Day 1: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - Embarkation
On the first day of our expedition, we board our flights bound for Kangerlussuaq on the west coast of Greenland. Situated at the head of a 160km long fjord of the same name, Kangerlussuaq is Greenland's only inland town, and was established as Søndrestrom Air Base/Bluie West-8 by American troops in 1941. Existing largely to service the airport, the town of Kangerlussuaq itself retains a strong 'Cold War' feeling, hinting at its extensive American military use before it was signed over to the Greenlandic Government in 1992.
Today Kangerlussuaq is Greenland's largest air hub, with flights arriving daily from Denmark and around the country. It's stable climate and lack of fog makes it ideal as an airport, but it exhibits some of the most varied temperatures in the country, commonly registering the highest summer and lowest winter temperatures due to its inland location.
Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you will be transported to the small port located west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatros awaits at anchor. Zodiacs will transfer us the short distance to the ship, where you will be checked in to your stateroom. After the mandatory safety drill, enjoy dinner and a glass of champagne as we set sail a course for adventure through the 160-kilometre Kangerlussuaq fjord.
Day 2: Sisimiut - Greenland's Second City
After breakfast, Ocean Albatros will arrive in the colourful city of Sisimiut. With around 5,400 inhabitants, it is Greenland’s second largest city, and one of the most interesting to explore. Paleo-Inuit people have lived around Sisimiut on and off since 2,500 BC, arriving in waves of migration from Arctic Canada. Remnants of turf huts and tent camps from this time can be found thorughout the vast back country which surrounds Sisimiut, including on Tele Island, a short pleasant walk from the harbour.
The busy city centre of Sisimiut offers a glimpse of what daily life is like in 21st-century Greenland, where seal hunts and smartphones collide. Take a refreshing stroll around Spedjesø and take in an exhibition at the city's cultural centre Taseralik, explore the region's fascinating heritage at the city museum, or visit the Artists Workshop, where savvy shoppers can purchase traditional artworks direct from the artist. As evening falls, we will leave Sisimiut and set a course for the iceberg studded waters of Disko Bay (Qeqertarsuup Tunua) as Ocean Albatros sails for Qeqertarsuaq.
Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island
Nestled below Disko Island’s 1,000-metre mountains, we pull into port in a beautifully sheltered natural harbour. The place was aptly named Godhavn (“Good Harbour”) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name “Qeqertarsuaq” simply means “The Big Island”.
Today, hunting and fishing are the main industries in Qeqertarsuaq, while tourism is becoming increasingly important. Ferries arrive in the town daily in summer from around Disko Bay, while in winter, access is only by helicopter from nearby Ilulissat.
On the afternoon of our day on Disko Island, we will reposition our vessel slightly to the east and launch our fleet of Zodiacs to explore the coast of Kuannit. This stretch of coastline is one of Greenland's best kept secrets; with lush greenery dripping with water from mountain springs, spectacularly weird basalt rock formations riddled with caves and waterfalls, and plenty of sapphire-blue icebergs, this section of coast is one of the most spectacular in the Arctic. From Kuannit, we will set a northerly course towards Uummannaq.
Day 4: Uummannaq - The Greenlandic Riviera
The small city of Uummannaq sits perched precariously at the foot of a massive mountain. Like the rest of the area, here the mountain reaches vertically out of the icy depths, punching 1170m into the clear blue sky. Uummannaq mountain (translated from Greenlandic as “heart shaped”) is a true Greenlandic icon, and is a mecca for climbers who visit from all over the world.
The city itself occupies a small area of flatter ground at the foot of the mountain, founded by Danish colonists in 1763 – some of the original buildings from this era can still be visited in the harbour-front area. More recently, Uummannaq has become famous in Scandinavia as the home of Santa Claus – the small turf house belonging to the festive hero himself can be reached via a pleasant (if challenging) 2-3h hike out of town.
Uummannaq itself is a lively little town. Expect to see enterprising locals selling handicrafts in the grassy town square, while others sell their catch in the local fish market - always a fascinating sight. Watch fishermen bait their long lines as they head out in search of halibut, or load up with provisions for hunting trips deep into the vast fjordlands outside town.
Ensure you are on Ocean Albatros’ outer decks during our sail-out from Uummannaq – the deep clear blue iceberg-studded waters of the fjord and the dramatic vertical mountains around the city offer some of the best views in Greenland. With a calm microclimate and round-the-clock summer sunshine, not for nothing is this staggeringly beautiful area nicknamed the Greenlandic Riviera!
Day 5: Eqip Sermia Glacier
From Uummannaq, we return to the heart of Disko Bay, setting sail towards Eqip Sermia. It is a relatively small glacier compared to many in Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice tumbles off the vast glacier-front almost constantly.
Watching the vast cataracts of ice fall into the ocean is a sight which has to be seen to be believed, and the comfortable viewing decks of Ocean Albatros offer the best possible platform to do so... Perhaps with a specially crafted cocktail in hand!
