56-Day Ice To Isles: From Scoresbysund To San Juan Cruise

Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Wed 23 August 2028 / Depart: Wed 23 August 2028 at 17:00

Warmed by the Gulf Stream as well as by highly active thermal hot springs and volcanoes, Iceland is somewhat misnamed. While it is a stark and barren country with three huge areas of glaciers, one theory is that early Norsemen sought to mislead other potential settlers by giving a pleasant name to fierce, inhospitable Greenland, and a forbidding name to the imminently habitable Iceland. Irish monks and hermits established themselves here in the 8th century, but left a century later when the pagan Norsemen arrived. Europe's first Parliament of General Assembly, the Althing, was established in the year 930 and still functions as the legislative body, although it was suspended by the Danes at the end of the 18th century and not reconvened until 1843. Reykjavik was the site picked by the island's first permanent resident, Ingolfur Arnarson in 874, and is home to more than half of the island's total population. The world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is proud of its virtual lack of air pollution. Both electrical power and home heating are derived from the geothermal activity on the island. The city's large swimming pools are always warm, and in the countryside exotic fruits such as grapes and bananas are cultivated in greenhouses made cozy with the help of underground hot springs.

Day 2 - Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Arrive: Thu 24 August 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 24 August 2028 at 17:00

The charming small fishing village of Grundarfjörður is located in the middle of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and thus provides easy access to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsbær and the Snæfellsnes National Park. Its best-known landmark is undoubtedly the peak of Mt. Kirkjufell. Translated as ‘church mountain,’ Kirkjufell is the most easily recognizable peak, and one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. During summer months a Viking Village is built in the center of town where Viking re-enactments occur quite regularly. During the Á góðri stund town festival in July, the town’s 900 residents decorate their houses in red, blue, yellow, and green, transforming the town into a spinning kaleidoscope of color. The town first began trade in 1786, and around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and settled in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital. The town has prospered through the fishing industry for a long time. The surrounding sea is rich with birdlife & marine life throughout the year.

Day 3 - Patreksfjordur,Iceland

Arrive: Fri 25 August 2028 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 25 August 2028 at 14:00

Day 3 - Dynjandi, Iceland

Arrive: Fri 25 August 2028 at 17:00 / Depart: Fri 25 August 2028 at 21:00

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Scorsbysund

Arrive: Sun 27 August 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 27 August 2028 at 18:00

Day 6 - Exploring Scoresbysund

Day 7 - Northeast Greenland National Park

Day 8 - Northeast Greenland National Park

Day 9 - Northeast Greenland National Park

Day 10 - Northeast Greenland National Park

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Siglufjordur

Arrive: Sun 03 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 03 September 2028 at 16:00

Siglufjörður is the northernmost town on the Icelandic mainland, a small fishing village of some 1,200 people. Founded in 1918, it was in the past the capital of the North Atlantic herring fishing industry. The Síldarminjasafnið Herring Era Museum, one of Iceland's largest seafaring and industrial museums, houses three different areas where one can learn about both the traditional and the modern herring industry. A collection of many historic fishing vessels and artifacts is proudly displayed by the people of Siglufjörður, detailing how herring was salted, processed and collected. The small harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the red-roofed steeple of the Lutheran church dominate the village-scape. The natural beauty of the area includes high mountains that rim the fjord, freshwater lakes, the Hólsá river, black sand beaches, and a wealth of birdlife all around. This northernmost region of Iceland is renowned for some of the largest and most dramatic waterfalls in the country.

Day 13 - Flatey Island, Iceland

Arrive: Mon 04 September 2028 at 11:00 / Depart: Mon 04 September 2028 at 17:00

Day 14 - Exploring The Outer Islands of Heimaey

Day 14 - Heimaey

Arrive: Tue 05 September 2028 at 12:00 / Depart: Tue 05 September 2028 at 19:30

Day 15 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Wed 06 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 06 September 2028 at 17:00

Warmed by the Gulf Stream as well as by highly active thermal hot springs and volcanoes, Iceland is somewhat misnamed. While it is a stark and barren country with three huge areas of glaciers, one theory is that early Norsemen sought to mislead other potential settlers by giving a pleasant name to fierce, inhospitable Greenland, and a forbidding name to the imminently habitable Iceland. Irish monks and hermits established themselves here in the 8th century, but left a century later when the pagan Norsemen arrived. Europe's first Parliament of General Assembly, the Althing, was established in the year 930 and still functions as the legislative body, although it was suspended by the Danes at the end of the 18th century and not reconvened until 1843. Reykjavik was the site picked by the island's first permanent resident, Ingolfur Arnarson in 874, and is home to more than half of the island's total population. The world's northernmost capital, Reykjavik is proud of its virtual lack of air pollution. Both electrical power and home heating are derived from the geothermal activity on the island. The city's large swimming pools are always warm, and in the countryside exotic fruits such as grapes and bananas are cultivated in greenhouses made cozy with the help of underground hot springs.

