Icelandic and Greenlandic landscapes offer incredible, natural beauty ready for you to explore.

• Venture out along the Golden Circle to discover some of Iceland's most unforgettable natural attractions, including UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park
• Visit a greenhouse and farm in Iceland's Golden Circle, while having the chance to encounter some friendly Icelandic horses
• Uunartoq, which is famous for its flourishing hot springs, has a 1,000-year-old tradition of soaking in the natural pools
• See the "Venice of Greenland," called Maniitsoq, known for its small natural canals situated in an archipelago
• Take in the scenery from the decks and notice that the icebergs have a uniquely blue color at Prince Christian Sound

Grab your GoPro and have your favorite camera ready to capture the North Atlantic’s stupendous scenery and rich wildlife. Your onboard Expedition Team features an expert nature photographer who will be share top tips in onboard workshops and during your excursions. Here are a few tips:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Don’t be afraid of the dark! Exploring cities and landmarks at night offers unique new perspectives — just make sure you have a tripod or your camera comes equipped with a night feature
• Use a bean bag, tripod, or other stabilizing device to capture moving targets like birds and other wildlife
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high; or get low and shoot from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace artistic challenges by getting out of your comfort zone!
• Take selfies! You’ll want to have some mementoes of your milestone journey
• Look beyond landmarks. Sometimes everyday scenes are more revealing of the spirit of your destination. But in deference to cultural norms here, remember to ask your subjects if they mind being photographed before snapping

Come for the expedition, stay for the expedition vessel. Here’s what you’ll experience on the brand-new Ocean Explorer:

• Eight stateroom configurations, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare
• All beer and wine included with dinner
• Health and wellness options including an onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
• Expert cultural lecturers and curated performances
• Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
• Separate, intimate space for all of your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
• Environmentally friendly standards, with reduced emissions into air, and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology
• Multiple launching platforms to allow for easy and quick loading of expedition landing craft, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards
• Small passenger-to-crew ratio
• Onboard medical doctor
• Boutique
• Elevator from bottom to top deck

All activities on this adventure are dependent upon weather and local conditions, and will be coordinated by your expedition team leaders. These will entail exploration in urban centers as well as in remote coastal and subarctic locales, often on foot. Make use of the boots, trekking poles and other equipment that are on loan for your ship. After an active day, your deluxe ship and hotels all offer plenty of soothing amenities such as pools, spa facilities and more to help you feel refreshed. Here are some other activities you may participate in:

• Travel to remote rookeries and pristine coves onboard motorized Zodiac landing craft
• Get a good workout at your ship’s gym and the fitness centers of your hotels
• Enjoy the infinity pool on board the Ocean Explorer
• Hike in a bevy of north Atlantic islands and in Iceland and Greenland
• Utilize your free time to explore destinations by foot — or borrow one of the bikes on board the Ocean Explorer

Let your 17-member Expedition Team guide you on soft adventures in some of Iceland and Greenland’s most rugged locales:

• In Kulusuk, Greenland, hike to the top of a tall hill known as Isikajia Mountain for jaw-dropping views of the town and the fjords and icebergs that adorn the coast
• Enjoy opportunities to explore Greenland’s most remote shores on Zodiac boat excursions
• Hike the rolling landscapes of Qassiarsuk and soak up the views
• Hike Greenland’s “Kings Road” to the UNESCO-listed sheep farming village of Igaliku, exploring Norse ruins along the way
• Take a short hike to the Hvalsey church ruin, the most well-preserved Norse church in Greenland

This solo-friendly voyage has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Complimentary biking options: take a spin alongside your Concierge, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Some of our top Concierge suggestions for this small ship Great Lakes journey include:

• Reserving a Chicago theater performance or private sightseeing experience
• Secure tickets to Chicago’s Field Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry
• Visits to the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Toronto, Casa Loma, or the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log in to My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.