WEST GREENLAND & DISKO BAY
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11 DAYS
This exceptional 11 day voyage departs in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and finishes in Reykjavík, Iceland. Along Greenland’s west coast visit find colorful Inuit villages, as well as the capital city of Nuuk. Cruise through Disko Bay where you will visit the spectacular natural wonder, the famous Ilulissat Icefjord. The voyage continues to Greenland’s southern fjords where guests will discover well-preserved Viking ruins and the country’s most fertile landscapes.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland | Board the Sea Spirit |
| Day 2-8 | Explore Greenland | Nuuk Fjord, Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Bay, Illulissat ice fjord, Sisimiut, Paamiut, Narsaq, Qaqortoq, Hvalsey (best preserved Norse ruins) |
| Day 9-10 | Disembark Nuuk, Greenland | At Sea |
| Day 11 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark the Sea Spirit |
Ship Offering This Itinerary
Sea Spirit
The Sea Spirit was built in Italy in 1991. She’s a very comfortable ice-strengthened, small (114 guests), all-suite expedition ship. The vessel was updated in late 2010 and is going into dry-dock for additional refurbishment in April 2017. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic.
She has a fleet of ten rubber inflatable zodiac boats for landings, an experienced crew, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing.
This ship features an open bridge, 2 rear outdoor viewing areas, an outdoor viewing area at the front of the vessel, a bar, lounge, presentation room and dining area all lined with windows. There is also a gym on-board as well as a library and media centre.
Day 1 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Overview:
Your journey starts in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland which is speckled with colourful houses backing onto the Greenland icecap. Board the ship the M/V Sea Spirit and make yourself comfortable in your room. Meet the expedition team and fellow travellers as you set sail.
Day 2-8 Exploration of Disko Bay and West Greenland
The experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust depending on the weather and opportunities. Possible sites of exploration include:
Qeqertarsuaq — Located on volcanic Disko Island, the small town of Qeqertarsuaq enjoys views of basaltic mountains and the enormous icebergs of Disko Bay. Founded in 1773 as a whaling station, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the oldest towns in Greenland. Cultural attractions include a distinctive octagonal church called the Lord’s Ink Pot.
Ilulissat — Formerly called Jakobshavn, the town of Ilulissat is best known for unbelievable quantities of icebergs issuing from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, which is one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers and calves 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually. Attractions in town include the Inuit Art Museum, which contains a large collection of paintings by Greenlandic, Faroese, and Danish artists.
Sisimiut — Located north of the Arctic Circle, the second-largest town in Greenland boasts a youthful, urban vibe and is also is known for adventure sports, especially dog sledding. The Sisimiut Museum offers insight into the local culture and a history of human habitation dating back 4,500 years.
Nuuk — Also known as Godthåb, Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland. It has a population of over 16,000, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world by population. It is also the world’s northernmost capital, located only a few kilometers further north than Reykjavík. The famous Qilakitsoq mummies can be seen at the Greenlandic National Museum.
Paamiut — The picturesque town of Paamuit has one of Greenland’s finest churches, built in 1909 from wood in Norwegian style. The area is also known for an abundance of white-tailed eagles.
Narsaq — The colonial sealing and trading port of Narsaq was built in an area formerly inhabited by Vikings. Some of Greenland’s oldest Norse ruins are located nearby. Today the town’s inhabitants farm sheep in the surrounding fertile plains. Narsaq is also home to the Greenland Brewhouse.
Qaqortoq — Formerly called Julianehåb, the town of Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland. Colorful historical buildings, such as the former blacksmith shop that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum, reflect the town’s Danish colonial past. Greenland’s oldest fountain and numerous stone sculptures can be found around town.
Hvalsey — The island of Hvalsey is the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. According to the Icelandic Book of Settlements, the farmstead was established in the late 10th century by Erik the Red’s uncle, Thorkell Farserkur. Most impressive among the remains are the walls of an exceptionally well-built stone church.
Day 9-10 At Sea to Reykjavik, Iceland
After an enjoyable time exploring Greenland, the ship charts a course toward Reykjavik, Iceland. You will be able to attend presentations and workshops from the expedition team to learn more about the history, wildlife and climate of the High Arctic. You may be lucky enough to see some whales off the deck as well as sea birds.
Day 11 Disembarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
After breakfast farewell the expedition team and disembark. There will be a transfer to the international airport or to the city centre if you would like to extend your stay in Iceland. You may wish to visit the famous Golden Circle.