East Greenland: Northern Lights

Quark Expeditions
4.0 . Great
74%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
14 days
From: $ 8,395 $ 600 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Experience Greenland’s vast landscapes
  • Explore the world’s largest fjord system
  • Visit the largest and most remote national park on the planet
  • Possibly catch sightings of muskoxen and whales
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
  • Hike the tundra
  • Visit a local community
  • Take advantage of optional kayak adventure

Short Description

Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, beckons you to explore Greenland. Enticing you with some of the best displays of the northern lights, the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and its inhabitants offer you a rare connection to the past with their tradition of living off the land, just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.

Iceberg-choked fjords, tundra hikes and the arctic wildlife of Northeast Greenland National Park create picture-perfect scenes every day. This is one of our most active expeditions, where you can hike across mountaintops and watch herds of grazing muskoxen on the horizon. This is pure wilderness at its finest: the untouched Arctic as it was thousands of years ago

Style Small ship cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Lodging Level Comfort (4*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Reykjavik
End City Akureyri

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the modern city of Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.

Day 2: Embarkation Day in Akureyri, Iceland

You’ll fly from Reykjavik to the northern Icelandic town of Akureyri to begin your expedition to Greenland. As you sail out to sea, your first wildlife sightings will be seabirds above and whales below. Get ready for a great adventure!

Day 3: At Sea

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to mysterious Greenland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about Greenland’s wildlife, history and geography.

Days 4 to 7: Northeast Greenland National Park

Fjords and colorful tundra punctuate the scenery of Northeast Greenland National Park, where arctic fox and muskoxen roam free. Your days will be spent exploring and learning about the unique history and geology of Greenland.

Kong Oscar Fjord is a hiker’s paradise. Marvel at the vibrant fall colors as you walk across the tundra at Holm Bay, cruise in a Zodiac through spectacular Alpefjord or challenge yourself with a trek to the top of nearby Ella Island (the views are worth it).

From Ella Island, you’ll head to the Antarctic—the Antarctic Sound, that is. Yes, curiously, there is an Antarctic Sound in the Arctic. The area is home to beautiful purple- and gold- colored rocks, with Ymer Island and Blomsterbugten, known as the Bay of Flowers, in the distance, waiting to be explored.

Keeping a watchful eye out for wildlife, you will then head south along the Liverpool Coast. Weather conditions are variable here, but we’ll aim to visit Storfjord.

Days 8 to 11: Scorsbysund Fjord

Arriving at Scoresbysund, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the largest, longest and—some say—most beautiful fjord system in the world. This area was named after William Scoresby, who charted the east coast of Greenland in 1822. With clear skies, you may catch a glimpse of the northern lights during our evenings in the fjord.

At the start of the sound, Ittoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community. You’ll have the chance to support the local Inuit artisan community by purchasing unique handicrafts. Your time here is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life.

Sailing deeper into Scoresbysund, you’ll encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we approach Sydkap and Øfjord. The scenery here is beyond belief, with towering mountainsides and hundreds of apartment-sized icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception.

Pushing onward, your expedition will come to Rypefjord and Cape Hofmann Halvø. We will keep our eyes peeled for sightings of rare blue icebergs, which are usually seen in the Antarctic. With binoculars in hand, birders should keep watch for wheatears, snow buntings and ravens at Rypefjord.

At Cape Hofmann Halvø, we’ll have a good chance of experiencing muskoxen up close and enjoying a final hike out on the colorful tundra.

Days 12 and 13: At Sea

Our journey back to Iceland has us re-crossing the Denmark Strait, allowing a couple of days for whale watching. During our crossing, you may see white-beaked dolphins and humpback, minke and blue whales. Birders will enjoy spotting kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and razorbills.

Day 14: Disembarkation Day in Akureyri, Iceland

Your Greenland adventure comes to an end as you enter port in Akureyri and board your flight to Reykjavik. We provide a transfer to downtown Reykjavik. If you have time, it’s worth sticking around to explore this great city.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 8,395
Price Per Day: $ 600 per day
  • Deposit Price: $ 1,000

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Quark Expeditions.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

78 Quark Expeditions Travel Reviews & Ratings

74%
4.0 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 56
Great 2
Average 0
Disappointing 1
Terrible 19
Value
4.0
Guide
4.0
Activities
4.0
Lodging
4.0
Transportation
4.0
Meals
4.0

East Greenland: Northern Lights

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Company Reviews

Run! Scam! Worst cruise company ever!

