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Hanseatic Inspiration

The Hanseactic Inspiration raises the bar in the expedition cruise segment and features numerous structural elements that enhance the expedition experience even more. Retractable glass balconies on the sun deck give you the feeling of hovering directly above the water and you can stand on the circuit on the bow of the ship to be closer to the action – even closer than the captain.
The new ship can accommodate 199 guests on Antarctica and Arctic cruises (230 for other voyages) with exclusively outside cabins, almost all of which have their own balcony or french balcony. There are 3 first class restaurants on board as well as a spa, fitness centre, pool and multiple bars and lounges to help you relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring all Antarctica has to offer.

Day 1 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Day 2 At Sea

During your days at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. If you want to expand your expedition knowledge immerse yourself in learning more by listening to one of the experts presentations or do some of your own research in the Ocean Academy.

Day 3 Qeqertarsuaq

In Qeqertarsuaq, travel back in time to the late 18th century, when whaler Svend Sandgreen founded the town on Disko Island, which – with its picturesque houses from the colonial era – enchants those who visit to this very day. The whales used to attract hunters; today, the gentle giants of the sea attract looks of amazement when they spout water close to the ship.

Day 4 Uummannaq

Explore the colourful town of Uummannaq. It has a “heart” for explorers: this settlement was named for the heart-shaped mountain that towers above it and radiates different shades of red as the sun moves through the day.

Day 5 Storoen & Ukkusissat

In the glow of the perpetual dusk, the desert isle of Storoen seems like a lunar landscape – a geological treasure of the far north bathed in unique plays of colour from ochre to red.

In the peaceful fishing and hunting village of Ukkusissat, also seemingly not of this world, time appears to have stood still. The inhabitants’ lives have changed little over the years, and they will provide impressive insights into their traditions.

Day 6 Marmorilik & Upernavik

In the former marble mining site of Marmorilik, you will encounter the miners’ past. The first excavations in Maamorilik took place from 1938, possibly earlier, with operations continuing until 1945, and again from 1973 to 25 July 1990 when the mine was closed. During seventeen years of operation, the mine yield of zinc ore amounted to twelve million tonnes.

Upernavik is a small town in the Avannaata municipality in northwestern Greenland, located on a small island of the same name. With 1,055 inhabitants as of 2017, it is the thirteenth-largest town in Greenland.  The town was founded as Upernavik in 1772. From the former name of its island, it was sometimes known as Women’s Island.  It bears runic characters left by Norsemen, probably from the late 13th century, this is the furthest north that any Norse artifacts have been found.

Days 7-10  North-West Coast of Greenland

Depending on the ice, the Hanseatic Inspiration will continue its inexorable journey towards Northwest Greenland, allowing you to explore unknown shores – just like Knud Rasmussen. The polar explorer founded a missionary station in North Star Bay in 1909, and later the world’s most northerly trading post at Old Thule. He began many expeditions from here, long before the settlement was renamed Qaanaaq and moved to make way for a US airbase during the Cold War.

In the footsteps of daring explorers, your crew use their great experience in polar voyages to find the safest passage through these seldom-visited waters. In the remote village of Siorapaluk with its picturesque mountain backdrop, the people live close to and with nature. Explorer Robert Peary also made a stop here in 1909 on his journey towards the North Pole. He is commemorated by a memorial on Cape York, where the ship will cruise depending on the ice.

Day 11 Kangersuatsiaq

In Greenland’s northernmost settlements, fishing and hunting are part of everyday life – as in Kangersuatsiaq on a small island in the Upernavik archipelago. Far from modern urban life, you will delve deep into the raw, wild beauty of the untouched north. With luck, you will enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters with imposing musk oxen, seabirds and whales as well as thrilling moments with the glorious forces of nature.

Day 12 Ilulissat

Gaze in awe as the breathtaking foot of the Eqip Sermia Glacier stretches out for 7 km before you, along with Ilulissat’s vast panorama along the ice fjord. Soak in the wonders of nature and knowledge on a hike with your experts. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ice fjord is also the setting for what is possibly Greenland’s most intoxicating nature spectacle.

Day 13 Disko Bay

Bring your expedition in the Arctic summer to an unforgettable conclusion by watching a majestic “water ballet” of drifting icebergs  and unforgettable landscapes from a Zodiac. You should also see an abundance of wildlife as it is home to a wide range of species due to the nutrient-rich waters.

Day 14 Sisimiut

Sisimiut has been inhabited for the last 4,500 years, first by the Inuit people of the Saqqaq culture, Dorset culture, and then the Thule people, whose descendants form the majority of the current population.  Sisimiut is the largest business center north of the national capital of Nuuk and is one of the fastest growing cities in Greenland. Wander the streets of this colourful town or take a hike to Tele Island and marvel at the picturesque old town.

Day 15 Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

After breakfast disembark the Hanseatic Inspiration for your onward journey.