Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise aboard the SH Diana, passing through the dramatic landscapes of the North Atlantic. The adventure commences in Canada's charming maritime region, departing from vibrant Halifax and sailing to Saint John's and historic L'Anse-aux-Meadows. Explore Greenland's traditional ways of life and striking landscapes, visiting picturesque towns such as Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq, and Aappilattoq while being captivated by the raw beauty of Prins Christian Sund and Skjoldungen's icy wilderness. Finally, this cruise provides a relaxing time at sea before experiencing Iceland's iconic contrasting landscapes, including the beautiful and historical Westfjords region, along with the sleek and modern city of Reykjavik.
Highlights
Explore Halifax's maritime museums, fortresses, and bunkers to discover its nautical history
Discover the 1,000-year-old Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, the first Viking site in the Americas
Visit Narsarsuaq for easy access to the Greenland Ice Sheet and Erik the Red's Norse settlement
Explore the Norse ruins and the oldest fountain in Greenland in Qaqortoq
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
In the morning, join the group and transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on SH Diana for your adventure.
Nova Scotia’s lively capital is rich in nautical history and charm. Its seafaring stories can be discovered in the maritime museums, fortresses, and bunkers that are peppered throughout the city. There is also an interesting counterculture contingent here, with striking public art and quirky shops on every other corner. Halifax is also home to plenty of fantastic seafood options, from street vendors to fine-dining restaurants. The surrounding shorelines are beautiful and also worth exploring. Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse, is a favorite spot.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip, or head to the library, which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures, or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.
St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is located at the beginning of the Trans-Canada Highway and is the most easterly city in North America. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.
The 1,000-year-old Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows (Meadows Cove) on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland is the first and only authenticated Viking site in the Americas, believed to have been occupied by Leif Erikson, the first European to explore the east coast of Canada in around 1021. Discover some of the 800 original Norse artifacts and eight sod houses found here on a tour of the recreated village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Qaqortoq is the largest city in South Greenland and the perfect base to explore the Norse (Viking) ruins encompassed by the extensive UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage Site. The town is home to the oldest fountain in Greenland. Completed in 1932, it depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes.
Narsarsuaq is a small town in a large, flat area near the head of the Tunulliarfik Fjord (Skovfjorden). Visitors can easily access the Greenland Ice Sheet, Erik the Red’s historical Norse settlement, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The small, colorful, and pretty Nordic homes of Aappilattoq, the only settlement in Prins Christian Sund, stand stark against snow-tipped mountain ridges in this icy wilderness.
In Prins Christian Sund, a beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, move among fin, blue, and minke whales, while you may also see muskox, polar bears, and bearded seals. Enjoy these unspoiled, picturesque waterways where magnificent glaciers tower and granite cliffs yield to crystal-clear waterfalls.
On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birches, Arctic wildflowers, and willow forests, with the Thrym Glacier at one end. High rock walls, serpentine rivers, and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white-to-blue spectrum. You also have the opportunity to see whales under pure blue skies.
Today, as you sail, bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa, or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Patreksfjordur, the largest town in the southern part of Iceland’s striking Westfjords region, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland’s fishing industry. Today, commercial fishing remains the town’s primary industry. One of Patreksfjordur’s main draws is the nearby Látrabjarg Cliff. This stunning slice of coastline is Europe’s largest bird cliff, as well as being the continent’s most western point. One of the world’s best seabird-watching spots, this place is a must-see for keen ornithologists. Látrabjarg Cliff is also the perfect place to capture that iconic puffin photo. The puffins here are protected and have little reason to fear humans, allowing for some excellent photo opportunities.
Day 13: Reykjavik | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends in Reykjavik. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson, is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building, Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavik's regenerated harbor and also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavik Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection, including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometers outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head to the airport via the group transfer provided and catch your flight home.
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.
$12,8222-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
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Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
12 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
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 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours 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
2 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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