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
I had the unfortunate experience of booking a cruise with Quark Expeditions, and I must say it was one of the most disappointing and frustrating experiences I've ever had. The entire process from start to finish left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Firstly, Quark Expeditions cancelled our cruise without any prior warning or communication. I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but the complete lack of transparency and consideration for their customers was unacceptable. We had already made travel arrangements, taken time off work, and were eagerly looking forward to our trip, only to have it snatched away without any explanation.

To make matters even worse, the communication from Quark Expeditions during this ordeal was abysmal. There was no attempt made to keep us informed of the cancellation, and we were left scrambling to find out what had happened ourselves. It was an infuriating and anxiety-inducing experience, as we were left in the dark with no information about alternative options or compensation.

To add insult to injury, Quark Expeditions then decided to hold us captive in an airport hotel for three days, with no clear reasoning or explanation. We were effectively trapped, unable to leave the hotel or explore the area while we waited for further instruction. This was not only a waste of our time and money, but it also left us feeling like prisoners in a foreign country.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of this entire situation is the fact that Quark Expeditions informed us that it would take a whopping 60 days to process our refund. Sixty days! This long wait is completely unreasonable and demonstrates a complete disregard for their customers' financial well-being. It's as if they have no understanding or respect for the fact that people have budgets, bills to pay, and other responsibilities to fulfill.

Overall, my experience with Quark Expeditions was truly disappointing. The cancelled cruise, lack of communication, being held captive in an airport hotel, and the exorbitant wait time for a refund have left me with a sour impression of this company. I would strongly advise others to think twice before booking a trip with Quark Expeditions, as their lack of professionalism and customer care is completely unacceptable.
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Company is a scam

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This company cancelled our trip 3 times due to COVID. The most recent cancellation was less than 10 days notice. When we tried to re-book this time for a later date (our fourth reservation with them), they charged us over $10,000 more for the EXACT same itinerary even after their 100% guarantee says they have a voyage-for-voyage exchange on cancelled trips and we would be able to exchange the trip for the same itinerary. Now they've changed their rules to say they only have 1 date available that's approved for "exchanges." So our original booking, which was the week of Christmas, now has to be some random week when conditions are not as good and we won't even see Antarctica in the season we wanted. For the EXACT same itinerary as we already booked and paid for (and they kept the money for over 2 years for, while continuing to cancel our trips) they want 10k+ more to book. This is a scam and these people have kept our money for going on 3 years now with absolutely no intent to honor their "guarantee." This company has been a nightmare from the beginning and I highly recommend you book with someone else.
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Terrible company.

1.0
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Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
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Meals1.0
Terrible company. It has taken me 10 months to finally get the refund from the trip me and my wife had booked (Aberdeen to svalbard). Quark refused to refund for the first 7 months saying they didn't cancel the trip (even though it didn’t run and the boat was at anchor in a different country) i was told that the trip has been re scheduled and not cancelled so legally they do not have to refund me. I hope Andrew white the ceo is proud of his decision to steal hard earned money from customers and make them fight for months to get back what is rightfully there's. After 7 months of me constantly badgering the travel agent i booked through and quark directly they agreed to refund my money but it will take them 90 days to process this refund. Its amazing quark can accept payments automatically but needs 90 days to return payments. If you are booking with quark now on there new refund terms be careful of the wording. It says IF THEY CANCEL THE TRIP which quark will not do, they will re schedule it for another date 12 months or more away, ie next years trip which you will then have to pay the price increases to them as well. Avoid at all costs.
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So much excitement yet letdown after letdown

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
My wife and I recently planned and booked a trip to Antarctica with Quark. We were thrilled about the opportunity and had done the research to ensure we could make it happen. We chose Quark because of there great marketing and reviews and leadership with the expeditions in the area.

Everything was great until we actually went to go book. It started off by experiencing an abnormal 3 week delay in response to our request to book a tour. Then once we did and responded with specifics about what to book and where to send the deposit, another long delay. Eventually Quark made the decision to cancel all of its upcoming trips until March 2021. They presented options on how to reconcile any prepayments. We responded with how we would like to move forward. THREE MONTHS LATER, we get a response that they had a technical error preventing them from being able to provide refunds without having to send over specific bank details. Poor customer service in general. Maybe we will have forgotten by the time we go to book this again in the future, but other travelers should know.

