Greenland In Depth | SH Vega | IExpedition

Greenland In Depth

  • Overview

    Escape to a remote and remarkable part of the world on this fascinating Greenland Discovery voyage. Sail through an intricate fjord system, and discover the pathways of Inuit migrations, Viking ruins, and settlements that are over 4,500 years old. Learn about local traditions against a backdrop of immense mountains and stunning Arctic scenery. And explore UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites and pristine waterways packed with floating icebergs.

    Expedition Highlights

    • 
Learn about the history of the Inuit, Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board

    • Marvel at the glistening icebergs that crack and calve spectacularly off glaciers into the meltwater

    • Get your camera ready for large pods of narwhal, playful seal, mighty muskox, arctic foxes and gyrfalcons

    • Dig into the tumultuous history of the Vikings who made west Greenland their home

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 162 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavik
    Disembarkation Point: Kangerlussuaq
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Reykjavík

      Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do in this diminutive but dramatic city. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

    • Day 2 - At Sea

      Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

    • Day 3 - Skjoldungen

      On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests with the Thrym Glacier at one end. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You also have the opportunity to see whales under pure blue skies.

    • Day 4 - Aappilattoq & Cruise Prins Christian Sund

      The small, colourful and pretty Nordic homes of Aappilattoq, the only settlement in Prins Christian Sund, stand stark against snow-tipped mountain ridges in this icy wilderness.

      A beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, in Prins Christian Sund we move among fin, blue and minke whales, while you may also see muskox, polar bears and bearded seals. Enjoy these unspoilt, picturesque waterways where magnificent glaciers tower and granite cliffs yield to crystal-clear waterfalls.

    • Day 5 - Ivittut

      Today, explore Ivigtut's deserted buildings, enormous cryolite hole and above-ground cemetery. This settlement played a crucial role in WWII as cryolite was used to produce Aluminium to build fighter planes. Walk around the abandoned houses and learn about the history of the Ivigtut.

    • Day 6 - Nuuk

      Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk can easily deceive you that you’re travelling through such a wild and secluded country. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), you’ll see the busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral prominent, colourful wooden houses, avant-garde architecture and a wonderful array of fjords with clear ice waters and an unspoiled mountain backdrop. Look out for whales and on land arctic foxes, arctic hares and reindeer.

    • Day 7 - Sisimiut

      Just north of the Arctic Circle and the northernmost city in Greenland, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport and we have a chance to see abandoned settlements but it also has a cool, modern side. Watch out for humpback whales and walrus between Sisimiut and the Thule district in the north.

    • Day 8/9 - Ilulissat, Disko Bay

      Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat, formerly Jakobshavn or Jacobshaven, is home to as many sled-dogs as people.

    • Day 10/11 - Kangerlussuaq

      Kangerlussuaq boasts a WWII airbase history at the head of a long fjord in western Greenland. The airport’s Kangerlussuaq Museum recounts the tale and showcases Greenlandic Inuit artifacts. This glacial area is a haven for wildlife like muskoxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, and gyrfalcons. Around 10,000 musk oxen, native to Greenland, inhabit the tundra, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Inland, the 60-m tall Russell Glacier calves on the edge of the Greenland ice cap.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Zodiac Cruising

    Enjoy a zodiac cruise with the onboard team and learn about Antarctica

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
    - Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
    - 24-hour room service
    - One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
    - Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
    - Onboard gratuities and port taxes
    - Standard WiFi
    - Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
    - Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
    - Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
    - All meals onboard

    Not included in your Expedition

    - You will need to purchase your own visas where required, travel insurance, flights, domestic transfers, and any hotel requirements pre or post-cruise unless otherwise stated within the itinerary description.
    - Premium wines and spirits, plus purchases from the ship’s boutique and any spa treatments are not included.
    - Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, plus private Zodiac tours, cost extra.
  • Map
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  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    Our brand new ship - SH Vega, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.

    SH Vega incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

    Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 152
    Crew #: 120
    Ice Class:
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 113m
    Width: 24
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage:
    Registry: Panama
    Elec Outlets:
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  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Oceanview D4

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 14,950pp
USD$ 14,950pp

Oceanview M4

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
USD$ 15,588pp
USD$ 15,588pp

Balcony D5

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 5, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 17,005pp
USD$ 17,005pp

Balcony M5

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 5, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 17,751pp
USD$ 17,751pp

Balcony D6

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Balcony stateroom is a guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
USD$ 19,408pp
USD$ 19,408pp

Suite

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
USD$ 22,332pp
USD$ 22,332pp

Premium Suite

30 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
USD$ 25,773pp
USD$ 25,773pp