HIGHLIGHTS
- Follow
the same maritime course set by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago
- The
spectacular scenery of this region remains untouched
- Experience
Tunumiit culture in the bustling towns of Tasiilaq and Kuummiut, learn
about Greenland's fascinating modern history at Ikateq, and witness the
icy majesty of Sermilikfjord, one of Greenland's most spectacular sights
- Chart
a course for the glassy waters and perfect silence of Skjoldungen Fjord
on Greenland's southeast coast
- Sail
through the magnificent strait of Prins Kristiansund, the glacier-lined
channel separating Kap Farvel (Greenland's southernmost point) from the
mainland, before venturing deep into the fjords of South Greenland.
- Visit
the ancient remains of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red's
former farmstead in the small farming village of Qassiarsuk, and trek
across to Igaliku, once the seat of the Norse Bishops of Greenland.
- Visit
Nuuk, one of the smallest (but no less perfect) world capitals. With
everything you would expect from a capital city, including skyscrapers,
exceptional museums and boutique shopping, Nuuk still has a strong
Greenlandic vibe; tiny traditional wooden houses sit in the shadow of
glassy towers, and locals buy seal and whale meat at the city market.
The city also has a few charming oddities- including the only traffic
lights in Greenland!
- Pass
by the village of Kangaamiut, a town steeped in Greenlandic culture and
tradition which sits on the edge of the a maze of fjords, islands,
mountains and glaciers
- Venture
into the nearby Eternity Fjord to experience this astounding natural
beauty
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Cat. F | Cat. G | Cat. E | Cat. D | Cat. C | Cat. B | Cat. A | Freydis Suite | Brynhilde Suite |
|---|
| Jul 29, 2025 | Aug 09, 2025 | 9,945 | 16,345 | 13,845 | 12,745 | 14,145 | 18,445 | 22,645 | 25,545 | 28,345 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Cat. F | (Mid-range)
Cat. C | (High-end)
Brynhilde Suite |
|---|
| Jul 29, 2025 | Aug 09, 2025 | 9,945 | 14,145 | 28,345 |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
The
rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the
city of Reykjavík, a hip Scandinavian capital which needs
little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping,
fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavik is one of
Scandinavia's most welcoming and exciting cities. Situated in the
centre of the North Atlantic, Reykjavík is the perfect place
to start Arctic adventures!
Our
purpose-built expedition vessel awaits in the city's bustling harbour,
awaiting to welcome our guests. After the madatory safety drill, enjoy
dinner and a glass of champagne as we follow the thousand-year-old
Norse sea route towards Greenland.
DAY
2: CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT
As
Norse explorers once did, we will cross the Denmark Strait from Iceland
to Greenland. 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 with the ship from our hot
tubs, as your expedition vessel flies across the Denmark Strait.
DAY
3: TASIILAQ, EAST GREENLAND
Our
first port of call in Greenland is Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in
East Greenland. Unlike the west coast, which has had uninterrupted
contact with Europe since the 1700s, the coast of East Greenland
remained more or less uncontacted until around 1894, when a Danish
trading post was established at Tasiilaq. The vast distances involved
in Arctic travel meant that the people of East Greenland (Tunumiit)
were isolated from their cousins to the west, and the language,
traditions and culture of East Greenland therefore differ significantly
to those in other parts of the country.
Ancient
traditions are strong here. This region of Greenland was the home of
the last Angakkuit (Shamans) of Greenland, and is the home of the
tupilak - a monster fashioned from animal (and sometimes human) body
parts and animated by the power of an Angakkuq to wreak havoc on
enemies. Creating such a monster was dangerous, as it could be turned
back by a more powerful magic user to attack its creator. The first
Europeans were curious as to what these dark beasts looked like, and
locals carved facsimiles in bone or horn, beginning one of Greenland's
finest artistic traditions. The tupilaat made by artisans in Tasiilaq
are considered among the best in the country.
