Ship: Clipper Adventurer (AC)
Itinerary: Greenland Explorer
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Your small ship will stop at quaint local villages along the northern coastsPhoto by: Clayton Anderson
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Arrive Ilulissat |
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| Day 2 : | Ilulissat / Disko Bay |
| Day 3 : | Disko Island |
| Day 4 : | Kangaamiut & Evighedsfjorden (Kangerlussuatsiaq) |
| Day 5 : | Nuuk |
| Day 6 : | Paamiut /Frederikshåb glacier |
| Day 7 : | Ivittuut (Ivigtut) |
| Day 8 : | Qaqottoq / Hvasley / Uunartoq |
| Day 9 : | Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð) & Narsarsuaq |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat 8 | Cat 9 | Cat 10 | ||
| 9 | Sep 12, 2010 | $3,295 | $3,995 | $5,195 | $5,895 | $6,895 | $7,575 | $8,295 | $8,995 | $9,595 | $9,995 |
| $250 Environmental Discovery Fee Add charter flights from Toronto and back to Ottawa - call for pricing details. |
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| Destinations : Arctic, Greenland Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Whale Watching |
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- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Sail the Coast of Greenland, from the Ilulissat Icefjord in the North, to Narsarsuaq, "the great plain", in the South. This nine day Expedition will highlight the many contrasts found throughout this vast Arctic island: from the traditional Inuit to modern Europeans, from barren landscapes of blue and gray to the lush greens of fertile farms and flowering plains, to ice-filled fjords, glaciers and mineral-rich mountain vistas, explore a region with breath-taking landscapes, majestic wilderness, cold ice, and warm-hearted people. The Western coast is one of the most spectacular areas in Greenland with its huge icebergs and colourful houses. Begin your journey in the Town of Ilulissat, known for the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of international focus in the study of global warming. Here, in one of the world's most northerly inhabited areas, proud Inuit traditions are upheld by a seal hunting and fishing culture that coexist with the Arctic nature and its resources. Board the Clipper Adventurer, your home for the next nine days, and overnight in Ilulissat before setting sail for Disko Island, a surreal journey as you pass through stranded icebergs waiting to be whisked out of the bay. Although Erik the Red can be credited with Greenland's name, it will become evident as you sail towards Narsarsuaq at the tip of Southern Greenland, this is the region filled with shades of green. The region has a well-developed farming industry with extensive grazing pastures for sheep and horses. As you sail along the fjords see isolated sheep farms, many only accessible by boat, dotted along the coastline. In South Greenland seek out ruins from the Norse settlers - dating back over 1,000 years ago. These ruins are well preserved and includes one of the first Christian churches. Throughout your journey, keep your eyes peeled for the autumn whales who are known to frequent the harbors. You may even be given the chance to view the two largest species, the blue whale and fin whale. An estimated two million seals also live in these Greenlandic waters. Hope to view the fantastic Northern Lights which make their first appearance at the end of August - truly a sight not to be missed. Your exploration of Greenland will be rich with opportunity to experience towns and settlements, colorful ice and glaciers, stunning flora and fauna, all combined with the distinctive culture of the region.
Day 1 : Arrive Ilulissat
Arrive in Ilulissat, beautifully situated at the mouth of the 40-kilometre ice-fjord and home to the 'baby-maker' of icebergs birthed by the most productive glacier in the Northern hemisphere - Sermeq Kujalleq. Situated 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, the town of Ilulissat is dotted with bright colorful houses and the best lattes in Greenland. With a population of 4,500 the town is the third largest in Greenland, however it would be number one if you take into account the 6,000 sled dogs that reside here! Later in the day, board the Clipper Adventurer - your home for the next nine days. There will be time to unpack and explore before retiring for the night.
Day 2 : Ilulissat / Disko Bay
This morning continue your visit in Ilulissat with a hike to an elevated viewpoint where you can observe the ice fields. While in the hometown of famed explorer Knud Ramusen explore his childhood home - now a museum dedicated to his expeditions. Enjoy a scenic cruise in your fleet of Zodiacs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord before setting sail for Disko Bay. Disko Bay boasts ones of the most dramatic settings in the world. Let this spectacle for the eyes take your breath away as your ship makes way through stunning icebergs enroute to Disko Island.
