Greenland : Arctic Glaciers and Icebergs of Greenland

Disko Bay Cruise
Our exploratory voyage, aboard the comfortable and uniquely designed MS Fram, takes us through a wonderland of natural and cultural diversity, where towering icebergs plunge into the clear icy waters of majestic fjords and the bays and coasts abound with traditional fishing communities, marine life and soaring seabirds. A series of on board lectures highlighting the history and wildlife of the region will help to enhance our journey to this most remarkable of settings.

Fjords and Fishermen
Beginning in Kangerlussuaq, western Greenland’s remote commercial airport, we transfer to our ship located at the bottom end of a 170 kilometres long fjord. Setting sail along the breathtaking Søndre Strømfjord, we enjoy the natural raw beauty of the region from the comfort of our custom-made vessel, its interior inspired by local Inuit traditions. In Sisimiut we visit Greenland’s second largest town, a traditional coastal community where fishermen and dog sleds vie for attention along its busy harbour. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy a kayak show as we sail into port, before embarking on a tour of its picturesque historical centre. Further opportunities to visit traditional craftsmen and ancient ruins afford us a unique insight into this most isolated of settlements.

Into the Midnight Sun
Continuing our journey north, deep into the pristine wilderness of the Arctic, we head for the spectacular setting of Disko Bay, a landscape of gigantic icebergs and rugged basalt mountains set amidst the surreal world of the Midnight Sun. Sailing into the deep, rich waters of the bay we pass before sheer walls of ice, silent monoliths frozen in time, as we head for the tiny settlement of Qeqertarsuaq. There is a chance of seeing Humpbacks and Fin whales in these waters. After hiking to the ‘Valley of the Wind’ we continue north, to the settlements of Uummannaq and Ukkusissat, the northernmost point of our journey, where we can find ‘Santa’s summer cabin’, ancient Inuit mummies and the spectacular landscape of the red desert.

Sailing amongst the Ice Giants
Our return voyage south takes us to the Eqip Sermia Glacier, where we utilise our Polar Cirkel boats to enjoy one of nature’s most perfect creations. The leading edge of the glacier stretches for some 5 kilometres, its massive bulk a breeding ground for the giant icebergs that continually calve into the deep cold waters. A landing affords us the opportunity to walk across this serene landscape, before setting sail again, for the visually inspiring ice fields of Ilulissat. Giant icebergs the size of cathedrals jostle for position at the mouth of the Ilulissat Isfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, their immense forms plunge up to 300 metres into the icy depths below. Journey’s end sees us returning to Kangerlussuaq via the spectacular Evighedsfjorden.