Tasiilaq
sits in a perfect natural harbour on Ammassalik Island (meaning 'the
Place of Many Capelin'). While superficially similar to towns on the
West Coast, the landscape here is much more rugged, the people fewer,
and the sled dogs much more numerous. Tasiilaq offers excellent
opportunities to explore, with excellent hiking routes such as the
Flower Valley easily accessible from town. For those wishing to delve
into Tunumiit culture, visit the museum, located in the city's old
church, hear the city's exquisite choir perform in the modern church,
or watch a drum dancer in traditional East Greenlandic costume perform
a millennia-old spiritual tradition. For those wishing to indulge in
some retail therapy, visit the Stunk Artist's Workshop, where skilled
craftsmen create beautiful pieces from natural local materials.
Otherwise, hike up the hill towards the hotel to enjoy some of the best
views anywhere in the country.
DAY
4: IKATEQ AND KUUMMIUT, EAST GREENLAND
In
the morning, we will sail slightly eastwards towards Ikateq, a
spectacular fjord with a fascinating history. During the darkest days
of the Second World War, American forces established an airbase here
(one of the network of air bases which includes Kangerlussuaq on the
west coast) to serve as a stepping stone for aircraft transiting
between Europe and North America. The rugged landscape of East
Greenland meant the approach into the airport was hazardous, with
frequent fog masking the treacherous mountains. Huge recources were
invested into Ikateq Airbase (also known as Bluie 2 East), with a
5,000ft runway, hangar, barracks and port constructed. A fleet of
military vehicles and thousands of barrels of fuel were also brought to
this remote region. With Germany defeated, improvements to
intercontinental aircraft, and increasing tensions with the Soviet
Union, the United States Military abandoned the base in 1947, leaving
almost everything behind.
The
air base has been a bone of contention between Nuuk, Copenhagen and
Washington for many years. Many in the Greenlandic government wanted
the site cleaned up and the ruins removed; an expensive and
logistically challenging task. Eventually, the Danish Government agreed
to remove hazardous waste from the site (mainly decaying fuel drums),
but leaving the rest of the equipment in place as an important part of
regional history. Over 75 years later however, almost everything
remains as it was on the day the Americans left. Ikateq is a truly
unique place, a time warp to the Second World War: eerie, fascinating
and surrounded by staggering natural beauty.
We
will spend the afternoon in the small village of Kuummiut, which sits
in breathtaking surroundings in the calm reaches of Ammassalik Fjord.
Kuummiut - meaning 'People who Live by the River' - is one of the
larger villages in the area, and one of the most prosperous. Sitting
upon some of East Greenland's richest fishing grounds, Kuummiut holds
the only fish factory in the region, and fishermen from miles around
come through Ammassalik Fjord (which is wide enough to stay mostly
ice-free year-round) to sell their catch here.
Kuummiut
is an ideal place to experience life in an East Greenlandic settlement.
Where other towns have traffic, Kuummiut has the yowling of sled dogs
and the sigh of the wind through the grass. No roads lead in or out of
this isolated village, and the sea is the highway for local transport -
although motorboats have replaced the skin boats which brought people
to these shores long ago. It is a perfect place to simply sit, watch
the icebergs pass, and perhaps see the whales which often frolic in the
calm waters offshore.
From
Kuummiut, we will continue to navigate through the labyrinth of fjords,
heading towards Sermilik.
DAY
5: SERMILIK, EAST GREENLAND
Separating
Ammassalik Island from the Greenlandic mainland lies the vast Sermilik
Fjord. Sermilik is a typically descriptive Greenlandic placename,
roughly meaning 'the Glacial Fjord' and it is no mystery why: this
waterway is choked with vast icebergs, and surely ranks among the most
spectacular natural wonders of the region. The icebergs here mostly
originate at the vast Helheim Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in
this icy country. The Helheim and other glaciers which empty into the
fjord pour directly off the Greenland Ice Sheet, the edges of which can
be seen to the east, rising thousands of metres towards the frozen core
of this vast island.
The
volume of ice will dictate our precise activities in Sermilikfjord,
although options include coming ashore to marvel at the spectacular
scenery and untouched nature of the area, or exploring on the water and
marvelling at the natural ice sculptures of the area on a Zodiac cruise
through the icebergs. Whatever we do, prepare to be amazed by the
jaw-dropping beauty of this otherwordly place.
DAY
6: SKJOLDUNGEN, SOUTHEAST GREENLAND
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 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
7: PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND AND AAPPILATTOQ
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.
