Silversea, the ultra-luxury expedition cruise company, has a variety of Arctic cruises for summer 2024, with 37 itineraries visiting iconic destinations in Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the United States between June and September 2024.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 67 – December 2023
Journeys that offer the chance to see icebergs glittering in the midnight sun or polar bears roaming freely, in a silence so profound that the only sound is the creaking of the ice. A pristine and untouched land that still offers undiscovered areas, stretching from the Canadian Arctic and Greenland to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.
The Arctic is a place unknown to many, a land of scientific expeditions for centuries, where every December at the winter solstice the sun doesn't rise, while in June at the summer solstice, the sun doesn't set, and where sea ice covers the region closest to the North Pole. Although a remote place, it is relatively accessible. Silversea offers charter flights from major airports to embarkation ports in Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, northern Canada, and Iceland.
During the summer cruise season, two of the company's expedition ships will sail to the Arctic and Greenland: the Silver Cloud, which, after extensive refurbishment, is the most spacious and comfortable ship in the expedition fleet, boasting 20 brand-new Zodiacs and 10 kayaks, as well as large suites and ample public areas; and the Silver Wind, an intimate yet spacious ship, refurbished in November 2021, with an icebreaker-class hull and a capacity for only 274 passengers, making it one of the most comfortable and welcoming in the expedition fleet. Two small ships, but offering great onboard amenities.
Silversea takes its responsibility to visit these pristine locations very seriously, minimizing its environmental impact as much as possible.
A wide variety of cruises through this region, with diverse itineraries and different durations, such as circumnavigating Svalbard or crossing the Northwest Passage, will be part of the Arctic adventure.
From Reykjavik to Longyearbyen, a 12-day journey visiting Reykjavik, Stykkisholmur, Flatey Island, Vigur Island, Bolungarvik, and Akureyr in Iceland; and Jan Mayen, Svalbard Northern Region, Svalbard Southern Region, and Longyearbyen in Norway. An itinerary featuring hidden beaches, spectacular valleys, surreal geology, and unique wildlife, with five days in Iceland, the land of fire and ice, enjoying all that this prismatic island has to offer, followed by the breathtaking fjords, bays, and glaciers of the Arctic. But without a doubt, the true stars of the region are the special land and marine animals adapted to the cold that live here.
From Kangerlussuaq to Pond Inlet, Nuvanut, a 10-day journey visiting Kangerlussuaq, Kangaamiut, Evighedsfjord, Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia Glacier, Saqqaq, Uummannaq Fjord, Expedition Upernavik Fjord, Kraulshavn, and Cape York in Greenland; and Pond Inlet, Nuvanut, in Canada. An itinerary through a fairytale land of beautiful wildflowers, breathtaking fjords, extraordinary cliffs, hot springs, and crystal-clear skies in Greenland. A remote and extraordinary kingdom with visits to local communities and days dedicated to exploring the stunning landscape—a trip that truly disconnects you from the everyday.
37 Arctic itineraries, among which it's difficult to single out just a few destinations:
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, a land of ice, fire, and natural wonders, with an artistic and creative atmosphere steeped in Viking culture. A welcoming and walkable city, filled with bicycles gliding along the boulevards and boasting a captivating culinary scene.
Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, is a fascinating and remote destination offering rich wildlife, extraordinary landscapes, and an intriguing polar history. Svalbard's fjords are breathtaking, offering a unique opportunity to sail between sheer rock faces and snow-capped peaks, and it's also a paradise for birdwatchers. You can expect to spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and sea eagles.
Highlights include the Fram Strait, renowned for its stunning icebergs and the opportunity to spot unique marine life, such as whales and seals. Passengers will also enjoy strategic stops at Arctic islands, where they can explore the region's unique flora and fauna.
The Skoldungen fjord, located on the rugged, little-visited eastern coast of Greenland, offers a charming landscape with towering snow-covered mountains, icy valleys, and icebergs sculpted in shades of white and blue.
In Greenland, the jewel of the Arctic, travelers will disembark in cities like Nuuk and Qaqortoq, immersing themselves in the rich Inuit culture and discovering the stunning geography of fjords and glaciers that defines this distant land.
The Madeleine Islands archipelago in the province of Quebec boasts diverse wildlife and a breathtaking coastal landscape. A group of six charming lighthouses share the task of warning of the islands' treacherous waters, while also providing a scenic backdrop against the copper-colored cliffs and coastal arches. Whales roam the deep waters offshore, and it's possible to sail very close to these marine mammals, as well as the seals that occasionally appear resting on floating ice floes.
Cape Nome, Alaska, boasts an astonishing history dating back 10,000 years to its use by the Inupiaq Eskimos for subsistence living. Modern history began in 1898 with the discovery of gold at Anvil Creek, and much of Nome's gold rush architecture remains standing.
Silversea's Arctic and Greenland cruises are transformative journeys that take you to some of the world's most extraordinary destinations. The expeditions focus on the region's nature and culture, featuring majestic glaciers, indigenous communities like the Inuit, and wildlife sightings such as reindeer, foxes, seals, and polar bears. The exploration also includes thrilling Zodiac expeditions to reach remote locations, explore hidden bays, and experience the Arctic wilderness firsthand.
Whale watching, polar bear sightings, seal sightings and other wild animals is one of the great attractions of these trips.
Onboard experts explain what you're seeing and experiencing. On excursions, passengers are divided into small groups to minimize the environmental impact and ensure everyone enjoys magnificent views while interacting with the expert naturalists accompanying each group. Each excursion has a starting and ending point, but the itineraries are flexible, allowing you to enjoy landscapes, wildlife, and settlements safely and comfortably. The weather conditions and sighting reports are analyzed daily to determine the route for each day's journey. There are usually two departures per day, and each evening includes a presentation by the expedition staff, reviewing the day's activities and outlining the plan for the following day. The onboard experience is as extraordinary as the destinations visited, enhanced by a variety of amenities that make your time on board unforgettable.
Exploring the Arctic and Greenland promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A journey that captivates any traveler with its blend of adventure and sophistication.
Environment:
Exploring the Arctic carries a great environmental responsibility, and the company takes this commitment seriously, implementing eco-friendly practices that minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystems visited. From the use of cleaner propulsion technologies to the careful management of waste, this is a significant effort to preserve the natural beauty of these destinations for future generations.
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