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You will sail aboard the 2007-built MS Fram, commemorating the famed Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen’s Polar ship of the same name. The luxurious 350-passenger ship has eight decks, measures 373 feet in length and 66 feet in width. The Greenland cruise will provide travelers with Arctic nature and cultural experiences and the opportunity to take advantage of the many excursions and lectures.
Click on link to view the virtual Greenland cruise (high speed connection recommended).
Day 1: Depart from Baltimore (BWI) U.S./Arrive Kangerlussuaq
(or depart from Copenhagen and receive air credit)
Depart from BWI on your direct transatlantic flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
Arrive Kangerlussuaq ("the long fjord") late in the afternoon. The town lies just north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to observe native wildlife. In the early 1960's musk oxen were introduced to Kangerlussuaq from North East Greenland, and today they count over five thousand. Here you'll be met by your guide. Transfer to the MS Fram by motor coach and then PolarCirkel boats to start your Greenland adventure. An informative welcome meeting is held on board. The next six days will be filled with opportunities to experience the fascinating Inuit culture, spectacular icebergs, numerous species of whales and seals, an abundant bird life including the white-tailed eagle, the unique Arctic flora, and, weather permitting, the Midnight Sun. [D]
Day 2: Sismiut
Arrive in Sismiut, the second largest town in Greenland with a population of about 5,200. The main trade here is fishing, and the town accommodates a large fleet of trawlers, a shipyard and a fish factory. This southernmost town on the west coast of Greenland is set in rolling countryside and the town center lies at the foot of a steep hill. Whether you partake in the city walk or one of the optional excursions, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views of the town, sea, and mountains. Worth seeing is the museum, the old city town with the oldest wooden church built in 1775. After dinner, a lecture about the old and new Greenland is held. [B/L/D]
Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq
Qeqertarsuaq ("largest island") is your next stop, located on the southern tip of the island with the same name. This is the largest island along the Greenland coast, with the population around 1,100. Guided walk through this small fishing and hunting town, set in wonderful surroundings at the foot of the impressive Basalt Mountains on you way to Blaesedalen ("the valley of the winds"), starting point of your hike is Rodeelv ("the red river"), where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls. For dog sledding enthusiasts, today's optional excursions taking place on the Lygnmark Glacier, is a must. There will be a lecture onboard about the Arctic Station and about the flora and fauna in Greenland. [B/L/D]
Day 4: Uummannaq-Ukkusissat
In the morning arrive in Uummannaq, situated in beautiful surroundings at the foot of the heart-shaped mountain. Life in a small village is the topic for the guided tour. Hunting and fishing are the main trades here, and the most important species of fish is the halibut. The halibut-processing factory is the town's major source of employment. Here, you may visit the magnificent church and the old-turfed house. You can participate in an optional hiking tour to Santa's summer cabin or an optional excursion to Qilakitsoq, where you can see the famous graves of the 500-years old mummies. In the afternoon arrive in Ukkusissat ("soapstone"), the most northern point was named by a nearby soapstone deposit. This village is set in spectacular scenery nestling between the magnificent mountains of the municipal borough of Uummannaq. [B/L/D]
Day 5: Eqip Sermia
Today you'll reach the impressive glacier Eqip Sermina with possibility to experience calving of the iceberg and the glacier up close. With weather permitting, you can take the PolarCirkel ashore and join in on a BBQ dinner with a terrific view over the glacier. [B/L/D]
Day 6: Illulissat
Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland and it is set in marvelous surroundings at Jakobshavn Isfjord. Enormous icebergs run aground here at the mouth of the fjord, originating from the Jakobshavn Glacier, the most productive glacier in the world. Ilulissat is the metropolitan centre of the Disko Bay area and this aspect will be the theme of our guided tour, together with the town's long-standing history. The most important trades in Ilulissat are fishing and tourism. You have the possibility to join optional tours: Boat trip to the Icefjord; Hiking to the glacier; and a Helicopter trip to the glacier of Ilulissat. [B/L/D]
Day 7: Evighedsfjorden
During the day we will sail into this beautiful fjords, surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers. Here you may see the highest peal in West Greenland, Naparutaq, which looms about the northern side of the fjords. Evighedsfjorden ("the eternity fiord") is one of these majestic places on earth were you really feel small in comparison to nature itself. You are welcome to go on a short excursion ashore and actually touch the glacier. [B/L/D]
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Day 8: Kangerlussuaq/Disembarkation/Direct Flight to Baltimore (BWI) (or depart for Copenhagen)
Morning arrival at Kangerlussuaq, situated in the end of the Kangerlussuaqfjord. Transfer to Kangerlussuaq for your late afternoon return flight to Baltimore (BWI). Arrive Baltimore (BWI) in the evening [B/L/D]
Meal codes: [B] Breakfast [L] Lunch [D] Dinner
DISKO BAY SAILING DATES 2008:
JUN 5-JUN 12; JUN 12-JUN 19; JUN 19-JUN 26; JUN 26-JUL 3; JUL 3-JUL 10;JUL 10-JUL 17; JUL 17-JUL 24; JUL 24-JUL 31; JUL 31 - AUG 7; AUG 7 - AUG 14.
Rates from US$4200 per person
Rates Include:
- Roundtrip Economy Class transatlantic airfare Baltimore (BWI) - Kangerlussuaq (or request an air credit)
- Accommodations on board the MS Fram in select cabin category
- Transfers as indicated in itinerary
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Port charges
- Services of a tour director
- Shore Excursions as indicated
Not included:
- Add-on airfares for gateways other than Baltimore
- Optional shore excursions
- Gratuities
- Air taxes
For rates, please call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to the form How to Book.
Click on link to view the virtual Greenland cruise (broadband recommended).
Click here for MS Fram's deck plan.
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