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Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Albatros
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Venture on a 10-day expedition aboard Ocean Albatros to Greenland's remote towns and stunning landscapes. From Kangerlussuaq, Greenland's largest air hub, sail through the Kangerlussuaq Fjord before arriving in Sisimiut, the second-largest city is steeped in history. Next, head to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich volcanic soil. In Uummannaq, known as the "Greenlandic Riviera," you'll be treated to unparalleled views and fascinating history. Continue through majestic fjords, including Uummannaq Fjord and Eqip Sermia Glacier, before reaching Ilulissat—the Iceberg Capital of the World. Explore Inuit heritage in Itilleq and Kangaamiut, then conclude your journey in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. This Arctic adventure uniquely blends nature, history, and culture.
IlulissatColorful houses of GreenlandWonder around IlulissatThe walkway to the Icefjord outside IlulissatAkulleq, Qeqqata, GreenlandSisimiutUummannaq: Explore the heart of North GreenlandItilleq: Greenland's southernmost islandVisit Inuit villageEqip SermiaExplore Kangerlussuaq
Highlights
  • Explore Sisimiut’s blend of ancient and modern Greenland
  • Witness icebergs in Disko Bay’s crystal-clear waters
  • Visit Ilulissat’s Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore Uummannaq beneath its “Heart-Shaped” mountain
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland | Embarkation

On Day 1 of the expedition, you arrive in Kangerlussuaq, located on Greenland’s west coast— the island's primary travel hub.

Nestled at the head of a 160 km-long fjord, Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s only inland town. Originally established in 1941 as Sondrestrom Air Base (Bluie West-8) by the U.S. military, the town still carries a distinct "Cold War" ambiance, reflecting its past as a strategic American military outpost. After being transferred to the Greenlandic government in 1992, Kangerlussuaq became Greenland's largest air hub, with daily flights arriving from Denmark and other parts of the country. Its stable, fog-free climate and location away from coastal weather systems make it ideal for air travel, but Kangerlussuaq also experiences some of Greenland’s most extreme temperatures— registering the highest summer and lowest winter temperatures on the island.

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the small port west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatros awaits at anchor. Zodiacs will take you to the ship, where you’ll check in and settle into your stateroom. After a brief safety drill, enjoy a delicious dinner and a glass of champagne as the ship sets sail, embarking on an adventure through the stunning Kangerlussuaq Fjord.

Day 2: Sisimiut, Greenland's Second City

After breakfast, Ocean Albatros arrives in the vibrant city of Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest city, with a population of around 5,400. This charming destination offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modern life. Paleo-Inuit people have inhabited the area since 2,500 BC, migrating from Arctic Canada in waves. Evidence of their presence, such as turf huts and tent camps, can still be found scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, including on Tele Island, just a short and pleasant walk from the harbor.

In 1756, Count Johan Ludvig Holstein founded a colony here, naming it "Holsteinsborg." The oldest part of Sisimiut features buildings from this era, with the oldest dating back to 1756. One of the city’s most significant landmarks is the Blue Church, built in 1775. This well-preserved structure sits in the historical museum district and is a prime location to learn about Greenland’s past.

Today, Sisimiut is a thriving hub of education and industry. It plays a vital role in Greenland’s fishing industry, with one of the largest and most modern fish processing plants in the world located at its harbor. Nearby, you’ll find the headquarters of KNI, a government-run company that supplies remote settlements across Greenland.

Take time to explore the city’s vibrant center, where modern life blends with traditional practices. Stroll around Spedjesø, visit the cultural center Taseralik, explore the city museum, or browse traditional artworks at the Artists Workshop. As the day draws to a close, Ocean Albatros sets sail toward Qeqertarsuaq, navigating the iceberg-studded waters of Disko Bay (Qeqertarsuup Tunua).

Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island

Nestled below Disko Island’s 1,000-meter mountains, we pull into port in a beautifully sheltered natural harbor. The place was aptly named Godhavn (“Good Harbor”) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name “Qeqertarsuaq” simply means “The Big Island”. 

