Exploring the Arctic with Abercrombie & Kent

“A geological wonderland of fire, ice and color, the Arctic reveals the rarest of wild beauties. Many come in search of the polar bear, a magnificent predator, relentless in its ability to adapt in a dramatically changing environment. Though any visitor who sets foot in the Arctic — and especially those who have seen Antarctica — are fast amazed by its brilliant dichotomy of flora. Our Luxury Expedition Cruises to the Far North take you to the heart of it all in absolute comfort and style.” - Abercrombie & Kent Website

I recently embarked on an unforgettable cruise with Abercrombie & Kent aboard Ponant's exquisite ship, Le Lyrial, and it truly exceeded all expectations! Most mornings, I awoke to the breathtaking sight of icebergs drifting by, and the opportunity to observe wildlife from the deck added to the allure of this extraordinary journey. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is certainly one for the books!

The culinary offerings were nothing short of spectacular, complemented by impeccable service that made each dining experience a delight✨ The onboard entertainment was vibrant and engaging, ensuring that we were singing and dancing throughout our voyage. Additionally, the spa services were a heavenly treat, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. I am already looking forward to my next adventure with Abercrombie & Kent 🌍✈️

I hope you enjoy these photos from my adventure and see below the gallery for a breakdown of the trip. Say hello 👋😊 and tell me when I should start booking your trip to the Arctic.

Bon Voyage!

Kels

July 29, 2024 | Oslo, Norway 🇳🇴

We made it to Oslo to kick off our amazing Arctic adventure! Some of us explored the Fram Museum , while others checked out Roald Amundsen's House. Our day wrapped up with a fun cocktail party and a delicious dinner! 🥂 Cheers to new friends and exciting journeys ahead, let the Arctic escapade begin!

July 30, 2024 | Longyearbyen

After an early rise, we flew to Longyearbyen, where we toured the settlement before boarding the lovely ‘Le Lyrial’ 🚢 We met our Captain and crew, then set sail for the Arctic wilderness toward Ny-Ålesund!

July 31, 2024 | Ny-Ålesund

We arrived in historic Ny-Ålesund, founded in 1917. Our ornithologists pointed out many amazing bird species, and we even sent postcards from the northernmost post office 📬 After learning about famous expeditions, we enjoyed the beautiful weather before lunch while spotting icebergs and seals on our Zodiac cruise. We were treated to views of beluga whales too! We ended the day with a welcome cocktail party and a delightful dinner with the ship’s officers.

August 1, 2024 | Spitsbergen Archipelago

Our day started in dense fog, but we soon launched Zodiacs to the breathtaking Alkefjellet cliffs, home to thick-billed murres. We watched nature unfold as these charming birds nested and fed. Back on our ship, we visited Wahlbergøya, basking in the sun and watching a huge group of male walruses on the beach!

August 3, 2024 | Phippsøya

We woke up to calm seas and warm weather and the stunning Sjuøyane archipelago called us closer. Once we landed on Phippsøya, we couldn’t resist marveling at the hat-shaped mountain, lush mosses, and lively birdlife! Our talented botanist shared fascinating local info, and our friendly bear guards led us on tundra walks to explore. We even spotted Svalbard’s northernmost hut from 1936 — what a lifesaver it must’ve been during Arctic storms! Lunchtime brought the northernmost BBQ at almost 81° north. We enjoyed a festive meal on the pool deck before watching **James Balog’s Chasing Ice**, a thought-provoking documentary on glacial recession and climate change 🌍 After lunch, we came across an unusual gathering of harp seals lounging on the pack ice! We searched for polar bears but found none, though we enjoyed a lovely lecture about these magnificent creatures while gazing at endless sea ice. A few brave souls danced into the night before turning our clocks back for an extra hour of sleep!

August 4, 2024 | At Sea En Route to Jan Mayen

Today was all about tranquility and learning at sea! Our forensic ornithologist impressed us with Arctic bird insights, while our botanist shared stories of growing up in northern Norway, complete with Sami folklore. Later, our onboard geologist took us on a journey through the formation of the Atlantic Ocean—visually stunning! 💫 Our storyteller shared exciting tales of North Pole expeditions, and we indulged in delicious Norwegian snacks, including meats, pâté, and cheeses. We rounded off the day learning about the iPhone’s live photo feature and discussed the record-breaking heatwave of July 22, 2024 — the hottest day in 100,000 years! Climate change is certainly a hot topic.

August 5, 2024 | At Sea En Route to Jan Mayen

We had a full, enriching day at sea! We kicked things off with a fascinating talk on how plants adapt to the Arctic cold ❄️🌱 and dove into discussions about climate change. Our polar bear expert shared some eye-opening stats about these magnificent creatures — did you know they might only produce 8 cubs in a decade, while deer can produce up to 600? Despite a quick sighting of two fin whales , our day continued with an engaging chat about migration, especially Arctic terns! After dinner, we found ourselves enjoying a jazzy performance from our talented onboard musicians.

