Ship: Akademik Shokalskiy
Itinerary: Ultimate Thule Expedition
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Imposing glaciers
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq for Embarkation |
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| Day 2 : | Sisimiut |
| Day 3 : | Qeqetarsuaq, Disko Island |
| Day 4 : | Upernavik |
| Day 5 : | Kullorsuaq, Melville Bay |
| Days 6-8 : | Dundas Mountain and Qaanaaq |
| Days 9-10 : | Cape York, Melville Bay |
| Day 11 : | Uummannaq |
| Day 12 : | Saqqaq and Eqip Sermia |
| Day 13 : | Ilulissat |
| Day 14 : | Itilleq |
| Day 15 : | Kangerlussuaq: Disembarkation and flight to Copenhagen |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared Bath | Twin Private Bath | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 15 | Aug 13, 2010 | $6,240 | $7,540 | $8,440 | $10,540 | $12,540 |
| Group flight to/from Copenhagen / Kangerlussauq additional $975 per person. | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland Activities : Active, Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Nature Viewing, Paddling, Photography, Whale Watching |
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- All of the Akademik Shokalskiy's departures include optional sea kayaking. Sea Kayaking Supplement is $495 per person for Arctic voyages, $795 per person for Antarctic voyages.
- Guaranteed No Fuel Surcharge on cruise dates before April 2010.
-Single Travelers: OPTIONAL single supplement of 70% for Standard Twins. There is no single supplement for travelers willing to share.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
The compact Polar Adventure Ship Akademik Shokalskiy is your floating basecamp for 14 nights under the midnight sun on the west coast of Greenland. The 48-passenger vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for an in-depth exploration. Optional kayaking in the pristine waters of Greenland's western fjords.
Day 1 : Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq for Embarkation
Join adventurers from around the world at the Copenhagen airport to board your group flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The Polar Adventure Ship Akademik Shokalskiy, equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, lies at anchor in the harbor ready for embarkation. The compact vessel is your floating base camp for 14 nights under the midnight sun on the west coast of Greenland.
Day 2 : Sisimiut
Sisimiut harbor, ice free all-year found, may present the first opportunity for kayakers to put their paddles in the water. While they enjoy the pristine water, other adventurers may explore 5,000 years of human habitation on the world's largest island. You may visit the archaeological remains of the Saqqaq or may take photos of the Old Town of Sisimiut, with colonial buildings that date from the 18th and 19th centuries.
A range of activity levels are offered on every shore landing, so if you prefer a spirited hike to a leisurely stroll that is accommodated.
Day 3 : Qeqetarsuaq, Disko Island
Disko Island has a volcanic past. Tall basalt walls enclose magnificent valleys full of colorful flowers. Naturalists will guide you ashore, introducing you to the unique flora and fauna of the region. There are excellent hiking opportunities. Some of the coastal hiking routes offer fantastic views of the sea, where massive icebergs float.
Just outside the village of Qeqetarsuaq, the University of Copenhagen maintains the Arctic Research Station. Researchers have been investigating Arctic ecosystems there since 1906. When the Expedition Team botanist delivers a presentation about Greenland flora, much of what he or she says was uncovered by the researchers of Qeqetarsuaq.
Day 4 : Upernavik
Sail through the Upernavik area and keep an eye out for the whales known to pass through these waters. The little storm bird, the Fulmar Petrel, will be your loyal companion switching between lee and windward to gain speed as it follows the ship.
During your landing, visit the Colonial Period open-air museum where you can learn about traditional methods of whaling. Hikers can cross tundra carpeted with wildflowers as they explore the region. Birders will enjoy a Zodiac cruise to Apparsuit, site the largest seabird colony on the west coast, where tens of thousands of Thick-billed Guillemot nest.
Day 5 : Kullorsuaq, Melville Bay
At the entrance to Melville Bay be sure to be on deck as the ship passes "the Devil's Thumb", a distinctive rock pillar that rises 540 meters (590 yards) from the flat surroundings near the village of Kullorsuaq. The route across the 400 kilometer(248.5 mile) long bay offers constant opportunities to see calving glaciers in the distance. Sail north across the expansive bay, making sure to spend time on deck to be rewarded with spectacular views of imposing icebergs in myriad shapes.
This is polar bear territory here. The Expedition Team will keep a constant watch and announce any sightings via the ship's public address system. You will also have good changes to spot at close range seal and seabirds.
Days 6-8 : Dundas Mountain and Qaanaaq
Pass Meteor Island and Avannaarsuaq/Thule's largest village, Savissivik. In Greenlandic, Savissivik means "the place for sharpening your knife." This refers to the iron meteorite that many thousands of years ago struck the area. Generations of Inuit have laboriously chipped off small pieces of this rock and used it for arrowheads and knives.
