High Arctic Total Eclipse

Hallgrímskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik, a vibrant city known for Nordic cuisine, unique museums, and lively shopping. After safety briefings, we set sail toward totality in East Greenland.

The Denmark Strait, a narrow passage between Iceland and Greenland, teems with rich marine life. Our onboard experts guide guests in safely viewing the eclipse. Nearing Greenland, the team shares insights on ecology, geology, and wildlife, preparing guests for Zodiac operations and polar bear safety.

As the ship sails past the rugged Liverpool Land peninsula, we enter the vast Northeast Greenland National Park — the world’s largest protected land area, spanning nearly a million square kilometers and encompassing the northernmost land on Earth. Uninhabited today, the region was once home to nomadic Inuit hunters who thrived off its natural abundance until the mid-19th century.

Due to the extreme remoteness and unpredictable Arctic conditions, the itinerary within the park is flexible and dictated by weather, wind, sea, and ice. The Captain and Expedition Leader determine daily plans, which are announced the evening before. Potential highlights include Ella Island’s dramatic 1300-meter cliffs at Bastionen, the historically significant Maria Island — site of a German WWII camp — and Blomsterbugten on Ymer Island, where visitors may enjoy views of the striking Teufelsschloss mountain and its vivid geological layers. Other possible destinations include the calving Waltershausen Glacier, the magnificent Moskusokse Fjord, and the wildlife hotspots of Jameson Land.

Throughout our time in the Park, your Expedition Team provides engaging lectures, friendly discussions, and onshore insights, while always scanning the landscape for Arctic wildlife. In this remote and pristine wilderness, guests are promised a journey rich in natural beauty, discovery, and adventure.

We sail south along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast, a rugged landscape shaped by volcanic activity around 50 million years ago. First surveyed by explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, this area has long been navigated by the Inuit people of the area. If conditions allow, we may land in this now uninhabited region of breathtaking beauty.

On Eclipse Day, Ocean Victory approaches the heart of Scoresbysund as the heavens begin to align. The moon begins to drift over the sun at 16:37 as the partial eclipse begins, building to totality at 17:37, with darkness settling over the landscape. Witness the stunning “Diamond Ring” effect at 17:40 as totality ends. The eclipse concludes by 18:33 as the moon’s shadow moves northward towards the Arctic Ocean. After this unforgettable spectacle, guests return to the ship for a gala dinner.

The only settlement in this region, Ittoqqortoormiit is among the most remote communities on Earth. While the establishment of the town by Danish authorities in 1925 was challenging, residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle, essential when supply ships arrive only once or twice per year. Ittoqqortoormiit is a town with a strong sense of community and traditional culture, hosting an excellent museum, a beautiful traditional church, and locals often welcome visitors wearing colourful traditional costumes. Ittoqqortoormiit is the perfect introduction to the culture and lifestyle of Greenland.  

During our time at sea approaching Reykjavik, relax and reflect on your thrilling Arctic adventure. Attend final lectures from the Expedition Team, relive your adventure at the voyage slideshow, and celebrate your voyage with new friends at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

As the Icelandic capital comes into view on the horizon, strange objects appear; trees larger than ankle height, glassy skyscrapers and streets full of cars, busses and people… Such a bustling capital may feel strange after the remote wilderness of Greenland! After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team of Ocean Victory, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.