled shore landings and Zodiac transfers/cruising as per the expedition programme.
• Expedition clothing: Official Quark Expeditions parka to keep and waterproof expedition boots on loan.
• Educational activities: Expert presentations and scheduled onboard enrichment sessions.
• Travel documentation: Photographic journal documenting the expedition.
• Charter flights: Reykjavík–Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq–Reykjavík flights, if included in the selected package.
• Hotel stays: One pre-expedition and one post-expedition hotel night near Keflavík Airport, with breakfast, if included in the charter flight and hotel package.
• Transfers: Specified group transfers between airports and the ship, as outlined in the confirmed itinerary.
• Port charges and taxes: Applicable charges specified as included in the final booking terms.

• International airfare from your home country to Iceland and back.
• Visa fees, passport costs and visa application services.
• Travel, medical evacuation, cancellation and interruption insurance.
• Meals and drinks in Reykjavík unless specifically included.
• Airport transfers in Iceland not expressly listed in the package.
• Optional excursions and adventure activities carrying additional charges.
• Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone charges, spa treatments and premium Wi-Fi.
• Crew and expedition staff gratuities, where applicable.
• Mandatory waterproof trousers and other personal equipment not supplied.
• Excess baggage fees and luggage storage charges, where applicable.
• Additional hotel nights before or after the scheduled package.
• Any services not specifically stated in the final quotation.

Optional activities depend on the departure date, available equipment, weather, and the specific expedition programme. The following are suitable experiences to highlight, but they should not be advertised as confirmed inclusions or guaranteed excursions without checking Quark’s excursion list.

1. Zodiac Cruise Among Icebergs

Explore icy bays and coastal landscapes aboard a small expedition boat, offering close-up views of icebergs and rugged shorelines.

Availability: Subject to the scheduled expedition programme.

2. Ilulissat Icefjord Scenic Walk

Discover viewpoints overlooking the spectacular UNESCO-listed Icefjord and photograph its immense floating icebergs.

Availability: Local excursions and guided activities may vary.

3. Arctic Sea Kayaking

Paddle through Arctic waters for a quieter perspective on Greenland’s icy coastlines and mountain scenery.

Availability: Only if offered for the selected departure and conditions permit.

4. Greenlandic Cultural Experiences

Learn about local traditions, food, crafts, and community life during visits to Greenlandic settlements.

Availability: Depends on the local visit programme and community arrangements.

5. Arctic Wildlife Watching

Look for whales, seals, seabirds, and other Arctic wildlife during sea passages and Zodiac excursions.

Availability: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

6. Northern Lights Viewing

Watch for the aurora borealis when darkness, solar activity, and clear skies create suitable viewing conditions.

Availability: Natural phenomenon; sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk and embark

Day 3: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle

Day 4: Disko Bay: Icebergs, stunning views, and a Greenlandic welcome

Day 5: Upernavik: Remote community visit in the far north

Day 6: At Sea Sailing north into the vast Arctic wilderness

Day 7: Kap Alexander: The farthest point north

Day 8: Qaanaaq: Greenland's northernmost community

Day 9: At Sea Southbound to glaciers and scenic shores

Day 10: At Sea Southbound to glaciers and scenic shores

Day 11: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles

Day 12: Eqip Sermia: One of Greenlands most active glaciers

Day 13: Ilulissat: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site

Day 14: Itilleq: Playing football with the local community

Day 15: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq

Day 16: Depart Reykjavik

For reservations involving the first and second guest, adult rates will be applicable, irrespective of age.

Single occupancy it is 200% of the cabin Fare plus port Taxes and Gratuities

Prices mentioned are starting prices and subject to change at the time of confirmation

For the 3rd & 4th adult in the cabin, cruise fare will be charged at 50%; port charges and gratuities will be applicable at 100%

Pregnancy Policy

Pregnant women are allowed to sail only if pregnant for 24 completed weeks or less on the date of cruise disembarkation. All PREGNANT WOMEN MUST PROVIDE TO CCL AT EMBARKATION A PHYSICIAN’S LETTER stating the estimated date of delivery and that the mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel and the pregnancy is not at risk.

Smoking Policy

Smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes is permitted only in certain areas of the ships including cigar lounges, designated outdoor smoking areas and outside on private balconies. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cabins. To avoid the risk of fire, cigarettes must be extinguished and left in the ashtrays provided.

Cancellation Policy:

From confirmation up to 90 days before departure: $50 USD per passenger

89 to 60 days: $400 USD per passenger

59 to 30 days: 50% of total fare

29 to 15 days: 75% of the total amount.

14 days or less: 100% of the total amount

Visa requirements depend on the traveller’s nationality, residence status, and travel documents. Because this itinerary visits both Iceland and Greenland, travellers should check entry requirements for both destinations before departure.

·        Iceland: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers who require a visa must obtain the appropriate Schengen visa for their visit. Click to apply

·        Greenland: Greenland is outside the Schengen Area, despite being part of the Kingdom of Denmark. A standard Schengen visa alone does not automatically permit entry to Greenland.

·        Travellers requiring a Greenland visa: Apply through the appropriate Danish diplomatic mission and clearly state that Greenland is a destination. Ensure the issued visa specifically permits entry to Greenland.

·        Visa-exempt travellers: Confirm that your nationality and residence documents qualify for entry to both Iceland and Greenland, as their rules are different.

·        Passport validity: Check the passport validity requirements for your nationality and the relevant entry rules before travelling.