Knud Rasmussen changed the economy of the people living in range of Dundas Mountain when he established a trading post there. Greenlanders could then sell their seal and polar bear skins for cash rather than bartering them for trade goods.
At Qaanaaq, the world's northernmost municipality, explore contemporary Greenlandic culture. You can enjoy hikes, cultural demonstrations and moments of contemplation at the northern edge of the inhabited world.
Days 9-10 : Cape York, Melville Bay
Set sail for the southward journey back across Melville Bay and pass Cape York and Savisivik. While at sea, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about the history of Greenland, from the arrival of the first people to the instigation of Home Rule. No history of Greenland is complete without mention of Erick the Red and the Vikings. Travelers will learn the language of ice, as well as the significance of whaling to the culture and economy. On deck, the secrets of bird identification will be revealed.
Day 11 : Uummannaq
Uummannaq is a picturesque island village that sits at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain, which is the meaning of the Greenlandic name for the community. The island lies at the center of an area where immense icebergs float towards the Davis Strait. Hundreds of sledge dogs live in the village. During your visit you may see local hunters slice their just-caught harp seals.
Between the hiking, kayaking, conviviality in the bard, and the fabulous meals served during this expedition, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about ice, wildlife and geology. By the time Shokalskiy reaches Ukkusissat, the work of Alfred Wegener and his 'contintental drift' theory will be familiar to all aboard. The scientist, who was denigrated during his lifetime, departed from the village of Ukkusisat to rescue some colleagues camped on the Greenland Ice Sheet. He lost his life during the rescue, and the world lost a truly fearless original thinker.
Day 12 : Saqqaq and Eqip Sermia
Shokalskiy will sail along the edge of Eqip Sermia Glacier for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Eqip Sermia is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, traveling approximately 30 meters per day.
You should be on deck to watch for the birth of icebergs, calved from the massive ice front. Zodiacs will be deployed for ocean-level cruising and the opportunity to take remarkable photographs.
Day 13 : Ilulissat
UNESCO has designated this area a World Heritage Site, because the Jakobshavn Glacier calves more icebergs than any other in the Northern Hemisphere. As Akademik Shokalskiy steams up the fjord, the Captain will navigate expertly around young icebergs. Exploring the community of Ilulissat, travelers are introduced to 20th century explorer Knud Rassmussen, a national hero and local son.
There are more sled dogs living in Ilulissat than humans. Most local families keep a variety of different sledges near their houses, and you may find it interesting to examine the difference. The smallest sledges can be used for transporting a single person, while the largest are used for hunting.
Day 14 : Itilleq
The southward journey is broken by a landing at the village of Itilleq situated on an island that has no natural source of water. A local villager welcomes us and provides an insider's glimpse into the daily lives of Itilleq's 130 inhabitants.
Greenland is home to more than 500 plants, including five orchids. Through your binoculars, sail through Sondrestromfjord where you may easily see Evergreen, Roseroot, several species of Louseworth and other Arctic plants like Saxifrage and Arctic Poppies.
Day 15 : Kangerlussuaq: Disembarkation and flight to Copenhagen
Disembarking in the early morning, spend the day exploring the area before transferring to the airport for your group flight back to Copenhagen.
Ship Description: Akademik Shokalskiy
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Cruising around icebergs in the Arctic
Akademik Shokalskiy is a terrific expedition ship, sister ship to the Polar Pioneer. Built in Finland in 1983, she is ice-strengthened and has stabilizers for more comfortable travel. In 1998 she was refurbished to provide comfortable accommodation for 46 passengers, an ideal number for expedition cruising. On board are a combined bar/lounge and a dedicated lecture room/library (stocked with a good collection of reference books and videos). All cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space. The spacious bridge (always open to us) and the decks are ideal for viewing during your Antarctica travel.
The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced navigators in the world and their enthusiasm for exploration is legendary. Akademik Shokalskiy is not a luxury vessel. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the meals, prepared by European chefs and served by Russian stewardesses, are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Naiads with outboard motors enables us to make landings and explore magnificent places where few others have ever been.
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Triple Shared Bath 2 cabins with 2 lower and 1 upper berth, shared facilities, sink in the cabin and porthole window |
Twin Shared Bath 8 cabins with shared baths (106-124 sq. ft.) Cabins have two lower berths (except for 315 which has 2 lower, 1 upper), sofa, writing desk, bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, cabinets, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Twin Private Bath12 cabins with private bath with shower (100-125 sq. ft.) Cabins have one lower and one upper berth (Some cabins have 2 lower berths), sofa, drawers, refrigerator, writing desk,bookshelf, 2 wardrobes, and 1 square window/ porthole |
Superior1 cabin (171 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 3 opening windows |
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Amundsen Suite 1 cabin (250 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 5 opening windows |
