816 Hours of Daylight: an Arctic Grand Voyage

Steeped in history and bursting with contemporary flair, Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, was founded around 870 C.E, marking the birth of the first permanent settlement on this island nation. Today, it is home to approximately 200,000 inhabitants, making up nearly 60% of Iceland's population. Reykjavík holds the title of the world's northernmost national capital, and it takes pride in its reputation as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally. Its commitment to sustainability and eco-consciousness is evident in every corner, from its energy-efficient buildings to its pollution-free skies.

Board the Seabourn Venture, unpack for the last time for the next 34 days, and get to know your five-star accommodations for this epic journey.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you sail toward Umivik Bay, Greenland. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

On the King Frederick VI Coast of Greenland’s southeast quadrant, the semi-circular Umivik Bay is carved out just north of the Denmark Strait. Unlike the sheer cliffs and rugged terrain presented by much of the coastline, the shores inside the bay are smooth and the massive Greenland Ice Sheet comes right down to the shore in undulating slopes. This profile persuaded Fritjof Nansen to select the bay as the starting point of his successful 1888 expedition to cross Greenland over the ice sheet. There are several large islands in the bay, including Uppernattivik Island smack in the middle. There are calving glaciers to survey and a landing is possible here as well.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Imagine a narrow fjord bordered by rugged peaks, vertical rock walls and serpentine rivers of ice plunging into the sea. This is Skjoldungen Fjord, named by Wilhelm August Graah after the honorific title Skjoldungen which, according to Norse mythology, was given to successors of legendary King Skjold to the Danish throne.

Numerous tidewater glaciers calve during the summer, releasing large chunks of ice that plunge into the fjord. Above, huge crevasses and free-standing pillars of ice, known as seracs, are silhouetted against a blue Greenlandic sky. Barren of large trees, Skjoldungen Fjord is carpeted in colorful dwarf birch and willow forests that may grow several feet high, as well as a variety of low-growing Arctic wildflowers.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

The transit of the Prince Christian Sound is one of the highlights of cruising in Greenland. The approximately 60-mile sound cuts between the mainland and an archipelago of islands from east to west, under the southern edge of the massive Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers 80 percent of the island. The sound is narrow, sometimes as little as 1500 feet across, and numerous glaciers reach the sea on its shores, calving icebergs into the sound. High, barren and sharply defined peaks tower on both sides. The only indications of humanity to be seen are the Ikerassasuaq weather station (using the Greenlandic name for the sound) where the ship enters, and the small village of Appilattoq, housing approximately 100 people. Animal life is more abundant, with minke, fin and blue whales seen frequently, as well as ringed and bearded seals that haul out on the floating ice. It is a breathtaking display of natural splendor in the severe, rugged vernacular of rock, ice and sea that is unique to the arctic realm.

Imagine waking up to the serene beauty of one of the most remote arms of Prins Christian Sund, where the first light reveals a breathtaking landscape. As you explore Kangikitsoq, guided by the experienced Seabourn Venture team, you'll walk among a group of conical land formations with mysterious origins called molards. Along the way, your expedition team will point out unique landmarks, ancient Inuit burial sites, and more, as you explore the lush vegetation, stunning views, and a rich history.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Qaqortoq is the largest city in Southern Greenland with 3,300 inhabitants. The town rises steeply above the natural small-boat harbor with its fish, shrimp and fur processing plants. It was founded in 1775 by the Dano-Norwegian trader Anders Olsen, working on behalf of the General Trading Company.

Qaqortoq is best known for its open-air art exhibition. The Stone & Man project, designed to transform the town into an outdoor gallery, had the participation of 18 Nordic artists from Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Greenland. Initially 24 stone sculptures were created using the existing rock faces and boulders in the town. Now there are over 40 sculptures celebrating Greenlandic culture.

Other points of interest include Mindebrønden, the oldest fountain in Greenland, the Qaqortoq Museum and The Saviors Lutheran Church. Eighteen kilometers northwest of town are the famous remains of the Viking church of Hvalsey. It represents the last written record of the Greenlandic Norse, who attended a wedding there in A.D. 1408. Hvalsey is the most prominent Norse site in Greenland.