Day 3 : Disko Island
Welcome to Greenland's newest and largest island - Disko Island. Here you'll visit 'Elephant Rock', a unique rock formation with the ears, head and trunk of its namesake, before taking in the impressive basalt column formations in the area. Have the option of taking a Zodiac cruise into one of the sea caves, where you'll witness their unique twisted and tortured landscape. This area is known for its whale watching opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled for Humpback and Minke whales. There will be an option to hike the Skarvefjeld mountain, a trek rewarded by a fantastic view of Disko Bay and the icebergs of Ilulissat 100 km away.
Day 4 : Kangaamiut & Evighedsfjorden (Kangerlussuatsiaq)
This morning arrive in Kangaamiut, a small fishing community in the municipality of Qeqqata. During your visit to this colorful town, you will be hosted by a local family and enjoy a presentation in the church before and optional hike. This afternoon visit Evighedsfjorden (Kangerlussuatsiaq), known as the Eternity Fjord. Cruising along this meandering fjord, find yourselves surrounded by the highest mountains in West Greenland - reaching heights of over 2,000 metres. Seek out the seals and whales who reside in the area, and scan the bird cliffs.
Day 5 : Nuuk
Welcome to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Nuuk means 'the headland' and is situated at the mouth of a gigantic fjord syste. Established as the very first Greenlandic town in 1728, Nuuk has a history that dates back over 4,200 years. Nuuk is the world's smallest capital city with a population of only 15,000. Here we have a chance to spot Humpack whales in the fjord, reindeer roaming the land and birds soaring in the sky. The town itself is home to Greenland's University, a cathedral dating back to 1849 and Greenland's National Museum. Have free time in town before meeting at the community center. You'll also have the option of a 5hr hike up Ukkusissat, where you will be treated to spectacular views of Nuuk, Sermitsiaq, the Akia Peninsula, multiple mountain peaks and the intricate fjord system. Less adventurous hikers have the option of climbing Quassussusaq (Lil Malene), lasting about an hour and with similar views.
Day 6 : Paamiut /Frederikshåb glacier
This morning visit the 20km wide Frederikshåb glacier, situated north of the town of Paamiut. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming caribou. Paamiut is home to Greenland's largest population of white-tailed eagles. These giant birds, with a wingspan of over 2 meters are significantly larger than their European equivalents and can be spotted along the coast or at sea. Enroute, keep a look out for minke, fin, killer and humpback whales. Paamiut means 'population at the mouth' in reference to its location at the mouth of the Kuanersooq fjord. During your visit, have time to visit Paamiut museum, a collection of five historic stone-and-timber buildings, before enjoying free time. From Paamiut, sail to one of the abandoned villages in the area, or enjoy a Zodiac cruise up Kvanefjorden known for its waterfalls and large bird cliffs.
Day 7 : Ivittuut (Ivigtut)
Welcome to Ivttuut or 'the grassy place', situated in the beautiful Arusk fjord area. Here experience the 'green' of Greenland, as the area is dotted with small sheep farms along the coast. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise to view the nearby Fox Falls and bird cliffs, keeping an eye out for the muskox and seals that are known to frequent this area. The town of Ivittuut was once a bustling mining town after the discovery of the mineral cryolite. In the 1890's the power of cryolite was discovered; when combined with aluminum and heated, this mineral melted the aluminum ore at half the normal temperature. Ivittuut was the world's largest source of cryolite, and the town became very wealthy when the Americans used this mine throughout WWII to aid in the creation of fighter planes. The mine was exhausted then closed in 1987 and the town has since relocated to nearby Gronnedal. (Alterate Zodiac: You'll also have the option of Zodiac cruising up Ikka fjord for a chance to view the Ikka Warriors, a collection of submereged ikaite columns reaching up to 20m. According to Inuit legend, the Ikka Warriors were a group of ancient invaders who crashed through the ice and were petrified into the stone 'warriors' that remain today.)
Day 8 : Qaqottoq / Hvasley / Uunartoq
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland, with a population of 3,000 people. This idyllic town is home to Greenland's oldest fountain, located in the town square, and streets filled with beautiful colonial buildings dating back to 1775. Have time to view the 'Stone and Man' culture project, a collection of 30 different motifs chiseled into rocks and stones, created by both local and Scandanavian artists.
Just outside the town of Qaqortoq, find the abandoned settlement at Hvasley, the last confirmed site of Norse activity before the mysterious disappearance of their colonies. Here find the ruins of Hvasley Church - Greenland's largest collection and best preserved Viking ruins. Built in the 14th century, the church measures 16 x 7 m. The surrounding area is dotted with other archaeological treasures, including the ruins of a farmhouse, a horse fold and a well allowing us unique insight into the life of early Norse settlers. There is also a grave onsite, rumored to be that of Thorkel Farserk, the cousin and follower of Erik the Red, who founded the church. This evening, head further south to Uunartoq Island, the site of Greenland's best and most accessible hot springs. These springs were known in the time of the Norse settlers and once belonged to the Benedictine covent at Narsarsuaq. Take time to sit back, relax and soak in the warm waters while watching the floating icebergs pass by.
Day 9 : Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð) & Narsarsuaq
Today visit the home of Erik the Red and Leif Ericcson at Brattahlíð ('the steep sloop'). Situated at the mouth of a fjord, visit a reconstruction of the Church of Tjodhilde, believed to be the first Christian church on the North American continent. Tjohilde was the wife of Erik the Red, she spearheaded the creation of this church, and Erik's conversion to Christianity. You will also find a fully furnished reconstruction of a turf-covered long house here, indicative of a 10th-century Viking dwelling. Then sail to Narsarsuaq, the 'great plain' and your final stop of the expedition. The history of Narsarsuaq is greatly tied to WWII, when in 1941 the American Government created a temporary supply base here and later the Bluie West One Base. Narsarsuaq was previously uninhabited, but in 1945 it became Greenland's largest settlement, boasting a population of 12,000. The base continued to be used during the Cold War era and the use of Bluie West Hospital during this time is still shrouded in controversy. It is here you will bid farewell to the Clipper Adventurer and board your charter flight back home.
Ship Description: Clipper Adventurer (AC)
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Adventurer
Adventurer is a handsome expedition vessel reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. She sails on a wide variety of cruises — in Europe, the Canadian Arctic, the U.S., South America, and Antarctica.
Built in 1975 as the Alla Tarasova in the former Yugoslavia, the 122-passenger M/S Adventurer underwent a $13-million conversion in 1998 in Scandinavia. The new features include: 61 comfortable, all-outside cabins, with lower beds, private bathroom facilities, and individual temperature controls to offer the most comfortable Antarctica tours possible. The window-lined dining room seats all passengers at leisurely single seatings, where superb American and Continental cuisine is served by the friendly staff. There are two lounges — the Main Lounge and Bar on Promenade Deck, seating 130 passengers; and the Clipper Club, also on Promenade Deck, seating 45 passengers. There’s also a library/card room, a small workout room, a gift shop, and a hair salon.
Unique to the Adventurer is a spacious, covered promenade with a beautiful wooden deck (varnished Oregon pine) where passengers can view the seascapes during their Antarctica travels. There’s also plenty of open deck space on the Boat Deck and Sun Deck, while an observation platform located forward below the Bridge is ideal for wildlife viewing.
The Adventurer is an oceangoing vessel equipped with an ice-strengthened hull (A-1 ice class) ideally suited for cruises in such remote environments that Antarctica tours can offer, but supremely comfortable anywhere she sails. A fleet of Zodiac landing craft provides access to areas where no infrastructure exists. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art satellite navigation and communication equipment including telephone, fax, and e-mail.
The Captain and his officers maintain an open bridge to give passengers an opportunity to observe and ask questions. An experienced cruise staff, physician, and on board lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers’ enjoyment of the places visited.
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Cat 1 Quad Lower Forward, 2 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window, 150 sq. ft. |
Cat 2 Triple Lower Deck, 1 upper 2 lower berths, private facilities, porthole window, 150 sq. ft. |
Cat 3Junior Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 120 sq. ft |
Cat 4 Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 125 sq. ft. |
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Cat 5 Main Double, two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 155 sq. ft. |
Cat 6Deluxe Double, shower, midship, two lower berths, double window, 125 sq. ft. |
Cat 7Superior Double, two lower berths, shower, picture window, double window, 130 sq.ft. |
Cat 8 Junior Suite, two lower berths, bath or shower, sitting area, triple window, 160 sq. ft. |
Cat 9Suite, two lower beds, bath with shower, two double windows, mini-refrigerator, sitting area, 215 sq. ft. |
Cat 10 Owner’s Suite, two lower berths, shower/ bathtub, two double windows, mini-refrigerator and microwave, 268 sq ft. |
