Complete East Greenland - Antarctic Cruise

Hallgrimskirkja Church dominates Reykjavik. This hip Scandi city is a popular destination for many. Reykjavik, with its new Nordic cuisine and shopping options, as well as fantastic excursions, is one of Scandinavia’s most exciting and welcoming cities.

We welcome guests to the ship in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner with a glass or champagne after our safety drill. We will then set out on a voyage of adventure across Denmark Strait to Greenland.

Denmark Strait, a narrow stretch of North Atlantic Ocean that separates Iceland and Greenland. The collision of the East Greenland Current, a cold polar current, with the Gulf Stream is one of the most productive water bodies in the world. The nutrient rich waters are vital to the survival of large fish stocks, as well as humans, seals whales, seabirds, and other animals.

The days at sea will never be boring. Our guests will enjoy a wide range of onboard activities that engage their mind, body, and soul. You can join your Expedition Team lecturer in the Theater to listen to specially-crafted lectures about Greenlandic culture, history, and wildlife. Or, you can relax with a relaxing massage at the Spa.

Kuummiut is a small village located in the quiet reaches of the Ammassalik Fjord. Kuummiut, which means 'People Who Live By the River' is one of East Greenland's largest and most prosperous villages. Kuummiut, which is located on some of East Greenland’s most productive fishing grounds, has the only fish processing factory in the area. Fishermen from all over the world come to Ammassalik Fjord to sell their catch.

Kuummiut offers a unique opportunity to learn about life in East Greenlandic villages. Kuummiut is a place where you can hear the yowling sled dog and wind on the grass. There are no roads in and out of the village. Local transport is by sea, although motorboats now replace the old skin boats that brought the people here many years ago. The perfect spot to sit and watch the icebergs pass by, or perhaps even see whales who often play in the calm water offshore.

We will then sail eastwards from Kuummiut, to Ikateq - a stunning fjord that has a rich history. In the darkest hours of World War II, American forces built an airbase on this coast (part of a network that includes Kangerlussuaq) as a transit point for planes flying between Europe and North America. East Greenland's rugged terrain made the entrance to the airport hazardous. Fog often obscured the dangerous mountains. Ikateq Airbase, also known as Bluie 2 East, was constructed with huge resources. A 5,000ft long runway, barracks, and port were built. The remote area was also supplied with a fleet of vehicles, thousands of barrels and fuel. The United States Military left the base almost completely in 1947 after Germany was defeated and improvements were made to the intercontinental planes.

Nuuk, Copenhagen, and Washington have been at odds over the air base for years. The Greenlandic Government wanted to clean up the site and remove the ruinous structures. This was a costly and difficult task. The Danish government agreed to take out hazardous waste (mainly decaying drums of fuel) from the site, but left the other equipment as an important piece of history. Almost everything is still the same as the day that the Americans left. Ikateq, an eerie and fascinating place that is set in a time-warp of the Second World War, has a unique atmosphere.

We arrive at Tasiilaq in the morning, which is the biggest settlement in East Greenland. Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in East Greenland, was the first Danish trading post established on the East Greenland coast. Unlike its west coast which had been continuously connected to Europe since 1700, East Greenland's coast remained largely unexplored until 1894. East Greenland's (Tunumiit), because of the vast distances of Arctic travel, was isolated from its cousins in the west. The language, culture and traditions of East Greenland are therefore different to other areas of the country.

Here, ancient traditions still hold sway. The last Angakkuit of Greenland lived in this region. It is also the birthplace of the tupilak – a creature made from human and animal body parts, which was animated with the power of Angakkuqs to wreak destruction on its enemies. It was risky to create a monster, because it might be changed by an even more powerful magician. Locals began carving facsimiles of these beasts in horn or bone, which was the beginning of one Greenland’s most beautiful artistic traditions. Tasiilaq's tupilaat are among the finest in Greenland.

Tasiilaq is located in the perfect natural harbour of Ammassalik Island, also known as 'The Place of Many Capelins'. Visitors will notice that while the towns are similar, there are many differences. The landscape is more rugged and the number of sled dog teams more abundant. Tasiilaq is a great place to discover, as there are many hiking trails such as Flower Valley that can be easily accessed from the town. If you want to learn more about the Tunumiit people, then visit the old church in Tasiilaq, listen to the choir in the new church or see a drummer in a traditional East Greenlandic outfit perform an ancient spiritual tradition. Visit the Stunk Artist's Workshop to enjoy some retail therapy. Skilled craftsmen use local natural materials to create stunning pieces.

It can be hard to grasp the size of the country when sailing along its coastline (where it takes 2 nights of sail time and 1 day of travel)

Greenland is roughly 4 times larger than France. It covers latitudes between 59 and 83degN., as well as 11 to 74degW. The Greenland Ice Sheet, also known as Sermersuaq ('The Great Ice in Greenlandic'), covers around 80% of Greenland. It is the world's largest ice sheet outside of Antarctica. Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice sheet on earth outside Antarctica, controls the weather in the area. Summer meltwater and winter glaciers are the main drivers of ocean currents.

