Please book your trip to Greenland here!
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Currently there are no planned departures in
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CRUISE |
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Denmark to Greenland - with Clipper Adventurer
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A unique transatlantic cruise
The cruise offers 18 days from Copenhagen to Greenland via Bergen (Norway), Faroe Islands, Vestmanna Islands, Iceland, Cape Farewell and Kangerlussuaq. Experience the only cruise between Denmark and Greenland!
6th. June — 21st June 2008
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Much has changed since the age of the long Atlantic voyages of the great wooden ships. Now it is possible to sail across the Northern Atlantic to Greenland in as little as 4 days, although the trip is typically only performed by cargo ships. Therefore we are especially proud to be the exclusive provider of this entirely unique trip. The trip is arranged as a traditional cruise with stops in many wonderful ports and the possibility for excursions underway.
The voyage begins in Copenhagen, Denmark and travels first to Bergen, Norway, where the ship docks for an entire day, and there will be ample opportunity to explore this beautiful town on the Norwegian coast. From Norway we head out into the North Atlantic towards the Faroe Islands. Here the ship docks in Tórshavn. We visit the medieval town of Kirkjubøur before departing from the “foggy Islands" and setting the course for Iceland, where the cruise remains in port for two full days. We go ashore on the famous volcanic Islands of Vestmanna, with sufficient time to go exploring on your own. The stay in Island offers a visit to Reykjavík, and the possibility to go on the famous “Golden Circle Tour". This famous Tour includes many spectacular sites including hot springs with geysers, the most notable being Gullfoss. The cruise then raises anchor again and sails along the coast of Iceland before crossing the Denmark Strait and reaching Greenland. Whales, seabirds and packs of dolphins are frequently observed during this leg of the voyage. Soon after crossing the Strait, the northern pack ice becomes visible and the captain will guide the vessel along the edge of the ice, affording a fantastic view of this and magnificent ice landscape. If the sun breaks through the clouds the entire magnificent vista of the enormous Arctic Ocean is lit in a spectacular fashion. The breathtaking views from the boat continue to be absolutely exceptional as the cruise rounds Cape Farewell.
We visit Greenland in the period between spring and summer. The sun shines throughout the night and the pack ice may still be lying close to the coast of Southwest Greenland. The eventual position of the ice will determine where the ship can navigate. We will make an attempt to reach Arsuk Fjord and its famous cryolite mine close to Ivittuut. After docking at Nuuk and getting a feel of one of the world’s smallest capitals, we make the beautiful voyage deep into Evighedsfjorden (“The Eternal Fiord") and observe the dramatic glaciers. We reach our final destination — Kangerlussuaq in Western Greenland. After this exciting and unforgettable cruise, you will journey back to Copenhagen with Air Greenland.
On this journey we employ Albatros Travel’s newest ship, M/S Clipper Adventurer. This fine ocean-going vessel is fully equipped for Northatlantic cruises with stabilizers and a hull reinforced for sailing in ice-filled waters. All cabins have wooden panels, ocean view, private bathrooms and individual adjustment of temperatures. The ship holds a nice restaurant, a lecture room, an extensive library with computers, two bars, a hospital room and a fitness room. The ship is fitted with Zodiac landing crafts that may be used for spectacular landings when landscapes and curiosity requires it. Albatros Travel’s tour guides will provide the needed information and give lectures on board the ship.
Albatros Travel welcomes you onboard!
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Day to day travel description.
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Day 1-2. June 6-7: Copenhagen - Bergen.
Boarding begins in the afternoon in Copenhagen and all passengers are allocated their respective cabins. An informational meeting is held on the first day that will explain the route that the ship will take. The general routines of the ship will also be explained and a mandatory fire drill will be performed.
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Day 3-4. June 8-9: Bergen
During the night the cruise anchors at Bergen, and there is a full day for exploring this interesting town, where most of the sights are within a short distance of the quay. On the docks you find Bergen’s famous “Bryggen" or The Wharf. The history of this wonderful museum stretch and its characteristic antique homes reach back to medieval times when Bergen was the capital of the Hanseatic League. The stretch is so exceptional that the wharf is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
We have arranged a guided tour through Bergen, visiting such sites as the house of the composer Edvard Griegs — Troldhaugan. The Norwegian composer lived here from 1885 to 1907 and the beautiful surroundings clearly illustrate the source of the artist’s inspiration. We end the guided tour on the roof of Bergen, which is reached by the Fløi-banen funicular. From here we have a spectacular view of Bergen. The rest of day goes by fast when strolling through the town with its old buildings and nice shops.
From Bergen we head towards the Faroe Islands and the whole next day is spent on the sea.
