All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
9 nights from
£8495
From the midnight sun to magnificent seascapes, ethereal islets, calving glaciers, and gigantic icebergs, Nature creates an ever-changing backdrop to Greenland’s wilderness. With 80% of its landmass covered by the icecap, the country maximises its inhabitable areas with clusters of houses tucked between fells and fjords and combines colonial character with an ancient Inuit culture of pragmatism and resourcefulness. The cruise explores its western shores, where whales, walruses and white-tailed eagles are company on the water, and reindeer, musk oxen and arctic foxes roam on land. Sailing on the polar ship MV Ocean Albatros, see the seas and shores from your cabin window or the observation deck, as you team comfort and fine facilities with an amazing adventure. The vessel has low-deck retractable platforms for almost water-level viewing of icebergs and marine wildlife; and its fleet of Zodiac landing craft safely navigate visits ashore. Focused on phenomenal Disko Bay, the tour includes Kangerlussuaq (Big Fjord), photogenic Sisimiut, and Qeqertarsuaq (Great Island); the little port town of Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia’s vast river of ice, UNESCO listed Illulisat Icefjord, and Itilleq, the core of Inuit culture.
The primary focus of expedition cruising is contact with your natural surroundings, visiting remote and isolated sites often only accessible by zodiacs. Zodiacs are used on scenic and adventurous excursions among icebergs, surfacing whales and seabirds. These heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and designed for Polar expeditions.
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
Excursions are by Zodiac or on foot, they may be over uneven ground and with some incline so a reasonable level of mobility is required. Landings will be dry.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
The new luxury infinity vessel, MV Ocean Albatros, is one of the most modern small polar ships, part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels. The 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines are all controlled electronically to optimize speed, lower fuel consumption and manage fewer emissions. Holding the highest Polar code 6, Ice class 1A and a pioneering new design and bow shape, X-Bow®-Infinity class, inverting typical cruise ship design, splitting wave energy and providing faster, more comfortable travel. This luxury cruise vessel, ideally suited for small ship expeditions, has a total of 95 comfortable cabins, all with a view of the ocean allowing you to behold the magnitude of the open waters and polar landscape, a wellness area, a bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge and two restaurants. The MV Ocean Albatros features unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the this new class of vessel, the two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds. The vessel will implement the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for all guests.
CABIN CATEGORIES:
Category G: Single cabin with porthole18 sq.m.
Category E: State cabin with French balcony 16 sq.m.
Category C: State cabin with balcony 24 sq.m.
The Ice Sheet Is one of Greenland’s biggest attractions. It covers 80% of the surface of the country, but the size of this mass of ice is reduced every year, because it melts more than it rebuilds. Our destination is a place we call Reindeer Glacier, which stands tall like an ice wall – in some places up to 60 meters high – displaying a clear contrast between land and ice. The name is due to the frequent sight of reindeers here, but even without the presence of the animals, this location is a world-class spectacle, with a myriad of motives for the camera and a calmness that brings to our thoughts nature’s pristine, immaculate beauty. Our journey to one of the area’s most remarkable glaciers requires transport via a tundra coach, a 4WD vehicle, which is designed to take on the rocky, changeable terrain and gravel roads. Along the way, keep your eyes open for the wildlife that resides in the area, namely reindeer and musk oxen, while you let your mind wander while listening to the history and stories of the area narrated by our guide. During the warm summer months, glacial thinning and instability within the colossal walls of ice happens more often. These structures can calve and break suddenly; therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the ice giants. After approx. 90 minutes of driving, we will reach the resplendent Reindeer Glacier, where one can walk parallel to the glacier edge up from the waterfall, and there is the opportunity to photograph the scenery from many different good angles, or just enjoy the greatness and silence, interrupted only by the roaring sound of the melting ice water. The area where we spend most of the time is equipped with about twenty benches with tables and primitive but practical mobile toilets for those in need. After an appropriate amount of time in front of the fascinating glacier, we leave the unique nature as it was when we got to it: Untouched, magnificent and unforgettable.
Discover huge iceberg pushing towards the mouth of the Kangia Icefjord, and breaching their way into the Disko Bay. Get to see the very small settlement of Ilimanaq just south of the icefjord, and if you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of the many whales in the bay on your way back to Ilulissat. We fly Vulcanair Partenavia P68 airplanes. These airplanes are ideal for the purpose of sightseeing flights. Being high wing mounted with large windows at each seat, you have the perfect conditions for taking pictures and bringing your memories back home, as well as giving you a clear view of the landscape. The Partenavia, can carry up to 5 passengers plus the pilot Duration: approx. 40 min.
On this day, you will also have the opportunity to join a boat trip to the Icefjord. The journey takes about two and a half hours in total, and presents an opportunity to gain a closer look at the amazing ice-sculpted scenery. The trip is definitely something out of the ordinary and a great natural experience that you will remember for years to come - but be sure to remember warm clothes!
The small settlement of Kangerlussuaq is home to about 500 residents, which is less than 1% of Greenland’s entire population, yet through the years (thousands, in fact!), the residents of Kangerlussuaq have played a significant role in Greenland’s history and global contributions. Present-day Kangerlussuaq was first established in 1941 as an American-operated military base. When the military base became inactive, the facilities were re-purposed into Greenland’s international airport. This increased accessibility incited an upsurge in Kangerlussuaq’s popularity among nature lovers, researches and adventurous spirits. Filled with wanderlust, they arrive to Kangerlussuaq inspired by its unique surroundings and culture, determined to partake in unique experiences, such as witnessing the northern lights and hiking along one of the world’s only two ice sheet
On this sightseeing excursion, we will hear fascinating stories about the earliest populations of primitive Kangerlussuaq and fast forward to the settlement’s significance during World War II, the Korean and Cold Wars, and today.
One of Greenland’s most extensive roadway systems, which happens to surround Kangerlussuaq, will provide us with access to several interesting landmarks, including panoramic vistas from the harbor overlooking Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the researchers’ community of Kellyville and the old military base facilities.
In between our itinerary stops, we will witness Greenland’s amazing nature and hear about its unique floras and wildlife.
This excursion will also provide you with greater insight into Greenlandic culture and the community’s way of adapting to life in the Arctic. Your guide will surely share stories about the local culture, and the enormous pride Kangerlussuaq’s locals feel for their home.
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, AECO fees, transfers, 2 nights’ hotels, 7-night cruise, breakfast daily, full board on cruise including complimentary tea and coffee, on board lectures, excursions, services of expedition leaders, local expert guides and representatives. Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner during the cruise. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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