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South and West Greenland – Disko Bay

from $10,495

DATE – May 25, 2023  

DURATION – 14 days     

EMBARKATION – Reykjavik, Iceland)
DISEMBARKATION – Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)

SHIP – M/V Sea Spirit

From – $7,871 (Double)After 25% Savings – Book by Mar 15, 2023

 

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All about the South and West Greenland – Disko Bay.

WELCOME TO BIRTHPLACE OF ICEBERGS – Though seemingly larger than life, Disko Bay is almost not large enough to hold its many wonders.

This exceptional voyage departs from Reykjavík, Iceland and finishes in Kangerlussuaq, Green-land. Our explorations span the countless fjords of Greenland’s west coast from Cape Fare-well, at the southern tip of the country, to Disko Bay, deep inside the Arctic Circle. Inside Greenland’s southern fjords we discover well-preserved Viking ruins and the country’s most fertile landscapes. Along Greenland’s west coast we find colorful Inuit villages, as well as the capital city of Nuuk. In Disko Bay we find spectacular natural wonders including the famous Ilulissat Icefjord.

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HIGHLIGHTS

ILULISSAT ICEFJORD
The spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the head of this steady stream of ice lies Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), an outlet of the Greenland Ice Sheet through which around 46 cubic kilometers of ice are calved annually into the sea.

Situated nearby is the town of Ilulissat, which offers easy access for close viewing of icebergs emanating from the immense glacier front. The combination of a highly scenic ice sheet and a fast moving ice stream, along with the dramatic sound produced by grinding icebergs, presents an unforgettable natural spectacle.

INUIT VILLAGES
Cultural traditions are blended with modern living in contemporary Inuit villages throughout the Disco Bay area. Colorful houses are a modern reflection of the pride and felicity of this robust and ancient culture. The preservation of a subsistence lifestyle is evident in fishing boat captains and sled dog mushers. Village youth enjoy soccer with some of the sport’s most scenic backdrops.

Each village has its own unique history and character. Settlements on our route include Itilleq, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, and Uummannaq.

DISKO ISLAND
Disko Island is the largest island on the west coast of Greenland. The island’s characteristic volcanic landscape contains hot springs, red basalt mountains, lush greenery, and amazing rock formations. The small, traditional town of Qeqertarsuaq is among of Greenland’s oldest.

The waters around Disko Island are home to a variety of whale species including humpback, fin, minke, and bowhead (also known as the Greenland right whale). The abundance of icebergs makes whale watching here a particularly awesome experience.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Pre-cruise hotel in Reykjavik;
  • Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation;
  • Shipboard accommodation;
  • All meals on board throughout the voyage;
  • Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
  • All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
  • Museum entrance fee;
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
  • Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
  • Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
  • WiFi;
  • All port fees;
  • Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
  • Pre-departure materials;
  • Digital Voyage Log.

 

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Charter Flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik*;
  • Visa and passport fees (if applicable);
  • Travel and Emergency Evacuation insurance;
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and celebrations;
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
  • Staff gratuities.

*CHARTER FLIGHT TO REYKJAVIK
We provide a mandatory charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik on the day of disembarkation.

Charter flight costs: $399 – A$599 – £339 – €419

  1. Day 1 ARRIVE REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

    Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our expedition cruise! Even though this country lies below the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Visitors needn’t travel far to find geysers and waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. Accommodations tonight at a centrally located deluxe hotel will make embarkation tomorrow much more convenient.

     

  2. Day 2 REYKJAVIK - EMBARKATION

    This afternoon, meeting in the lobby for your transfer to the port and embarkation of the Sea Spirit. There’s time to get settled in and explore this ship, your home-away-from-home for the next ten days. After departure, keep an eye out for our first whales (humpback and Minke whales are most common) as we sail out of the picturesque bay.

     

  3. Days 3-4 AT SEA

    Enjoy a few restful days at sea, as we get ready for icebergs, Inuit villages, whales and much more! Along with our expedition team, watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, or participate in their presentations in the Oceanus Lounge on the flora, fauna, geology and cultural heritage to be found along West Greenland’s western coast.

  4. Days 5-9 EXPLORING SOUTH AND WEST GREENLAND

    The Sea Spirit rounds Cape Farewell, the southernmost point in Greenland, and calls in at Greenland’s most southerly town Nanortalik. The town lies at the mouth of beautiful Tasermiut Fjord surrounded by steep mountains that flank an intricate fjord system. The local open-air museum demonstrates the fascinating history from Viking and Inuit times to the present days.

    The Uunartoq area is famous for its natural hot springs, where we can soak in the geothermal waters watching the icebergs pass by.

    During the next few days, we head further north to visit some enchanting Greenlandic settlements and explore the beautiful fjords of Greenland’s western side.

    Hvalsey, or ”Whale Island”, is the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. It was originally settled by an ancestor of Erik the Red in the late 10th century. There’s time to wander and learn about the ancient farmstead that includes a granite stone Christian church, likely built in the early 14th century, and several adjacent buildings. The fells and fjord around the farmstead have not changed at all over the centuries, and the site is believed to have been a meeting place for festivals and banquets throughout the year.

    Set amidst breathtaking scenery, our visit to Qaqortoq gives us some additional cultural and Viking background on the region. Placed on a beautiful hillside, the small settlement boasts colorful houses and a museum.