Day 16 - Exploring The Outer Islands of Heimaey

Day 16 - Heimaey

Arrive: Thu 07 September 2028 at 12:00 / Depart: Thu 07 September 2028 at 19:00

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Prince Christian Sound

Arrive: Sat 09 September 2028 at 16:00

Day 19 - Prince Christian Sound

Depart: Sun 10 September 2028 at 12:00

Day 19 - Kangikitsok, Greenland

Day 20 - Qaqortoq, Greenland

Arrive: Mon 11 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 11 September 2028 at 14:00

The largest town in South Greenland with over 3,500 citizens, Qaqortoq was founded in 1775 and still reveals some examples of colonial-period architecture. There is not infrastructure to support shore excursions here, but guests can explore the town and its museum, or possibly arrange a visit to a nearby hot springs. Like other towns in Greenland, there are also possibilities to buy examples of traditional Inuit arts and crafts, including items crafted of bone, soapstone and wild-harvested furs.

Day 20 - Hvalsey, Iceland

Arrive: Mon 11 September 2028 at 15:00 / Depart: Mon 11 September 2028 at 20:00

Twelve miles by Zodiac up the Hvalseyjarfjord from Qaqortoq, the largest community in South Greenland, lies the most prominent Norse archaeological site in Greenland. The so-called Eastern Settlement lasted from the 10th until the mid-15th century. Your expedition team archaeologist can interpret for you the ruins of the great halls and church at Hvalsey that hint of a prospering medieval farmstead. The site evokes an era when the Norse were trading with the indigenous Thule people of the area for furs and ivory, which were a prized commodities in Europe. A wedding held in the church in 1408 comprises the last written record of the Norse adventure in Greenland. Within a few years, Hvalsey and the rest of other Norse communities of Greenland withered as immigrants returned to the more established communities in Iceland and Norway. The site’s meadows of wildflowers sloping up from the fjord give a sense of the peaceful community that existed here in that long-ago summer.

Day 21 - Qassiarsuq (Brattalihd)

Arrive: Tue 12 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 12 September 2028 at 12:00

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - Nain, Canada

Arrive: Thu 14 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 14 September 2028 at 16:00

Day 24 - Nachvak Fjord

Arrive: Fri 15 September 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 15 September 2028 at 17:00

Day 25 - Eclipse Channel, Labrador, Canada

Day 26 - Saglek Fjord, Labrador, Canada

Day 27 - Hopedale, Labrador, Canada

Day 28 - Indian Harbour, NL, Canada

Day 29 - L Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada

Day 30 - Red Bay, Labrador

Arrive: Thu 21 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 21 September 2028 at 17:00

Red Bay is a National Historic Site of Canada, and has been nominated by Canada for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the reasons is the importance of the Basque whaling activity that thrived here in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Sunken Basque galleons and smaller boats from the period have been discovered just offshore. Although the whale population is much diminished today, it is still a popular activity to watch them, as well as the icebergs that float down from the seas further north.

Day 31 - Norris Point, Newfoundland, Canada

Day 32 - At Sea

Day 33 - Halifax

Arrive: Sun 24 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 24 September 2028 at 17:00

With its exceptionally delightful harbor side setting, early Europeans were first attracted to Halifax in 1749 with the establishment here of a military outpost by Colonel Cornwallis. The ports natural advantages of a well-protected harbor and close proximity to major fishing grounds resulted in its growth into a major military base and sea port. The peninsula has had several major immigrations during its history; English, French, German, Irish and Scottish have come in substantial numbers at various times. Travelers familiar with the South Pacific will find it interesting to know that Captain James Cook, whose explorations defined most of the Pacific Basin for Europeans, also spent four years in Halifax charting Nova Scotia and the waters of the St. Lawrence. A college town, Halifax has an exhilarating and youthful air about it, as evidenced by many bicyclists and skateboarders. The heart of Halifax offers wonderful restaurants and shopping, galleries, museums, and sites of historic interest including the Naval Dockyard, which dates from 1757, and St. Paul's Church. Heading out of town, the wonders of nature are to be found in the form of the sea, with the smell of salty air, cool ocean breezes, and the powerful force of waves crashing against the rugged shoreline.

Day 34 - At Sea

Day 35 - At Sea

Day 36 - Hamilton, USA

Arrive: Wed 27 September 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 27 September 2028 at 17:00

Of the 300 coral atolls which comprise the British crown colony of Bermuda, only 20 are inhabited. Extremely treacherous coral reefs surround the area, as indicated by the 300 shipwrecks lying offshore. Self-governed in internal affairs since 1968, Bermuda remains under the protective umbrella of Great Britain for defense and external affairs. Hamilton, in particular, is decidedly British in atmosphere and tradition. Dazzling beaches, beds of Bermuda lilies, almost luminescent bougainvillea vines and clusters of oleander provide a most inviting backdrop for the island's luxury hotels, elegant boutiques and fine restaurants. Daytime activities abound, while exciting entertainment beckons you ashore in the evening. Welcome to Bermuda.

