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Disco Bay – The Heart of Greenland (Fridtjof Nansen)

Disco Bay – The Heart of Greenland (Fridtjof Nansen)

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Description

This voyage begins and ends in Iceland, taking you to the western Greenlandic coastline with its charming scencery and many colorful settlements. You will meet the warm people who thrive here and learn more about their traditions and modern culture. Disko Bay is also renown for its Arctic landscape of glaciers and impressive icebergs.

Trip Name
Disco Bay - The Heart of Greenland (Fridtjof Nansen)
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Capital of Iceland
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-Programme to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before embarking MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Day 2 - Day 2-3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This is the same crossing that was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology for insights into the upcoming destinations.
Day 3 - Day 4 Picture-Perfect Greenlandic Town
Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colourful houses and photogenic setting. It is the biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but still easy to explore on foot. You can also join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.
Day 4 - Day 5 Exploration day Kvanefjord
We discover the beautiful region of Paamiut by sailing deep into Kvanefjord. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day. This could be a hike ashore for a scenic view of the area, or possibly small-boat cruising or kayaking.
Day 5 - Day 6 The Venice of Greenland
Maniitsoq was founded in 1755 and its name means `The Uneven Place´, referring to the rocky hills and mountains shaping the layout of the town. It is also known as the `Venice of Greenland´ as it is situated in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals. The local museum charts the town´s rich history and culture.
Day 6 - Day 7 "Where There are Fox Dens"
Sisimiut is situated 40 km north of the Arctic Circle. The name means `The People Living in a Place of Fox Dens´. This is the second largest town in Greenland, a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions. We offer a variety of exciting excursions to discover the many things to do in Sisimiut.
Day 7 - Day 8 Icefjord - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the mouth of the fjord you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These ice masses originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. Join one of our many excursions here.
Day 8 - Day 9 Exploration day Vaigat Sound
We now arrive at the northernmost point in our itinerary. There are several excellent landing sites in Vaigat Sound offering breathtaking landscape and Arctic flora. Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day.
Day 9 - Day 10 Exploration Day
On one side of the meandering Evighed Fjord is an ice cap that often crashes massive chunks of ice into the water. Around us are the highest mountains in West Greenland with peaks, up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft.) in height, sometimes swirling with mist. Conditions on the day will determine the final programme and the range of activities on offer by the Expedition Team.
Day 10 - Day 11 The Vibrant Capital of Greenland
Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. The capital city is where old and new traditions meet, from historic buildings in `Kolonihavnen´ to the modern Centre for Greenland Self Rule. Another feature is the National Museum - home to the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.
Day 11 - Day 12 Muskoxes and a Norse Settlement
According to archaeologists, Vikings settled in this area more than a thousand years ago but didn’t remain. Ivittuut is believed to be the last Norse settlement in Greenland, but first to be abandoned. Nowadays, the only inhabitants that might appear in the town are wandering muskoxen which normally graze in the nearby plains.
Day 12 - Day 13 Prins Christian Sund
This long fjord is surrounded by mountains that reach over 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), and up to 2,220 metres (7,280 ft) high. Many glaciers go straight into its waters where they calve icebergs of all shapes, shades, and sizes. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) instead.
Day 13 - Day 14-15 Heading Back to Iceland
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.
Day 14 - Day 16 The Stylish Capital of Iceland
You arrive back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the country, add one of our Post-Programmes before you head home, or simply extend your stay to enjoy the trendy city and its surrounding geothermal features.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Discover and explore the western coast of Greenland around Disko Bay
    • Have your breath taken away by the Arctic scenery of icebergs and glaciers
    • Meet the welcoming people of Greenland and learn about Inuit culture
    • Visit the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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