E-mail a friendShip: Polar Star
Itinerary: Steam to Ice: East Greenland
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Cruising the Antarctic waters in the zodiac
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Reykjavik, Iceland |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | At Sea |
| Days 3-4 : | Scoresbysund Fjord |
| Day 5 : | Nansen Fjord |
| Day 6 : | Kangerlussuaq Fjord |
| Day 7 : | Tassilaq & Kangertigtvatsiaq Fjords |
| Day 8 : | Tassilaq |
| Day 9 : | At Sea |
| Day 10 : | Reykjavik |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland, Iceland Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Reykjavik, Iceland
We board the MV Polar Star in the Icelandic capital to begin our journey to Greenland.
Day 2 : At Sea
Today we cruise the waters of the Denmark Strait and cross the Arctic Circle while attending lectures and looking out for wildlife. During our voyage we hope to see perhaps a white-beaked dolphin, humpback or Orca wahle and birds such as kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills.
Days 3-4 : Scoresbysund Fjord
The scenery is stunning as we cruise the world's longest and widest fjord. We may see icebergs carved from pristine glaciers, and a shoreline of spectacular walls of granite and basalt peaks. In the afternoon of Day 4, we visit the town of Itoqqortoormit to experience life in Greenland's most northerly settlement.
Day 5 : Nansen Fjord
Depending on ice conditions, we will explore this beautiful, often iceberg-laden fjord either on land, by Zodiac or by ship. We will see spectacular views of Christian VI Glacier and Gunnbjorn Fjeld, the highest mountain above the Arctic Circle. As always we continue to watch for wildlife and today we will spend time looking out for two species of northern geese, seals, the elusive polar bear and even rarer narwhal.
Day 6 : Kangerlussuaq Fjord
We reach Greenland's widest ice-free zone and spend another full day taking n the amazing scenery of sheer cliffs, immaculate glaciers and cebergs of different shapes and sizes. Caribou, musk ox, polar bears and the timid ivory gull have been seen here. We will land at an archaeological site that contains the remains of Thule dwellings.
Day 7 : Tassilaq & Kangertigtvatsiaq Fjords
Today we continue our exploration of this coastline of labyrinth fjord with Zodiac cruising in Tassilaq and Kangertigtvatsiaq Fjords. We plan a shore landing possibly at Sangmilik.
Day 8 : Tassilaq
A visit to the largest community of east coast Grenland will give us an understanding of life in the far north. A wander through the town's streets will give us opportunities to see Greenlandic dogs, winter houses, traditional carvings and daily life. The local museum has a wonderful colelction of old photographs and gives a fascinating account of the history and culture of these resilient people. Don't forget to stop at the post office to mail a postcard home!
Day 9 : At Sea
We spend a relaxing day onboard as we leave Greenlandic waters. Our lecture program continues and we may even see the northern lights!
Day 10 : Reykjavik
Our journey ends where it began and we disembark after breakfast.
-Additional fuel surcharge of $15/person/night for the 2008-2009 season (Nov-Nov). This surcharge is subject to possible increases depending on the price of fuel.
-A provisional fuel surcharge of $14/person/night has been set for the 2009-2010 season, subject to change depending on the price of fuel.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the shared price.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$50,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
-All onboard gratuities are included for the 2008-2009 season.
15+ months prior to departure - SAVE 5%
Ship Description: Polar Star
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Polar Star
The Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.
The M/V Polar Star is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.
The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.
Polar Star has some of the "industry bests" on board including a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard cabins (our K3) and a superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31 doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities), plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities.
Our Cabins
All cabins are outside cabins. K1 categories have shared facilities with the next cabin. Our K3s, K4s, K6s and K7s all have private facilities with sink, shower and toilet. Each cabin is equipped with a wardrobe for each person and a writing desk. (The figure in brackets below indicates the number of cabins in each category available for passengers.)
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K1-Triple Two lower and one upper berths sold as triple. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
K1-Double Two lower and one upper berths sold as double. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
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K2 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows. K2 cabins on deck 3 have a partially obstructed view and one window opens. K2 cabins on deck 4 have non-opening windows. |
K3 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows, one opens. |
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K4-Triple Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
K4-Double Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
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K6 Double bed in alcove, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 180 sq. feet / 18 sq. meters. Large windows. |
K7 Sleeping area in separate room (double bed in 501 and 2-singles in 401), couch in living room can be made up as bed. Approx. 250 sq. feet / 25 sq. meters. Forward and side facing windows. |
