Arctic & Alaska

Three Arctic Islands – Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland

15 Days aboard Ocean Explorer. From NZD $37,000$29,600pp.
Details

Overview

Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland.

In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds. During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here.

The towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords and vast swaths of untouched tundra in these breathtaking environments will provide sights, sounds and scenes you’ve never experienced, permanently transforming your connection to the planet we call home. Explore the amazing Arctic, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragility of a wondrous region, and return with unique memories that will last a lifetime.

Save 20%
Triple Bonus Offer

• $1,500 USD Flight Credit
• Free Transfer Package
• Priority Pass Lounge Access (2x lounge visits)
Book by 31st March 2025

Itinerary Highlights 

  • Experience one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime
  • Marvel at the glaciers and wildlife of Spitsbergen and East Greenland
  • Hike the tundra and explore a remote fjord-strewn coast of East Greenland
  • Cruise in a Zodiac to explore diverse landscapes
  • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

Itinerary in Brief 

  • Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland
  • Day 2: Fly to Longyearbyen and embark
  • Day 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
  • Day 7 and 8: At Sea
  • Day 9 to 12: Exploring East Greenland
  • Day 13 and 14: At Sea
  • Day 15: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Day 2: Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Days 3 to 6: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions allow, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Days 7 and 8: At Sea

While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Days 9 to 12: Exploring East Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Days 13 and 14: Cruising

As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

Day 15: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

Next Departure Date: 13 Aug 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
13 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025 NZD$29600ppExpand to view offers
Deluxe Veranda FwdNZD $37000ppNZD$29600ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Veranda StateroomNZD $39000ppNZD$31200ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Veranda SuiteNZD $41444ppNZD$33156ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Studio SingleNZD $48667ppNZD$38934ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Junior SuiteNZD $48667ppNZD$38934ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Studio Veranda SingleNZD $52556ppNZD$42045ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Penthouse SuiteNZD $56556ppNZD$45245ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%
Owner's SuiteNZD $60444ppNZD$48356ppTriple Bonus Offer, Save 20%

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Studio Single

Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Single
Studio Single
Deluxe Veranda Fwd

Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Veranda Stateroom

Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.

Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Suite

Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Veranda Suite
Veranda Suite
Junior Suite

Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Studio Veranda Single

Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.

Studio Veranda Single
Studio Veranda Single
Penthouse Suite

This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.

Penthouse Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner's Suite

This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

Ocean Explorer Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world. 
  • 138-passengers. 
  • Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating. 
  • Staff and Crew: 105
  • Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
  • Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
  • Lifeboats: 2
  • Ice Class: 1A, PC6
  • Registration: Bahamas
  • Zodiacs: 15
  • Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water

Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features: 

  • Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption. 
  • Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest. 
  • Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure 
  • Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters. 

Whats included?

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

What’s not included?

  • International airfare
  • Arrival transfer in Helsinki
  • Airport transfer in Reykjavik
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included
  • Optional transfer package (see notes)

Notes

OPTIONAL TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

  • One night’s pre-expedition hotel night at Helsinki airport hotel, with breakfast.
  • Charter flight from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
  • Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen

Package Price: USD 895

It is also possible to join the ship on embarkation day and opt out of the transfer package services at no additional cost. If you choose this option, your expedition will commence on Day 2. 

Adventure Options:

  • Sea Kayak: US$1,795
  • Paddling Excursion: US$295

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Arctic

Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.

Downloadable travel guide

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Three Arctic Islands – Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland

15 Days aboard Ocean Explorer. From NZD $37,000$29,600pp.