STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEEGU
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
SHIP: Ultramarine
Greenland
Cabin on board ship
Explore the very best of Greenland's expedition coast on board the newest polar expedition vessel, the ultramarine. Experience dramatic fjords, icy waters, towering glaciers and deep glaciers. From the southern coasts to the spectacular Disko Bay you will encounter incredible scenery, visit traditional picturesque villages and see ancient Norse ruins. This expedition will perfectly combine distinct and isolated landscapes with lush culture and history.
*Offers are correct at the time of publishing and are available for sale on selected cabins and departure dates until 04 July 2023 or sold out. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. Please enquire for Single and Triple Cabin promotions. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
As we cruise across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and enthralling history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here.
Your exploration of Greenland begins with East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.
One location we hope to visit if conditions allow is Skjoldungen, where you’ll cruise between the mountains to view glaciers deep within the fjords surrounding this island. The narrow part of the fjord provides an ideal place to put our Zodiacs in the water for a more in-depth exploration.
If conditions allow, you may also visit the site of an abandoned Inuit settlement, whose inhabitants were relocated to larger, more accessible towns around 1961. Exploring ashore, you’ll experience a true Arctic ghost town, complete with abandoned buildings, furniture and even shoes! Hiking the rugged terrain rewards with impressive views of snow-capped mountains, deep green waters and the surprisingly colourful Arctic tundra. This site is prone to insects, however, so have your spray or netting at the ready.
Sailing on, we’ll explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, crystal-clear waterfalls and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems that dominate the area are several small settlements, both ancient and present day, making South Greenland an ideal place to explore.
The magical Prins Christian Sund, a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels, is a great place for cruising. You’ll explore this stunning sound, home to calving glaciers, jagged mountains and sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. Sailing through this fjord from the vantage point of your ship or a Zodiac is an exhilarating experience. If conditions allow, venturing ashore provides opportunities for all levels of hiking.
The little village of Igaliku, home to about 30 inhabitants, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. It’s a charming place to go ashore, as sheep peacefully graze on the grass, surrounded by bloom-covered rolling valleys and snow-capped mountains. The area is also known for its storied past, as evidenced by the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar cathedral (the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages) and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century, when Greenland’s first bishop was appointed. Wandering the foundations, excavated in 1926, you’ll get to see a bit of history firsthand as you learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of a newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Heading north, each day we hope to take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the quaint villages dotting the islands and fjords in the region and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places.
The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were grouse hunting.
Sisimiut is another interesting place to go ashore, as there are more sled dogs here than humans. You’ll have time to wander the town’s historic area, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, including Greenland’s oldest surviving church. You’ll also be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. Experiencing a cultural resurgence, the kayak is Greenland’s national symbol and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transport.
Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your included hotel.
Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this artistic city.
The newest ship of this expedition fleet; Ultramarine; takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board . Experience the Antarctic in comfort as you sail aboard Ultramarine. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views, flatscreen TV’s and DVD players and spa - inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| USD 22,790Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| USD 12,790Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off USD 16,790 USD 12,916Available Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 25 % off USD 18,290 USD 14,041Available Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off USD 21,290 USD 15,291Available Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off USD 22,290 USD 15,991Available Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off USD 22,790 USD 16,341Available Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off USD 29,290 USD 20,891Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 30 % off USD 32,290 USD 22,991Available Enquire Now
|
Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 10 % off USD 24,290 USD 21,990Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 10 % off USD 13,590 USD 12,360Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 17,690 USD 13,099Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 19,390 USD 14,323Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 22,690 USD 16,699Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 23,490 USD 17,275Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 24,290 USD 17,851Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 30,890 USD 22,603Unavailable Enquire Now
| |
Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 28 % off USD 34,090 USD 24,907Unavailable Enquire Now
|
Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals on board
Leadership and guiding by experienced expedition staff
All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
Complimentary waterproof boots for duration of voyage
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
Exclusions
International flight
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such telecommunications
Any adventure options not listed as included
Mandatory Transfer Package:
Available upon request. Contact us for more details.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability