Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN- TRIP CODE GMGI
August 2024
We joined the Greg Mortimer in Svalbard having spent the night in a hotel in Longyearbyen. The ship is modern, clean and bright. Our cabin was on the 6th deck with a balcony accessed by a sliding door with room to sit out so long as we put enough clothes on. It had ample storage space, a wonderful en-suite with a heated floor, sheer luxury! All types of plug were catered for so recharging batteries was easy. The first 3 days were spent round Svalbard looking at the wildlife and scenery. Leaving the ship on the zodiacs was very easy and well thought out. We ended up wearing 5 layers to stay warm. Sitting in the zodiac for a couple of hours could get very cold with out the right gear. The ship itself is well appointed with plenty of observation space, both indoor and outdoor. The lecture theatre is excellent and, if you don’t want to attend, you can watch the proceedings from your cabin on the TV.
The food was very good, Buffet style lunches and a good menu in the evenings.
Crossing the Greenland Sea on the 4th day was a little rough but the ship has stabilisers which worked well. There was a noticeable lack of people in the dining room on the first night though.
Reaching Greenland, the itinerary was adjusted based on the weather and conditions. Each day we generally had two zodiac trips with landings when we could. The supplied Wellington Boots were comfortable and warm although we did supplement them with a thermal sole insert and two pairs of socks.
The landscape is fantastic with towering cliffs and glaciers coming down to the sea. The scale is hard to describe as there is not much to compare it with but some mountains like the Devil’s Castle loom over the ship at some 1100m. Very impressive. Each day was at a different site with the ship moving overnight.
We did get to see a couple of Polar Bears, seals, walruses, musk ox and plenty of birds.
All in all, a wonderful trip full of fantastic scenery and wildlife on a comfortable ship designed for the job. The crew were excellent and always helpful as were the very knowledgeable Expedition staff.
If you want to see a mostly untouched wilderness with stunning views and wildlife, we can recommend this trip.
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Embark on a legendary Arctic journey with the "Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen" cruise, celebrated as one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime. Over 15 days, traverse the Arctic’s most captivating landscapes—from the wildlife-rich tundra of Spitsbergen to the ancient Thule settlements of East Greenland and the volcanic shores of Iceland. Spot polar bears, walrus, and muskoxen, and navigate dramatic fjords and glaciers. This immersive expedition stands out for its rare access to three of the Arctic’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions, offering wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries that will forever transform your connection to the natural world.
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Keep watch for blow holes, breaching and tail flukes - as we spot whales in Húsavik
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for kayaking, hiking and bird-watching
Visit Vatnajökull National Park - featuring Europe's largest glacier, glacial lagoons, colourful mountains and rich wildlife
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Enjoy contrasting landscapes - of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland
True wilderness - explore the immense grandeur of remote eastern Greenland
Discover the dramatic beauty of Scoresbysund Fjord - the largest fjord system in the world
En route to the Land of Fire and Ice - cruise in the company of soaring fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots
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Step ashore on the Antarctic continent - to unforgettable vistas, bustling penguins and curious seals
Raise a glass - as you cross the Antarctic Circle
Zodiac through glassy waters - gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming icebergs
Stand in awe - at the world's largest king penguin rookeries
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