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 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.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Norse farmers settled in this area in the 10th century, the earliest type of farming to the Arctic. It was from the Brattahlið (Qassiarsuk) farmstead that Leif Eriksson (Eric's the Red's Son) set sail and discovered Vinland, reaching the North American continent at Newfoundland and Labrador. UNESCO has included Brattahlið and other nearby sites as part of a World Heritage Site.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Greenland’s capital Nuuk, is a city of vitality and Greenlandic culture. It’s here that old traditions and modern influences combine to create a diverse population. Nuuk is the home of the University of Greenland with its 650 students and the Greenland National Museum with its extensive historical archives and cultural displays. Also of interest are the Nuuk Art Museum and the Kayak Museum. The Art Museum holds a body of 300 paintings primarily featuring the work of traveling European artists, while the Kayak Museum houses a very impressive collection of sealskin kayaks and traditional hunting artifacts. The modest wooden frame of the Nuuk Cathedral, built in 1849, is a recognizable landmark on Nuuk’s skyline.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

The site of Nuuk was occupied as far back as 2,200 B.C.E. by ancient pre-Inuit peoples from Canada. It was settled again in the 10th century by Viking explorers. The current city was founded in 1728 by Danish missionary Hans Egede. A statue of Egede stands adjacent to the cathedral.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Eternity Fjord, situated in the remote wilderness of Greenland, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its awe-inspiring beauty and dramatic landscapes. Carved by ancient glaciers, the fjord is flanked by towering snow-capped peaks and sheer cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear Arctic waters, creating a majestic spectacle of contrasting colors and textures. The serenity of the fjord is punctuated by the occasional crack and groan of the icebergs as they calve and drift slowly towards the sea. This pristine and untouched environment offers a glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of the Arctic, captivating visitors with its sense of timeless grandeur and an overwhelming feeling of being in the presence of an unspoiled, primordial masterpiece of nature.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Located 24 miles (40 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is “rough, real and remote.” These three words cut to the core of Sisimiut’s reputation as an outdoor adventure-travel hub. It’s the second-largest city in Greenland with 5,600 inhabitants and was founded in 1756 under the leadership of the Danish missionary, Hans Egede. The name is Greenlandic meaning ‘place of fox dens.’ The area has been inhabited for 4,500 years, first by the Inuit peoples of the Saqqaq culture, Dorset culture, and then the Thule people, whose descendants comprise the majority of the current population.

One of the most picturesque towns in Greenland, Sisimiut is set in a tranquil fjord perched on bare outcrops of rock. Mount Nasaasaaq, 2,572’ (784 m) tall, is the backdrop for the town, where colorful houses of bright red, yellow, green and blue stand out in stark contrast to a landscape of gray and white. The Sisimiut Museum hosts a traditional Greenlandic peat house and the remains of an 18th century kayak.

In October, 1941 the United States Army Air Force constructed an airbase at the site of Kangerlussuaq. It served as a refuelling stop for single-engine military aircraft being flown to Britain during World War II. From their last port of call, Goose Bay, Labrador, it was 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to Kangerlussuaq until they could refuel. Kangerlussuaq fjord (‘Big Fjord’), is 170 kilometers (105 miles) long and was often shrouded in fog, providing a serious navigation problem for those aircrews.

Today, with the use of modern technology, navigation is no longer an issue. The landscape was ideal for the site of an airport. A large alluvial plain, deposited by the nearby glacial-outflow river, provided a perfectly flat environment for an airport. Kangerlussuaq is the largest commercial airport in Greenland and supports a population of 500. A little known fact, from 1971 to 1987, 33 missiles from various countries were fired from Kangerlussuaq for upper atmospheric scientific research.

Tender by Zodiac.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you sail toward Ilulissat, Greenland. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

There is no other place on Earth, other than Ilulissat, Greenland that can define itself by the size and volume of its icebergs. The name Ilulissat, in fact, is the Greenlandic word for ‘Iceberg’. This is truly an iceberg paradise! Despite its proximity to huge glaciers, people have lived here in excess of 4,000 years. The modern town of Ilulissat was founded in 1741 by the Danish merchant, Jacob Severin. With a current population of 4,500 it is the third-largest city in Greenland. The narrow inner harbor is lined by a kaleidoscope of colorful houses so typical of Greenlandic villages.

The mass and sheer volume of icebergs from nearby Jakobshavn Glacier has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. Moving at up to 45 meters (150’) per day, when averaged annually, the glacier drains 6.5% of the Greenland ice sheet and produces about 10% of all icebergs. For this reason, Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tender by Zodiac.

