On this 12-day voyage from Iceland to Greenland discover the immense scenic and cultural variety of the world’s largest island. Sail from the beautiful and fertile south with its fascinating Viking history to the modern capital of Nuuk and then continue north to the town of Ilulissat with its floating icebergs and UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilulissat Ice Fjord. These spectacles and more await your unforgettable journey aboard the Ocean Diamond.
Highlights
Sail to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) and play golf in a crater
Cross the Prins Christian Sound between the Labrador and Irminger Seas
Visit the ancient town of Qassiarsuk, founded by Viking leader Erik the Red
Tour Greenland's bustling capital and oldest town, Nuuk
Experience the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Use your leisure time in Reykjavík to uncover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital. The Ocean Diamond docks in Old Reykjavík Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll to the main squares, shopping, and dining. The ship departs Reykjavík harbor in the evening.
Located off the coast of South Iceland, the island group Vestmannaeyjar was formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is the youngest place on earth. Go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the archipelago. Here the evidence of Iceland’s volcanic fury is on full display with half-buried houses in ash from a violent eruption in 1973 when the entire island had to be evacuated. Aboard Zodiacs you circumnavigate the island to take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to see the local bird life, visit caves, and possibly spot whales. An epic experience here is to play a round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater.
Optional Activities (not included in your cruise fare - please contact us for details):
Bus Tour - Pompeii of the North - Lava Tour - This guided coach tour around Heimaey Island includes the volcanic crater and houses half-buried from the volcanic eruption of 1973. It‘s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife. The tour ends at the volcanic center. A unique museum tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the Surtsey Island eruption in 1963, and the geology of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.
Golf in the Volcano - Utilize the chance to play a memorable golf (ca. 4,5 hour) game in the famous Vestmannaeyjar Islands golf course which is located beside the sea in a sunken volcanic crater. Be stunned by the panoramic views over the rugged coast and the volcanic landscape while playing 18 holes at this challenging par 70 course. The course is ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best 200 courses in Europe.
Today sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, following the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. En-route you can attend fascinating presentations by 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 of your cabin.
When conditions are favorable travel along the 70-mile-long (112 km) Prins Christian Sound, which connects the Labrador and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, 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 hunks of ice break off and become floating icebergs.
Very close to the town of Narsarsuaq lies the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, founded by the legendary Viking rebel and leader Erik the Red. He named this area “green land” because the landscape around Qassiarsuk is characterized by inviting fjords and green, fertile valleys. During this stop you have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the early Norse settlers and visit the reconstructions of a Viking longhouse and small turf church.
Narsarsuaq Museum - This excursion is included for all guests. The Narsarsuaq Museum opens their doors for exclusively all guests of the Ocean Diamond. The museum was established in 1991 and houses a large collection of photos and artifacts from the American base “Blue West One”. The base was in operation from 1941 until 1958. The collection also has a section with focus on the Norse settlers and especially Erik the Red, who settled in Greenland more than 1,000 years ago.
Optional Activities:
Boat Trip Qoroq Ice Fjord - The Greenland ice cap produces 250 million tons of icebergs each summer and their final journey begins when they break off from glaciers and plunge directly into crystal-clear fjords. Near Narsarsuaq sail through the Qoroq Ice Fjord, weaving through hundreds of icebergs with a mesmerizing view of the Qoroq glacier off in the distance. The local boats pick you up at shipside and reach the Qoroq Ice Fjord in 30 minutes by boat. Cruise in between the icebergs and sail into the fjord to see the glacier in the distant. Here the captain stops the engine and you can enjoy the Arctic scenery and the silence.
Qassiarsuk Viking Heritage - Erik the Red, who settled in Qassiarsuk after being outlawed from Iceland, named his new homeland with fjord landscapes and fertile valleys “green land”. On this walking tour visit the ruins of Greenland’s first Christian Church and a reconstructed Viking longhouse. Furthermore your guide shares facts about the Viking's life and history in Greenland.
Hike to Tasiusaq - In Qassiarsuk meet your guide for your hike through stunning Arctic landscapes to the remote community of Tasiusaq. It used to be the home of sheep farmers but nowadays it is abandoned. Enjoy the beautiful view of the fjord system and the Arctic nature.
Hike and Kayak Tasiusaq - In Qassiarsuk meet your guide for your hike through stunning Arctic landscapes to the remote community of Tasiussaq. It used to be the home of sheep farmers but nowadays it is abandoned. When you arrive to Tasiussaq, your local guide gives you a short introduction to the kayak equipment before you start your extraordinary kayaking tour seeing glaciers and icebergs from a new and exciting perspective.
Helicopter Tour to Eqaluit Glacier - An aerial perspective gives a true sense of Greenland’s unbelievable size. During this “Flightseeing-Tour” by helicopter you see details that you would miss from an airplane. Flying low and slow, Greenland’s spectacular natural features like glacial moulins and icebergs seem to be right below your feet. The helicopter flies at low altitude over the coastal mountains before landing in front of the glacier. Use the pause of approx. 30 minutes to inspect and photograph the amazing glacier face before flying back.
Today visit Ikka Fjord. The underwater world is like no other, with a forest of remarkable mineral columns growing on the seabed. The columns formed over 10,000 years ago of the extremely rare mineral Ikait.
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and its oldest town. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, Nuuk combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is considered a modern, bustling metropolis compared to the rest of Greenland. Visit the city sites on a walking tour that ends at the National Museum which exhibits the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.
