Early Bird Specials -
- $2,000 off pp + 15% Off + Add'l 5% off if paid in full at booking
- Exclusive onboard credit of $200 per person from Polar Dream Travel
Please click "Prices and Departures" above for departure dates, cabin types and prices.
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the group hotel near Keflavik airport, included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day 2: Fly to Nuuk and embark
After breakfast, guests and their luggage will be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to their ship, Ocean Explorer.
Day 3: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle
Congratulations, you’ve crossed 66°33’ north latitude. On our first-off ship excursion in the Arctic, we’ll visit Sisimiut, a community rich with Greenlandic history and culture. As we approach via the inner harbor, you’ll spot locals coming and going from the marina, bringing halibut, shrimp and other seafood freshly harvested from Baffin Bay. Upon reaching shore, we’ll walk winding roads through this vibrant town dotted with colorful homes and Arctic cotton grass blooming under the summer sun.
Day 4: Disko Bay: Icebergs, stunning views, and a Greenlandic welcome
In September, Disko Bay is bathed in an ethereal autumn light—a phenomenon specific to the high latitudes. Giant icebergs drift with the currents, many of which can be seen in nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 because of its outstanding natural beauty and its significance in understanding ice-cap glaciology. Disko Island shelters the expansive bay, where we hope to make landfall at or near the small community of Qeqertarsuaq. Colorfully painted homes dot the gentle rocky slopes of this quiet community, which moves at a pace set by the changing seasons, the tides, and the steady rhythm of small skiffs heading out from the harbor into the vast surrounding landscape.
Day 5: Upernavik: Remote community visit in the far north
There’s a good chance you will wake up surrounded by icebergs and mountainous landscapes to the east. We continue our push north, arriving at the beautiful community of Upernavik around midday. Although much farther north than most Greenland communities, Upernavik is relatively large, with a population topping 1,000, most of whom live in brightly painted homes that climb the hillside from the sea. The signature quiet of the town amplifies the lap of waves on rock, barking sled dogs, children’s laughter, and the hum of ATVs.
Day 6: At Sea: Sailing north into the vast Arctic wilderness
Day 7: Kap Alexander: The farthest point north
Today marks the northernmost point of our journey, in the region of Kap Alexander and Smith Sound—the famous narrow body of water separating Greenland and Canada by less than 55 kilometers (35 miles). On clear days, both coastlines may be visible from Smith Sound. This dynamic area is shaped by drifting sea ice from the Arctic Basin. Conditions vary daily—packed sea ice one day, open water the next.
Day 8: Qaanaaq: Greenland's northernmost community
Approaching Qaanaaq (home to fewer than 700 people) along Inglefield Fjord, near the entrance to Smith Sound, we’ll likely encounter large icebergs drifting or resting in the waters around town. The ship will navigate through this maze of ice to reach Greenland’s northernmost community—and the second northernmost town in the world (after Longyearbyen, Svalbard).
Day 9 & 10: At Sea: Southbound to glaciers and scenic shores
Day 11: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
We arrive in Uummannaq Fjord in the morning and cruise toward the community of Uummannaq, which, in Greenlandic, translates to “heartshaped,” inspired by the dramatic mountain that rises above the town. Visiting this remote community is a rare privilege.
Day 12: Eqip Sermia: One of Greenland's most active glaciers
Today we’ll explore the northern regions of Disko Bay, possibly including the Eqi Glacier—known locally as Eqip Sermia. This tidewater glacier is a highlight for many reasons. Its wide glacial face makes it one of Greenland’s most active glaciers, regularly calving ice into the sea. You’ll likely see icebergs drifting in the bay, along with smaller pieces called brash ice. On quiet days, you can hear the ice popping and crackling—and if you’re lucky, the thunderous rumble of the calving glacier.
Day 13: Ilulissat: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site
Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, which serves as the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from the world’s fastest-moving glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. A small boardwalk leads to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. The overlook, a rocky outcropping, gives the feeling of standing at the edge of town and the beginning of a vast wilderness. Looking out over the ice evokes a humbling sense of scale. As you explore, notice the Arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers thriving in the long daylight hours. The inner harbor often holds evidence of the icefjord’s reach, with drifting icebergs mingling among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring, and has become one of Greenland’s top destinations. Recent years have brought growth— colorful homes now sit beside new restaurants, boutique hotels and small businesses.
Day 14: Itilleq: Playing football with the local community
The small settlement of Itilleq is a favorite among guests and Expedition Team members, thanks to the warm welcome we’ve received over the years. When it comes to community charm, Itilleq stands out. Approximately 100 residents live among brightly painted homes—greens, pinks, purples, baby blues, mustard yellows, and chocolate browns. Many people earn their living at sea, as evidenced by the small seafood processing building near the pier. Despite its size, the village is full of life, from respected elders to playful children. A longstanding tradition is a friendly football (soccer) match with locals, including guests, staff, crew, and residents. It’s a fun, memorable experience—whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines.
Day 15: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq
Today, we disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Søndre Strømfjord, and transfer you to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel, both of which are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Day 16: Depart Reykjavik
Today, after breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your f light home, or continue your personal travel plans as prearranged.