For most of Greenland’s modern history, Godhavn was the political and economic capital of North Greenland (while Godthåb, now Nuuk, served this role in Southern Greenland). Its importance was due to the vast economic activity generated by whaling in Disko Bay, the preeminent Arctic industry since the 16th Century. As the whaling industry collapsed in the early 1900s, Godhavn lost its political status as all government functions moved south to Godthåb/Nuuk, and the town was forced to reinvent itself, changing its name to Qeqertarsuaq in 1979 . Today, hunting and fishing are the main industries in Qeqertarsuaq, while tourism is becoming increasingly important. Ferries arrive in the town daily in summer from around Disko Bay, while in winter, access is only by helicopter from nearby Ilulissat. 

Qeqertarsuaq’s sweeping red-and-black basalt mountains are radically different to the rolling granite hills which characterize much of Greenland, and provide a much richer soil. Despite being situated well above the Arctic Circle, this rich volcanic soil and the area’s mild microclimate make it much more green and lush compared to the rest of the country. Locals from all over Disko Bay come to the island in summer to hunt and collect angelica, herbs and mushrooms, and the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches attract visitors from all over the world. The town itself is typically Greenlandic, with quaint multicolored homes, a splendid museum, and the unique octagonal church nicknamed 'God's Inkpot' (built in the Norwegian stave style). With excellent hiking opportunities, friendly locals, and a fascinating place in regional history, Qeqertarsuaq has a lot to offer.

On the afternoon of your day on Disko Island, the vessel is slightly repositioned to the east, then launch the fleet of Zodiacs to explore the coast of Kuannit. Kuannit means 'Angelica' in Greenlandic, referring to the herb that grows abundantly on the rich south-facing slopes of the island. This stretch of coastline is one of Greenland's best-kept secrets; with lush greenery dripping with water from mountain springs, spectacularly weird basalt rock formations riddled with caves and waterfalls, and plenty of sapphire-blue icebergs, this secluded section of coast is one of the most spectacular in the Arctic. 

From Kuannit, we will set a northerly course towards Uummannaq Fjord. 

 

Day 4: Akulleq and Uummannaq Fjord

At the heart of the maze of islands and fjords north of Nuussuaq Peninsula lies Akulleq - an island whose name aptly translates as 'The Center'. This island is a geological marvel, a slab of vivid yellow rock amid the crystal blue Arctic waters. The rock is billions of years old, although, in this part of Greenland, the age is unremarkable. Understanding rocks of this age is incredibly challenging, however, scientists believe that these unique rocks formed in the deep ocean floor, at a time when only single-celled life existed on planet Earth. 

Akulleq offers a window into the geological past, as well as the unique ecology of this part of Greenland. Uninhabited and rarely visited, Akulleq is the ideal location to experience pristine Arctic nature. Hunt for tiny saxifrage flowers, watch icebergs drift past, and feel billions of years of geological time beneath your feet on this lonely, barren yet beautiful island. 

During the afternoon, we will be guided by the patterns of weather and ice as we hunt for a location to explore Uummannaq Fjord by Zodiac. Every corner of this vast fjord system holds jaw-dropping views, vast icebergs, and vibrant rock formations - perfect for exploring on the water! 

 

Day 5: Uummannaq, the Greenlandic Riviera

The small city of Uummannaq sits perched precariously at the foot of a massive mountain. Like the rest of the area, here the mountain reaches vertically out of the icy depths, punching 1170m into the clear blue sky. Uummannaq mountain (translated from Greenlandic as “heart shaped”) is a true Greenlandic icon, and is a mecca for climbers who visit from all over the world. The city itself occupies a small area of flatter ground at the foot of the mountain, founded by Danish colonists in 1763 – some of the original buildings from this era can still be visited in the harbor-front area. More recently, Uummannaq has become famous in Scandinavia as the home of Santa Claus – the small turf house belonging to the festive hero himself can be reached via a pleasant (if challenging) 2-3h hike out of town. 

