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National Geographic Resolution
Reykjavík to Reykjavík
Overview
Discover why Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” on a voyage to the remote fjords and volcanic isles along the country's western coast. Venture across the stark landscape of an island formed by volcanic eruptions, where the ground is still warmed by geothermal activity. Set out by Zodiac to view towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds and snow-capped plateaus rising into the clouds. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen as you visit historic villages and navigate dramatic shorelines from the wild Westfjords region to the volcanic Westman Islands.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Resolution. (L,D)
Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea, learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We will spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited by many people but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We will take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra, and perhaps photography of wildflowers. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930’s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. We’ll visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century. (B,L,D)
In the early morning, our ship will glide into beautiful Arnafjörður, along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting arctic terns along the way. (B,L,D)
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 AD. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, and have amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. In some places the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—which we see as we cruise past the coast. (B,L,D)
Today we disembark in Reykjavík. Choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or enjoy a visit to a hot spring, a geothermal power plant and an Icelandic horse farm, prior to flights home. Alternatively, join us for one of the optional post-voyage land extensions and continue your explorations of this amazing country! (B, L)
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.
National Geographic Resolution
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light. Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare. Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.
Highlights
• Explore Iceland's pristine fjords, fascinating tundra and dramatic waterfalls, accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists. • Encounter evidence of volcanic activity as we soak in geothermal hot springs, hike over cooled lava fields, and view Iceland's newest isle, Surtsey. • Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins and gannets on the Látrabjarg cliffs and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters. • Choose your own adventure on one of three optional trip extensions, from discovering the volcanic wilderness of Iceland’s rugged northeast to an exploration of the Snaefellsnes peninsula's epic natural wonders.
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