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Day 5-6. June 10-11: Tórshavn and the North Atlantic
According to schedule, we arrive at Tórshavn during the night and we disembark after breakfast. The events of that day are planed with consideration to the weather. The rugged, rocky islands seem to attract all the clouds over the Atlantic often they will linger around the mountain tops, giving the 18 islands an enchanted feeling. Before noon it is possible to go on an excursion to Kirkjubøur, where you will really sense the presence of history. Kirkjubøur was in medieval times the Episcopal centre of the Faroe Islands, and also its undisputed cultural centre. We visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral that perhaps never was completed, and the St. Olav church — the only remaining medieval church on the Faroe Islands. Upon return you can go for a leisurely stroll through the old citadel near the harbour. A visit to the Art museum and the Nordic House is also very recommendable.
The sailing towards Iceland will probably go through Vestmanna Sound, along the west-facing shore of Streymoy and the south side of Mykines. But the route depends on winds, sea and comforts. We spend day number 6 at sea and enjoy the ship’s many facilities.
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Day 7. June 12: The Vestmanna Islands
The Vestmanna Islands made the front pages of the world press in January 1973, when a volcanic eruption scorched the town of Heimaey. All 5000 inhabitants were evacuated, but most of them have now returned and approximately 4000 people live here now. The islands are situated only 14 kilometres off the southwest coast of Iceland, and consist of 15 small islands, and approximately 30 additional rocks.
In clear weather you can see the steep and jagged profile of the islands from afar. As they lift themselves beautifully out of the sea, you understand perfectly the Icelandic poet who compared them to sapphires in a silver ring. Even in beautiful Iceland there are only a few places where you may find such a grand nature. The colours are breathtaking in this majestic and harsh volcanic landscape. The multitude of birds is exceptional, including amongst others puffins, stormy petrels and last but not least the “Queen of the Sea" — the gannet. After an eventful day we sail to Reykjavík.
Apart from the risk of volcanic eruptions, the population has throughout the centuries experienced piracy. In 1627 North African corsairs attacked the island and kidnapped 380 people who was sold as slaves in Algiers. We take an excursion to Eldfeld and witness the houses buried under lava in the eruption in 1973 resembling a sort of Icelandic Pompeii.
At night the cruise continues towards Reykjanes and Reykjavík.
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Day 8. June 13: Iceland, Reykjavik
When we have had breakfast we go ashore in Reykjavik. Iceland is well on its way to becoming one of the most fashionable destinations in Europe, and with good reason. The main reason is Iceland’s unique natural beauty and astounding contrasts. The traditional way for claiming virgin land a 1000 years ago, was to throw a God icon overboard and then set foot ashore at the spot where the icon floated in. In this manner Ingólfur Arnarson, as one of the first, set his foot on Iceland in 874. He called the spot “Smokey bay" (Reykjavik), and it has only expanded since then. The growth has not always been rapid, though. 200 years ago only 300 souls lived in Reykjavik. But now 172.000 people — 60% of Iceland’s population — have their home in the northernmost capital of the world. The Icelandic people are extraordinarily financially active and also make many investments abroad. The city is very much undergoing development, both in expanse and culturally. Besides a visit to the city, it is possible to go on "The Golden Circle" excursion — the classical name for one of Iceland’s best and most popular excursions. We drive south-westwards from Reykjavík to the village of Hvergerdi. Here we will gaze into Keríd — a 55-meter deep crater formed by a violent geological explosion more than 3.000 years ago.
Today there is a marvellous green lake at the bottom of the crater. On our way to Gullfoss we drive through the historical town Skàlholt. From the year 1056 to the end of the 18th century this was Iceland’s theological centre for Catholicism. Approximately 40 kilometres from Skàlholt we come to Gullfoss, a 30-meter waterfall cascading in plateaus down a deep gorge — this is Iceland’s main attraction. Gullfoss was first known to the rest of the world in the beginning of this century.
A small farming family — the Tómassons — lost a 20-year long lawsuit to foreign investors concerning the ownership of the area. But it turned out that the investors did not have the financial capital needed, and this provided the Icelandic Einar Gudmundsson with the chance to buy it in 1939. In 1975 he turned over the area to the Icelandic state, who later gave it a protected status.
A small distance from Gullfoss lays Geysir; its name has set the term used for the rest of the world’s geysers. Geysir erupted for the first time in the 14th century, but its 60-meter water column ceased to appear in the 20th century after thousands of tourist visits. Close by you find the active Strokkur geyser however, which sprouts its water masses more than 20 metres into the air with a 3-minute interval. The “Golden Circle"-tour is concluded in Thingvellir, which is an incredible geological location, and at the same time the setting for the world’s oldest parliament dating back to the year 930. It is also here that we find Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn, which now is a national park. The beautiful gorge cutting through the park is right above the place where two of the world’s large tectonic plates meet. In theory it is possible to stand straddling both the American and European continents.