As for many towns in Greenland however, the Inuit history of the area reaches back much further. At some point around the year 1600, a group of Inuit women and children died in the area (possibly in a boating accident). They were lovingly laid to rest in a rocky cairn under a cliff on the mainland overlooking Uummannaq at a site called Qilakitsoq, protected from the rain and snow, but exposed to the dry Arctic wind which mummified their bodies. They were rediscovered in 1972 by two brothers from Uummannaq (possibly on the advice of elders in Uummannaq, who had preserved rumors of the site for centuries). The mummies were taken to Denmark for analysis before being returned to Greenland, where today they rest in the National Museum in Nuuk. The small museum in Uummannaq did not have the facilities to house such an important find, but several artifacts such as clothing from the archaeological site (as well as a plethora of finds from before, during, and after the Qilakitsoq period) are displayed, along with a cabinet of curiosities from the city’s brief mining boom. 

Uummannaq itself is a lively little town. Expect to see enterprising locals selling handicrafts in the grassy town square, while others sell their catch in the local fish market - always a fascinating sight. Watch fishermen bait their long lines as they head out in search of halibut, or load up with provisions for hunting trips deep into the vast fjordlands outside town.  

Ensure you are on Ocean Albatros’ outer decks during the sail-out from Uummannaq – the deep clear blue iceberg-studded waters of the fjord and the dramatic vertical mountains around the city offer some of the best views in Greenland. With a calm microclimate and round-the-clock summer sunshine, not for nothing is this staggeringly beautiful area nicknamed the Greenlandic Riviera!

 

Day 6: Eqip Sermia

From Uummannaq, we return to the heart of Disko Bay, setting sail towards Eqip Sermia. 

Eqip Sermia (a typically descriptive Greenlandic name meaning 'the Glacier at the End of the Fjord') is a relatively small glacier compared to many in Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice tumbles off the vast glacier front almost constantly. Watching the vast cataracts of ice fall into the ocean is a sight that has to be seen to be believed, and the comfortable viewing decks of Ocean Albatros offer the best possible platform to do so... Perhaps with a specially crafted cocktail in hand! 

If conditions allow, a launch of a fleet of Zodiacs approach this vast river of ice, and hopefully experience the roar of the glacier's frequent calvings at sea level (from a safe distance of course)! 

From Eqip Sermia, we will reposition slightly southwards during the evening towards Ilulissat, the largest city in Disko Bay and the Iceberg Capital of the World. 

 

Day 7: Ilulissat, Iceberg Capital of the World

This is it. This is why visitors from all over the world come to Greenland. Translated from Kalaallisut simply as ‘icebergs’, Ilulissat is rightly known the world over as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. Surely no other city on Earth occupies such a spectacular natural setting. 

Situated within a short walk of the harbor lies Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side, Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay near the city of Ilulissat back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This is the single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While archaeological finds detail the long Inuit habitation of the area, the modern town has steadily flourished in the 280 years since its establishment; legendary Arctic explorer, Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home now houses the city museum. Today, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants, and is undoubtedly Greenland’s tourism capital, with more hotel rooms than even Nuuk. The city offers excellent amenities to visitors, with fresh locally caught seafood served in the city’s cafes and restaurants, and excellent shopping – look out, especially for the Artist’s Workshop above the harbor, where you can buy handmade artworks directly from the artist. The city typically experiences dry sunny weather throughout the summer, and there are a variety of well-marked hiking routes around the Icefjord, with options to suit all abilities. 

During the visit, you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough excitement, there is also the opportunity to join a flightseeing excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies).

Please note the boat and flight excursions to the Icefjord are not included in the general voyage price. 

 

Day 8: Itilleq - experience small-town Greenland

The settlement of Itilleq, which translates roughly as "the Crossing Place from the Sea” nestles at the foothills of the mountains and fjords which line central Greenland's backcountry. Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many tiny villages dotting the coast of Greenland. The settlement is situated in the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed due to its ancient Inuit hunting heritage, documenting the entire habitation history of Greenland.

While the turf houses and hide tents have been replaced by colorful modern houses, the lifestyle here has changed little since the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highways are the water and the ice, and the sea and tundra continue to nourish the locals, as they have for thousands of years. Arctic char, reindeer, and muskoxen are typical catches and are all plentiful in the area. 

Despite this ancient heritage, locals in Itilleq are still firmly in the modern world, with smartphones, speedy wifi, and satellite TV. However, the people of Itilleq remain justly proud of their ancient heritage and continue to move their culture forward in a modern fast-paced world. Locals are pleased to show off their picturesque town, and visitors are greeted with typical warm Greenlandic hospitality.

