Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey aboard the Ocean Albatros, our brand-new state-of-the-art vessel. As we set sail towards Northwest Greenland in late August, we enter a realm of breathtaking beauty and unexplored possibilities.

Our goal: to venture on one of the northernmost non-icebreaker passenger voyages ever recorded and reach legendary Hans Island. While weather and ice conditions may influence our precise route, our officers and onboard Expedition Team will do their best to create an unforgettable experience.

Imagine the thrill of standing on the deck of the Ocean Albatros, surrounded by the pristine Arctic landscape. The possibilities are awe-inspiring as we aim to surpass our previous achievements and potentially break the record as the most northerly tourist expedition in West Greenland, after successfully doing so in East Greenland back in 2003. Hans Island, a captivating destination on the border between Canada's Ellesmere Island and Greenland, holds a dramatic history and is a testament to Canadian and Danish diplomacy.

This small island, spanning just 1.3 square kilometers, has been the site of a playful war of flags between the Canadian and Danish navies, dubbed ‘the most polite territorial dispute in history’. Each side would take down the other's flag, proudly raise theirs, and humorously claim the territory as their own. The island's ambiguous border, never clearly marked, runs right through it, blurring the lines of ownership. A lighthearted exchange of whiskey and snaps (akvavit) between the navies became a legendary tradition, showcasing how disputes can be handled with levity in a world often fraught with tensions.

In 2010, Albatros Travel made history by landing 62 expedition guests on Hans Island. Stone cairns were built, immortalizing the stories of the expedition and the names of its participants. Flags were planted, marking our presence on this storied land  - without igniting further disputes! The recent agreement between the Danish and Canadian Governments has solidified the island's status as part of both countries' sovereign areas, bisecting the island and creating a novel land border between Denmark and Canada.

While we cannot predict our course with absolute certainty, we invite you to join us on this thrilling new expedition to Hans Island and the far north of Greenland. Our officers and onboard Expedition Team will carefully negotiate the challenges of weather and ice conditions, aiming to provide a memorable experience embracing the spirit of adventure and exploration.

Stay tuned for updates as we prepare for this extraordinary journey. Will Albatros Expeditions set a new world record? The answer lies in the hands of Mother Nature, but our commitment to providing a remarkable expedition remains unwavering. Be part of this adventure aboard Ocean Albatros, where the beauty of the Arctic converges with the thrill of exploration. Together, let's create cherished memories and embark on the voyage of a lifetime.

 

Get to know more about our 22nd of August, 2023 departure  - here - 

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