With the world’s largest fjord systems, Greenland beckons you to explore on this 13-day voyage on the Ocean Atlantic. Iceberg-choked fjords, tundra hikes, and the Arctic wildlife of Greenland National Park create picture-perfect scenes every day. See some of the world's best displays of the aurora borealis and visit local Inuit settlements to learn about their inhabitants' connection to the past with their tradition of living off the land. With active options, you can climb atop mountains and watch herds of grazing musk oxen on the horizon. This is pure wilderness, the untouched Arctic.
Highlights
Experience Greenland’s vast landscapes and the world’s largest fjord system
Visit the largest and most remote national park on the planet
Spend time in a local Inuit community, Ittoqqortoormiit
Catch sightings of muskoxen, arctic fox, seabirds, dolphins, and whales
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board a charter flight from Keflavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, transfer to the small port located west of the airport, where the ship will be anchored. Zodiacs will transfer you the short distance to the ship, where you will be checked in to your outside cabin. After the safety drill, enjoy a welcome dinner as Ocean Atlantic cruises through the 160-kilometer Kangerlussuaq fjord.
Listen to a lecture from our experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature – or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
The world's smallest capital is in Greenland, where it is considered by many a mighty metropolis - a total of 17,000 people live here today, almost a third of the country’s population.
The area has been inhabited since 2200 BCE by pre-Inuit hunters. From 1000 to 1350 CE, the Icelandic Vikings and farmers settled in South Greenland and in the Nuuk Fjord, while at the same time Inuit hunters of the Thule culture moved south from North Greenland. The Nordic settlers disappeared around 1350 CE, but the Inuit stayed, being far better equipped to hunt and survive in the tough Arctic nature.
Modern history of Greenland began in 1721, when the Norse missionary Hans Egede founded a permanent colony and trading station near Nuuk. In fact, Egede’s main purpose to return to Greenland was to convert the Catholic northerners to Lutherans, but soon after his arrival he realized the Norse had disappeared, a mystery still unresolved.
Reach South Greenland and expect the reach Arsuk Fjord with the small settlement of the same name. But the important call here is the former cryolite mine at Ivituut, the only place in the world where this very special mineral was mined until depleted 30 years ago. Used in aluminum melting, the mineral became strategically important, and forced the Americans to set up bases in South Greenland to protect the supply during WW 2.
Kap Farvel (Ummannarsuaq), or Cape Farewell, is renowned not only as Greenland's southernmost point, but also for its infamous, although mostly seasonal, gale-force winds.
The captain will opt for a far more comfortable but at the same time more spectacular route, cruising via the inside passage through the Prince Christian Sound (Ikerasassuaq). This 60 km long waterway, from the settlement Aapilattoq in the heart of the fjordlands of South West Greenland to the Atlantic in the east.
The island of Skjoldungen is without doubt one of most beautiful areas in East Greenland. Situated at 63° N, the island is surrounded by narrow, steep fjords and glaciers, and with plenty of the cool, crisp and clean air of the ever present and nearby ice sheet. Still, find and experience a lush landscape and a milder climate than most would expect. Acclaimed Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen came here in late summer 1888 in search of a suitable ascension point for the first Greenland Icecap crossing.
Skjoldungen is also the name of an abandoned settlement, located on the southwest side of the island. Up to 100 people lived here until 1965, and some houses remain. Continue your journey to Dronning Marie Dal in the area's northwestern corner to get a closer view of its interesting flora.
This morning, approach the Island of Ammassalik and enter King Oskar's harbor with the Polhem Mountain to starboard and Tasiilaq, east Greenland's largest town, before the ship. Although massive ice floes surround Tasiilaq making shipping traffic impossible most of the year, it has well-functioning educational institutions and health services. Visit the beautiful local museum with the old turf hut, which undoubtedly is the place with the very best opportunities to buy some of Greenland's best crafts. From Tasiilaq, spend the rest of the day exploring the dramatic fjords and landscapes of the Ammassalik district.
The coastline from the Ammassalik area to Scoresbysund Fjord is among the most dramatic in the world. 2-3000 meter mountains rise directly from the sea in Denmark Strait, which is often filled with pack ice from the Arctic Ocean. The coast was inaccessible to both Inuit and European whalers, and it was not until 1899 that a small group of Danes led by Captain Amdrup managed to cover the 500 dangerous miles in a rowing boat. Ocean Atlantic will pass the coast towards Scoresbysund in approximately 2½ days. Local wind and ice conditions determine route and possible landings. Hope to visit the abandoned settlement at the Kangerlussuaq fjord and go ashore at the dramatic Nansen Fjord.
Possibly the most dramatic coast outside of Antarctica, the Blosseville coast is guarded by Greenland’s highest mountains and steepest fjords – and a belt of pack ice which before global warming would keep out any adventurous sailor for years. The recent decade has had warmer summers and much less ice which enables ice strengthened vessels such as the Ocean Atlantic to venture along the coast, on lookout for stunning wildlife, abandoned Inuit settlements and otherworldly landscapes.
After passing Blosseville Coast, the ship will navigate the pointed Cape Brewster and arrive at the world's largest fjord, Scoresbysund.
Cross the huge entrance of Scoresbysund during the night and arrive at the Inuit community Ittoqqortoormiit in the morning. About 500 people live here, most of whom base a large portion of their households on hunting. Seal, muskoxen and polar bear skins hang to dry outside many of the houses, and the sled dogs are waiting for sea ice to be safe for the first hunts of the fall. The town is extremely isolated, and the inhabitants only receive ship supplies twice a year. We have established good contacts with the local residents during our earlier visits and can go ashore to experience this unique little community.
Tomorrow cruise further into the fjord and hope to do a landing before returning to the Denmark Strait and the open sea.
The amazing visual menu of the day is nothing less than the longest fjord in the world, Scoresbysund. Explore this fjord and hope to be able to offer kayaking and landings, weather and ice conditions permitting.
The last day will be at sea getting glimpses of sea birds migrating south.
Onboard lecturers will make inspiring and enriching presentations about Iceland’s and Greenland’s history, nature, wildlife and climatology. A captain’s farewell drink and a slideshow of the voyage will also be presented this evening.
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.
$5,690
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Cat. F - Triple
204-sq. ft., Deck 4, Outside on deck 4 with 2 lower beds and 1 upper bed and a private bathroom with shower/WC. They are roomy and feature a TV, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access and hairdryer. A picture window provides great unrestricted views of the ocean and landscapes. All triple cabins in category T were redecorated in 2018.
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Category P - Porthole
17 m2 / 185 sqft, Deck 3 - Description: 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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Category O - Window Obstructed
16 m2 / 172 sqft, Deck 5 & 6 Description: 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 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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Category C
16-18 m2 / 172-192 sqft, Deck 4 & 6 Description: Outside cabins 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, a 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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Category A
323-sq. ft., Deck 7, Balcony Suites offer double or twin beds and a private bathroom with a shower. A sitting area with a TV, wardrobe, and refrigerator makes your stay even more pleasant. Additional amenities include individual temperature controls, a hairdryer and satellite telephone access. 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 the 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 the cruise fare. Please contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25%, 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
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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.
