HIGHLIGHTS
- Join
us on a captivating expedition cruise that begins deep in the fjords of
West Greenland and takes you on an unforgettable journey back in time
- Our
voyage starts amidst the lush green fields and rolling hills of South
Greenland, a region that inspired the Norse to give this island its
famous name
- In
this picturesque landscape, we will visit the ancient remains of
Brattahlíð, Erik the Red's former farmstead in
Qassiarsuk, and trek to Igaliku, once the seat of the Norse Bishops of
Greenland
- From
here, we will sail through the glacier-lined channel of Prins
Kristiansund, passing Kap Farvel, Greenland’s southernmost
point
- Our
next destination is the pristine Skjoldungen Fjord, where
we’ll experience the perfect silence and glassy waters of
Greenland’s southeast coast
- From
there, we continue north to the icy majesty of Sermilikfjord, one of
the country’s most breathtaking sights, before visiting the
historic sites of Ikateq, where Greenland’s modern history
intertwines with its ancient Inuit traditions
- In
the bustling towns of Kuummiut and Tasiilaq, we will immerse ourselves
in the vibrant Tunumiit culture, and perhaps witness the majesty of the
Northern Lights dance in the Arctic autumn skies
- As
we trace the path of the Norse settlers, we will reach
Reykjavík, where our journey comes to a close. Having
followed the spectacular maritime route that has connected these lands
for over a thousand years, we conclude our adventure in comfort aboard
our purpose-built expedition ship—offering luxury that far
surpasses the humble Viking longships of old.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | RATES |
|---|
| Aug 30, 2025 | Sep 11, 2025 | Contact Us |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
RATES | (Mid-range)
RATES | (High-end)
RATES |
|---|
| Aug 30, 2025 | Sep 11, 2025 | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
Day
1: Kangerlussuaq, Embarkation
On
the first day of our expedition, we arrive in Kangerlussuaq on the west
coast of Greenland, the hub for travel in this vast island.
Situated
at the head of a 160km long fjord of the same name, Kangerlussuaq is
Greenland's only inland town, and was established as Sondrestrom Air
Base/Bluie West-8 by American troops in 1941. Existing largely to
service the airport, the town of Kangerlussuaq itself retains a strong
'Cold War' feeling, hinting at its extensive American military use
before it was signed over to the Greenlandic Government in 1992. Today
Kangerlussuaq is Greenland's largest air hub, with flights arriving
daily from Denmark and around the country. It's stable climate and lack
of fog makes it ideal as an airport, but it exhibits some of the most
varied temperatures in the country, commonly registering the highest
summer and lowest winter temperatures due to its inland location.
Upon
arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you will be transported to the small port
located west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatros awaits at anchor.
Zodiacs will transfer us the short distance to the ship, where you will
be checked in to your stateroom. After the mandatory safety drill,
enjoy dinner and a glass of champagne as we set sail a course for
adventure through the 160-kilometre Kangerlussuaq fjord.
Day
2: Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden
On
the first full day of our expedition, we will arrive at the small
village of Kangaamiut, an incredibly picturesque settlement in
Greenland’s central Qeqqata region. Surrounded by rich cold
waters and a vast back country 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, we 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 which overlies much
of the land between Nuuk and Sisimiut - Greenland's two largest cities.
We will aim 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
3: Nuuk, Capital of Greenland
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 it’s 19,000
inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. The calm
fjords around Nuuk have been inhabited by Paleo-Inuit cultures since at
least 2200BCE, and archaeological evidnece indicates waves of migration
through the area as ancient hunters followed migrating prey. Around the
year 100CE, Norse colonist from Iceland etablished the Western
Settlement in the green meadows of Nuuk Fjord; these settlers
mysteriously disappeared several hundred years later leaving the island
to the Inuit, who were far better equipped to live in Greenland's harsh
environment.
The
next Scandinavian to visit the area was Hans Egede, the controversial
Danish missionary who 'rediscovered' Greenland, founding Nuuk as
Godthåb ("Good Hope") in 1728. Danish initiatives to
modernise Greenland in the 1950s left a significant mark on Nuuk. While
they brought significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, the
many large apartment blocks in the city attest to rapid (and sometimes
haphazard) urbanisation. In 1979, the Home Rule Act created the
Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut), and proclaimed Nuuk the capital.
The city's population continues to rapidly grow, with new suburbs being
constructed beneath Ukkusissat, the mountain which looms to the east of
the city.
Nuuk
offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor; larger than any other
city in Greenland, Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and hosts
some of Greenland's best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn district to
visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of history
stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island - including
artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the
spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq,
the city's cultural centre and an architectural marvel; shop for
authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city's many boutique shops, or
simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic
coffee and watch this vibrant city in action. Nuuk York (as proud
locals call it) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or indeed the
world.
