Iceland and the Natural Wonders of Greenland Cruise

Upon arrival, make your way into Reykjavik. To have an arrival transfer added to your trip (private or shared), please speak with your Destination Specialist. As the cruise departs in the evening, also consider arranging an activity in Reykjavik; whether visiting a hot spring, heading out on a food tour, visiting FlyOver Iceland, or something completely different, there are many options to choose from. The Seaventure docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs in the evening.

Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, following the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. Enroute you can attend fascinating presentations by the Expedition Team members to prepare for your visit to Greenland. Or of course, you can choose to just relax and watch whales, dolphins and seabirds from the deck or from your cabin.

The island is characterized by several glaciers, jagged peaks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. There are vast green valleys and deep fjords with newly calved icebergs dropping off the ice cap into the sea. Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland, is located on Ammassalik Island. With its population of approximately 2,000 people, the town is the gateway to explore East Greenland.

Skjoldungen Fjord is bordered by towering mountains tipped with snow and ice-scraped valley sides with serpentine rivers of ice plunging into the sea. It´s highly likely that the fjord was inhabited by Paleo-Eskimo (Inuit) nomadic people as early as 4,000 years ago. Surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see whales, bearded seals and various kinds of birds in the area.

When conditions are favorable, we travel along the 112 km (70 mile) long Prins Christian Sound which connects the Labrador and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often ice choked channel, we come so close to icebergs you can almost reach out and touch one. The force of Greenland’s massive inland ice cap pushes glaciers towards the sea, where large chunks of ice break off and become floating icebergs.

With 3.000 inhabitants, Qaqortoq is the largest settlement in South Greenland. In this charming town you can find lots of strikingly beautiful colonial buildings, dating from the establishment of the town in 1775. The area has a rich history, as it has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times. You can still see traces of Thule and Norse cultures throughout the region.

With 16,000 inhabitants Nuuk is both the capital and the biggest city of Greenland. It combines Arctic traditions with European urbanity. Visit the city sights on a walking tour that ends at the National Museum which exhibits the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

Sisimiut has a turbulent history, especially during the 18th century when the first Danish colony was destroyed by Dutch whalers who wanted to establish their own settlement. The Danes fought back and eventually recaptured Sisimiut after several fierce battles in the 1730s. Heavy fighting between Dutch whalers and various European nations took place over the years. Because of its flourishing shrimp industry, Sisimiut is one of the Greenland’s most prosperous and richest cities today.

in the morning we reach Ilulissat village in fabled Disko Bay. Ilulissat is located beside the Ilulissat Icefjord. Delight in the thunderous spectacle when icebergs break off from the glacier and plunge into the fjord. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere.

Uummannaq is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 483 km (300 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny, picturesque village lies at the foot of a heart shaped mountain.

The small settlement of Qeqertarsuaq is located on the South Coast of Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded there. Whaling has been of great importance to the town over the past two centuries. Hunting and fishing are still the primary occupations for the island’s inhabitants.

In the morning we reach the 190 km (120 mile) Kangerlussuaq Fjord and the town of the same name. It’s time to say goodbye to the Seaventure. Charter flight back to Keflavik. To arrange a private or shared transfer to the airport, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please speak to your Destination Specialist regarding flight arrival time from Kangerlussuaq before you book your return flight from Keflavik.