AT#866 - Cruise to Greenland

Hear about a cruise to Greenland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Merrell from manopause.com about this rugged and rapidly changing country.

https://amateurtraveler.com/cruise-to-greenland/

Why should someone do a cruise to Greenland?

Rebecca succinctly says, “Someone should do a cruise to Greenland if they’re looking to go somewhere remote without a lot of people and if they have an interest in the Arctic.”

The cruise itinerary is:

Day 1: Departure from Iceland

Travelers fly from Iceland or Denmark to Greenland. Arriving in Greenland, travelers land at Kingirlasuak, a former U.S. base that now serves as a large airport in Greenland. Embarkation on the “Ocean Albatross,” the cruise ship operated by Albatross Expeditions.

Day 2: Sisimiut

The cruise reaches its first destination, Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland after Nuuk (the capital). Sisimiut, which means “foxhole,” has a rich history dating back thousands of years, including various indigenous cultures and traditions.

Travelers have the opportunity to explore the town, its colorful buildings, and visit local museums showcasing Greenlandic history and culture.

Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island

The cruise continues to Qeqertarsuaq, a former capital of North Greenland located on Disko Island. Travelers have the chance to explore this picturesque town, famous for its abundance of icebergs in Disco Bay. 

Day 4: Uummannaq

The cruise heads further north, reaching Uummannaq, north of the Arctic Circle. Uummannaq Island is known for its heart-shaped mountain and offers unique cultural experiences. Activities include hiking to the Santa Claus house.

Day 5: Eqip Sermia Glacier

The ship sails to the Eqip Sermia Glacier (“The Glacier at the end of the fjord”), a breathtaking location known for its massive ice formations. Travelers witness the natural spectacle of ice calving, where chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea. The changing hues of blue in the ice, caused by varying oxygen levels, create stunning visual displays.

Day 6: Ilulissat

The cruise arrives at Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland. Ilulissat is known as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. The town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Icefjord, where enormous icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier at an astonishing rate (100 feet per day or 20 million tons of icebergs).

Travelers have the option to explore the icefjord by small boat and marvel at the towering ice formations.

Day 7: Sarfannguit

The cruise reaches Sarfannguit (“the place with the little stream:), a very small settlement with approximately 40 residents. Travelers visit the community center, where they can purchase local crafts, such as beadwork, paintings, and other products. The unique monument, a modern glass igloo, is also worth a visit.

Day 8: Return to Kangerlussuaq

The cruise returns to Kangerlussuaq, the point of embarkation, where travelers disembark. This marks the end of the expedition.

Throughout the cruise, travelers have the opportunity to hear lectures on Arctic topics, hike, museum visits, and interact with local communities. The stunning Arctic landscapes, icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife, including birds and marine mammals, provide a constant backdrop to this unforgettable Greenlandic adventure.

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