Day 37 - At Sea

Day 38 - At Sea

Day 39 - San Juan

Arrive: Sat 30 September 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 30 September 2028 at 17:00

Puerto Rico has been voluntarily associated with the United States since it was ceded by Spain in 1898. In 1952, this island country became a self-governing commonwealth territory of the United States. The capital, San Juan, is a teeming city of over 1.5 million. Remnants of colonial architecture stand side by side with the most modern high rises in this city of contrasts. The 7-square-block area, which contains the historic zone of Old San Juan, was once completely encircled by city walls and is still guarded by the impressive forts of El Morro and San Cristobal, which loom over the harbor as reminders of the centuries of Spanish rule. El Yunque rainforest, on the northeastern side of the island, is just one of many distinctive geographical features found here. Mountain lakes, waterfalls, teak forests, and three magnificent phosphorescent bays offer the visitor a variety of diversions.

Day 40 - At Sea

Day 41 - Oranjestad, Aruba

Arrive: Mon 02 October 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 02 October 2028 at 23:00

Although no written record of the island's discovery by Europeans exists, it was in 1499 that Alonso de Ojeda landed in Aruba and claimed the island for Spain. Over the years, possession changed from the Spanish to the Dutch to the British and back to the Dutch, with independence promised by 1996. Aruba is one of only a few Caribbean islands where the indigenous Indian population was not decimated by invading Europeans. The native Aruban today is a mixture of Arawak Indian, and Spanish and Dutch colonizers. The official language is Dutch, with both English and Spanish widely spoken. The local population's everyday tongue is Papiamento, a mixture of all of the above plus a few words left over from the days of the Arawak. The countryside is dotted with cottages surrounded by cactus fences and bright splashes of bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus. During our call, enjoy a stroll through the capital, Oranjestad. Colorful Wilhelminastraat is lined with typical Aruban buildings of the Dutch Colonial style, and plenty of shops offering duty-free goods.

Day 42 - At Sea

Day 43 - At Sea

Day 44 - Panama Canal Cruising

Day 44 - Panama City

Arrive: Thu 05 October 2028 at 21:00

Formerly a fortified armory, this newly developed port is the portal to colonial Panama City and an in-depth look at Miraflores Locks. Also from here, you can visit an Embera Indian village.

Day 45 - Panama City

Depart: Fri 06 October 2028 at 16:00

Formerly a fortified armory, this newly developed port is the portal to colonial Panama City and an in-depth look at Miraflores Locks. Also from here, you can visit an Embera Indian village.

Day 46 - At Sea

Day 47 - At Sea

Day 48 - Guayaquil

Arrive: Mon 09 October 2028 at 05:00 / Depart: Mon 09 October 2028 at 18:00

Perched on the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is the country's principal seaport and economic center. Cargo ships, ferry boats and dugout canoes compete for space on the busy waterfront where sailing ships once departed for Europe with stores of gold and silver.

Day 49 - At Sea

Day 50 - At Sea

Day 51 - Callao, Peru

Arrive: Thu 12 October 2028 at 05:00

A 45-minute drive from the port city of Callao brings you to exciting Lima, the City of Kings. From its founding in 1535 until today, it remains one of the most important cities in all South America. The handsome old buildings from the earliest colonial days surrounding the Plaza de Armas contrast with the soaring modern towers rising in the newer sections of the city.

Day 52 - Callao, Peru

Depart: Fri 13 October 2028 at 21:00

A 45-minute drive from the port city of Callao brings you to exciting Lima, the City of Kings. From its founding in 1535 until today, it remains one of the most important cities in all South America. The handsome old buildings from the earliest colonial days surrounding the Plaza de Armas contrast with the soaring modern towers rising in the newer sections of the city.

Day 53 - Pisco, Peru

Arrive: Sat 14 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 October 2028 at 19:00

Pisco dates from 1640, and its Plaza de Armas is a Spanish colonial treasure. Another treasure is the Ballestas Islands, an offshore cluster of rocky outcroppings teeming with seabirds, penguins, sea lions, dolphins and other wildlife. Many visitors take the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the huge, mysterious Nazca Lines pictographs etched into the nearby desert surface 2,000 years ago. And still more belly up to a bar to sample a Pisco Sour cocktail made with the Pisco brandy distilled from locally grown grapes.

Day 54 - At Sea

Day 55 - At Sea

Day 56 - At Sea

Day 57 - Valparaiso

Arrive: Wed 18 October 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 18 October 2028

Picturesque Valparaiso was one of the first Chilean cities founded by the Spanish. The city is an historic port and university town, famous for its labyrinth hills, which are covered in quaint, colorful old houses and accessible only by a steep climb or by the city's unique system of funicular railways. Through the efforts of the Chilean government emphasizing the city's culture, heritage preservation, and economic development via tourism, Valparaiso was bestowed designation as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.