Day
4: At Sea, En Route to South Greenland
From
Nuuk, Ocean Albatros will follow the rugged coast of Greenland
southwards. All settlements in Greenland (with the exception of
Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly on the ocean coast of the country,
and the vast majority of residents (some 50,000 or so) live on the
narrow strip of coast on the west of the country, facing the Davis
Strait. Ocean currents bring warm water up from the Atlantic to the
west coast, enriching these wildlife-filled waters. During our day at
sea, keep your eyes on the sea! Whales, seals and a huge variety of
seabirds are common in these rich waters.
Days
at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard
for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your
knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear
specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture
and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply
watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the
Ocean Albatros cruises along the coast of Greenland.
Day
5: Qassiarsuk and Itilleq Kujalleq
During
the early morning, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic
mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small sheep-farming village
of Qassiarsuk. While the modern village was founded in 1924, the
location has a fascinating and much longer history; it was here that
legendary Norse explorer Eric the Red settled after being banished from
Iceland. He named the land he discovered 'Greenland' to encourage other
settlers to follow him - a marketing ploy that has stood for over a
thousand years!
Erik
the Red settled in this green landscape and set up a small farmstead in
typical Norse style, naming his new home
'Brattahlíð'. Erik himself kept fiercely to the
Norse gods, but his wife Thjodhild was a Christian. Legend has it, she
refused to join his bed until he built her a church, which he
eventually did, constructing a tiny hut
(Þjóðhildarkirkja) which was nevertheless
the first church in the Americas (although he refused to have it within
view of his house).
The
southern fjords of Greenland offer a very different environment to the
chilly north and east of the country. Situated at roughly 60°N,
this region is level with northern Scotland or southern Scandinavia,
with a climate to match. Here, the weather is calm, stable and humid,
with much warmer summers and milder winters than the rest of the
country. In place of rocky hillsides, the fjords here are lined with
lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep-farming settlements, of
which Qassiarsuk and Igaliku are perhaps the best known.
Over
lunchtime, we will repositon to the sheltered bay of Itilleq, where a
farm trail beckons us inland. During the afternoon, we will trek
through the lush green hills to see the remains of the Norse Bishop's
palace at Garðar - once a place of great power and influence in
this remote corner of the Norse world, now surrounded by the charming
modern farming village of Igaliku.
The
Norse settlers in Greenland stayed for almost 500 years, but
disappeared from all historical records in the early 1400s. Whether
some plague or famine struck them, or whether deteriorating climate
simply forced them to return to Scandinavia remains a topic of lively
debate. Today the outlines of buildings (including Erik's house,
Thjodhild's church and the Bishop's palace) can be seen, along with
stunningly accurate reconstructions of Eric's farm, where modern Inuit
farmers continue to raise sheep to this day. A statue of Erik now
overlooks the area, commemorating the first European to reach the
Americas, and whose son Leif would be the first European to reach
Baffin Island and Newfoundland. Sites rich in fascinating history and
culture old and new, the settlements of Brattahlíð
and Garðar are today part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
Day
6: Prins Christian Sund and Aappilattoq
South
of Skjoldungen lies Kap Farvel, or Cape Farewell, which is renowned not
only as Greenland's southernmost point, but also for its infamously
challenging weather, which commonly features large swells and
gale-force winds.
With
this in mind, we deliberately opt for a far more comfortable but also
more spectacular route, cruising via the inside passage of Prins
Christian Sund. Known in Greenlandic by it's typically descriptive name
of Ikerasassuaq ('the Big Strait'), this 60 km long waterway reaches
from Aappilattoq to the southeastern coast of Greenland, connecting the
Labrador and Irminger Seas.
In
the morning, we will approach the small village of Aappilattoq, which
sits hunkered beneath the towering mountains at the end of Prins
Christians Sund. The village is a world away from busy Nuuk or even
Kangaamiut; life here moves at a slower pace, following the rhythms of
the wind, waves and tides. Aappilattoq (meaning 'Red' in Greenlandic,
referring to the stark granite bluffs above) offers excellent hiking
opportunities, and the local choir is renowned throughout Greenland.
Prins
Christian Sund is one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere on
Earth. Kept free of ice year round by strong tidal currents, the strait
is hemmed in on either side by mountains which rise straight out of the
water some reaching over 2,000m in height. Large glaciers flow from the
ice sheet into the sea on the northern side of the strait, while
sapphire blue mountain glaciers loom over the water from the southern
side, and vast icebergs stud the glassy waters. Join your Expedition
Team on deck to experience the staggering beauty of this legendary
waterway.
