HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
Ilulissat, nicknamed "Iceberg Capital of the World" &
UNESCO-protected Icefjord
- Glaciers
of Eqip Sermia & East Greenland
- Ivittuut,
former world strategic mining town in South Greenland
- Eric
the Reds farmhouse reconstruction in South Greenland
- Cruising
the Prince Christian Sound & East Greenland Coast
- Arctic
wildlife with whale and bird watching
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
DAY 1
REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND, EMBARKATION
The rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over
the city of Reykjavík, a hip Scandi capital which needs
little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping,
fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavík is
one of Scandinavia's most welcoming and exciting cities.
In the afternoon, we await to welcome our guests onboard Ocean
Albatros. After our mandatory safety drill, enjoy dinner and a glass of
champagne as we set sail a course for adventure as we set out across
the Denmark Strait, bound for Greenland.
DAY 2
AT SEA, CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT
The Denmark Strait is the narrow section of the North Atlantic
separating Iceland from Greenland. This body of water is among the most
productive in the world, where the cold polar East Greenland Current
collides with the warm northbound Gulf Stream. These nutrient-rich
waters support vast stocks of fish, and the humans, seals, whales and
seabirds which rely on them.
Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities
onboard for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join
your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear
specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture
and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply
watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the
Ocean Albatros flies across the Denmark Strait.
DAY 3
SKJOLDUNGEN / SAQQISIKUIK
Today's adventure begins as we sail into magnificent Skjoldungen, a
staggeringly beautiful fjord on the southeastern coast of Greenland.
The fjord is named for Skjold, an ancient Danish King of Norse legend,
while the Greenlandic name, Saqqisikuik, references the sunny climate
of the area. Various archaeological finds on the island which sits in
the middle of the fjord suggests nomadic Inuit groups visited and
stayed in the area in years gone by; more recently, settlers were
brought from Tasiilaq to settle the island in the 1930s, but returned
there thirty years later; some houses can still be seen on the southern
side of the fjord. A small weather station was also operated on the
island by the Allies during WWII.
Today uninhabited, Skjoldungen sits almost 300km from the nearest
village, with Mother Nature its only ruler. Vast saw-toothed mountains
lined with opalescent glaciers line the deep chilly waters of the
fjord, which can freeze even in summer. At the head of the fjord lies
the magnificent Thryms Glacier, a magnificent river of ice flowing down
from the ice sheet. On the southern side of Thryms Glacier lies the
sweeping U-shaped glacial valley of Dronning Maries Dal - a textbook
example of a glacially-produced landscape. Join your expedition team
for a walk on the flower-lined floor of this valley, and marvel at the
stunning scenery. Ensure you are on the outer decks on our approach and
departure from this magnificent fjord too: you will not be
disappointed!
DAY 4
PRINCE CHRISTIAN SUND
South of Skjoldungen lies Kap Farvel, or Cape Farewell, which is
renowned not only as Greenland's southernmost point, but also for its
infamously challenging weather, which commonly features large swells
and gale-force winds.
With this in mind, we deliberately opt for a far more comfortable but
also more spectacular route, cruising via the inside passage of Prins
Christian Sund. Known in Greenlandic by it's typically descriptive name
of Ikerasassuaq ('the Big Strait'), this 60 km long waterway reaches
from the entrance on the southeastern coast of Greenland to the small
village of Aappilattoq, connecting the Labrador and Irminger Seas.
Prins Christian Sund is one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere
on Earth. Kept free of ice year round by strong tidal currents, the
strait is hemmed in on either side by mountains which rise straight out
of the water some reaching over 2,000m in height. Large glaciers flow
from the ice sheet into the sea on the northern side of the strait,
while sapphire blue mountain glaciers loom over the water from the
southern side, and vast icebergs stud the glassy waters.
DAY 5
QASSIARSUK/BRATTAHLÍÐ
During the early morning, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic
mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small village of
Qassiarsuk. The southern fjords of Greenland offer a very different
environment to the chilly north of the country. Situated at roughly
60°N, this region is level with northern Scotland or southern
Scandinavia, with a climate to match. Here, the weather is calm, stable
and humid, with much warmer summers and milder winters than the rest of
the country. In place of rocky hillsides, the fjords here are lined
with lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep-farming
settlements, of which Qassiarsuk is perhaps the best known.
While the modern village of Qassiarsuk was founded in 1924, the
location has a fascinated and much longer history; it was here that
Eric the Red, legendary Norse explorer settled after being banished
from Iceland. He named the land he discovered 'Greenland' to encourage
other settlers to follow him - a marketing ploy that has stood for over
a thousand years!
Erik the Red settled in this green landscape and set up a small
farmstead in typical Norse style, naming his new settlement
Brattahlíð. Erik himself kept fiercely to the Norse
gods, but his wife Thjodhild was a Christian. Legend has it, she
refused to join his bed until he built her a church, which he
eventually did, constructing a tiny hut
(Þjóðhildarkirkja) which was nevertheless
the first church in the Americas (although he refused to have it within
view of his house).
