Sylvia Earle, 16 Nights Greenland Odyssey Cruise ex Reykjavik to Toronto

14 Night Cruise sailing from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq onboard Sylvia Earle. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Reykjavik, flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto, and hotel stay post-cruise in Toronto.

Day 1 Arrive in Reykjavik
Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Day 2 Embarkation Day
Today we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik to board the Sylvia Earle.

After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our Greenland adventure. This evening meet your expedition team and crew.

Day 3 At Sea
Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin’s nutrient-rich waters, searching for encroaching pack ice, fin whales and seabirds. Our team of experts entertains us with informative talks about sea ice, glaciers, European arctic plants and animals and epic tales of early explorers such as Nansen, Andreé and Scoresby.

Day 4 Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord
Popular among skilled rock climbers, Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord is home to spectacular mountain peaks and essential big walls that attract daring climbers. A new discovery for Aurora Expeditions in 2022, the 26-kilometre (16-mile) fjord is filled with glaciers including the Glacier of France. It’s an ideal place for ship cruising, Zodiac excursions and discovery hikes.

Day 5 Tasiilaq
Overlooking King Oscar’s Harbour, Tasiilaq (formerly Ammassalik) is east Greenland’s largest town with a population of approximately 2,000 inhabitants. Here, green meadows contrast starkly with countless icebergs that often clog the waterways at nearby Sermilik Fjord, the largest in southeast Greenland.

Day 6 Skjoldungen Island
Continue south along Greenland’s King Frederik VI Coast, always on the lookout for whales, especially the rare sperm whale that is occasionally seen here. Weaving through the narrow channels of Skjoldungen Fjord we land at the end of the fjord for a walk along a glacial river, across a tundra valley covered in northern willow and blooming pink wildflowers. Kayakers can paddle across the front of a tidewater glacier, search for harp seals, ivory gulls and whales.

Back on board, enjoy the stunning surrounds with a drink in hand basked in the soft light of the setting sun.

Day 7 At sea
As we sail south along the east coast of Greenland, enjoy a sea day to catch up on editing your photos and enjoy an informative lecture from our knowledgeable expedition team. Or relax in one of our observation lounges featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and soak in the impressive scenery and, perhaps, marine life.

Day 8 Prince Christian Sound
The towering, jagged mountains that surround Tasermiut Fjord is why it’s often referred to as the ‘Patagonia of the north’. At Klosterdal (Monastery Valley), we are surrounded by three giant mountains – Napasorsuaq, Ketil and Nalumasortoq. Here we can walk to a Norse ruin, hike along the valley, or explore the bay by kayak.

Continue to Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland, located on an island of the same name. Its name derives from the West Greenlandic word ‘Nanoq’ meaning ‘the place where bears pass through,’ describing the polar bears that were once seen floating past on sea ice. Deep fjords, woodlands and grasslands, and rugged mountainside cliffs, some over 1,000 m /3,280 ft, attract enthusiastic climbers from around the world.

On arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the local community who have opened up their town for you to explore. Nanortalik is a town that’s known for their love of singing and you’ll be treated to choir performance.

Visit Nanortalik Church, a wooden, Danish Lutheran church built in 1916 and is currently the only church serving the Nanortalik congregation. The church is in the old colonial quarter of the town. Next to the church is a landmark boulder called the ‘Knud Rasmussen Stone,’ named after Greenland’s most famous citizen, Dr Knud Rasmussen, an explorer and ethnologist. Prince Christian Sound connects the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Sea. Approximately 100 km / 60 mi long, and, in parts, as narrow as 500-m (600-ft) wide, the fjord is flanked by jagged mountain peaks, some reaching over

2,200 m (7,200 ft) high, with countless glaciers coming all the way down to the sea. We slow-cruise through the sound to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes often block the entrance to the sound, a great spectacle for photography.

At Kangersuneq Qinngorleq located at the northern end of the fjord, a glacier front is ideal for exploration by Zodiac or kayak. in the southern section of the sound, we pass a small settlement named Appilatoq, which means red in Greenlandic, after the red mountains rising above the town. Appilatoq is well-known in Greenland for the jagged mountain peaks that surround it—a delight for photographers.

Day 9 Hvalsey, Qaqortoq
Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. ‘Hvalsey’ is old Norse for ‘Whale Island.’ Christianity arrived in Greenland around 1,000 AD and gradually churches began to be built. Late medieval documents indicate there were up to 14 parish churches in the Eastern Settlement. Hvalsey itself was built in the early 14th century, but it was not the first church built on this site.

