Discover the Arctic Through the Eyes of Abercrombie & Kent’s Explorers in Residence
At the heart of every Abercrombie & Kent Luxury Expedition Cruise is an emphasis on learning. Meet two extraordinary adventurers who will join A&K’s Arctic expedition cruises this summer as Explorers in Residence – each one a pioneer in their own fields, pushing boundaries and accomplishing remarkable feats.
Joining Ultimate Iceland & Greenland Cruise is Alex Pancoe, who summited Alaska’s Denali in July 2019 achieved what very few have: the Explorers Grand Slam. His recovery from a brain tumor at 18 inspired him to climb the seven tallest peaks with the goal of raising one million dollars for the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago where he received treatment. Also on board will be Fiann Paul, a record-breaking ocean rower, who captained The Impossible Row across the treacherous Drake Passage in December, making him the first person to complete the Ocean Explorers Grand Slam.
“We have selected these accomplished Explorers in Residence because they not only have achieved at the highest level, but have inspirational stories to share about their pursuits,” explains Bob Simpson, Abercrombie & Kent’s Vice President of Expedition Cruising. “Guests will have the opportunity to learn from each of these remarkable individuals during on board lectures and shore excursions, and informally while enjoying a drink, sharing a meal or spotting wildlife while cruising the fjords.”
Pancoe will share stories from his adventures conquering the tallest peak on every continent and trekking the final degree to the North and South Poles. Guests can sign up to ascend Iceland’s Dynjandi Falls, rappel down a rock formation overlooking the ancient village of Qaqortoq and trek on the Greenland Ice Cap under his guidance. Fiann Paul describes his experience as Captain of The Impossible Row team, which completed the first completely human-powered crossing of the Drake Passage this past December. Kayak with him in the waters of Iceland’s Westfjords or Greenland’s Tunulliarfik Fjord.
These Explorers in Residence will be joined by Cultural Expert Lykke Geisler Yakaboylu, whose deep family roots in Greenland led her to focus on the unique cultural traditions in the villages she holds dear, adding an additional layer of expertise to A&K’s enrichment program. She joins the A&K Expedition Team of accomplished explorers, from award-winning scientists to habitat conservationists, historians and recipients of the prestigious Polar Medal.
Following routes once pioneered by the Vikings and great Arctic explorers, guests are invited to join Fiann Paul on the new 48-day Grand Arctic Voyage (July 31-Sept 16, 2020), which combines all three of A&K’s Arctic cruises into one extraordinary voyage of discovery:
Arctic Cruise Adventure: In Search of the Polar Bear (Jul 31-Aug 14, 2020) voyages through the Svalbard Islands and along the rarely-visited east coast of Greenland. Visit Svalbard, Norway’s polar bear haven, an Inuit village on Greenland’s Scoresby Sound and Iceland’s verdant West Fjords. 15 days from $15,995 per person (was $17,495).
Ultimate Iceland & Greenland Cruise (August 13-27, 2020) explores spectacular Lindenow Fjord, Prince Christian Sound and the Westman archipelago, with excursions for active guests and families alike. Visit Inuit villages and discover the deeply-rooted Viking history of both countries. 15 days from $15,995 (was $17,495)*; Children 17 & under from $8,745.
The Northwest Passage: From Greenland to the Bering Sea (Aug 24- Sep 16, 2020) traces the rarely-transited route from western Greenland through the Canadian Arctic to the Bering Sea and Nome, Alaska. 24 days from $29,995 per person (was $33,995).
*Book by Mar 31, 2020 and save $1,500 per person in all staterooms and suites, plus receive an additional $1,500 per-person international air credit when you reserve your international air through A&K. Waived single supplement for solo travellers in stateroom categories 1-3.
Live Webinar with Alex Pancoe: Feb 20
For a taste of what guests will experience, join a webinar on Thursday, Feb 20 at 1:00 pm eastern, during which A&K’s Bob Simpson chats with Alex Pancoe about his adventures.