 

Day 9: Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden

On the next day of the expedition, you will arrive at the small village of Kangaamiut, an incredibly picturesque settlement in Greenland’s central Qeqqata region. Surrounded by cold rich waters and a vast backcountry brimming with game, life in Kangaamiut moves at a slower pace, and locals still live a largely traditional lifestyle, surviving by hunting and fishing. Hike to the heliport atop the hill for stunning views over the town and the surrounding fjordlands, or meet the friendly local people during a display of traditional clothing, foods, and seal-flensing. The artists of Kangaamiut are well-known throughout Greenland, and some of the locals' most splendid work can be viewed in the town's small museum. 

In the afternoon, you will sail inland into Evighedsfjorden/Kangerlussuatsiaq, one of the many deep fjords carved between the steep mountains of this region. The Danish name 'Evighedsfjorden' means 'The Eternity Fjord', referring to the vast size of the inlet, while the Greenlandic name 'Kangerlussuatsiaq' translates as 'The Rather Large Fjord' - something of an understatement! Evighedsfjorden stretches around 100km into the glacier-clad mountains, bisecting the large ice cap that overlies much of the land between Nuuk and Sisimiut - Greenland's two largest cities. The aim is to explore on a Zodiac cruise in front of the Evigheds Glacier, which flows into the fjord from the Maniitsoq Ice Cap above. Watch for calvings from the glacier, and guillemots and kittiwakes on the nearby bird cliffs.

 

Day 10: Nuuk, Greenland | Disembarkation

  • 1 Breakfast
On the final day of the voyage, you arrive in Nuuk, Greenland's small but perfectly formed capital city. A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. The vibrant bustling capital of Greenland, Nuuk feels much larger than its 19,000 inhabitants and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors.

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Albatros Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 

 

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros BBQ Deck
Ocean Albatros Fitness
Ocean Albatros Pool Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,995 2-3 travelers
Ocean Albatros Cat GOcean Albatros Cat G
Category G
Single Stateroom (Porthole) - 14 m2 Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
Ocean Albatros Cat FOcean Albatros Cat F
Category F
Triple Stateroom (Porthole) - 22 m2 There are four Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
Ocean Albatros Cat EOcean Albatros Cat E
Category E
French Balcony Stateroom - 14 m2 The French Balcony Suite is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Suites are located on Deck 7.
Ocean Albatros Cat DOcean Albatros Cat D
Category D
Albatros Stateroom (Porthole) - 13-22 m2 The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
Category C
Balcony Stateroom - 18-22 m2 The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom and a sofa that can be used as a bed for a child if traveling as a family. If you desire to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is also a possibility within this category.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
Category Csp
Superior Balcony Stateroom (48) app. 24 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat COcean Albatros Cat C Balcony
Category Cxl
Grand Balcony Stateroom (4) app. 30 sqm, including Balcony.
Ocean Albatros Cat BOcean Albatros Cat B Balcony
Category B
Balcony Suite approximately - 25-32 m2 Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Ocean Albatros Cat AOcean Albatros Cat A Balcony
Category A
Junior suite - 39 m2 The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
Ocean Albatros Premium SuiteOcean Albatros Premium Suite
Premium Suite (Freydis Suite)
Premium suite - 45 m2 – FS (Freydis Suite) The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.
Ocean Albatros Family SuiteOcean Albatros Family Suite
Family Suite (Brynhilde Suite)
Family suite - 52 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite) The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is going to be located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed. This category is available upon request. Please refer to Albatros Expeditions for price.

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 $345/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.

Possible shared staterooms for same-gender, single travelers: Category C (Balcony Stateroom) and Category F (Triple Porthole Stateroom)
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Welcome and Farewell Cocktails   
  • Digital visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more.
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team
  • Special photo workshop
  • Guided walks with the expedition team
  • Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
  • Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
  • Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
  • Selected excursions and experiences in port, as per itinerary
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
  • Anything not mentioned under 'inclusions'
  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance of at least $200,000 per passenger is required. Please bring a copy of your insurance onboard.
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
  • Drink package: All day house spirits, house wines, house beer, and soda. Approximately $35 per day (rate subject to change)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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