Explore some of the most isolated regions in the world as the Ocean Atlantic and Zodiacs take you to areas that are otherwise inaccessible on this 13-day voyage. The unrivaled natural beauty of these remote lands is simply breathtaking: you can’t help but marvel at the red heart-shaped mountain of Uummannaq, the soaring rock faces of the Sam Ford Fjord, the freshly calved bergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord, and the sheer ruggedness of islands inhabited only by iconic Arctic creatures such as walrus and polar bears. In one mystical expedition, experience the wonder of the wilderness of these two historic islands.
Highlights
Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit Sam Ford Fjord, one of the planet's most beautiful & isolated places
View Arctic wildlife, such as walrus and possibly polar bears
Visit traditional settlements and meet Greenlandic and Inuit locals
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your Arctic adventure with an overnight stay in Ottawa, Canada. Explore the Canadian capital on your own, before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
After breakfast, board your charter flight to Iqaluit, where your first Zodiac ride transfers you from shore to ship. Experience the power of nature, as the tides here are the second highest in Canada, rising up to 39 feet (12 meters) twice a day. On board, meet your Expedition Team, the captain, and his officers.
Off the southern coast of Baffin Island, this small, isolated island is completely uninhabited, except for the large population of impressive arctic animals that call the rugged terrain home. With your experienced expedition staff, get up close, exploring the rocky shoreline in a Zodiac and scouting for hauled-out walrus and polar bears prowling for food.
Today, cross north of the Arctic Circle. Wandering the historical remains of a whaling station on the uninhabited island of Kekerten, it’s easy to envision what life was like during the height of whaling in the Cumberland Sound area.This National Historic Site of Canada was charted by Scottish whaler Captain William Penny in 1840 and soon became a major whaling destination. The site was abandoned around 1926, after whaling declined and local Inuit families moved to the mainland community of Pangnirtung, where a trading post was established by the Hudson’s Bay Company.
As you cruise toward the picturesque Pangnirtung, see why this Inuit hamlet at the mouth of the Pangnirtung Fjord is called the Switzerland of the Arctic. Tucked beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Duval, Pang is also a renowned artists’ haven. Stop by the studio at the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts to view the traditional colorful tapestries that have attracted worldwide attention for decades. Here, also get a sense of local Inuit activities, such as sealing, fishing, and hunting.
As your ship steams briefly south, enjoy the views of the southern coast of Baffin Island. While you spend this day at sea, join expedition staff as they look for whales and birdlife out on deck. This is your chance to relax with a glass of wine or hot tea and simply take in the wondrous beauty around you.
Continue sailing around the Cumberland Peninsula, letting the weather guide the expedition's choice of shore landings as you explore this scenic region.
Situated about 380 miles (450 km) north of the Arctic Circle, in the land where the sun never sets, Sam Ford Fjord is truly one of the most isolated places on the planet. Yet this little-explored area of Baffin Island is one of the world’s best big-wall playgrounds, attracting intrepid climbers eager to scale the sheer rock faces that shoot straight out of the sea. Have your camera ready, as the number of huge formations here are awe-inspiring.
Tonight traverse Baffin Bay, saying goodbye to Canadian shores. Expedition staff preview the excitement still to come in Greenland—glaciers and mummies!
In the morning, visit the abandoned settlement of Qilaqitsoq (also known as Qilakitsoq), where a ghoulish discovery was made in 1972: the two graves of eight fully dressed mummies, thought to have drowned circa 1475. The remains of three women and a child are kept at the Greenland National Historic Museum in Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital.
Be sure to be out on deck as you approach the stunning sight of Uummannaq, its colorful peaked houses perched on the rocky foothills of the red heart-shaped mountain that gave the community its name. Founded as a Danish colony in 1758 on the Nuussuaq mainland, five years later the settlement moved here, where seal hunting was more plentiful. A hike up a gently sloping hill overlooking the seaside town yields a panoramic view of icebergs, sea, and mountains.
Today, sail to one of the most breathtaking places in Greenland: the beautiful Eqip Sermia. As you trace the front of the massive calving glacier from a safe distance, the sounds and sight of huge chunks of ice crashing into the sea are simply spectacular.
Have your camera out as you approach Ilulissat. The nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a tidal fjord covered with massive ice, has fascinated scientists for over 250 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the sea mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), the fastest-moving glacier in the world, which produces at least 10 percent of all of Greenland’s calf ice. In fact, the young icebergs you see here eventually end up off the coast of Newfoundland years later. Exploring the beauty of this natural phenomenon, you are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of glaciers and ice caps.
Surrounded by sea, fjords, and mountains, the picturesque village of Itilleq is situated on an island with no freshwater source (a facility desalinates seawater). The community, whose main trade is fishing and hunting, welcomes you and shows you their way of life. Later, join locals in a friendly soccer match.
Day 12: Disembark in Kangerslussuaq, Greenland | Fly to Ottawa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After disembarking in Kangerslussuaq, a former U.S. military base, transfer to your charter flight to Ottawa, where you spend the night at your included hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Day 13: Depart Ottawa, Canada
1 Breakfast
Today, make your way to the airport or spend a relaxing day exploring in the city.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
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.
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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
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