Jewels of the Arctic - Greenland Solar Eclipse Cruise

Your Arctic adventure begins in Oslo, Norway, where a representative from Aurora Expeditions will greet you and assist with your transfer to the pre-voyage hotel. Upon arrival at the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags, confirm pre-embarkation details, and receive information about local dining, cash withdrawal, or last-minute purchases from nearby pharmacies or supermarkets. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Oslo at your own pace, with all meals at your own expense.

This morning, ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Oslo, transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Keep all valuables and personal items with you throughout the day. Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, take part in a guided tour of the town before being transferred directly to the pier for embarkation in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin, attend important safety briefings, and experience the excitement as the ship casts off and your Arctic adventure officially begins. The guided tour and embarkation schedule are subject to the arrival time of the charter flight to Longyearbyen.

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its finest, with phenomenal fjords, majestic mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils that set the stage for stories of early exploration. The experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this region, tailor the daily itinerary based on weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife opportunities to ensure the best possible experiences. Spot walrus hauled out on sea ice or beaches, stroll across tundra blanketed with brightly coloured wildflowers, and visit towering cliffs home to nesting guillemots, puffins, and Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Optional activities such as kayaking may be offered when conditions allow, and adventurous guests can participate in a polar plunge as soon as the opportunity arises – an exhilarating experience to remember for years to come.

As the ship sails toward the coast of East Greenland, keep an eye out for whales feeding in the nutrient-rich northern waters. Approaching the region, you may encounter pack ice and spot seals along with a variety of seabirds, including northern fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots. The strong, icy currents have long isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, creating a haven for fish, seals, and whales. Thick morning fog is common but often dissipates under the midday sun. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Team provides engaging discussions on the region’s plants, wildlife, ice formations, and the heroic tales of early Arctic exploration.

Over the next several days, the Expedition Team will tailor daily activities based on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions, offering up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day. You will explore deep fjords, narrow channels, towering ice-clad peaks, drifting icebergs, and multi-coloured tundra home to musk oxen, arctic foxes, and reindeer, with a highlight being a visit to the remote Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit to explore the museum, meet locals, and experience traditional Arctic life. As the ship navigates the fjords toward the prime eclipse viewing spot, enjoy lunch onboard while preparing on deck for the celestial event, witnessing the 2-minute 18-second total solar eclipse over Greenland’s fjords, complete with the dramatic diamond ring effect at totality’s end; a truly unforgettable experience. Continue to explore scenic fjords, hike tundra with bubbling geothermal pools, and marvel at striking sedimentary rock formations shaped over thousands of years.

The ship crosses the Denmark Strait on its way to Iceland. Keep your eyes on the waters for whale blows and capture photos of the many seabirds that follow the ship, soaring through the ever-present Arctic winds. The journey offers one last chance to admire the dramatic Arctic seascape and wildlife before reaching Reykjavik.

On the final day, you will cruise into Reykjavik and disembark around 08:00 am. Say goodbye to your Expedition Team and fellow travelers as you continue your onward journeys. You can choose a direct transfer to Keflavik Airport, a direct transfer to The Grand Reykjavik (only if booked through Aurora Expeditions), or stop at City Hall and make your own way to nearby hotels. For late flights, your luggage will be kept at City Hall until the 01:00 pm transfer to the airport. It’s recommended to book flights departing after 12:00 pm in case of any delays.