Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice
Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice

Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice

Description
Highlights
Prices
Price start from :
$
4,450
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calendar-img29 May 2026 - 05 Jun 2026
clock-img8 Days/7 Nights
route-imgKeflavik - Akureyri
m/v Hondius
Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice - gallery 0
Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice - gallery 1
Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice - gallery 2
Embark on a journey through the world of Norse mythology, where wild, dramatic coastlines and vast colonies of seabirds await. Travel from Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle and exploring the edge of the sea ice, with opportunities to spot seals, whales, and perhaps a solitary polar bear. Along the way, you'll visit remote islands, skerries, and fjords, culminating in a landfall in Akureyri, Iceland.
Description

Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations.

In the late afternoon, you will board m/v Hondius at Keflavik port, near the International Airport. As we leave the port, we sail north into Faxaflói Bay, heading towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, while keeping an eye out for whales in the bay.

Exploring Ice Caps and Volcanoes

We land at Breidavik near Arnarstapi, with the glacier-capped volcano, Snaefellsjökull, in the background. A walk south along the cliffs, home to seabirds, takes us to Hellnar, where we reboard the ship. We may also visit Snaefellsjökull, where Jules Verne’s "Journey to the Center of the Earth" began. In the evening, we will continue whale watching northwest of the peninsula.

A Land of Islands, Skerries, and Norse Legends

Sailing through Breidafjordur Bay, filled with islands and skerries, we may spot white-tailed eagles. We will stop at Flatey to explore the traditional fishing village and the church with paintings by artist Baltasar. Puffins and black guillemots breed along the shores, while red-necked phalaropes are common in the ponds.

We will visit Klofningur, a small island with a lighthouse and bird colonies, including shags, fulmars, and gulls. In the evening, we will pass the impressive Látrabjarg cliffs, home to Iceland’s largest seabird colonies.

On the Lookout for Whales and Eider Ducks

In the beautiful Skutulsfjörð, we plan to visit Aedey, where an Icelandic family runs an eider duck farm. We will also see puffins breeding on the island. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey, looking for whales as we sail northwest, crossing the Arctic Circle.

At the Edge of the Sea Ice

North of Iceland, near the sea ice, we will sail northeast in our ice-rated vessel, looking for harp and hooded seals. Polar bears sometimes appear in this area, so we may catch a glimpse of one. Along the sea ice, we will observe whales and seabirds as they migrate and feed. The environment is wild and constantly changing, with sea ice stretching as far as the eye can see.

Crossing the Arctic Circle Again

As we head south, we pass Kolbeinsey, a small, eroding islet. Later, we land on Grimsey, a small island straddling the Arctic Circle. Grimsey is home to a fishing village and bird colonies, including kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins, and Arctic terns. In the evening, we may spot more whales near the mouth of Eyafjordur.

Ending the Expedition in Akureyri

The expedition ends in Akureyri. If you wish, you can book a chartered bus (advance booking required) for the six-hour drive to Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. While your Arctic adventure ends here, the memories will stay with you forever!

Cabins and Pricing
Ship Information
Quadruple Porthole
More Details
Quadruple Porthole
2 upper & lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Family
Family
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
17800
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
4450
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Triple Porthole
More Details
Triple Porthole
1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Family
Family
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
16650
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill person-fill
USD
5550
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Porthole
More Details
Twin Porthole
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
12300
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
10455
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
6150
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Window
More Details
Twin Window
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
13400
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
11390
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
6700
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Twin Deluxe
More Details
Twin Deluxe
2 single beds
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
14200
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Single Cabin
person-fillperson-white
USD
12070
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
7100
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Superior
More Details
Superior
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
16100
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
8050
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Junior Suite
More Details
Junior Suite
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
18400
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
9200
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request
Grand Suite with private balcony
More Details
Grand Suite with private balcony
1 double bed
Shower
Shower
Tv
Tv
Desk
Desk
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer
Deposit Box
Deposit Box
Refrigerator
Refrigator
Coffee & Tea Maker
Coffee & Tea Maker
Complete Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
19900
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Request
Sharing Cabin
person-fill person-fill
USD
9950
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Request

m/v Hondius

Hondius is the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel and was built from the ground up for expedition cruising.

Specifications

Passengers: 170 in 80 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 57 | Guides 13 | Doctor 1
Length: 107.6 meters
Breadth: 17.6 meters
Draft: 5.30 meters
Ice class: Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super)
Displacement: 5,590 tonnes
Propulsion: 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW
Speed: 15 knots

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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. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.


Happier polar passengers, healthier polar environment 

Not only will the numerous amenities and on-board entertainments help make your Hondius voyage truly memorable, this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas.

Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible.

Hotel comfort, expedition class

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway.

The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 170 passengers in six grand suites with balconies (27 square meters, 291 square feet), eight junior suites (19 to 20 square meters, 205 to 215 square feet), eight superior cabins (20 to 21 square meters, 215 to 226 square feet), 11 twin deluxe cabins, (19 to 21 square meters, 205 to 226 square feet), 14 twin window cabins (12 to 14 square meters, 129 to 151 square feet) as well as 27 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole cabins that vary in size from 12 to 18 square meters, or 129 to 194 square feet.

One deck consists of a large observation lounge and a separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops, exhibitions, and performances particular to Hondius.

Swift & safe ship-to-shore operations

It is our philosophy to keep sea time short so that we can focus instead on fast, effective access to shore and near-shore activities. To give you the maximum contact with the nature and wildlife you traveled so far to see, we employ a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations for the passengers. Hondius has two separate gangways and a sheltered indoor Zodiac boarding area that can also be used for special outdoor activities, such as kayaking.

Age and nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 ― 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

What to wear

In keeping with the spirit of the expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from the deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside at a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

How to pay

Refreshments and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the hotel manager, paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (euro, or in some cases dollar). We cannot, however, accept checks. Though the prices and standard currency on board is in the euro, other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager, at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins, so some passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 8 ― 10 euros per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

Non-smoking policy

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment. 

Map
Route of Northwest Iceland Explorer - Into the pack ice
Important
Included
Excluded

Insurance Requirements:

  • Mandatory Insurance: All travelers must have insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, and repatriation/evacuation.
  • Recommended Insurance: It is strongly recommended to include cancellation insurance for added protection.

Drone Usage Policy:

  • Prohibited: The use of drones is strictly prohibited during the expedition.

Clothing and Gear Recommendations:

  • Water-resistant coat and Pants: Essential for protection against wet and windy conditions.
  • Layered Underwear: To ensure warmth and comfort in extreme weather.
  • Sunglasses: Necessary to protect against the strong UV rays and glare from the snow.
  • Gloves: Insulated and water-resistant gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.
  • Additional Items: Consider packing a warm hat, thermal socks, and sturdy waterproof boots.
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