TLDR: Great marketing, terrible service.
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Warning

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Warning
I booked a trip to the Arctic Circle 2021 on 08/28 and paid a deposit.
On 09/10 Quark canceled the trip and informed me today that the repayment will take up to 90 days due to the high workload!
I assume that Quark knew about the cancellation at the End of August and managed to collect my money in 2 days despite the workload.
I would like the money back that fast!
With the cancellation, Quark made a promise that it would be very easy to rebook in 2022, fo the same voyage, the same ship and the same price (or two options for money back).
Well, nothing was easy, because the promise could not be kept, since 2 trips in 2021 will only become one trip in 2022.
First they had a single cabin for me, then suddenly they didn't.
Instead of offering me another shared cabin at the price of the booking period - there was an early bird discount - they offered a single cabin for 34,000.00 and told me that the prices in 2022 were now higher.
Where was the promise?
And now they keep my money up to 90 days. This is really bad style Quark Expeditions!
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Do NOT book with Quark

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Meals1.0
Do NOT book with Quark. Please please please take your hard earned money elsewhere. Due to Covid, our voyage was cancelled for January 2021 which is totally acceptable. Times are tough and businesses need to make the right decisions for their employees, their investors and their future. However, by not taking care of customers, they have failed miserably. Quark wanted to book us on a future voyage instead (great!) but then proceeds to tell us that all of the options that we have paid for are not available - so a lesser product. Additionally, before the voyage was cancelled, we had friends that we travel with frequently shop for the same trip. The price was lower each time (again, typical business practice and understood by me as someone that works in both marketing and in the travel space), but the issue is that Quark refuses to do a price adjustment (we have screenshots sent from friends of what that price was). Noted here, per Quark's cancellation policy, we could have cancelled and rebooked on that same trip at the lower rate ($3k per person lower rate). However, when we contacted Quark at that time, we received no response as they were clearly deciding how to solve the challenge they created by having a cancellation policy that was in conflict with their pricing strategy. So instead of just making it right for the customer, Quark has lost a customer. Simple price adjustment, date change to the same excursion we booked and decent customer service would have built some loyal customers that can easily influence others to give their product a try. Quark has failed us, do not let them fail you. There are plenty of other options available.
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Details

Ship Name

Sea Adventurer

Ship Stats

Staff and Crew: 83

Guests: 117

Lifeboats: 4 partially enclosed

Length: 101.1 meters

Breadth: 16.2 meters

Draft: 4.5 meters

Propulsion: Diesel Twin Engines - 5,200 horsepower.

Ice Class: 1A

Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water

Registration: Bahamas

Ship Description

Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Sea Adventurer was built in Yugoslavia in 1976, refurbished in 1999 and had further upgrades in 2002. You will be impressed by this ice-strengthened ship, which carries up to 117 passengers and features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades.

The nimble, ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Take a look at what to expect for 2017:

  • A new look and feel throughout
  • Renovations to the interior of the ship including outside cabins with ensuites, spacious forward lounge and bar, and other amenities
  • The addition of new passenger cabins
  • New bathrooms in every cabin, and upgrades to the Main Lounge and Main Dining Room, gym, and select suites
  • Significant technical enhancements – including two new engines, generators, gear boxes, drive systems, and re-bladed propellers
  • Increased fuel efficiency, and a minimized carbon footprint.

Deck & Cabin Plans

All Deck & Cabin Plans (affiliate link) Trip Photos (affiliate link)

Optional Activities

Ramp up your Expedition

Every Quark Arctic voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing. We also offer kayaking on most of our voyages; a great way to experience the beauty of the Arctic in a more personal way. Contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser to learn more about adventure options, including physical requirements.

Kayaking - $595 per person

Kayaking in the Arctic is probably one of the most intimate and inspiring ways you can explore the rugged coastlines and calm bays of the regions we visit.

Kayaking in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent, however we guarantee at least one outing throughout your voyage, but your kayak guides will take you out as many times as possible throughout your voyage.

Offered on most Arctic voyages, spaces are limited and require some kayaking experience. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Cancellation policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Cancellations cannot be made online.

Additional Information

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

Trip ID#:

EasGreQua

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