August 6, 2024 | Jan Mayen Island

Staying on Icelandic time was a smart move! Morning fog started to clear as we discussed Greenland’s unique time zones and its massive ice cap. Then, we heard with tales about the great Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian polar explorer.

Before long, we glimpsed the majestic Beerenberg volcano, which dominates Jan Mayen with its glacier-covered slopes soaring 7,470 feet high! 🏔️ As we approached our landing spot, the conditions turned favorable, allowing us to explore. We had three hiking options, and many of us eagerly stretched our legs, while others wandered the beach discovering whale bones and driftwood. We even paid our respects at a memorial for 10 whalers from 1634. Due to some drizzle, we returned to the ship a bit earlier, and after dinner, we enjoyed a lively trivia night that had everyone buzzing!

August 7, 2024 | Ittoqqortoomiit, Greenland 🇬🇱

Last night’s ocean crossing had a bit more sway than usual! Whew! We kicked off the day with an eye-opening presentation on being stewards of the planet from our onboard geologist, followed by our botanist sharing insights into the blooming tundra’s tough adaptations. 🌿🌍 We then arrived at Ittoqqortoormiit, a small Danish settlement home to about 500 indigenous folks. Named after English whaler William Scoresby, it offers a unique look into remote life, nestled among five massive glaciers. In the afternoon, we explored Ittoqqortoormiit, sending home postcards with cool Greenlandic stamps! We met sled dogs and learned about life in this hunting and fishing village. And during dinner, we were treated to stunning views of large icebergs in the bay.

August 8, 2024 | Charcot Havn and Vikingebugt

We planned to disembark early today, but then we spotted THREE polar bears on the shore! 🐾🐾🐾 We scrambled to catch a peek at the sow and her adorable cubs wandering along the beach. After about 30 minutes of excitement, we hopped on our Zodiacs and made our way to the uninhabited Charcot Havn, just as we planned. Some of us embarked on a long hike, learning from our botanist and even spotting an Arctic fox along the way! Others explored the shoreline. Once back on ‘Le Lyrial,’ we cruised to Vikingebugt, the largest inlet in the Scoresby Sound fjord system, surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, mountains, and icebergs. The volcanic basalt here created stunning hexagonal patterns, making for a truly awe-inspiring landscape. We zipped past cliffs, marveled at nesting terns and kittiwakes, and glided through a magical field of icebergs. What a fantastic day with A&K!

August 9, 2024 | At Sea En Route to Husavik, Iceland

The early morning brought some bumps as we entered the open ocean after the shelter of Scoresby Sound. Luckily, sick bags were readily available outside each cabin. The East Greenland Current was busy flowing south, carrying Arctic ice into the North Atlantic. Thankfully, the seas calmed down as the day went on, and we enjoyed a perfect mix of learning and relaxation. We kicked things off with energizing stretch and Zumba classes, followed by fascinating talks on drug discoveries in polar seas, the adventures of John Franklin and John Rae, and how birds are adapting to climate change. We also delved into the flora of Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Greenland, getting excited about the unique plant life waiting for us in Iceland! 🌸As the evening rolled in, we sipped cocktails, indulged in caviar, and enjoyed a lovely piano recital post-dinner!

August 10, 2024 | Husavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

‘Le Lyrial’ arrived bright and early in Husavik, known for being one of the first settlements in Iceland. With about 2,300 friendly faces, this charming town welcomed us. We had two exciting excursions to choose from today! Some adventurers hopped on a guided bus tour, taking in the stunning scenery of farms, lava fields, and thermal vents. The highlight? The breathtaking Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)! Iceland’s waterfalls are truly something else! We also spotted pseudo craters, boiling mud pots, and yellow poles that mark snow levels throughout the year. Meanwhile, those who chose the whale-watching cruise braved some bumpy seas, but excitement was high with close encounters with humpback whales! That evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner, sharing laughs and stories as we bid adieu to our Captain and the amazing crew who made our journey unforgettable!

August 11, 2024 | Westfjords Region

Bright and early, we cruised through the stunning Westfjords on a perfectly calm ocean. The views were breathtaking, with steep, green slopes plunging into the sea, and soon we spotted the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall plummeting 330 feet. Zodiacs ferried us ashore, and we trekked up the steep path beside a crystal-clear river, enjoying the beauty all around, from harbor seals to playful humpback whales! After a lovely morning, we headed back to our ship for lunch and set sail for Reykjavik. As the end of our adventure drew near, we kept the mood light with a game of Liar’s Club — laughter filled the air as we tried to guess who was lying! Reflecting on our extraordinary voyage, we had perfect weather and tackled our itinerary without a hitch. After a fun auction for the crew’s welfare and a captivating slideshow of our journey, we felt a bittersweet twinge knowing we’d soon be heading home. Tomorrow morning, we say goodbye to Iceland and fly home, taking with us memories that will last a lifetime! ✈️❤️