After exploring Hvalsey ruins, continue to Qaqortoq, where our Zodiacs shuttle us ashore. Qaqortoq is the capital of south Greenland. With a history dating back to 1775, the town offers various cultural activities and attractions including an outdoor art project called “Man and Stone,’ which features stone carvings scattered throughout the town created by local artists. Qaqortoq is Greenland’s southernmost town and is the administrative centre of the south Greenland. Built from yellow stone, and dating back to 1804, the building that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum originally belonged to the town’s blacksmith. Qaqortoq’s landmark building is the Church of Our Saviour. This large wooden Lutheran church, known as the ‘Red Church’, is in the historic part of town, near the harbour.

Day 10 At sea
Find a spot in one of our many observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. Our talented and knowledgeable expedition members will present informative and entertaining talks about the region that you’re travelling through.

Day 11 Nuuk
Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, the world’s northernmost capital, lies at the mouth of its very own fjord system on the country’s mid-west coast. On a sightseeing tour Nuuk, you’ll see charming old buildings including Greenland’s colourfully painted houses, and the award-winning City Hall. The small but fascinating National Museum features a unique ethnographical collection of artefacts of Inuit life, including the famous 545-year-old Qilakitsoq mummies, accidentally discovered by hikers in 1972.

Day 12 Eternity Fjord
Evighedsfjorden, or Eternity Fjord, is one of the more spectacular fjord complexes in west Greenland due to its forested landscape. Hike through a forested valley, witness hills become towering snow-capped mountains as countless glaciers pour down from sheer cliff walls. Occasionally, the thunderous sound of a calving glacier breaks the silence in a place where you are unlikely to see another soul.

Day 13 Ilulissat
Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region boasts some of the most splendidly-shaped icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier, not only in Greenland, but in the Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and kayak through sea ice and icebergs.

Optional helicopter flight (90 mins): this excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The 10-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport sweeping over hills, lakes and ice fjords. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion. Please note that this excursion requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate.

Day 14 Qeqertarsuaq, Kuannit Basalt Columns
Located 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier is accessible only by sea, and is one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. Although smaller than Sermeq Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier is more accessible, and if sea-ice conditions permit, we’ll Zodiac cruise within safe distance of the glacier front where we see seals floating on bergy bits in front of the glacier while eagles can sometimes be seen soaring above. Several hikes are possible in the area, where you may encounter grouse, Arctic hare and small Arctic fox.This compelling island seems to have more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hot springs and dramatic lava formations. We plan to appreciate the colourful flowers on the Kuannit Hike, where you can walk stunning landscapes, see ancient basalt columns and perhaps spot whales in Disko Bay.

Day 15 Sisimiut
Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, but mysteriously disappeared. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 AD and remained until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, most of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.

Located above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut enjoys experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer months. As Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut is the only place in Greenland that has an open-air public swimming pool, and the town is famous for its old blue church featuring a whale jaw gate. The town’s small museum features interesting exhibits explaining local history and life in Greenland.

The local kayak club is the oldest in Greenland and some of the members are among the best in Greenland. You will be treated to a show featuring traditional kayaks.

Day 16 Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Fly to Toronto
Today we’ll feast on a taste of Greenland at the lakeside Roklubben restaurant where we enjoy a BBQ lunch, before joining our guided tour to Reindeer Glacier having disembarked for the final time at the township of Kangerlussuaq. Greenland’s ‘ice sheet’ covers 80% of the surface of the country. Reindeer Glacier, which stands as a 60-metre-high ice wall in some places, offers visitors a clear contrast between land and ice. We travel on a tundra coach, looking for reindeer and musk oxen, while we enjoy some stories of the area from our local guide. Once at the glacier we will walk parallel to its edge to discover it many moods and angles.

In the late afternoon we return to Kangerlussuaq airport to board our charter flight to Canada to Toronto for an overnight stay at the airport hotel.

Accommodation: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 Depart Toronto
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check-out of your room before continuing your onward journey.

Sylvia Earle honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.

Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.

At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.

The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Sylvia Earle - Deck 3

Sylvia Earle - Deck 4

Sylvia Earle - Deck 5

Sylvia Earle - Deck 6

Sylvia Earle - Deck 7

Sylvia Earle - Deck 8

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Balcony Stateroom Category A

Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² – 24.8m²

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Category B

Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8 m2

Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Category C

Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 – 24.8m2

Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Aurora Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
French Balcony
Private en suite
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

There are three Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that’s close to the action.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

There are four Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.

*Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed
2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Superior

Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 – 37.7m2

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Captain's Suite

Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2

The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to get in early to secure this suite.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Junior Suite

Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 – 43.5m2

The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist’s impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42″ Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included – to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.