The Norse settlers in Greenland stayed for almost 500 years, but
disappeared from all historical records in the early 1400s. Whether
some plague or famine struck them, or whether deteriorating climate
simply forced them to return to Scandinavia remains a topic of lively
debate. Today the outlines of buildings (including Erik's house and
Thjodhild's church) can be seen, along with stunningly accurate
reconstructions of the farm. Modern Inuit farmers continue to raise
sheep in the same farms as Erik the Red, and a statue of Erik now
overlooks the village, commemorating the first European to reach the
Americas, whose son Leif would be the first European to reach Baffin
Island and Newfoundland. A site rich in fascinating history and culture
old and new, the settlement of Brattahlíð is today
part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 6
NUUK, CAPITAL OF GREENLAND
A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and
the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. The vibrant bustling
capital of Greenland, Nuuk feels much larger than it’s 19,000
inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. The calm
fjords around Nuuk have been inhabited by Paleo-Inuit cultures since at
least 2200BCE, and archaeological evidnece indicates waves of migration
through the area as ancient hunters followed migrating prey. Around the
year 100CE, Norse colonist from Iceland etablished the Western
Settlement in the green meadows of Nuuk Fjord; these settlers
mysteriously disappeared several hundred years later leaving the island
to the Inuit, who were far better equipped to live in Greenland's harsh
environment.
The next Scandinavian to visit the area was Hans Egede, the
controversial Danish missionary who 'rediscovered' Greenland, founding
Nuuk as Godthåb ("Good Hope") in 1728. Danish initiatives to
modernise Greenland in the 1950s left a significant mark on Nuuk. While
they brought significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, the
many large apartment blocks in the city attest to rapid (and sometimes
haphazard) urbanisation. In 1979, the Home Rule Act created the
Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut), and procraimed Nuuk the capital.
The city's population continues to rapidly grow, with new suburbs being
constructed beneath Ukkusissat, the mountain which looms to the east of
the city.
Nuuk offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor; larger than any
other city in Greenland, Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and
hosts some of Greenland's best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn
district to visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of
history stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island -
including artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as
the spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at
Katuaq, the city's cultural centre, and an architectural marvel; shop
for authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city's many boutique shops,
or simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic
coffee and watch this vibrant city in action. Nuuk York (as proud
locals call it) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or indeed the
world.
DAY 7
AT SEA, EN ROUTE TO QEQERTARSUAQ
From Nuuk, Ocean Albatros will follow the rugged coast of Greenland
northwards. All settlements in Greenland (with the exception of
Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly on the ocean coast of the country,
and the vast majority of residents (some 50,000 or so) live on the
narrow strip of coast on the west of the country, facing the Davis
Strait. Ocean currents bring warm water up from the Atlantic to the
west coast, enriching these wildlife-filled waters. During our day at
sea, keep your eyes on the sea! Whales, seals and a huge variety of
seabirds are common in these rich waters.
Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities
onboard for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join
your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear
specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture
and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply
watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the
Ocean Albatros flies along the coast of Greenland.
DAY 8
QEQERTARSUAQ AND EQIP SERMIA
Nestled below Disko Island’s 1,000-metre mountains, we pull
into port in a beautifully sheltered natural harbour. The place was
aptly named Godhavn (“Good Harbour”) in Danish,
while its Greenlandic name “Qeqertarsuaq” simply
means “The Big Island”.
For most of Greenland’s modern history, Godhavn was the
political and economic capital of North Greenland (while
Godthåb, now Nuuk, served this role in Southern Greenland).
Its importance was due to the vast economic activity generated by
whaling in Disko Bay, the preeminent Arctic industry since the 16th
Century. As the whaling industry collapsed in the early 1900s, Godhavn
lost its political status as all government functions moved south to
Godthåb/Nuuk, and the town was forced to reinvent itself,
changing its name to Qeqertarsuaq in 1979 . Today, hunting and fishing
are the main industries in Qeqertarsuaq, while tourism is becoming
increasingly important. Ferries arrive in the town daily in summer from
around Disko Bay, while in winter, access is only by helicopter from
nearby Ilulissat.
Qeqertarsuaq’s sweeping red-and-black basalt mountains are
radically different to the rolling granite hills which characterize
much of Greenland, and provide a much richer soil. Despite being
situated well above the Arctic Circle, this rich volcanic soil and the
area’s mild microclimate make it much more green and lush
compared to the rest of the country. Locals from all over Disko Bay
come to the island in summer to hunt and collect angelica, herbs and
mushrooms, and the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches
attract visitors from all over the world. The town itself is typically
Greenlandic, with quaint multicoloured homes, a splendid museum, and
the unique octagonal church nicknamed 'God's Inkpot' (built in the
Norwegian stave style). With excellent hiking opportunities, friendly
locals, and a fascinating place in regional history, Qeqertarsuaq has a
lot to offer. From here, we set sail across Disko Bay towards Eqip
Sermia.
Eqip Sermia (a typically descriptive Greenlandic name meaning 'the
Glacier at the End of the Fjord') is a relatively small glacier
compared to many in Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river
of ice, flowing directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also one
of the most active, and ice tumbles off the vast glacier-front almost
constantly. Watching the vast cataracts of ice fall into the ocean is a
sight which has to be seen to be believed - and the comfortable viewing
decks of Ocean Albatros offer the best possible platform to do so...
