The Arctic, one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world where words fail to capture such a sensory feast. This 13 day cruise onboard an ice-strengthened ship offers a unique expedition that covers three countries and allows you to get close to the Arctic’s spectacular, pristine scenery and incredible wildlife, including the indisputable king of them all, the Polar Bear. The voyage focuses on comfort and exploration, spending as much time ashore as possible, combined with educational lectures onboard covering topics such as bird life, marine mammals, vegetation and landscapes. The ship departs from Longyearbyen and sails the waters of western and northern Spitsbergen, an island that forms part of the Norwegian-owned archipelago of Svalbard. From here, we set sail to Greenland, the largest island on Earth, and as yet relatively undiscovered. Its stunning coastlines provide an amazing backdrop to this Arctic experience. Our final journey is across the Denmark Strait to the volcanic wilderness of Iceland, ending in the town of Akureyri.

Arrive in Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to visit this former mining village. The Parish Church and the Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.

At sea, on our way to Greenland, we may see the edge of the East Greenland sea-ice. We keep watch for whales, and also for migrating seabirds.

We will land at Blomster Bugt to view the beautiful geological formations. Arctic Hares are usually seen here, and there is a lake with Great Northern Divers and their young. In the afternoon we sail along Teufelschloss and Ella Ø and may land  at a beautiful spot in the early evening.

Today we reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Here we may organise a zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts of this coast, and have our first landing near for instance Maane Glacier.
Later we land on Danmark,Ø where we find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are excellently preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites. In the evening we continue our sailing through the beautiful fjords to the west, choked with ice-bergs.

In Northwest fjord in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100m high and more than a kilometre in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating.

We will spend the whole day at sea and we will have splendid opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, in the night, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

The above itinerary is for guidance only.  Our exact route and program may vary to take best advantage of local weather and ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. Flexibility is paramount for this type of expedition cruise.

On board, there are several Zodiac rafts with strong out-board motors, giving us access to beautiful fjords, glaciers, pack-ice, and safe shore landings. We usually organise one morning excursion and one tour after lunch. The duration of the excursions may vary, but they normally take 3 to 4 hours. On land, it is very important to follow the guidelines of the tour leaders. It is not allowed to leave the group (in the Arctic we must take the Polar Bear danger very seriously as it can show up anywhere and attack without any warning!), touch, move, or take plants, stones, feathers, etc. Disturbing the animals is naturally forbidden. Please be aware of the fact that some birds nest on the ground. Be careful where you walk, do not approach the nests. Be aware of the fact, that when such a bird’s nest is disturbed, it’s extremely vulnerable. Glaucous gulls, Skuas and Arctic foxes are quick to grab the opportunity to feast upon unprotected eggs or chicks.

Your departure may offer a sea kayaking program for 15 experienced kayakers.  Excursions will only take place in safe surroundings and good weather conditions, within a safe distance from the ship, and at all times a Zodiac will be on standby. Passengers are required to have sufficient physical fitness and basic sea kayak experience. The kayaks are single seat kayaks and double seat kayaks (Perception Horizon II and Perception Sea Yak).

Kayaking in polar areas involves some potential risks, especially that of very cold water and hypothermia. These trips are by no means a suitable place for a first time kayaker. Be sure to have enough kayak experience before you take part in these excursions. Basic skills should include normal handling of a sea kayak in moderate sea conditions. It is not necessary to be able to do kayak rolls, just to be comfortable in a sea kayak.

Please check the departure dates for this tour to see if kayaking is offered.  This works on a first-come-first-serve basis, and must be paid for when booking your Arctic Tour.  Speak to your travel agent or a Kumuka representative for further information.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Arctic trip. Please consult your Travel Agent or nearest Norwegian, Danish (for Greenland) and Icelandic Embassies.

Important: Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Clothing for onboard the ship:

In keeping with the expedition’s atmosphere, the dress code on board is very informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothes to lounge around onboard, in the communal bar area, and in your cabin.  Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery is best appreciated from the deck. The secret to keeping warm is the "layer principle". It is better to have several light layers of clothing than one heavy layer. This also gives you the flexibility in your clothing so you can take off a layer if you are too warm or put on another layer if you are cold.  Synthetic fibres are better than cotton, as they allow your skin to breathe easier, and the dry quicker.  It is recommended that you bring a good pair of sturdy shoes/boots for walking about outside on the deck, preferably with good tread to prevent slipping.  If applicable, pack a pair of Teva sandals or similar for use in the shared showers.

Clothing for excursions ashore:

• Warm trousers – Ski pants are suitable if you have them; otherwise, bring any sturdy trousers, such as jeans, that can be layered between your long thermal underwear and waterproof outer-trousers.
• Waterproof trousers – Essential for your comfort. Wear them over your regular trousers (jeans) to keep you warm and dry. Gore-Tex and similar fabrics are both waterproof and breathable.
• Thermal long underwear – synthetic are better.
• Sweaters – Wool sweaters or a polar fleece jacket of medium weight is recommended.
• Turtlenecks – Bring several practical turtlenecks for layering and use around the ship.
• T-Shirts – Synthetic is better than cotton.
• Mittens - these are better than gloves, especially if you wear a thin pair of polypropylene gloves nderneath the mittens. Thus, you can take off the mittens to operate your camera and still have some protection from the cold. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of wool mittens to wear if your other pair gets wet or lost.
• Hat and Scarf – Bring a warm hat and scarf to protect your head, ears, face and neck.
• Warm Socks – Sturdy, tall, wool socks worn over a thin pair of synthetic or cotton socks should provide enough insulation for your feet. Bring several pair, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
• Waterproof & Windproof Jacket – Bring a well-fitting jacket with attached hood. This is the most important layer of clothing you will bring, please make sure it is fully waterproof.  There is nothing worse than wind on wet clothes at zero degrees.
• Small day bag – A waterproof nylon backpack or similar bag with shoulder straps, for carrying your camera and other gear during shore excursions. Be sure to choose one with shoulder straps so that your hands are free.
• Sunglasses – Good quality sunglasses. Please note that the glare from the water and surrounding snow and ice can be very dazzling, even when the sky is overcast.
• Binoculars – highly recommended.
• Camera – and plenty of memory cards/film. You will take more photos than you think!
• Rubber Boots – (Please note that Expedition Rubber Boots are available free of charge if your departure is on board the M/V Plancius. Please advise Kumuka of your shoe size when booking. Boots are not available on the other vessels). Your boots are probably the most important item you need to bring. They need to be a pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher with a strong, ridged non-skid sole for landings onshore. Stepping out of the Zodiacs to shore almost always involves stepping into water, so it is important that the boots are high enough to avoid water going over the top and into the boots. Aslo, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore. for this reason boots such as Sorrels, snow boots, hiking boots or low rubber boots are not satisfactory, as you will get your feet wet. Make sureyour boots are not too tight or too sloppy. If they are too tight you will get cold feet. If they are too loose you can, within reason, add an insole or extra socks to take up the space. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks.

All meals are included and are eaten communally.  Normally breakfast is served at 7.30am, lunch at 12.30pm and dinner at 7pm.  Please inform the purser in due time if you have any dietary requirements so the chefs have enough time to prepare something special for you.  Water from the tap is safe to drink. 

It is customary to tip the crew for their services rendered during your voyage.  It is usually made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is then divided among the crew.

The ship is equipped with email access and a satellite telephone.  Contact can be difficult at times due to limited satellite coverage.  The cost of using the email or telephone is at your own expense, and very expensive.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com