    We continue north in the wake of the Vikings as our Sea Spirit navigates through the picturesque Eriksfjord to the settlement of Qassiarsuk. The town was founded back in the 10th century by Eric the Red following his exile from Iceland for murder. We will see the foundation remains of his manor house and other buildings. Nowadays, the area is known as a sheep farming settlement.

    As we approach, Paamiut, there are good opportunities to see humpback and fin whales along the coastline. It is also an especially good place to spot white-tailed eagles. Inhabited by incredibly welcoming locals, Paamiut justifiably proud of their church that was built in 1909. The architecture reflects the Danish colonization of Greenland.

    Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is lively and surrounded by natural beauty. Here, old traditions meet modern change. Fashion shops and a cultural center represent the modern Greenland; the picturesque old port area, however, testifies to the island’s long history. The town was founded by the Danish missionary Hans Egede in the early 18th century, and you’ll learn much more about the area on an included tour. In the National Museum, you’ll be fascinated by the mummies of Qilakotsoq – evidence of a bygone era.

  5. Days 10-13 EXPLORING DISKO BAY

    Fjords and scenic Inuit villages shape the landscape of this icy region of western Greenland. The Sea Spirit holds her course north, and landings and activities are adapted to the current ice and weather conditions. Accordingly, we will plan to visit some of the following:

    Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland with about 5,400 inhabitants, is located 40 km north of the Arctic Circle. While there are modern elements, you’ll also find an outdoors hunting and fishing culture. A small museum depicts the history of trade, shipping and industry in the region.

    Ilulissat, the “city of icebergs”, is the focal point of West Greenland tourism. The fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pushes unimaginable amounts of icebergs into the bay. A hike to the historic Sermermiut settlement offers some spectacular views. The famous Danish polar explorer Knut Rasmussen is a son of the city and an interesting museum here is dedicated to his life.

    Itilleq is a typical Greenlandic fishing village on a small island just above the Arctic Circle, with a local population of about 120. The residents make a living from fishing and hunting and there are probably more dog sleds than residents.

  6. Day 14 KANGERLUSSUAQ - DISEMBARKTION

    Our adventure finishes at the port of Kangerlussuaq. We disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our outbound charter flight to Reykjavik and further connection flights home.

     

Sea Spirit

Introducing the Sea Spirit, formerly the Spirit of Oceanus – Sailing in grand style with all the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Providing spacious suites for accommodation of 116 passengers the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. The vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing.

Explore the Polar Regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious suites and social areas for 116 guests the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships.

Public areas include: Reception, Restaurant, Bar, Outdoor Bistro, Club Lounge, Library, Presentation Lounge, Infirmary, Gym, Bridge.

We have open Bridge policy. Talk to the Captain and officers. Watch landscapes from this special angle of view. Fix your location at a map of your expedition.

Fast Facts

  • Dare Launched/Rebuilt: 1992/2006
  • Length: 297 ft
  • Beam: 50 ft
  • Draft: 13.5 ft
  • Tonnage: 4954 t
  • Cruise Speed: 12 knots
  • Total Staff: 72
  • Passenger Capacity: 116
  • Registry: Bahamas

Onboard Amenities

Restaurant
The Restaurant on board the Sea Spirit offers open-seating dining, which means there are no assigned tables. Contemporary, international cuisine is created by our talented chefs.

Bar
After a day of explorations passengers may relax at a Bar staffed by a professional bartender. With a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and engaging conversation, the bar on board this small luxury ship welcomes guests to mix and mingle.

Presentation Lounge
The Presentation Lounge with state-of-the-art equipment is where all lectures, briefings and social gatherings take place. Attend informative lectures, recaps and briefings, and enjoy views outside.

Club Lounge
Club Lounge provides great opportunities for socializing and observing fantastic landscapes passing by. This comfortable seating area also offers a 24-hour self-service coffee and tea bar.

Library
The Library is a quiet cozy place for reading and relaxation. It has an extensive selection of polar books and DVDs, magazines, reference materials and newspapers.

Gym
Well-equipped Gym allows travelers not to break away from regular sports for the time of a trip. The Gym is open daily and offers stationary bikes, several treadmills, and some multi-functional training machines.

Reception
Should you have a question or require any service be sure to visit the Reception area. Our experts can provide invaluable information to help you get the most out of your cruise.

DECK PLANS and CABINS

All accommodations are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone, hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, and public address system and safe boxes. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble.

CABINS

OWNER’S SUITE: Ocean view suite boasting sweeping views, interior entrance, a private terrace, a complimentary minibar (restocked daily), one queen bed and one sofa bed, sitting area, in-room safe, (Deck 6)

PREMIUM SUITE: Ocean view stateroom with direct access to their private balcony. Added amenities include: two twin or one queen bed, armoire, minibar, evening canapés, complimentary laundry service, and the services of a dedicated butler, fresh fruit upon arrival (Deck 6)

DELUXE SUITE: Ocean view stateroom with direct access to their private balcony, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 5)

SUPERIOR SUITE:Ocean view stateroom  with large pictures window(s), sweeping views, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 4)

CLASSIC SUITE: Ocean view stateroom with large pictures window(s), two twin or one queen bed (Deck 3)

MAIN DECK SUITE: Large ocean view stateroom with portholes, two twin or one queen bed (Deck 2)

TRIPLE CLASSIC SUITE: Ocean view stateroom with large pictures window(s), Three twin beds, or one Queen and one twin. (Deck 3).