Greenland To Nova Scotia Exploring The Canadian Arctic | SH Vega | IExpedition

Greenland To Nova Scotia Exploring The Canadian Arctic

  • Overview

    Visit parts of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers on this epic Northern Canadian Discovery voyage. Sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, and gaze in awe at the straits and fjords crammed with huge icebergs. Watch out for caribou and polar bears on the northern Canadian coast, and you’ll get the chance to hear the stories of the indigenous Inuit people, and discover whaling sites in Newfoundland.

    Expedition Highlights

    • 
Immerse yourself in Inuit culture and traditions as you wander their ancestral homelands

    • Marvel at the glistening bergs, growlers and glaciers in the iceberg capital of the world

    • Follow the path of 16th-century whalers and 19th-century explorers

    Look up at towering cliffs crammed with seabirds while below narwhal swim gracefully

    Learn about the history of Viking exploration, and Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board

    Duration: 16 days
    Passengers: 162 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Kangerlussuaq
    Disembarkation Point: Halifax
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - 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

    • 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 - Qeqertarsuaq

      Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, the largest island in Greenland, on the west coast and part of Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lyngmark Glacier rises above the town and the area’s lush hills, basalt columns and black sand beaches reflect its volcanic origin. The area is very fertile and home to diverse species not found elsewhere in Greenland. Keep an eye out for its hot springs as we move through floating icebergs and whales.

    • Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 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 - At Sea

      Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

    • Day 8 - Iqaluit, Nu

      The native Inuit are an integral part of Iqaluit, a remote community at the head of Frobisher Bay. Once-considered the possible entrance of a Northwest Passage, the bay provides insight into Inuit history and culture including dog-sledding on handmade qamutik sleds led by qimmiiq - North America's oldest and rarest purebred canine. Inuit artworks are showcased at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum while Inuit history is evident at Crystal II, an ancient Thule Inuit settlement outside of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.

    • Day 9 - Lady Franklin Island, Nu

      Most known for its huge vertical cliffs of Archean rocks, reputedly the oldest stones in Canada, Lady Franklin Island is an uninhabited isle off Hall Peninsula on Baffin Island. Black guillemots, ptarmigan and gulls all nest in this ice-filled area of the Davis Strait. Lumbering walrus haul out to the south at Monumental Island, which is also a well-known denning site for polar bears. Nearby, the Cumberland Sound is home to its own species of beluga whale.

    • Day 10/11 - Torngat Mountains National Park, Nl

      Staffed completely by Inuit, Torngat Mountains National Park takes its name from the Inuktitut word Tongait, meaning place of spirits. We have a rare chance to follow in the footsteps of Inuit as they share their stories of spirits and traditions in their homeland, where for centuries they have been fishing and hunting polar bears and caribou. This magical land made up of dramatically spectacular mountains and deep fjords nudging up to iceberg-filled waters is only accessible by boat.

    • Day 12 - 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 13 - L'anse Aux Meadows, Nl

      The 1,000-year-old Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows (Meadows Cove) on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland is the first and only authenticated Viking site in the Americas, believed to have been occupied by Leif Erikson, the first European to explore the east coast of Canada in around 1021. Discover some of the 800 original Norse artefacts and eight sod houses found here on a tour of the recreated village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Day 14/15 - 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 16 - Halifax, Ns

      Nova Scotia’s lively capital is rich in nautical history and charm. Its seafaring stories can be discovered in the maritime museums, fortresses and bunkers that are peppered throughout the city. There is also an interesting counterculture contingent here, with striking public art and quirky shops on every other corner. Halifax is also home to plenty of fantastic seafood options, from street vendors to fine dining restaurants. The surrounding shorelines are beautiful and also worth exploring. Peggy’s Cove, with its picturesque lighthouse, is a favourite spot.

    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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  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Oceanview D4

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 20,519pp
USD$ 20,519pp

Oceanview M4

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 21,475pp
USD$ 21,475pp

Balcony M5

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 24,719pp
USD$ 24,719pp

Balcony D6

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 27,205pp
USD$ 27,205pp

Suite

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 31,591pp
USD$ 31,591pp

Premium Suite

25 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 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$ 36,752pp
USD$ 36,752pp