Perhaps with a specially crafted cocktail in hand!
From Eqip Sermia, we will reposition slightly southwards during the
evening towards Ilulissat, the largest city in Disko Bay and the
Iceberg Capital of the World.
DAY 9
ILULISSAT, ICEBERG CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
This is it. This is why visitors from all over the world come to
Greenland. Translated from Kalaallisut simply as
‘icebergs’, Ilulissat is rightly known the world
over as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. Surely
no other city on Earth occupies such a spectacular natural setting.
Situated within a short walk of the harbour lies Ilulissat Icefjord,
Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs
so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side,
Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay near
the city of Ilulissat back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This is the
single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the
Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern
Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire
United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the
indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord
designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While archaeological finds detail the long Inuit habitation of the
area, the modern town has steadily flourished in the 280 years since
its establishment; legendary Arctic explorer, Knud Rasmussen was born
in Ilulissat, and his childhood home now houses the city museum. Today,
Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than
4,500 inhabitants, and is undoubtedly Greenland’s tourism
capital, with more hotel rooms than even Nuuk. The city offers
excellent amenities to visitors, with fresh locally caught seafood
served in the city’s cafes and restaurants, and excellent
shopping – look out especially for the Artist’s
Workshop above the harbour, where you can buy handmade artworks direct
from the artist. The city typically experiences dry sunny weather
throughout the summer, and there are a variety of well-marked hiking
routes around the Icefjord, with options to suit all abilities.
During the visit you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with
a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge
applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is
considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord
up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough
excitement, there is also an opportunity to join a flightseeing
excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion
– charge applies).
Please note the boat and flight excursions to the Ice fjord are not
included in the general tour price. Refer to Price Information for
further details.
DAY 10
THE SETTLEMENT OF ITILLEQ
The settlement of Itilleq, which translates roughly as "the Crossing
place from the Sea", nestles at the foothills of the mountains and and
fjords which line central Greenland's backcountry. Situated just north
of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many tiny villages dotting
the coast of Greenland.
The settlement is situated in the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat
UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed due to its ancient
Inuit hunting heritage, documenting the entire habitation history of
Greenland. While the turf houses and hide tents have been replaced by
colourful modern houses, the lifestyle here has changes little since
the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highways are the water
and the ice, and the sea and tundra continue to nourish the locals, as
they has for thousands of years. Arctic char, reindeer and muskoxen are
typical catches, and are all plentiful in the area.
Despite this ancient heritage, locals in Itilleq are still firmly in
the modern world, with smartphones, speedy wifi and satellite TV.
However, the people of Itilleq remain justly proud of their ancient
heritage, and continue to move their culture forward in a modern fast
paced world. Locals are pleased to show off their picturesque town, and
visitors are greeted with typical warm Greenlandic hospitality. After
departing Itilleq, we will head slightly south and enter the 160km-long
Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
DAY 11
KANGERLUSSUAQ, DISEMBARKATION
During the night, we will sail up the 160-kilometer/100 mile
Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid a
fond farewell to the ship's crew, Expedition Team and fellow travelers
before shuttling ashore by Zodiac.
Due to Kangerlussuaq’s military history and present-day role
as an important air travel hub, the town remains fairly isolated from
Greenland’s rich cultural traditions, in comparison to other
regions. While you still find cultural experiences when visiting
Kangerlussuaq, the most impressive attraction is the surrounding
nature, which is just beckoning to be explored. The town itself was
largely constructed by the American military in the 1950s, and this
small airport town has retained something of its Cold War atmosphere.
Your Arctic adventure and time in Greenland concludes as we arrive at
the sleek modern airport terminal - with memories to last a lifetime.
Ocean Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 189-guests)
The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 11-day/10-night cruise in a shared outside double stateroom
with bathroom/toilet.
- Flight Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen.
- Slow-cruising in Zodiacs in fjords.
- Briefings and guided walks by tour leaders.
- English-speaking guides.
- Inspiring and enriching presentations onboard by qualified
lecturers.
- Cultural activities in port, as per itinerary
- Full board on the ship.
- Free coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship.
- Taxes and tariffs.
EXCLUSIONS
- Hotel accommodation in Iceland.
- Travel insurance.
- Cancellation insurance.
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the
itinerary.
- Single room supplement.
- Meals not on board the ship.
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea).
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day).
- Personal expenses.
- Anything not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
KAYAKING
Glide through the waters and take in the royal grace of the icebergs,
see the varied birds and seals, and maybe even the whales in their
natural habitat under the supervision of experienced kayak guides, who
will...
SIGHTSEEING,
KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND
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...
ICE-FJORD FLIGHT
SIGHTSEEING, ILULISSAT, GREENLAND
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 ice fjord, and if you are
lucky...
BOAT TRIP TO THE
ICE-FJORD, ILULISSAT, GREENLAND
Available for the voyages in Greenland that visit Ilulissat. The
excursions need to be preordered. They can also be bought onboard
pending availability (usually at a slightly higher rate).