In
the afternoon, we will approach the small village of Aappilattoq, which
sits hunkered beneath the towering mountains at the end of Prins
Christians Sund. The village is a world away from busy Tasiilaq or even
Kuummiut; life here moves at a slower pace, following the rhythms of
the wind, waves and tides. Aappilattoq (meaning 'Red' in Greenlandic,
referring to the stark granite bluffs above) offers excellent hiking
opportunities, and the local choir is renowned throughout Greenland.
DAY
8: QASSIARSUK AND ITILLEQ KUJALLEQ
During
the early morning, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic
mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small beach of Itilleq. The
southern fjords of Greenland offer a very different environment to the
chilly north and east 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 and Igaliku are perhaps the best known.
Coming
ashore in the morning at the sheltered bay of Itilleq, a farm trail
beckons us to the village of Igaliku. During the morning, we will trek
through the lush green hills to see the remains of the Norse Bishop's
palace at Garðar - once a place of great power and influence in
this remote corner of the Norse world.
During
the afternoon, we will reposition to the other side of the fjord to the
sheep-farming village of Qassiarsuk. While the modern village was
founded in 1924, the location has a fascinating and much longer
history; it was here that legendary Norse explorer Eric the Red 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 home
'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,
Thjodhild's church and the Bishop's palace) can be seen, along with
stunningly accurate reconstructions of Eric's farm, where modern Inuit
farmers continue to raise sheep to this day. A statue of Erik now
overlooks the area, commemorating the first European to reach the
Americas, and whose son Leif would be the first European to reach
Baffin Island and Newfoundland. Sites rich in fascinating history and
culture old and new, the settlements of Brattahlíð
and Garðar are today part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
DAY
9: AT SEA, EN ROUTE TO NUUK
From
South Greenland, we will follow the rugged coast of this vast island
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.
DAY
10: 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 proclaimed 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
11: KANGAAMIUT AND EVIGHEDSFJORDEN
On
the last full day of our expedition, we will arrive at the small
village of Kangaamiut, an incredibly picturesque settlement in
Greenland’s central Qeqqata region. Surrounded by cold rich
waters and a vast back country brimming with game, life in Kangaamiut
moves at a slower pace, and locals still live a largely traditional
lifestyle, surviving by hunting and fishing. Hike to the heliport atop
the hill for stunning views over the town and the surrounding
fjordlands, or meet the friendly local people during a display of
traditional clothing, foods, and seal-flensing. The artists of
Kangaamiut are well-known throughout Greenland, and some of the locals'
most splendid work can be viewed in the town's small museum.
In
the afternoon, we will sail inland into
Evighedsfjorden/Kangerlussuatsiaq, one of the many deep fjords carved
between the steep mountains of this region. The Danish name
'Evighedsfjorden' means 'The Eternity Fjord', referring to the vast
size of the inlet, while the Greenlandic name 'Kangerlussuatsiaq'
translates as 'The Rather Large Fjord' - something of an
understatement! Evighedsfjorden stretches around 100km into the
glacier-clad mountains, bisecting the large ice cap which overlies much
of the land between Nuuk and Sisimiut - Greenland's two largest cities.
We will aim to explore on a Zodiac cruise in front of the Evigheds
Glacier, which flows into the fjord from the Maniitsoq Ice Cap above.
Watch for calvings from the glacier, and guillemots and kittiwakes on
the nearby bird cliffs.
DAY
12: 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, 184-guests)
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12-day/11-night
cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double stateroom with a
private bathroom in the category chosen
- Flights
between Kangerlussaq - Copenhagen via Keflavik and Group Transfer
between Kangerlussaq Airport and the vessel. Value: USD 650/pax
- English-speaking
expedition staff
- Near-port
walks with the expedition team
- Nature
hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- Information
briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Special
photo workshop
- Full
board on the ship
- Dinner
drink package
- Free
coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- Taxes,
tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital
visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list, and more
EXCLUSIONS
- International
flights
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Transfer
to the ship in Reykjavik
- Travel,
cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking
- Zodiac
Cruises
- Wildlife
Observations
- Lectures
