Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland
This 14-day aurora borealis cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine is a bucket list trip. The skies above Greenland’s eastern coast put on some of the world's best aurora displays.
Scoresbysund, the world’s longest fjord system, beckons you to explore Greenland. Enticing you with some of the world’s best displays of the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, the Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit also offers a rare connection to the past, as they still live off the land as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Discover this home to the largest fjord system in the world, offering diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Begin this 14-day Arctic adventure from Iceland’s Reykjavik, sailing to Greenland’s remote northeast coast, including time exploring northeast Greenland and Iceland’s Westfjords, known as “Iceland’s best kept secret.” Enjoy the opportunity to explore this rugged peninsula’s stunning fjords and captivating mountains that reach down to the sea.
Cruise aboard the 199-guest Ultramarine, an ice-stable ship equipped for personal and intimate Arctic exploration. AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning small ship cruise experts have personal experience sailing in the polar regions. Contact us to discover more about this Arctic small ship cruise and other options to suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, Greenland cruises and northern lights cruises.
Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland Itinerary
This 14-day Iceland and Greenland cruise travels along the world’s longest fjord system looking for the northern lights and begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland. Unique to this itinerary is a special visit to Iceland’s Westfjords.
Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers; the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as “Iceland’s best kept secret,” this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords and mountains sloping down to the sea in impossibly beautiful ways. Spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or horse grazing in the distance. A few little outposts of civilization, small fishing communities are nestled on fjord edges and the shores of the Denmark Strait, facing out into the mighty Atlantic and toward East Greenland—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the Viking days.
While you cruise across the Denmark Strait, your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40% of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Ø offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by the onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie— there are many activities during your time at sea. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, then a transfer to a central downtown location is provided.
Included
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; complimentary reusable water bottle; hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax; one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik; group transfers from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2; group transfer from the ship to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day.
Exclusions
International airfare; arrival and departure transfers; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage, premium WiFi and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any optional activities.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
(For expeditions booked prior to June 26,2025: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Under the Northern Lights cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1 of the itinerary. On Day 14 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with an included transfer downtown. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik according to guidelines provided in your final documents. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides and the polar plunge are optional and included. Various optional activities may be available on your Under the Northern Lights cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. Per-person prices for the 2026 season: kayaking $1,795. The Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience ($125 per person in 2026) must be reserved in advance. One-time paddling excursions are available for $295 per person, per outing, for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
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The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration. The vessel boasts specialized exploration tools, cutting-edge safety measures and an incredible 40-day cruising range to focus on hard-to-reach places, while at the same time providing a high-end onboard experience. Ultramarine was built in 2021 by Croatia’s award-winning Brodosplit, the largest shipyard in the country, and is designed by LMG Marin, Europe’s leading naval architect. Her first sailings were in the Arctic in early 2022.
Ultramarine - In Detail:
Ultramarine Ship Review
Helicopter Program
Design Features
Crew & Guides
Dining & Cuisine
Common Areas
Cabins, Suites, Amenities & Deck Plan
Why Sail Aboard Ultramarine
Choose this ship for her excellent balance of personal, operational and public spaces, creating a high-end experience to go farther, faster and more safely in the dynamic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Exploration is prioritized with Ultramarine's twin helicopter and helipads for heli-skiing, flightseeing and expeditions to otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hangar and launching system for Zodiacs.
These exploration tools, the ship’s specialized, cutting-edge safety features, and the provisioning and waste handling systems (enabling a 40-day operational range) all ensure the ability to go farther into the polar regions, more safely and more easily than before. For these, and many other reasons, the Ultramarine is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises and exploring in the most active way worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Ultramarine firsthand. Read our dedicated Ultramarine Ship Review, written by our expert who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Ultramarine, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the Ultramarine with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland cruises, Patagonia cruises and Antarctica cruises.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
Designed in collaboration with active expedition leaders, this ship offers innovative features to increase guests’ on- and off-ship experiences.
Helicopters, Zodiacs & Activity Gear
This polar ship has two twin-engine H145 helicopters launched from two simultaneously operable helidecks for heli-skiing, heli-hiking, flightseeing and exploration of air-only accessible destinations. These helicopters are the most fuel-efficient in their class, celebrated for their small footprint and reduced noise pollution. They enable polar travelers to explore deeper in the remote areas in which Ultramarine sails (except for South Georgia in Antarctica and Spitsbergen in the Arctic). Helicopter operations require roughly 20 expedition team members and pilots to run successfully, and operate in tandem with paddling and Zodiac activities.
Days are packed with multiple landings by Zodiac, enabled by the ship's rapid Zodiac deployment tools. Ultramarine's internal Zodiac hanger provides safe and quick deployment of 20 Zodiacs with four embarkation points easily accessible from two ready rooms, enabling all passengers to offload the ship at the same time. When possible, the Expedition team uses a rear dock that lowers to water level for efficient Zodiac loading.
Ultramarine additionally offers the largest selection of classic adventure options, including sea kayaking (hard plastic boat), paddling (inflatable kayak), camping, mountaineering and stand-up paddleboarding (inflatable board). All activities are led by highly trained guides and expedition leaders, and all paddling activities include a drysuit and gloves.