Day
7: Skjoldungen, Southeast Greenland
Today's
adventure begins as we sail into magnificent Skjoldungen, a
staggeringly beautiful fjord on the southeastern coast of Greenland.
The fjord is named for Skjold, an ancient Danish King of legend, while
the Greenlandic name, Saqqisikuik, references the sunny climate of the
area. Various archaeological finds on the island which sits in the
middle of the fjord suggests nomadic Inuit groups visited and stayed in
the area in years gone by; more recently, settlers were brought from
Tasiilaq to settle the island in the 1930s, but returned there thirty
years later;some houses can still be seen on the southern side of the
fjord. A small weather station was also operated on the island by the
Allies during WWII.
Today
uninhabited, Skjoldungen sits almost 300km from the nearest village,
with Mother Nature its only ruler. Vast saw-toothed mountains lined
with opalescent glaciers line the deep chilly waters of the fjord,
which can freeze even in summer. At the head of the fjord lies the
magnificent Thryms Glacier, a magnificent river of ice flowing down
from the ice sheet. On the southern side of Thryms Glacier lies the
sweeping U-shaped glacial valley of Dronning Maries Dal - a textbook
example of a glacially-produced landscape. Join your expedition team
for a walk on the flower-lined floor of this valley, and marvel at the
stunning scenery. Ensure you are on the outer decks on our approach and
departure from this magnificent fjord too: you will not be
disappointed!
Day
8: Sermilik, East Greenland
As
the sun rises on the crystaline waters, join your Expedition Team on
deck to watch for the abundant whales which frolic in these frigid
waters. We are now arriving in East Greenland, a land steeped in myths,
legends and ancient Inuit tradition.
Separating
Ammassalik Island from the Greenlandic mainland lies the vast Sermilik
Fjord. Sermilik is a typically descriptive Greenlandic placename,
roughly meaning 'the Glacial Fjord' and it is no mystery why: this
waterway is choked with vast icebergs, and surely ranks among the most
spectacular natural wonders of the region. The icebergs here mostly
originate at the vast Helheim Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in
this icy country. The Helheim and other glaciers which empty into the
fjord pour directly off the Greenland Ice Sheet, the edges of which can
be seen to the east, rising thousands of metres towards the frozen core
of this vast island.
The
volume of ice will dictate our precise activities in Sermilikfjord,
although options include coming ashore to marvel at the spectacular
scenery and untouched nature of the area, or exploring on the water and
marvelling at the natural ice sculptures of the area on a Zodiac cruise
through the icebergs. Whatever we do, prepare to be amazed by the
jaw-dropping beauty of this otherwordly place.
Day
9: Ikateq and Kuummiut, East Greenland
In
the morning, Ocean Albatros will visit the village of Kuummiut, which
sits in breathtaking surroundings in the calm reaches of Ammassalik
Fjord. Kuummiut - meaning 'People who Live by the River' - is one of
the larger villages in the area, and one of the most prosperous.
Sitting upon some of East Greenland's richest fishing grounds, Kuummiut
holds the only fish factory in the region, and fishermen from miles
around come through Ammassalik Fjord (which is wide enough to stay
mostly ice-free year-round) to sell their catch here.
Kuummiut
is an ideal place to experience life in an East Greenlandic settlement.
Where other towns have traffic, Kuummiut has the yowling of sled dogs
and the sigh of the wind through the grass. No roads lead in or out of
this isolated village, and the sea is the highway for local transport -
although motorboats have replaced the skin boats which brought people
to these shores long ago. It is a perfect place to simply sit, watch
the icebergs pass, and perhaps see the whales which often frolic in the
calm waters offshore, or chat with the friendly locals, who are rightly
proud of their spectacular home.
During
the afternoon we will slightly eastwards towards Ikateq, a spectacular
fjord with a fascinating history. During the darkest days of the Second
World War, American forces established an airbase here (one of the
network of air bases which includes Kangerlussuaq on the west coast) to
serve as a stepping stone for aircraft transiting between Europe and
North America. The rugged landscape of East Greenland meant the
approach into the airport was hazardous, with frequent fog masking the
treacherous mountains. Huge recources were invested into Ikateq Airbase
(also known as Bluie 2 East), with a 5,000ft runway, hangar, barracks
and port constructed. A fleet of military vehicles and thousands of
barrels of fuel were also brought to this remote region. With Germany
defeated, improvements to intercontinental aircraft, and increasing
tensions with the Soviet Union, the United States Military abandoned
the base in 1947, leaving almost everything behind.