Golden Circle is included
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Day 9-10. June 14-15: The Denmark Strait
We spend the next couple of days in the Denmark Strait, where our route is governed by the pack ice. In the open waters you are very likely to sight migrating whales, but in the coastal regions on the fishing banks the experience is superb, as the whales remain together in the same location for longer periods of time. The more pack ice there is, the closer we have to navigate to it, but the less is the likelihood of sighting whales. The weather can furthermore be quite rough in the Denmark Strait. After we have rounded Cape Farewell the sailing is almost entirely amongst the pack ice. If the sun is shining a scintillating lightshow with the ice as the backdrop will play out before your eyes, and this you never grow tired of.
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Day 11-12. June 16-17: South Greenland
It is difficult to predict the exact route in South Greenland. We reach South Greenland and expect the first port of call to be the town of Qaqortoq. Qaqortoq can be especially plagued by pack ice in June.
The voyage along the coast offers some fine days — if the weather allows it — in an incredible setting. The seals stay near the pack ice, and can often be seen relaxing on an ice floe, if a polar bear is not on the hunt. South Greenland is not the typical polar bear territory, but the bears may follow the ice from its origin at the Northeastern coast of Greenland. Each year polar bears are unwillingly shot in South Greenland — the town and municipal name Nanortalik actually means “the place of bears" — but no guarantees of spotting these protected animals can be given.
We hope to be able to visit Arsuk Fiord and the closed down cryolite mine at Ivittuut.
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Day 13. June 18: Nuuk
During the night we reach he capital of Greenland, Nuuk. If we are lucky, we will be able to find the almost resident humpback whales just short from town. The whales can be observed on nearly 90% of all voyages to Nuuk. Typically they will come up to breath for a few minutes before they display their awe-inspiring fluke, as they prepare for the next deep dive.
The Nuuk fjord attracts scientist and geologists from all over the world, as you find some of the world’s oldest types of rocks and minerals here, approximately 3.8 billion years old. And the fact that they also contain traces of living organisms only makes them all the more interesting. The world’s smallest capital is in Greenlandic proportions a large city — as much as 15.000 people live here today. The area was previously populated by Inuit of the Saqqaq culture, who lived in Greenland from around year 2000 BC to 1000 BC. From around year 1000 to 1350 AD the Norse settlers followed. The pioneering Eric the Red settled in South Greenland and in the Nuuk region. Subsequently members of the so called Thule culture, the Inuit forefathers of the modern Greenlandic people moved in. These neo-Eskimos were far better equipped to survive in the tough arctic nature than the Norse settlers.
But soon thereafter the Europeans began to appear along the Greenlandic coast. Dutch, and Scottish whalers arrived already in the 16th century. The modern history of Greenland began in 1721, when the Norwegian missionary Hans Egede founded the first colony and trade station near Nuuk, which was manned the whole year around. In fact Hans Egede came to Greenland intending convert the catholic Norse settlers to the Lutheran faith. But he soon realised that the Norse settlers had disappeared — the reason for their abrupt disappearance has yet to be fully uncovered.
In 1908, when commerce and administration were officially separated, Nuuk became the host for the South Greenlandic national council. The council and this way of government continued to function after World War II, where the town became the administrative, commercial and political centre for the entire country. In 1979 Nuuk was the obvious choice for the placement of the parliament, and thus definitively received the status as Greenland’s capital. We depart from Nuuk late in the evening and come level with Maniitsoq during the night.
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Day 14. June 19: Evighedsfjorden / “The Eternal Fiord”
On our way north, we sail the inshore waters and into one of the highlights on the cruise, Evighedsfjorden. The fiord is one of the most beautiful in Greenland and not too crowded by visitors. We go deeply into the fiord watching the enormous glaciers and countless icebergs.
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Day 15. June 20: Kangerlussuaq, return flight
We have passed through the 170-kilometre long Kangerlussuaq fjord during the night, and in the morning we arrive at the end destination of our tour, Kangerlussuaq. We part with the seamen and officers and drive by bus the 10 kilometres from the harbour to the airport.
The airport is a relic from the American forces, who during the Second World War established an airbase with the name of Bluie West Eight at the end of the 170 kilometre long Sondre Strom Fiord / Kangerlussuaq. The base was strategically very important, both during the Second World War and the following Cold War. 1400 persons were stationed here when the airbase was at its height. But the base lost its military significance along with the growing technological development, and in 1992 the Americans abandoned the base and handed over the facilities and buildings to the Greenlandic home rule.
We spend some of our day in Kangerlussuaq on a sightseeing tour in the area. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant, before returning late in the evening with Air Greenland to Copenhagen.
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Day 16. June 21: Arrival in Copenhagen
We arrive in Copenhagen in the morning after 4½ hours of flying.
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The cruise weather.
