BEHIND THE SHIELD
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This innovative itinerary explores the majestic far-flung coasts, fjords and islands of Iceland and Norway at the height of the splendid, flower-filled boreal summer. An expert Ventures by Seabourn™ team will enhance this curated voyage, inviting you to an experience packed with enriching insights, rarely visited scenic splendors and optional Ventures by Seabourn Zodiak and kayak excursions. And of course, you will enjoy it all in Seabourn’s signature, sociable blend of unforgettable adventures and unparalleled amenities.
JUNE 23, 2020: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
The northernmost national capital in the world is also one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities on earth. Embark Seabourn Quest today and meet the officers, crew, your Ventures by Seabourn team members and the shipmates who will share your adventure.
JUNE 24: PATREKSFJORDUR, ICELAND
This small fishing village in Iceland’s rugged Westfjords was founded by an early Christian devotee of St. Patrick from the Hebrides. Impressive seabird breeding cliffs beckon at Latrabjarg. The cascading waterfalls of Dynjadi and farmer Egill Olafsson’s quirky lifetime collection of artifacts and antique aircraft at the Hnjotur Folk Museum are also nearby.
JUNE 25: AKUREYRI, ICELAND
Considered the capital of the Iceland’s north, Akureyri is a cultured city with a university, art galleries, museums and theater performances. In this season, its hills exhibit a profusion of brilliantly colored arctic wildflowers. Grímsey Island’s offshore basalt cliffs attract nesting puffins, auks, guillemots, razorbills, terns and kittiwakes.
JUNE 26: SIGLUFJÖRÐUR, ICELAND
Enter this fjord rimmed with high mountains on Iceland’s northernmost mainland region, renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches. At the Folk Music Museum, hear traditional Icelandic singing, children’s rhymes and a local dulcimer. A Herring Era Museum and equestrian tours on Iceland’s famous pony-sized horses are also available.
JUNE 27-28: CRUISING THE NORWEGIAN SEA, CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
Throughout your relaxing days at sea, Ventures by Seabourn Expedition team members will offer expert insights during inspiring Seabourn Conversations presentations. They will also be on deck and in lounges to chat, interpret the passing scenery and identify birds, whales or other wildlife you may see as you luxuriate in Seabourn Quest’s heartfelt hospitality with a coterie of like-minded adventurers.
JUNE 29: TROMSØ, NORWAY
Situated 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this city straddling an island-dotted fjord is illuminated around the clock by the midnight sun during summer. Its climate is also milder than similar latitudes elsewhere, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. The “City of Explorers” has mounted polar expeditions by Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. Explore its inspiring Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø University Museum and the unique Polar Museum.
JUNE 30: STORSTAPPEN ISLAND,
HONNINGSVÅG, THE NORTH CAPE, NORWAY
Storstappen’s towering cliffs support colonies of great cormorants, European shags, kittiwakes, razorbills and an impressive 100,000 puffins. Thousands of these birds circling overhead, creating an almost deafening sound with their cries and wingbeats, is an awe-inspiring sensory experience you will never forget. Later, arrive at Norway’s northernmost town Honningsvåg, our gateway for a visit to the North Cape, the northernmost point of continental Europe. In the evening, conditions permitting, Seabourn Quest will cruise by the Cape’s monumental cliffs under the midnight sun.
JULY 1: ALTA, NORWAY
Alta sits at the head of its namesake fjord in Norway’s northern Finnmark province. The ethereal aurora borealis inspired its soaring modern Northern Lights Cathedral. Walk beside thousands of UNESCO World Heritage petroglyphs nearby and visit the Rock Art Centre, or explore the scenic canyon of the Alta River south of town.
JULY 2: SORTLAND (VESTERÅLEN), NORWAY
Sortland is a main hub for Vesterålen’s handsome cluster of bridge-connected islands, which offer activities including bird and seal safaris and year-round whale watching. Ventures by Seabourn options may include guided scenic Zodiac tours, kayaking and hikes. The area also boasts museums, scenic lighthouses and bridges, mountains and churches.
JULY 3: BODØ, NORWAY
Kjerringøy near Bodø boasts a fascinating open-air museum of traditional buildings from around Norway. Depending on the tides, you may be impressed by the roiling waters of Norway’s largest tidal maelstrom, the Saltstraumen. The Norwegian Aviation Museum’s collection of aircraft is the largest in the Nordic countries. Nearby Svartisen (“Black Ice”) glacier, looming between forested slopes, supports a population of majestic whitetailed sea eagles.
JULY 4-5: CRUISING THE NORWEGIAN SEA
As Seabourn Quest sails from Norway back toward Iceland’s northern coast, discover more about the intriguing backgrounds and fascinating careers of your Ventures by Seabourn experts. They make memorable traveling companions, adding personal insights about places they have been, as well as the unusual ports that lie ahead.
JULY 6: SKAGAFJÖRDUR, ICELAND
Fortress-like, volcanic Drangey rises sheer from the sea, one of the three islands in Skagafjördur’s bay packed in summer with breeding birds. The prosperous surroundings are renowned for sheep and horse breeding and for superb choral singing. See the Glaumbaer Museum’s turf farmhouse and turf church, and perhaps pick up a sweater woven from unique Icelandic wool.
JULY 7: STYKKISHÓLMUR, ICELAND
Forward-thinking citizens have remade this town for a new age, turning its old library into an innovative art installation. The fish-packing plant is now a restaurant, and Iceland’s first two-story house is a museum. Eiders breed annually on the bay and the Aedarsetur Islands Eider Center offers information on these ducks, old and new methods of eiderdown harvesting and examples of fine eiderdown products.
JULY 8: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Returning to Iceland’s sophisticated capital, bid farewell to Seabourn Quest’s officers, staff and crew and your expert Ventures by Seabourn team. You may choose to linger in this unique, vibrant city for a day or two, or travel homeward today, filled with shining, lasting memories of your Arctic summer adventure under the midnight sun.