From majestic glaciers and icebergs floating in deep-blue water to the island’s unique indigenous wildlife, the natural wonders of Greenland are the stars of this soft adventure voyage. Whales and seals often accompany the Ocean Diamond, while musk oxen graze ashore.
Highlights
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 Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital or explore the sights of south and west Iceland. The Ocean Diamond 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 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 your 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.
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 exploring East Greenland.
The Skjoldungen Fjord is bordered by towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides with serpentine rivers of ice plunging into the sea. It is 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 70 mile (112 km) 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 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 a small turf church.
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.
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 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 Sermeq Kujalleq 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 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: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning reach the 120-mile (190 km) Kangerlussuaq Fjord and the town of the same name. It’s time to say goodbye to the Ocean Diamond.
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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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.
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days 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
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.