If conditions allow, we will launch our fleet of Zodiacs to approach this vast river of ice, and hopefully experience the roar of the glacier's frequent calvings at sea level (from a safe distance of course)!
From Eqip Sermia, we will reposition slightly southwards during the evening towards Ilulissat, the largest city in Disko Bay and the Iceberg Capital of the World.
Day 6: Ilullisat - Iceberg Capital of the World
Situated within a short walk of the harbour lies Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side, Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay near the city of Ilulissat back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.
This is the single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the visit you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough excitement, there is also the opportunity to join a flightseeing excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies).
Day 7: The Settlement of Itilleq
The settlement of Itilleq, which translates roughly as "the Crossing Place from the Sea” nestles at the foothills of the mountains and and fjords which line central Greenland's backcountry. Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many tiny villages dotting the coast of Greenland. The settlement is situated in the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed due to its ancient Inuit hunting heritage, documenting the entire habitation history of Greenland.
While the turf houses and hide tents have been replaced by colourful modern houses, the lifestyle here has changes little since the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highways are the water and the ice, and the sea and tundra continue to nourish the locals, as they has for thousands of years. Arctic char, reindeer and muskoxen are typical catches, and are all plentiful in the area.
Despite this ancient heritage, locals in Itilleq are still firmly in the modern world, with smartphones, speedy wifi and satellite TV. However, the people of Itilleq remain justly proud of their ancient heritage, and continue to move their culture forward in a modern fast paced world. Locals are pleased to show off their piucturesque town, and visitors are greeted with typical warm Greenlandic hospitality.
After departing Itilleq, we will head slightly south and enter the 160km-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
Day 8: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - Disembarkation
During the night, we will sail up the 160-kilometer/100 mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid a fond farewell to the ship's crew, Expedition Team and fellow travellers before shuttling ashore by Zodiac.
Due to Kangerlussuaq’s military history and present-day role as an important air travel hub, Kangerlussuaq remains fairly isolated from Greenland’s rich cultural traditions, in comparison to other regions. While you still find cultural experiences when visiting Kangerlussuaq, the most impressive attraction is the surrounding nature, which is just beckoning to be explored. The town itself was largely constructed by the American military in the 1950s, and this small airport town has retained something of its Cold War atmosphere. Your Arctic adventure and time in Greenland concludes as we board the flight from Kangerlussuaq back to the southern world.
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Category G Stateroom
Single stateroom with porthole- app. 14 m2
FROM £8,236 £4,118.- p.p.
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category F Stateroom
Triple Shared Stateroom with Porthole - 18-22 m2
FROM £5,270 £2,638 p.p.
Our triple staterooms are ideal for solo travelers who want to share a cabin with other solo travelers of the same gender. Each room has three single beds, a porthole, and a private bathroom. Located on Deck 3, they are close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Triple staterooms accommodate three travelers.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your F cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.
Category E Stateroom
Double stateroom with French Balcony - app. 14 m2
FROM £7,116 £3,558 p.p.
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, one queen-sized bed (150x200 cm), floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bathroom. All French Balcony Staterooms are located on Deck 7.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category D Stateroom
Twin/Double stateroom with porthole - 13-22 m2
FROM £6,636 £3,318 p.p.
The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. They are located on deck 3 and 4. Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with others, just book your D cabin, and we will match you with two other same-gender travelers.
Category C Stateroom - SOLD OUT
Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 18-22 m2
SOLD OUT
This type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category C Sup Stateroom - SOLD OUT
Superior Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 22-25 m2
SOLD OUT
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
The Superior Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Superior Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.
If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
If you are traveling solo and want to share a room with another person, just book your C Sup cabin, and we will match you with another same-gender travelers.
Category C XL Stateroom - SOLD OUT
Grand Twin/Double stateroom with balcony - app. 25-30 m2
SOLD OUT
The Grand Balcony Staterooms are located on deck 4. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, and a bathroom.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Category B Suite - SOLD OUT
Twin/Double suite with balcony - app. 30-32 m2
SOLD OUT
Ocean Albatros has 2 Balcony Suites on board located on deck 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a work desk, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Category A Suite - SOLD OUT
Twin/Double junior suite with balcony - 36-39 m2
SOLD OUT
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7. Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
Family Suite - SOLD OUT
Twin/Double family suite with French balcony - 50 m2 – BS (Brynhilde Suite)
SOLD OUT
This suite is the largest of all the staterooms and is only available on board the Ocean Albatros. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Guests staying in our suites additionally have unlimited access to our specialty restaurant, upgraded toiletries, a stocked minibar, wine and fruit at the start of the voyage, and free laundry service.
Please note that it is not possible to book this type of cabin if you are travelling as a single traveller.
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Zodiac Cruises
Jump aboard our complimentary Zodiacs and set foot where very few ever had.
Kayaking*
Experience the Polar regions at your own pace, sliding close to icebergs, whales, and seals.
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