E-mail a friendShip: Polar Star
Itinerary: The Remote Coast of East Greenland
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Stop on the beach to investigate
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Longyearbyen |
|---|---|
| Days 2-3 : | Greenland Sea |
| Day 4 : | East Greenland |
| Days 5-8 : | East Greenland |
| Day 9 : | Scoresbysund Fjord |
| Day 10 : | Scoresbysund |
| Day 11 : | At Sea |
| Day 12 : | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard Activities : Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Day 1 : Longyearbyen
Board the M/V Polar Star in the afternoon to embark on a journey to one of the most beautiful and isolated regions of the world.
Days 2-3 : Greenland Sea
We spend these days crossing the sea, relaxing, attending lectures and watching for whales and a variety of seabirds. Late afternoon on day 3, we approach northeast Greenland where we may encounter pack ice which increases the possibility of seeing seals, Polar Bears and more seabirds including the rare Ivory Gull.
Day 4 : East Greenland
Being so far north, it is weather and ice conditions that will dictate our exact itinerary. Today we will know whether we can get as far north as Danmarkhavn or whether our coastal cruise will need to start farther south.
Days 5-8 : East Greenland
During these days we plan to explore places of interest relating to exploration and settlement as well as experience the vast rugged landscape. It is a wild, remote and barren region that supports some of nature's most hardy wildlife including Polar Bears, Musk Oxen, Arctic Hares, Lemmings, wolves, caribou, seals, walruses, and whales. Some of the sites that may be visited include: Shannon Island, Hansa Bugt, Daneborg at Wollaston Forland, Deadmansbay at Clavering Island, Godthaap Gulf, Wordies Glacier, Myggebugten, Blomsterbukten, Isfjord and King Oscar's Fjord. We will see remains of explorers' huts, endless tundra, dramatic fjords, calving icebergs, mountains and glaciers.
Day 9 : Scoresbysund Fjord
Today we reach Scoresbysund Fjord, the largest fjord in the world, where we will visit the community of Ittoqqortoormiit (formerly Scoresbysund). In 1925 the ship Gustav Holm brought 70 Inuit here and their descendents live in this district today. There is a monument to the French explorer, Charcot, of both Arctic and Antarctic fame.
Day 10 : Scoresbysund
Ittoqqortoormiit sits at the mouth of Scoresbysund Fjord and is the northernmost settlement in East Greenland. During our landing here, we will have the opportunity to learn about a way of life completely different to our own as we wander past the town’s colourful buildings and experience Inuit culture.
Day 11 : At Sea
Leaving this beautiful coastline behind, we enjoy a relaxing day onboard to absorb everything we have experienced. The day will see our final series of lectures as well as some last opportunities for spotting wildlife from the ship’s decks.
Day 12 : Reykjavik, Iceland
Disembark after breakfast to explore Iceland on your own or begin you homeward journey.
-Additional fuel surcharge of $30/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%
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
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. |