Located 24 miles (40 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is “rough, real and remote.” These three words cut to the core of Sisimiut’s reputation as an outdoor adventure-travel hub. It’s the second-largest city in Greenland with 5,600 inhabitants and was founded in 1756 under the leadership of the Danish missionary, Hans Egede. The name is Greenlandic meaning ‘place of fox dens.’ The area has been inhabited for 4,500 years, first by the Inuit peoples of the Saqqaq culture, Dorset culture, and then the Thule people, whose descendants comprise the majority of the current population.

One of the most picturesque towns in Greenland, Sisimiut is set in a tranquil fjord perched on bare outcrops of rock. Mount Nasaasaaq, 2,572’ (784 m) tall, is the backdrop for the town, where colorful houses of bright red, yellow, green and blue stand out in stark contrast to a landscape of gray and white. The Sisimiut Museum hosts a traditional Greenlandic peat house and the remains of an 18th century kayak.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you sail toward Nunavut, Canada. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Named in 1818 by explorer Captain John Ross for the English astronomer John Pond, Pond Inlet is a town with over 1,600 inhabitants. It stands out as one of northern Canada’s most interesting, culturally rich, and welcoming communities. The town offers a glimpse into the life of the modern Inuit, with caribou antlers and skulls adorning private homes, and hides of seals, caribou, and occasionally polar bears drying on racks in the sun. The local market features parts of seal, whale, caribou, and a wide variety of fish. Wooden sledges, known as qamutiqs, now towed by snowmobiles instead of dogs, can be seen in front yards, ready for the first snowfall. The local museum and cultural center host cultural performances that showcase unique Inuit throat-singing, with dancers dressed in traditional sealskin anoraks and mukluks.

Disclaimer: This port is a clearance port on nearly all itineraries, however when conditions perfectly align, excursions to this port may be featured.

Croker Bay is a fjord on the south coast of Devon Island on the Lancaster Sound. The island, named by William Baffin in 1616 for the Devon shire in England, has its own extensive ice cap, which feeds a glacier into Croker Bay. The bay itself was named by William Edward Parry in 1819 in honor of the First Secretary to the Admiralty. The glacier is receding, but still reaches the sea. The area is a breeding site for fulmars and kittiwakes, and seals are frequently sighted and occasionally walruses as well. The wide face of the glacier, backed by a spectacular stacked plateau of differently colored rock layers, makes a favorite photographic subject for visitors to the Nunavut region. It is possible to hike up onto the surface of the glacier.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Sailing through the Northwest Passage is a rare travel experience that has been hundreds of years in the making. The passage — more specifically, a series of channels through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans — extends approximately 900 miles from Baffin Island to the Beaufort Sea above Alaska. Your Seabourn ship spends nine days traversing this famed sea corridor, and while the exact route taken through the islands can vary, your expedition is sure to be one of contemplation and discovery.

The glacier-carved landscape here is dominated by sea ice, which is used as a platform by marine mammals such as walruses and Arctic ringed seals — as well as the polar bears that hunt them. Yet the region has experienced monumental change since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen first mapped the Northwest Passage in 1906, and the rapidly shrinking sea ice coverage now allows ships to navigate the route year-round — while also creating existential challenges for the animals that rely upon the ice for survival. Many of the areas you pass through were traditional Indigenous hunting and fishing grounds, and archaeological discoveries show that the Pre-Dorset people occupied this region some 4,000 years ago.

Highlights along the Northwest Passage include:

Devon Island: The world’s largest uninhabited island, located west of Baffin Bay, is known as “Mars on Earth” for its barren, rocky terrain and polar desert climate.

Beechy Island: This tiny island, connected to Devon by a thin isthmus, is the final resting place for four members of the doomed Franklin Expedition of 1845.

Cambridge Bay: A visit to this small Inuit town — the administrative hub for Canada’s Nunavut territory — offers insight into how people survive in such a remote and harsh environment.

Bellot Strait: Steep slopes, strong currents, and thick sea ice make this narrow gap between Somerset Island and mainland Canada a navigational challenge. (Fear not, though: if it proves impassable, your Seabourn captain has other options!)

Included Expeditions:

Zodiac Excursions

Get an up-close perspective of this icy realm on regular Zodiac cruises, navigating huge icebergs and glacier fronts while your Expedition Team members point out marine mammals and wildlife ashore.

Nature Hikes

Set out on foot to explore beautiful, tundra-covered landscapes with your Expedition Team members, who delight in pointing out delicate plants and flowers that thrive in this hostile environment. You can hike to an ancient Thule settlement of stone pit houses on Devon Island, and encounters with arctic foxes, hares, and other wildlife are always possible.