The
air base has been a bone of contention between Nuuk, Copenhagen and
Washington for many years. Many in the Greenlandic government wanted
the site cleaned up and the ruins removed; an expensive and
logistically challenging task. Eventually, the Danish Government agreed
to remove hazardous waste from the site (mainly decaying fuel drums),
but leaving the rest of the equipment in place as an important part of
regional history. Over 75 years later however, almost everything
remains as it was on the day the Americans left. Ikateq is a truly
unique place, a time warp to the Second World War: eerie, fascinating
and surrounded by staggering natural beauty.
Spending
the night in the calm waters of Ammassalik Fjord, be sure to keep an
eye on the sky - conditions are often excellent to spot the northern
lights!
Day
10: Tasiilaq, East Greenland
Our
final port of call in Greenland is Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in
East Greenland. Unlike the west coast, which has had uninterrupted
contact with Europe since the 1700s, the coast of East Greenland
remained more or less uncontacted until around 1894, when a Danish
trading post was established at Tasiilaq. The vast distances involved
in Arctic travel meant that the people of East Greenland (Tunumiit)
were isolated from their cousins to the west, and the language,
traditions and culture here therefore differ significantly to those in
other parts of the country.
Ancient
traditions are strong here. This region of Greenland was the home of
the last Angakkuit (Shamans) of Greenland, and is the home of the
tupilak - a monster fashioned from animal (and sometimes human) body
parts and animated by the power of an Angakkuq to wreak havoc on
enemies. Creating such a monster was dangerous, as it could be turned
back by a more powerful magic user to attack its creator. The first
Europeans were curious as to what these dark beasts looked like, and
locals carved facsimiles in bone or horn, beginning one of Greenland's
finest artistic traditions. The tupilaat made by artisans in Tasiilaq
are considered among the best in the country, and can be purchased
directly from the artist at the Stunk Workshop in the middle o town.
Tasiilaq
sits in a perfect natural harbour on Ammassalik Island (meaning 'the
Place of Many Capelin'). While superficially similar to towns on the
West Coast, the landscape here is much more rugged, the people fewer,
and the sled dogs much more numerous. Tasiilaq offers excellent
opportunities to explore, with excellent hiking routes such as the
Flower Valley easily accessible from town. For those wishing to delve
into Tunumiit culture, visit the museum, located in the city's old
church, hear the city's exquisite choir perform in the modern church,
or watch a drum dancer in traditional East Greenlandic costume perform
a millennia-old spiritual tradition. Otherwise, hike up the hill
towards the hotel to enjoy some of the best views anywhere in the
country, or join your Expedition Team for a trek through Tasiilaq's
famous Flower Valley.
Day
11: At sea, en route to Reykjavik, Iceland
During
our time at sea approaching Reykjavik, a variety of activities will be
arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on
their voyage. Relax with an expertly crafted cocktail in the Nordic Bar
in the company of new friends, soak up the knowledge and passion of our
Expedition Team during lectures, or simply enjoy the flight of the
fulmars which accompany us towards Iceland. Remember to take in the
crisp ocean air and keep a look out for wildlife in this rich marine
environment.
During
your last evening onboard, join the Captain and Officers for the
Farewell Cocktail Party, followed by a presentation of photos and video
by our onboard photographer - the ideal opportunity to re-live your
Arctic adventure. Skål!
Day
12: Reykjavík, Iceland
The
rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the
city of Reykjavik, a hip Scandinavian capital which needs little
introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, fantastic
excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavik is one of Scandinavia's
most welcoming and exciting cities. Such a bustling capital may feel
strange after the remote wilderness of the Arctic!
After
a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and
Expedition Team of Ocean Albatros, and descend the gangway back to dry
land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.
Ocean Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12-day/11-night
cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double room with a private
bathroom in the category chosen
- Flight:
Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq
- Local
transport in Kangerlussuaq on day 1
- English-speaking
Expedition Ttaff
- Guided
walks with the Expedition Team
- Nature
hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- Information
briefings and lectures by the Expedition Team
- Cultural
acitvities in Greenland
- Full
board on the ship
- Dinner
drink package
- Free
coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Taxes,
tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital
visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list, and more
Exclusions
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Transfer
from the ship on day 12
- Travel,
cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Ilulissat
to Oqaatsut Day Hike
- Kayaking
- Kangerlussuaq:
Sightseeing
- Kangerlussuaq:
BBQ & Trip to the Reindeer Glacier
- Ilulissat:
Ice-fjord Flight Sightseeing
- Ilulissat:
Boat trip to the ice-fjord