Optional Activities:
Grand City Tour, National Museum & Greenlandic Tapas - This guided bus tour brings you to the old city center and the new suburban area of modern architecture. The tour also includes a visit of the National Museum of Greenland which exhibits 500-year-old Inuit mummies discovered in Qilakitsoq 40 years ago as well as eating Greenlandic tapas at the culture house Katuaq.
Hiking Around Lille Malene - A short bus ride takes you to your starting point: the foot of the mountain Lille Malene. Soon you are out in the clean and untouched wilderness with magnificent views over the Nuuk fjord system, which is the second largest system in the world. The hike takes you along a trail with streams and small lakes. It provides many beautiful spots which are perfect for photo stops and lunchbreak. A local guide accompanies you and answers any questions you may have on the local environment or life in Greenland.
Food Tasting Nuuk - Meat from marine mammals, game, birds and fish has been the main ingredient in Greenlandic food for generations. The bus brings you to the outskirt of the city to the small Inuk Hostel. Here your local guide invites you to a tasting of Greenlandic products while he gives you an overview on hunting traditions and how hunting still defines the life of many Greenlanders. The tasting depends on what has been caught, like a variety of fish, maybe muskox, seal and other delicacies.
With approx. 5,600 inhabitants, Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland. It is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. The fishing industry still plays an important role. The natural harbor remains ice-free throughout the year which made it an attractive location for European whalers in former times.
In the morning reach Ilulissat village in fabled Disko Bay. Ilulissat is located beside the Ilulissat Icefjord. Delight in the thunderous spectacle when icebergs break off from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and plunge into the fjord. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. Spend the evening at the beautiful Eqip Glacier.
Optional Activities:
Ilulissat City Walk and Visit to Museum - An interesting cultural and historical walk to Ilulissat's most famous sites. Accompanied by a local guide you learn more about life 200 miles above of the Arctic Circle. The tour takes you to the harbor and the 18th-century Zion Church, which was once the largest man-made object in Greenland. Entrance to the museum included.
Hike to the Icebergs of Sermermiut - This guided hiking tour to the Inuit ruins at Sermermiut overlooks the famous Ilulissat Ice Fjord with floating, massive icebergs raising more than 100 m above sea level. Discover the culture and lifestyle of the early Inuit, the first people to settle Sermermiut around the year 2000 BC. 3 miles of moderate hiking.
Ice Fjord Cruise - Experience an unforgettable cruise to the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, where an underwater moraine catches many of the large icebergs. The only way to cross the moraine is via pressure from behind – therefore you always see a multitude of huge icebergs directly in front of Ilulissat.
Ice Fjord Round-trip flight - Experience an unforgettable flight over the ice fjord and the world’s most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq, which moves 72 feet per day (22 m). Your pilot flies low over the fjord and circles around the majestic icebergs which can reach a height of 3000 ft and a few miles in length.
Ummannaq is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 300 miles (483 km) 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 off Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded. 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.
Day 12: Disembark in Kangerlussuaq
1 Breakfast
Early morning you arrive at the 120-mile-long (193 km) Kangerlussuaq Fjord and city of the same name. It’s time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Transfer to the airport and board your charter flight to Keflavik-Reykjavik International Airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,995
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T - Triple Cabin
204-sq. ft., Deck 4, 2 twin beds and 1 upper bed, private bathroom with shower and bathtub, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer, and two portholes
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P - Outside Cabin with Porthole
204-sq. ft., Deck 3 - Outside cabins in this category feature a double bed or two twin beds and a private bathroom with a shower. They are roomy and feature a TV, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access and hairdryer. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2018.
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O - Outside Cabin - Obstructed View
204-sq. ft., Deck 5 & 6, Outside cabins in Category O feature a double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with a shower. Each cabin is equipped with a TV, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, hairdryer and satellite telephone access. The view through the picture window is obstructed by the ship’s lifeboats. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2017.
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D - Outside Cabin
183 - 204-sq. ft., Deck 5 & 6, Outside cabins in Category D with double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with shower. The cabin also includes a TV, wardrobe and refrigerator. Further amenities include individual temperature controls, hairdryer and satellite telephone access. A picture window provides great unrestricted views of the ocean and landscapes. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2017 and 2018.
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A - Balcony Suite
323-sq. ft., Deck 7, double bed or 2 twin beds, private bathroom with shower and bathtub, sitting area, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer, and a full-size window. Enjoy the view from floor-to-ceiling windows or a balcony that can be accessed via a sliding door.
Notes
The minimum age requirement is 8 years on the Iceland Circumnavigation cruise and 10 years of age for cruises that combine Greenland and Iceland. The age restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well being of the child.
Single supplement is 75% of published double-occupancy rate
Please note: only one shore excursion per port of call is bookable in advance. If conditions allow for excursions to be combined, staff will announce this on board. Shore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Please contact us for details.
- Prices include credit card fee
- You will be requested to pay a fee of USD $75 per person for changes to your booking made within 90 days of sailing. Changes in air and other arrangements may be subject to change fees and or increases by the air carrier. The costs normally increase closer to the departure date, for example, as a result of cancellation of additional products such as flights and cancellation fees that apply here.
- This cruise cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise including any and all land arrangements. An expectant mother's application for passage must be accompanied by a medical certificate establishing her due date and fitness to travel.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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