The stretch of coast between Ammassalik, and Scorsesbysund is vital to residents in the region despite the absence of any towns. Locals have been hunting whales, seals, and other wildlife by boat on the vast coasts of the wilderness since ancient times. Many skilled hunters use kayaks in order to stalk skittish animals like narwhals, continuing an ancient hunting tradition. Some hunters use snowmobiles to cross the sea ice that hugs the coastline in the winter, but most prefer to use dog sleds because they are rugged and reliable. They also don't require fuel. The ancient traditions of this difficult country still outweigh the modern trappings.

Scoresbysund is the world's longest and largest fjord. It would be easy to forget that this 35km long inlet was a fjord. Scoresbysund was named after English whaler William Scoresby who was one of the first Europeans in the region to map it. The local name, Kangertittivaq is a Greenlandic term that roughly translates as 'The Rather Large Fjord.'

Ittoqqortoormiit, which means "the People Who Live in Large Houses", is the only community in this area. It ranks as one of the world's most isolated communities. The town was established in 1925 by Danish authorities, as its name implies. The Ammassalik area was relocated further south to improve living conditions and establish Danish sovereignty during the territorial dispute between Norway. The settlers faced many challenges in establishing the town, but soon discovered that the area was rich with game and offered excellent trapping and hunting opportunities. The majority of the residents still live this subsistence lifestyle. This is essential for a town that only receives supply ships once or twice a year. Only the helicopter can take you to an airport nearby, where small planes depart to Iceland.

Ittoqqortoormiit has a very strong community spirit and a traditional culture. Foreigners are warmly welcomed. Ittoqqortoormiit is home to a wonderful museum and a traditional Greenlandic Church. Locals welcome guests in colourful costumes. This town is a great introduction to Northeast Greenland's culture and lifestyle, located in one of nature's most stunning locations.

We cruise through the King Oscar Fjord and past the rugged peaks on the peninsula of Liverpool Land. Now we are in the Northeast Greenland National Park. This vast area is almost twice as large as France and contains the most northern land of the world.

The area is not permanently settled, however, up until the mid-19th century, Inuit nomadic hunters harvested the rich natural resources of this area.

Our days at the National Park are determined by wind, weather, and sea conditions. Mother Nature is the only one who can dictate human activities in such an isolated region. The Captain and Expedition Leader will jointly decide our exact itinerary and activities, which are usually announced on the previous night.

We may also visit the 130-meter high rock wall Bastionen, located on the coast Ella Island. We may also pass by the tiny Maria Island where, during World War II, the Germans set up a camp. It is fascinating to learn about the Germans’ attempt to establish a presence in Greenland in World War II. We hope to land on Ymer Island in Blomsterbugten at Blomsterbugten. This small island oasis is part of the National Park. The tiny Varghytten hunting lodge offers a magnificent view of Teufelsschloss. Its flat, characteristic mountain is adorned with multicoloured layers that testify to its exciting geological evolution. We can sail past the Waltershausen Glacier, which produces icebergs. Then we will enter Moskusokse Fjord. We might land on Jameson Land to observe polar bears breeding there.

No matter where we travel in the vast wilderness of Alaska, you can expect to encounter excitement, adventure and breathtaking natural beauty. The Expedition Team is on-hand to give guests as much information about the area as they can, whether it's through handcrafted lectures or evening recaps. They will also be available onshore and over coffee. Our experienced Expedition Team will keep a constant eye out for charismatic wildlife in the National Park. Keep your binoculars close by!

The Blosseville coast is one of the most spectacular outside Antarctica. It's guarded both by Greenland’s steepest fjords and highest mountains – and also a thick belt of pack-ice that used to keep explorers away for many years.

Blosseville Coast was named after French explorer Jules de Blosseville who was the first European to see this impressive coastline. The vessel La Lilloise and its crew were never found after they attempted to map the coastline in 1833. The vessel was never found by subsequent expeditions, so its fate is still a mystery.

In recent decades, the sea ice has also been reduced, allowing specially-built vessels like the expedition ship, equipped with ice-resistant hulls, to explore the coastline in search of polar animals, abandoned Inuit villages, and otherworldly scenery.

While we are at sea, as we approach Reykjavik a number of activities onboard will allow our guests to reflect upon their journey. Enjoy a cocktail at the Nordic Bar with new friends. Learn from our Expedition Team's passion and knowledge during the lectures. Or simply watch the fulmars fly by as we approach Iceland.

Join the captain and officers for a Farewell Cocktail party, which will be followed by the presentation of photographs and videos by our onboard camera. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit your Arctic Adventure.

Icelandic capital appears on the horizon. Strange objects are visible; tall trees, skyscrapers made of glass, and streets crowded with cars, buses, and people. After the wilderness of Greenland, a busy capital might seem strange!

It is now time to say a final farewell and return to land.