Ship: Akademik Shokalskiy
Itinerary: East Greenland Explorer
click to enlarge
Massive IcebergPhoto by: Gerald Cubitt
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Reykjavik to Ammassalik for Embarkation |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Denmark Strait |
| Day 3 : | Danmark Island and Hall Bredning |
| Day 4 : | Rypefjord and Rodefjord |
| Day 5 : | Frederiksdal and Sydkap |
| Day 6 : | Ittoqqortoormiit |
| Day 7 : | Denmark Strait |
| Day 8 : | Ammassalik to Reykjavik |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared Bath | Twin Shared Bath | Twin Private Bath | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 8 | Sep 1, 2010 | $3,290 | $3,990 | $4,490 | $5,290 | $5,990 |
| Group flight to/from Reykjavik / Ammassalik additional $975 per person. | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland Activities : Active, Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Nature Viewing, Paddling, Photography, Whale Watching |
||||||
- 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 base camp for 7 nights under the midnight sun. The 48-passenger vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs for a remote getaway. Optional kayaking in the pristine waters of Greenland's eastern fjords.
Day 1 : Reykjavik to Ammassalik for Embarkation
Join adventurers from around the world at the Reykjavik airport(RKV)to board your group flight to Kulusuk, Ammassalik's airport, off the eastern coast of 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 seven nights.
Day 2 : Denmark Strait
Sail towards Danmark Island, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about Greenland's wildlife, history or geography. A number of important safety and operational briefings are conducted.
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 : Danmark Island and Hall Bredning
The Danmark Island landing offers beautiful, lush tundra with excellent hiking and fantastic views over Scoresbysund and Fohn Fjord. There are excellent photographic opportunities for Arctic flora and fauna. a historian will lead a visit to the archeaological site of Inuit homes.
In the afternoon, proceed to Hall Bredning. The ship is the best platform from which to enjoy the splendor of this "iceberg alley." Navigate among majestic icebergs, some over 100 meters high and 1 kilometer long.
Day 4 : Rypefjord and Rodefjord
The tundra of Rypefjord is habitat for musk oxen. Birders can watch for wheatears, snow buntings and ravens.
Proceeding through Rodefjord, and lower the Zodiacs and cruise among the grounded icebergs, surrounded by towering mountains. On the western edge of the fjord you can see the geological wonder of sanstone colored by hematite, resulting in the name of Rodefjord or "red fjord".
Day 5 : Frederiksdal and Sydkap
The route to Frederiksdal could offer the most spectacular ice and mountain scenery of the voyage.
Arrive at the southern entrance of the East Greenland National Park, the largest park in the world. Hike up the dry valley, exploring the tundra and looking for musk oxen. If you prefer you can opt to join a Zodiac cruise among the massive icebergs that are packed into the fjord.
Board the Zodiac and cruise to Sydkap, weaving around massive icebergs. Land at a small point, an old Thule site that was used as a winter camp. Thule were the ancestors of the indigenous people of Greenland. Subterranean homes and tent rings from that period still exist. The area was chosen by early hunters for the abundant wildlife in the region, as indicated by the while bones and middens filled with other marine mammal remains. The surroundings vistas are extraordinary: Hundreds of icebergs as large as apartment buildings fill your field of vision. The rich tundra supports herds of musk oxen.
Day 6 : Ittoqqortoormiit
Ittoqqortoormiit is the most northerly community in East Greenland. There are approximately 500 inhabitants in this village that rarely receives visitors. Local guides will introduce you to the area and offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the residents of this remote outpost.
From Ittoqqortoormiit you can send mail home and purchase handicrafts made by indigenous artisans from locally harvested materials. Expect to see sledge dog demonstrations, and visit the "women's house" where crafts are made by hand and skins are stretched.
Day 7 : Denmark Strait
Sailing south on way back to Ammassalik, the Expedition team continues the program of illustrated presentations. Undoubtedly, you will spend time in the bar and on the Bridge, exchanging impressions of the voyage with fellow travelers.
Day 8 : Ammassalik to Reykjavik
Disembark in the morning and transfer to the Kusuluk airport where you board your group flight back to Reykjavik.
Ship Description: Akademik Shokalskiy
click to enlarge
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.
|
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 |
|
Amundsen Suite 1 cabin (250 sq.ft) with one double bed, 1 sofa bed, private facilities, and 5 opening windows |
