Disko Bay - The Heart Of Greenland

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover and explore the western coast of Greenland around Disko Bay
• Have your breath taken away by the Arctic scenery of icebergs and glaciers
• Meet the welcoming people of Greenland and learn about Inuit culture
• Visit the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Reykjavík, Iceland
Day 2-3 - At sea
Day 4 - Qaqortoq
Day 5 - Kvanefjord
Day 6 - Maniitsoq
Day 7 - Sisimiut
Day 8 - Ilulissat
Day 9 - Vaigat Sound
Day 10 - Evighed Fjord
Day 11 - Nuuk
Day 12 - Ivittuut
Day 13 - Prins Christian Sund
Day 14-15 - Irminger Sea
Day 16 - Reykjavík

Day 1 Capital of Iceland
Reykjavík is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay,' so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-program to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs before embarking MS Fridtjof Nansen.

Day 2-3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This is the same crossing that was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology for insight into the upcoming destinations.

Day 4 Picture-Perfect Greenlandic Town
Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colorful houses and photogenic setting. It is the biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but still easy to explore on foot. You can also join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.

Day 5 Exploration day Kvanefjord
We discover the beautiful region of Paamiut by sailing deep into the Kvanefjord. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day. This could be a hike ashore for a scenic view of the area, or possibly small-boat cruising or kayaking.

Day 6 The Venice of Greenland
Maniitsoq was founded in 1755 and its name means `The Uneven Place,´ referring to the rocky hills and mountains shaping the layout of the town. It is also known as the `Venice of Greenland´ as it is situated in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals. The local museum charts the town´s rich history and culture.

Day 7 `Where There are Fox Dens’
Sisimiut is situated 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The name means `The People Living in a Place of Fox Dens.´ This is the second largest town in Greenland, a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions. We offer a variety of exciting excursions to discover the many things to do in Sisimiut.

Day 8 Icefjord - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the mouth of the fjord you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These ice masses originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. Join one of our many excursions here.

Day 9 Exploration day Vaigat Sound
We now arrive at the northernmost point in our itinerary. There are several excellent landing sites in Vaigat Sound offering breathtaking landscape and Arctic flora. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day.

Day 10 Exploration Day
On one side of the meandering Evighed Fjord is an ice cap that often crashes massive chunks of ice into the water. Around us are the highest mountains in West Greenland with peaks, up to 6,600 feet in height, sometimes swirling with mist. Conditions on the day will determine the final program and the range of activities on offer by the Expedition Team.

Day 11 The Vibrant Capital of Greenland
Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. The capital city is where old and new traditions meet, from historic buildings in `Kolonihavnen´ to the modern Centre for Greenland Self Rule. Another feature is the National Museum - home to the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

Day 12 Muskoxes and a Norse Settlement
According to archaeologists, Vikings settled in this area more than a thousand years ago but didn’t remain. Ivittuut is believed to be the last Norse settlement in Greenland, but first to be abandoned. Nowadays, the only inhabitants that might appear in the town are wandering musk oxen that normally graze in the nearby plains.

Day 13 Prins Christian Sund
This long fjord is surrounded by mountains that reach over 3,900 feet, and up to 7,280 feet high. Many glaciers go straight into its waters where they calve icebergs of all shapes, shades, and sizes. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) instead.

Day 14-15 Heading Back to Iceland
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center, or just relaxing on deck, looking at the seabirds which follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.

Day 16 The Stylish Capital of Iceland
You arrive back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the country, add one of our Post-programs before you head home, or simply extend your stay to enjoy the trendy city and its surrounding geothermal features.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Expedition Cruise

• Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
• English-speaking expedition team who organize and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included excursions

Onboard Activities

• Experts on the expedition team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
• Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with current scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Use of the ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, sauna with floor-to-ceiling window, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
• Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small explorer boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers help with your camera settings before landings

Not Included In Your Expedition

• International flights
• Travel protection
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our expedition team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
• No gratuities expected