Call Us: +1 (206) 618-1107
Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage - Hondius
Discover the Arctic on a breathtaking expedition to Svalbard and Northeast Greenland to witness a rare total solar eclipse. A unique blend of adventure, natural wonder, and celestial spectacle!
SPECIAL OFFER
8.9*
ECO SCORE
170
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Arctic: Drink it in
Welcome Aboard the
Hondius
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure to Svalbard and Northeast Greenland, where pristine Arctic wilderness meets celestial wonder. This seasoned operator has been guiding travelers through these breathtaking regions for decades, ensuring a safe and awe-inspiring experience. Witness the spectacular solar eclipse from one of the most remote places on Earth. Traverse landscapes teeming with iconic wildlife. Seals, walruses, and polar bears – oh my! The flexible itinerary adapts to the best conditions and wildlife activity, so that you have a front row seat to the best the Arctic has to offer. Navigate through serene fjords and majestic glaciers, embark on exhilarating treks, and explore the rich history of remote Arctic settlements.
- •Experience the solar eclipse in all its splendor from one of the very few trips that sets you front and center in the path of totality.
•Sail with security, knowing that this ship can navigate to two different spots within the path of totality from which to view the eclipse to ensure you get a spectacular show!
•Discover the largest fjord in one of the most remote corners of the world, greeting musk oxen, seals, whales, and possibly even some polar bears along the way.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $8,550 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
August 2-15, 2026
August 3-16, 2026 (sister ship, Plancius)
August
Hover here for specific dates
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Transportation
Utilizing green technology to drastically reduce vessel emissions
Waste
Recycling and banning single-use plastics on all vessels
Food
Buying local, organic, and Fairtrade products whenever possible
Itinerary
Day 1: Largest town, biggest island
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.
Day 2: Sabine observatory and Raudfjorden
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.
Day 3-4: Onward to East Greenland
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.
Day 5: Tundra, mountains, and icebergs
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.
Day 6: Islands of Antarctic Sound
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.
Day 7: Alpefjord’s lofty peaks
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.
Day 8: Sights of the Arctic autumn
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.
Day 9: Largest fjord in the world
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.
Day 10: Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
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.
Day 11: Total solar eclipse
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.
Day 12: Settlement at Scoresby Sund
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.
Day 13: Sea life on our way to Iceland
A sea day grants us the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds.
Day 14: Journey’s end at Akureyri
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.
Hondius
Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. One deck of Hondius is reserved for multi-language lectures and presentations in a large observation lounge as well as in a separate lecture room. But while the ship’s interiors are cozy and classically conceived in mid-century modern décor, her tough small-scale design enables her to react quickly to moment-by-moment weather changes and wildlife opportunities. Oceanwide’s main focus is always exploration, wildlife, and outdoor activities. For this reason, Hondius carries a powerful fleet of Zodiac boats to guarantee swift and safe transit from ship to shore. She also has two separate gangways for efficient outings as well as an indoor Zodiac boarding area that can also be used for special outdoor activities such as kayaking.
Capacity: 170 Guests
Cabins: 80
Specialists: 13 Highly Experienced Guides, 57 Expert Crew, Doctor
ACHIEVEMENTS
2021 World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2021, World Cruise Awards
2019 World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator, World Travel Awards
2013 AECO Puffin Award (Conservation organization in the Arctic)
"Experience the perfect blend of cozy mid-century modern comfort and thrilling encounters with the rugged Arctic landscape. On board, you'll delight in the comfort of the observation lounge before being whisked away on Zodiac excursions, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Arctic firsthand. With its enthusiastic experts to guide you, this comfortable and attractive 4 star ship ensures every traveler's journey is infused with adventure from beginning to end."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
A total eclipse viewing combined with the rugged wilderness and possible polar bear sightings of a Greenland voyage is an adventure not to be missed! The Hondius will be a fun, casual ship selection for this unforgettable experience.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and 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.
NOT INCLUDED
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; Pre- and post- land arrangements; Passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; Meals ashore; Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship) and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (6 hours); The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
.png){kind=small}
*The Eco Score is based on pre-assessment and information available at this time. In-depth review is currently in progress.