Optional Expeditions (whenever possible):

Kayak:

Join your Kayak Team for a paddle along the shores wherever your expedition stops. The chance to experience this wild, remote place from a water-level perspective is a rare and special privilege.

Submersible:

Delve below the frigid water surface of Arctic Canada in one of your ship’s custom-built submarines, exploring a plankton-rich realm where few have ever ventured — and fascinating discoveries are yet to be made.

Continue sailing through the Northwest Passage and enjoying the same onboard amenities and off-ship excursions as yesterday.

Continue sailing through the Northwest Passage and enjoying the same onboard amenities and off-ship excursions as the previous 2 days.

Continue sailing through the Northwest Passage and enjoying the same onboard amenities and off-ship excursions as the previous 3 days.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Continue sailing through the Northwest Passage and enjoying the same onboard amenities and off-ship excursions as the previous 3 days.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing through the Northwest Passage. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Continue sailing through the Northwest Passage and enjoying the same onboard amenities and off-ship excursions as the previous 3 days.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Nestled in Canada's Yukon territory, Herschel Island awaits travelers on Seabourn's ultra-luxury cruises, offering a glimpse into the Arctic's rugged beauty and rich history. As the ship docks, passengers encounter towering cliffs, vast tundra, and the icy Beaufort Sea. Once a vital outpost for Arctic exploration, Herschel Island preserves remnants of its whaling and trading past in well-preserved cabins and artifacts. Nature lovers can spot migratory birds, marine mammals, and Arctic wildlife on guided hikes across the tundra. The island's indigenous heritage provides insight into the traditional life of the Inuvialuit people, adding cultural depth to the experience. Departing Herschel Island, passengers carry memories of an unforgettable Arctic adventure, filled with stunning landscapes and encounters with Canada's northern frontier.

Expedition activities may include zodiac cruises, nature walks, or cultural experiences. Experiences in polar regions may encounter icy or cold conditions. Wheelchair access at captain's discretion.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing through the Northwest Passage. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing through the Northwest Passage. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing through the Northwest Passage. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

As the locals like to say, “There’s no place like Nome.” Set at the southern tip of the Seward Peninsula and only accessible by air or the Bering Sea, this Arctic Alaska town offers a rich mix of gold rush history, Inupiat Eskimo culture, rugged adventure, and abundant wildlife. Gold was first discovered here in 1898; a year later, the population had ballooned to more than 20,000. (Nome has around 3,500 residents today.) Gold mining remained a vital industry well into the 20th century, and the region’s retreating sea ice has brought a new generation of treasure hunters who dredge in converted fishing boats just offshore. You can learn more at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, and snap a selfie next to the “World’s Largest Gold Pan.” During the winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic raged among the area’s Alaska Natives; when fierce blizzard conditions prevented airplanes from leaving Anchorage with the life-saving serum, a rescue effort was organized to deliver it via dog sled. The annual Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race still follows the same path as those heroic mushers.

Tender by Zodiac.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing around Alaska. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing around Alaska. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Enjoy Seabourn Venture’s effortless rhythm of luxury and exploration as you continue sailing around Alaska. Spend the day unwinding in the spa or fitness center, sharing stories with fellow adventurers, soaking in the pool or hot tubs, and scanning the horizon for whales and seabirds. Evenings unfold with refined dining, caviar served on demand, and premium drinks—proof that even at the edge of the Arctic, indulgence travels well.

Alaska’s largest city lures with wild natural beauty, urban comforts, a rich Native heritage, and a thriving arts community. Set along the Cook Inlet with the Chugach, Kenai, and Talkeetna mountain ranges as a backdrop, Anchorage is the starting point for the annual Iditarod, the iconic dog-sled race that ends in Nome some 1,049 miles away. The city also serves as gateway to Denali National Park via domed railcar, as well as Seabourn expedition voyages in Far East Russia. Even if you’re just here for an overnight or to catch your homebound flight, take time to explore Anchorage’s vibrant downtown packed with interesting shops, public art installations, and homey restaurants where you can sample reindeer sausage and a locally crafted brew. Take a bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or hike in Chugach State Park; anglers can reel in King and silver salmon along Fish Ship Creek. The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a fascinating introduction to the state’s diverse Indigenous cultures.

Today marks the final day of your journey. You can either catch your flight home or extend your adventure.