STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACOWSEP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Finish: Akureyri, Iceland
SHIP: Plancius
Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland
03/08/2026
All Meals On board the Ship including snacks, coffee and tea
Group Transfers On Arrival to Embarkation (only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen).
Departure transfer in Iceland is NOT included and must be pre-booked.
Cabin on board a ship
Daily Arctic Excursions in Location, Zodiac Cruising, On Board Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Svalbard and Greenland for the ultimate Arctic adventure. Encounter the mesmerizing solar eclipse and have the opportunity for extensive hikes away from our designated landing spots. Our itinerary guides us through prime locations to witness polar bears, Arctic foxes, diverse seal species, and a plethora of whales.
Solar Eclipse:
Latitude 70.878 north, longitude 27.286 west
(Øfjord in Scoresby Sund)
Duration of Eclipse: 2 hours, 1 minute
Duration of Totality: 2 minutes, 17 seconds
Time (GMT minus 1 hour)
Start of Eclipse 02.33 pm
Start of Totality 03.33 pm
Max. Eclipse 03.35 pm (Alt. 25.0)
End of Totality 03.36 pm
End of Eclipse 04.34 pm
If ice conditions prevent us from getting into Scoresby Sund, we will sail south along the ice edge and find another zone of totality along Blosseville Coast, for instance at latitude 68.630 north, longitude 26.509 west.
The primary goal of our solar eclipse voyages is to position our ships in the center of totality on Aug 12, 2026. This itinerary allows us to reach this goal when we have an average sea ice situation, as we’ve had in the past fourteen years. If this is not the case, we will adapt the itinerary and skip landing areas on our sailing from Longyearbyen to Øfjord. If we can’t get into Scoresby Sund, we sail to Blosseville Coast, south of Søkongens Bugt.
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
In 1823 the Irish scientist, soldier, and explorer Edward Sabine had an observatory on Indre Norskøya, in northwestern Svalbard. Using a pendulum to study gravity, he suggested a project to measure the meridians (lines of longitude through the poles) on Spitsbergen, the goal of which was to define the curvature of the Earth. We will try to get to Sabinehaugen, where he did his observations. Sailing next into Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, we’ll see in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed seals, bearded seals, and polar bears. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies.
We may eventually see the jagged edge of East Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.
As we approach Greenland, we may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century), there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here we’ll sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs.
For those who choose to attend, we will have our first long hike (6-7 hours) today. We’ll start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears. We will then sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs.
We arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon, we head into Antarctic Sound to find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.
In the morning, we enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. We land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at our feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. We may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, we’ll experience a definitive Greenland adventure.
The first half of the day we will spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is wearing the fiery colors of autumn.
Today we reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. We may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon, we plan to sail along the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to Charcot Glacier before continuing to Bjørneøer.
We will have a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø in the morning, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. At midday we will position the ship in the center of the moon shadow in Øfjord. In the afternoon, we watch the solar eclipse either from the ship or one of the nearby shores.
In the morning, we will encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (330 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.6 miles) long. We’ll then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and Arctic hares. Today's long hike goes from Sydkap to Satakajik, showing us the remains of Thule winter houses built with whale vertebrae. In the evening, we sail into Øfjord.
Today we make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about four hundred inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon, we sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
A sea day grants us the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.
Even the greatest adventures eventually come to an end. We disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by chartered bus (six-hour drive that must be booked in advance) to the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall at Austurbakki, Reykjavík.
M/V Plancius started life as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. After a change of owner, the ship underwent a complete refit and refurbishment to be converted into a comfortable ice-strengthened vessel, that now cruises the polar regions. Accommodating up to 108 passengers, M/V Plancius has 50 cabins, all with private bathrooms. The cabins come in a range of configirations, with quadruple, triple and twin/double cabins available. Quadruple cabins include two bunk beds, triple cabins feature 1 bunk bed plus 1 single bed. The ship has a large restaurant/lecture room and a spacious observation lounge with bar and huge panoramic windows. There are large open deck spaces, including full walk-around possibilities on one deck, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and to feast on the spectacular scenery. The 10 Zodiacs and 2 gangways ensure a swift Zodiac operation, so no time is wasted getting you ashore to explore the stunning beauty and amazing wildlife of the Antarctic and the Arctic regions.
Ice Class:
Length: 89 m / 293 feet
Breadth: 14.5 m / 47 feetMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: 240 volts Passenger
Capacity:108
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse | Plancius from NZD 22,334 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
03 Aug 2026 | 16 Aug 2026 | 14 |
Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours) is NOT included you your voyage. THIS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
Prices are based on per person, and may be based on quad/triple/twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: The probability of sailing into Scoresby Sund is high based on recent experience, but there is still a chance (about 10%) that ice will obstruct passage into the fjord system. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
All meals on board including snacks, coffee and tea.
Accommodation onboard the Plancius in booked cabin category
Onboard lecture program from Expeditions Team and Naturalists
All applicable shore excursions and Zodiac cruising (except paid adventure options with cost)
Use of rubber boots & snowshoes
Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to Longyearbyen.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
AECO fees and governmental taxes.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Access to 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity per person, which resets every 24 hours. Supplementary vouchers available to purchase on onboard. Subject to satellite coverage
International or internal flights unless specified
Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
Meals other than those specified in the pre-departure information
Pre and post land arrangements
Visa & passport fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Fuel surcharge may be applied to all bookings
Additional optional activities
Tobacco, alcoholic or beverages (other than coffee and tea)
Meals ashore
Personal expenses such as laundry & bar
Miscellaneous extras
Gratuities for the crew (guidelines will be provided)
Government arrival or departure taxes (if applicable)
Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours). MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE
Subject to availability upon request. No single supplement will apply if willing to share in selected cabins. Please contact us for more details.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.