Safety Features
The groundbreaking safety features of Ultramarine include 13 fully redundant critical systems, twin propellers powered by four diesel-electric engines in two separate engine rooms for consistent backup and engine reliability, stabilizers, as well as a fully operational emergency bridge. This expedition vessel also has an ice strengthened hull and dynamic positioning capabilities. The dynamic positioning technology also means no need to anchor, avoiding damage to sensitive seabed ecosystems.
Responsible Travel Features
Ultramarine's sophisticated and environmentally friendly waste handling systems allow for treatment of waste to be managed safely in far-off distances. Her numerous innovations are designed to minimize her environmental footprint to an extent previously unseen for a vessel of comparable size, including a sophisticated water treatment system, state-of-the-art waste handling (Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board), a leading-edge heat recovery system that recycles excess energy back into the ship, LED lighting, and the use of entirely recyclable materials to construct it.
Other Facilities
Digital wristbands enable both keyless cabin entry and computer-logged tracking of entry and exit from the ship. An elevator services all decks. Finally, an onboard, English-speaking doctor is available 24 hours a day. The ship's physician manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 140 crew members of Ultramarine work together to create a seamless guest experience. This premiere ship within the Quark Expeditions fleet attracts top guides, many with over 10 years of experience with the company. The expedition team features guides with advanced degrees, including doctorates, in areas such as glaciology, geology and ornithology. Guides are omnipresent on board and make every effort to interact with travelers throughout the voyage. Special guests may include a cultural interpreter. A large portion of the expedition staff are required for helicopter operations, and the near 1:1 guest-to-guide ratio helps with smooth operations.
Onboard Facilities
With a modern and high-end feel, guests aboard the Ultramarine polar expedition ship can feel right at home while traveling to these extreme locations. A modern spa and fitness facilities offer guests the ability to relax and rejuvenate in between the active off-ship explorations. A polar boutique is stocked with basic toiletries, sunscreen, Ultramarine logo gear, base layer clothing, gloves, hats, jackets, waterproof pants and gifts. Satellite WiFi is available in public spaces and some cabins, however service may be intermittent due to the remote locations in which the ship sails.
Dining, Bar & Lounge
The gourmet Balena Restaurant services two dining rooms with tables from 2-10 guests each. The indoor/outdoor Bistro 487 on the upper deck, and four bars, provide additional food and beverage options (including self-serve espresso) while aboard. The bistro offers an alternative menu and various healthy options, plus any early riser breakfasts, afternoon tea and late-night snacks.
Food on board is healthy and varied, with options including meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, grains, soups, cheeses, desserts and fruit. Most special diets (vegetarian, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, nut free, shellfish free) are easily accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts and lunches are typically buffet style, while a la carte dinners are made to order and plated.
The Panorama Lounge & Bar is a space for special events; when this space is not in use for a function, guests can enjoy its far-reaching views with complimentary binoculars and spotting scopes, plus coffee, espresso and tea. The bar offers complimentary soft drinks, juices and water. Beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails are complimentary with dinner and during bar service hours. A selection of premium liquors, spirits, beer, wine and champagne is available for a fee.
Observation Decks
Deck 5 of Ultramarine features a wraparound promenade that's ideal for walking and al fresco wildlife viewing, including a large forward-facing viewing area. Deck 7 has a large exterior deck space with forward and side facing views, and quiet outdoor spaces can be found at the back of the ship. The Bridge, open in calm weather and open seas, is spacious and offers 180-degree views and binoculars to enjoy them with. This heart of the ship is where guests will find the expedition leader, captain and crew continuously evolving the expedition's course.
Spa, Sauna, Steam Room & Gym
The Tundra Spa offers treatments and massages bookable on board. The steam room is a great place to relax after an off-ship excursion. The sauna features commanding views of the icy landscapes outside. The gym is equipped with a variety of machines and weights, including exercise bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, weight machines, free weights, yoga and stretching mats. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors blend with wooden accents and a polar theme.
Library & Lecture Theater
The library features a collection of field guides, picture books and reference materials relevant to the polar regions. Find materials in various languages, covering a selection of topics such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. A selection of games further provides entertainment while the ship is underway. The Ambassador Theater seats all passengers and acts as the main lecture hall. Enjoy a variety of comfortable seating arrangements including chairs, tall tables and bench seating near the bar, bar stools, booths with bench seating and chairs. Visit this auditorium for briefings, recaps, presentations and movies.
Ready Rooms & Studio
The thoughtfully designed mudroom Ready Rooms (A & B) are equipped with an open storage locker assigned to each guest, plus ample space and benches. Travelers can keep their parka, boots and life jacket here, between excursions. Located near to the helideck, the Studio is a preparation room for helicopter excursions, where travelers are weighed for balancing the aircraft, and arranged into flight groups.
Cabins, Amenities & Deck Plan Aboard Ultramarine
Passengers benefit from 11 different cabin styles, each are spacious and designed for superior comfort. Amenities include key-less entry via wristbands, Egyptian cotton bedding, non-allergenic pillows, bedside USB charging stations, 220-volt electrical outlets (standard European two round pin plugs), reusable water bottle, refrigerator and a safe. The heated-floor private bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, and their feel is high-end, with a rain shower and in-shower bench. TVs in-room offer movies and the ability to tune into live presentations going on in the Ambassador Lounge.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The new Ultramarine polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 40-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.
Ship Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review
Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.
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