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Take on the rugged Arctic landscape in style and ultimate comfort

Advertorial for APT Touring

By Jaymie Hooper

Voyaging in the Arctic region is like nothing else on Earth. A land of contradictions, where lava fields and bubbling mud pools coalesce with frozen tundras and serpentine fjords, the far north abounds in wild beauty — and it’s best explored by sea.

Pool with a view.

Pool with a view.Credit: Seabourn

And on an adventure like the 14-day Iceland and Arctic Explorer cruise, you’ll not only gain access to some of the most remote wilderness in the world, you’ll also experience unrivalled opulence aboard this exclusive APT-charter tour aboard the Seabourn Venture. Purpose-built for exploration with ultra-luxurious touches, this innovative vessel ensures you’ll travel in comfort (and style) for even the most remote adventures.

Departing from Reykjavik and sailing past vibrant fishing villages, spectacular icebergs and towering glaciers, this all-inclusive journey combines APT’s near century of touring expertise with Seabourn’s reputation for luxury. The result? An expedition cruise that redefines adventure.

Bespoke journeys

On your call in Grundarfjordur, a postcard-perfect town in Iceland, your APT cruise director and 24-person expedition team will guide you on a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to soaring volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches and the glistening Snaefellsjokull glacier.

With APT’s Freedom of Choice initiative, guests can choose from a wide range of shore excursions to suit their personal tastes, you’ll also have the chance to explore local lava trails and learn all about the sagas set in this epic landscape.

Thanks to its small size and maximum of 264 guests, the Seabourn Venture can navigate the narrow fjords and secluded ports of the Arctic with ease. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world.

The colourful homes of Ittoqqortoormiit will enchant you.

The colourful homes of Ittoqqortoormiit will enchant you.

Stretching out into the Greenland Sea like the branches of a mighty tree, the deep-blue waters of Scoresby Sund are punctuated by stark-white icebergs and glaciers. After taking in the breathtaking vistas from your private verandah or one of the ship’s elegantly furnished lounges, you’ll be welcomed on land by the small community of Ittoqqortoormiit.

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One of the most remote settlements on Earth, Ittoqqortoormiit sits cradled on the edge of a rocky peninsula, dappled with the vivid reds, yellows and greens of local homes. During your visit, you’ll explore the quaint museum and learn all about the native Palaeo-Eskimo people before cruising deeper into the Northeast Greenland National Park.

Here, in the largest national park in the world, your expedition team will keep watch in the hope of seeing polar bears and Arctic foxes from the comfort of the ship, or you can explore further afield with the kayaks, Zodiacs and custom-built submarines on board.

Renowned for its meticulously curated itineraries, it’s the APT Signature Experiences that go above and beyond. In Husavik, you’ll board a local oak fishing boat in Skjalfandi Bay for a private whale-watching tour, and in Seydisfjordur, your private visit to Vök Baths on the banks of Lake Urridavatn is sure to reinvigorate your senses. Open exclusively for APT guests, these floating infinity pools are filled with Iceland’s purest hot-spring water and boast panoramic views of the surrounding moss-green hills.

Cruise into luxury

Smaller ships allow you to get up close to all the action.

Smaller ships allow you to get up close to all the action.Credit: Seabourn

With sensational APT experiences in up to 10 destinations, you’ll never struggle to find adventure on land — and neither will you at sea. In the Discovery Centre, the ship’s academic hub, you’ll be treated to captivating presentations designed to enrich your journey.

In 2025, Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Governor-General and retired chief of the Australian Defence Force, will be onboard to host. Sir Peter will conduct several lectures on various topics including World War I/II history and geopolitics, plus Q&A sessions — a series not to be missed. He will also conduct hosted dinners.

    Boasting 132 suites, every room on the ship features a verandah and ocean-front views, providing the perfect spot to take in the stunning Arctic backdrop. You’ll also enjoy an included personalised mini-bar, separate sitting areas, walk-in robes and ensuites with a standalone bath and shower. With six accommodation options to choose from, there’s no need to limit your level of luxury.

    After a day spent exploring — perhaps following your trip to the steam vents of Lake Myvatn and the tumbling falls of Godafoss — there’s nothing quite like retreating to your suite with a glass of champagne from the bar. If you’re feeling a bit more energised, though, take advantage of the premium wellness spaces on board, including the spa, sauna, pool and fitness centre.

    To fuel up for your offshore pursuits, the ship’s seven world-class restaurants are also sure to impress. Ranging from gourmet meals and lavish buffets to made-to-order sushi and 24-hour in-suite dining, culinary delights aren’t hard to find. Simply indulge, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.

    To discover more, visit aptouring.com.au.

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    Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/take-on-the-rugged-arctic-landscape-in-style-and-ultimate-comfort-20241001-p5kewn.html