Sail north and chase adventure in some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled locations — the Greenland, Iceland, and beyond — on an expedition cruise

• Behold some of the world’s most remote and beautiful natural wonders —from bubbling geysers to ice-blue fjords — at the top of the world!
• Venture ashore on naturalist-led expeditions by versatile Zodiac landing crafts
• Attend lectures on marine biology, wildlife, history, and other educational topics

Plus, cruise aboard the 5-star Ocean Explorer, a vessel built specifically for expedition cruising, with the following features:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• An 8-17 person Expedition Team who will lead zodiac excursions, dry and wet landings, hikes, and onboard lectures in their area of expertise — which range from ornithology to geology
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

All activities on this adventure are dependent upon weather and local conditions and will be coordinated by your Expedition Team. These will entail exploration in urban centers as well as in remote coastal and subarctic locales, often on foot. Make use of the boots, trekking poles, and other equipment that are on loan for your ship. After an active day, your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities such as pools, spa facilities, and more to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Travel to remote rookeries and pristine coves aboard motorized Zodiac landing crafts
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Hike in a bevy of North Atlantic islands and in Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot

This trip exposes you to a broad array of artistic and cultural traditions across two continents.

• Spend a day in the remote Greenland settlement of Isortoq and learn about the Inuit culture that has existed there for centuries
• See why Montréal is a UNESCO “City of Design” as you admire its array of historic and modern architectural gems
• Get a taste of Iceland at a tomato farm and greenhouse
• Take advantage of your complimentary Concierge service to secure tickets for a play, concert, or museum in Québec or Montréal

Travel across the northern seas to unspoiled, subarctic regions that few people ever get to see, but where thousands of bird, marine, and terrestrial wildlife find a welcoming home.

• Watch for dolphins, whales, orca, seals, walruses, reindeer, polar bears, and more
• Visit rich bird rookeries and keep an eye out for kittiwakes, eagles, ravens, black guillemots, fulmars, puffins, Arctic terns, and many more avian species
• Learn about the incredible biodiversity of Newfoundland at the Bonne Bay Marine Science Centre
• Photograph a multitude of jaw-dropping landscapes, especially in Iceland and Greenland

Traveling across the Atlantic from Europe to North America, you’ll reprise the journeys made by Viking raiders, Irish monks, great explorers, and European settlers. Here are a few of milestones to look forward to:

• In UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, see where Iceland’s Viking-era settlers established one of Europe’s first parliaments
• Celebrate the tremendous biodiversity and colonial heritage of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• See the UNESCO-listed treasures in the Historic District of Old Québec
• Learn about the battle that ceded Québec to the British at the Plains of Abraham

During your onboard meals, shore excursions, and independent exploration, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste the traditional regional cuisines, as well as the trendy “New Nordic” cooking that uses fresh farm-to-table (or hook-to-table) ingredients, and which has its exemplars even on the most remote North Atlantic islands.

• Taste the best Bloody Mary ever when you visit an organic tomato farm and greenhouse outside Reykjavík
• Enjoy lunch in a “sugar shack,” where the food highlights one of Canada’s biggest exports: maple syrup
• Enjoy Québec’s French-accented cuisine and Montréal’s famous variety of ethnic eateries

Grab your GoPro and have your favorite camera ready to capture the North Atlantic’s stupendous scenery and rich wildlife. Your onboard Expedition Team features an expert nature photographer who will share top tips in onboard workshops and during your excursions. Here are a few tips:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or that your camera comes equipped with a night feature
• Use a bean bag, tripod, or other stabilizing device to capture moving targets like birds and other wildlife
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high; or get low and shoot from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace artistic challenges by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take selfies! You’ll want to have some mementoes of your milestone journey
• Look beyond landmarks. Sometimes everyday scenes are much more revealing of the spirit of your destination. But in deference to cultural norms here, remember to ask your subjects if they mind being photographed before snapping their picture!

On this expedition cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Zodiac cruising, polar kayaking opportunities, and photography workshops
• A lively social media night, a wealth of informative onboard lectures, and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, jacuzzis, and a gym

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.