The cruise takes place in early summer/spring, when the temperatures in Greenland typically are around 5-15°C (40-60°F). The North Atlantic is always unpredictable, and sweaters, windproof jackets and gloves are necessary for enjoying the views from the deck. Hiking shoes are also a must. Statistically, showers and moderate breezes are to be expected every other day until we reach Greenland, where the weather is relatively dry compared to the Atlantic Ocean.
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The ship.
M/V Clipper Adventurer will sail in Greenlandic waters exclusively for Albatros in the summer of 2008. The vessel was built in 1975 and was converted into a fantastic expedition vessel in 1998. The conversion was inspired by the atmosphere and luxury of the great ocean liners of the past combining a unique intimate atmosphere with the luxury of the atlantic voyages of the beginning of the 20th century.
M/V Clipper adventurer is equipped with modern navigational equipment, stabilizers and the vessel is classified A-1 ice-class making the vessel perfect for navigation in Greenlandic waters. A fleet of Zodiac landing craft permits us to land anywhere nature or curiosity dictates.
All cabins are outside cabins, lower beds and all cabins have private facilities (with hairdryer), individual temperature controls and in-room music system. The vessel also offers laundry and pressing service.
The on board concept includes delicious international cuisine often with a Greenlandic touch. Meals are served in the single-seating dining room. Clipper Adventurer also includes a library, an infirmary and a lounge, in which all passengers can enjoy the fabulous, Greenlandic scenery float by. There is no pool or golf lessons, but there is plenty of breathtaking scenery and we provide an appropriate high level of comfort and service — a policy, which is rooted deeply in Albatros’ Polar Cruises concept, and which, we believe, conveys authenticity. Enjoy full board with free tap water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the panorama lounge. Other drinks and beverages are not included, but the prices are reasonable according to Greenlandic standards.
You will find that Clipper Adventurer is one of the most luxurious and comfortable ships navigating the arctic.
»Owners Suite«
The owners cabin is situated on the boat deck and is the largest (appr. 25 sqm) and most exclusive suite on board. There is two rooms en suite with two separate beds, four windows, sofagroup, large desk and bathroom with a bathtub/spa.
Cabin category A
“Leif Ericsson" & “Admiral Byrd" Suites.
Large deluxe suites, 20 sqm, ocean view on Boat Deck. Two separate beds, sofa, desk, four windows and a large bathroom.
Cabin category B
Deluxe cabin with ocean view on Promenade Deck, c. 15 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and a window.
Cabin category C
Deluxe cabin with ocean view on Promenade Deck, c. 12 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and a window.
Cabin category D
Cabin with ocean view on Main Deck, c. 12 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and a window.
Cabin category E
Cabin with ocean view on Main Deck, c. 12 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and porthole.
Cabin category F
Cabin with ocean view at the A-deck, c. 12 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and porthole.
Cabin category G
Cabin with ocean view at the A-deck, c. 10 sqm. Two separate beds, desk, chair and porthole.
Type of travel
A cruise from Denmark to Greenland on Clipper Adventurer.
Duration
16 days / 14 nights (one noghts onboard flight)
Departure date 2008
6th June - 21st June 2008
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Price per person in double cabin with two people.
G category, A-deck 4,090 €
F category, A-deck 4.590 €
E category, Main Deck 4,890 €
D category, Main Deck 5,290 €
C category, Promenade Deck 5,490 €
B category, Promenade Deck: 5,990 €
A category, Suite, Boat Deck 6,490 €
Owners cabin, Suite, Boat Deck 6,590 €
Single occup. 1,890 €
Price includes:
- English speaking tour guides.
- Flight Kangerlussuaq-Copenhagen with Air Greenland, 1 night on airplane.
- All taxes.
- 16 days / 14 nights cruise in cabin with ocean view and private bathroom.
- Full board aboard Clipper Adventurer (not including drinks).
- Local transportation in Kangerlussuaq.
- Excursions with bus’ in: Bergen, Torshavn, Heimay, Iceland, Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq - leaded by our tour-
leaders
Farewell dinner in Kangerlussuaq.
Price does not include:
- Cancellation insurance.
- Travel insurance.
- Meals other than the above mentioned.
- Drinks other than coffee, tea and tap water.
- Transfer flights to/from Copenhagen.
- Gratuities to Clipper Adventurer’s service staff, we
suggest $ 10 per guest per day.
- Additional excursions.
- Personal expenses.
- Service charges.
- Everything not mentioned under “included in the price"
Deposit
For this cruise a deposit of 500 € is charged.
Single cabin
A single cabin is available at extra charge. Single travellers can avoid paying the extra charge by sharing a double cabin with another traveller of the same sex. However, an available shared double cabin is not guaranteed.
Prolongation/changes
The tour is sold as a complete package and changes, abridgement or prolongation is not possible.
Number of participants
The cruise will take place with a minimum of 80 and a maximum of 122 guests.
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Clipper Info |
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