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Please Go Away Experience:
TravelWright Northern Lights Cruise
September 20th - October 3rd, 2022
Barb and Terry Wright, your hosts, are the perfect mix of tradition meets adventure. Barb is a true travel passionista, founder of Travel Wright with Barb, an Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel. Terry, a recently retired CEO, and Barb love exploring both the familiar and the new. You’ll find them scouting the best macaron on Paris’s Left Bank or perhaps taking in the rugged Vestfjords (Westfjords) of Iceland. Bottom line, it’s all about the experience, including a good meal and bottle of wine. Contact Barb today to join their next adventure.
Trip Overview:
'TravelWright Northern Lights Cruise
Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet with the Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland itinerary. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.
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The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers or your travel professional, who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
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Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen and whales
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Hike the tundra, visit an Inuit community and explore a breathtaking fjord system in East Greenland
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Marvel at the dramatic mountains and bird cliffs of Iceland’s oldest region
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Possibly view the enchanting northern lights (aurora borealis)
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Cruise in a Zodiac to explore diverse landscapes
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Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Ship Information
Ocean Adventurer has long been a fleet favorite among guests and crew who've appreciated the charm and intimacy of this 128-passenger vessel, its ample outdoor deck space, numerous cozy spots to socialize onboard - and the outdoor jacuzzi. A few years ago, Ocean Adventurer underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation involving a talented team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists. Quark Expeditions is proud of the enhancements to the much-loved polar vessel - which subsequently won the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Overall Small Cruise Ship (500 passengers or under).
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The refurbishments now enjoyed by guests:
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A refreshed, contemporary new look and feel throughout the ship
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The addition of six new twin cabins and three new suites
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All existing cabins furnished with new soft furnishings and brand new bathrooms
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Remodelling of common areas such as the Lounge and Dining Room
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Major technical enhancements, such as two new Rolls Royce engines, which increase fuel efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day One: Reykjavík - The City
The city of Reykjavík has a fascinating history that stretches back over a thousand years. The site was first inhabited in the eighth century by a band of hardy Norsemen. Since then Vikings, monks, sailors, musicians, fishermen, politicians, writers, artists and all manner of folk have played their part in shaping the rich history and culture that makes Iceland’s capital such a vibrant and fascinating place.
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Visitors leave Reykjavík with a renewed sense of vigour that can be attributed to Iceland’s pristine air and unique energy, evident all around the city — from the geothermal vents steaming in the midnight sunshine to the great open spaces that adorn the area with a stunning natural landscape. Many year-round activities and events can fill the diary of any interested traveller.
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Reykjavík is also home to the world’s oldest parliament — the Alþingi, which was founded in 930 AD. However, today the city is the epitome of a modern European capital with a world-class infrastructure, excellent transport links to Europe and North America, and 200,000 welcoming Icelanders helping you enjoy your stay.
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Reykjavík is renowned for an array of features: a big art scene, sight-seeing and nightlife; annual film and music festivals; and numerous shops, museums and restaurants. There’s no other city like the world’s most Northerly capital, situated at a relatively short distance from the Arctic Circle.
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Iceland is a pretty isolated place, and that makes Reykjavík a fairly expensive place to hang out. The economist once put it as high as 14th place for its high cost of living. Though if you're coming from New York, Paris, Hong Kong or Tel Aviv — the pain of sticker shock won't bother you.
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Visitors from all round the globe also enjoy whale and wildlife watching, relaxing in one of the many thermal spas and pools (such as the famous Blue Lagoon), viewing spectacular sights such as the Imagine Peace Tower (a spectacular tribute to John Lennon) or the Hallgrímskirkja, and touring the amazing countryside — all with the beautiful snow-covered Mount Esja in the background.
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Reykjavík is home to some superb hotels, guest houses and other cozy kinds of accommodation for visitors. Information on tours, trips and things to do during your stay can be easily found in this brochure or at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre.
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However long your stay here, you won’t be short of things to do in Reykjavík.
Day Two: Embarkation Day
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
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Check out at Grand Hótel Reykjavík
Day Three: Exploring the Vestfjords
Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs. If we’re lucky and conditions allow, we might cruise along Látrabjarg, known as Europe’s largest bird cliff. In summer, these cliffs teem with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more, but toward the end of the season when we visit, sightings will be more rare. Another possible destination is the quaint island of Flatey, where a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript, Flateyjarbók, can be viewed in the library. The church here features murals symbolizing life on the island, including one of Jesus wearing a classic Icelandic sweater.
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Flateyri is a village situated in Iceland's Westfjords. It is part of the municipality of Ísafjarðarbær and has a population of approximately 200, making it the largest settlement in Önundarfjörður.
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Látrabjarg is a promontory and the westernmost point in Iceland. The cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is vital for their survival as it hosts up to 40% of the world population for some species e.g. the Razorbill. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range. Bird photography for dummies, you might say. The puffins are particularly tame and are the ones frequenting the grassy, higher part of the cliffs.
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The Westfjords or West Fjords is a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland and an administrative district. It lies on the Denmark Strait, facing the east coast of Greenland. It is connected to the rest of Iceland by a 7-km-wide isthmus between Gilsfjörður and Bitrufjörður. There is plenty of wildlife in the Westfjords but most visitors get excited over the arctic foxes, whales and birdlife
Day Four: At Sea
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here
Day Five: Exploring Northeast Greenland
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During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya.
Frederiksdal, Denmark Greenland - Narsarmijit, also known as Narsaq Kujalleq, formerly Frederiksdal, is a settlement in southern Greenland. It is located in the Kujalleq municipality near Cape Thorvaldsen. Its population was 66 in 2020. There has been a slow but steady pattern of emigration since the late 1950s.
Day Six: Kap Sud Greenland
This small town with a population of 300 is about as isolated as they come. The only access is by sea (when it's not frozen over) or by helicopter. The town has a tourist office/gift shop as well as a museum where you can learn a bit about the town's history and see some artifacts. The town receives a supply of food by ship twice a year which is kept in large warehouses in town. The majority of food, however, is hunted (seal, muskox and polar bear).
Day Seven: Ittoqqortoormiit Greenland
Ittoqqortoormiit formerly known as Scoresbysund, is a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality in eastern Greenland. Its population was 345 as of 2020 and has been described as one of the most remote settlements on earth.
Day Eight: Røde Island, Greenland
Røde Fjord, meaning 'Red Fjord', is a fjord in King Christian X Land, eastern Greenland. The Rode Fjord is part of the Scoresby Sound complex[ in the area of Sermersooq municipality
Day Nine: Kong Oscar Fjord Greenland
King Oscar Fjord is a fjord in East Greenland, marking the northern border of the Scoresby Land Peninsula. It was named by A.G. Nathorst on his 1899 expedition as Konung Oscars Fjord for Oscar II, King of Sweden from 1872 to 1907 and of Norway from 1872 until 1905.
Day Ten: Ella Island Greenland
Ella Island is a part of Northeast Greenland National Park. The island offers great opportunities for hiking. Trek to the top of the island for amazing views.
Day Eleven: Botanikerbugt, Ymer Island
Enjoy Botanikerbugt Island
Day Twelve: Captain's Choice
Day Thirteen: At Sea
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day Fourteen: Reykjavik
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
Pricing Details
Pricing Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
Main Deck Window: $13,951.00
Superior/Deluxe: $14,416.00
Suite: $18,176.00
PGA Perks
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Private Welcome Party at Hotel before embankment
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$250 ONBOARD CREDIT
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Private Wine & Cheese Party at Sea
