EXPEDITION CRUISE

The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition

CRUISE ID # SWANV2228080112

Reykjavík TO Kangerlussuaq Havn

The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
The Greenland Explorer: Iceland to Greenland Expedition
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Embark on the Iceland to Greenland luxury cruise, a captivating trip that blends raw Arctic beauty with rich cultural history. The journey commences in Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital, and takes you across the icy North Atlantic to the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland. As you navigate from Reykjavik, you'll conclude your adventure in Kangerlussuaq.

Throughout the Iceland to Greenland luxury cruise, you will visit numerous remarkable sites. Explore Reykjavik's iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall, marvel at Greenland's majestic fjords, and wander through the historic streets of Nuuk. Experience the otherworldly beauty of Skjoldungen’s ice-filled fjord and the vibrant Inuit village of Aappilattoq. In Disko Bay, witness the stunning glaciers and wildlife at the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. This extraordinary Iceland to Greenland luxury cruise offers a variety of immersive activities for every traveler. Participate in onboard lectures and refine your photography skills with expert guidance. Discover the thrill of observing marine life in their natural habitat or enjoy an optional kayaking experience with the expedition team. Each stop presents an opportunity to engage deeply with the region's stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures.

TRIP STARTS ON
August 01, 2028
SHIP SAILS ON
August 01, 2028
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
SH Vega
TRIP ENDS ON
August 13, 2028
STOPS
17 Stops, 2 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
12
OPERATOR
Swan Hellenic
FROM: 

$10,711

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: August 01, 2028

 
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Itinerary

17 Ports
2 Countries

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Day
Two
Arrival
August 02, 2028
Port
Day at Sea

Located on Greenland’s relatively rarely visited rugged east coast, Skoldungen Fjord has enchanting scenery with towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. At the top of the fjord one can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier. The U-shaped fjord offers spectacular scenery and as an extra perk, it is not uncommon to see whales in the fjord.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Aappilattoq is a small settlement near the western end of Prins Christian Sund in southwestern Greenland. In the local Greenlandic language the name means, "sea anemone". This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. A stroll through the village will reveal a small school and a church, along with the likely possibility of seeing a polar bear skin drying in the wind behind a local dwelling. People have lived off the land in the area around Aappilattoq since the 19th century. The tradition continues today as most people here hunt and fish to make a living.

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Day
Six
Arrival
August 06, 2028
Port
Nigerlikasik Glacier, Greenland

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Day
Eight
Arrival
August 08, 2028
Port
Evighedsfjorden, Greenland
Day
Nine
Arrival
August 09, 2028
Port
Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn), Greenland

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Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

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About the Ship

Name

SH Vega

Operator

Swan Hellenic

Named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, SH Vega was designed to journey to faraway places and remote polar regions in style and comfort. 

Ship Facts
cabin count
76
capacity
158
crew count
122
deck count
9
currency
USD onboard
gross tonnage
10500
language
en
launch year
2022
length
115m
speed
12kts
wheelchair count
1
width
23m

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DINING

When it comes to dining on your expedition cruise, our ships have a variety of welcoming venues.

From the gourmet offerings of the Swan Restaurant, and the Pool Bar & Grill’s delicious dishes, to the relaxed tapas-style dining of the Club Lounge, you’ll find exquisite cuisine, skillfully prepared by top chefs. Plus, our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom.

Crafted Menus
Our menus please the most discerning palates, showcasing healthy, fresh, local ingredients. We cater to most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and diabetic, as well as gluten-free options.

The Swan Dining Room

As the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Swan Restaurant serves gourmet creations from award-winning chefs. Our 152-seat restaurant serves international and regional cuisine, focused on quality local ingredients from the special destinations we visit. With an open seating policy, you can dine at your leisure, from breakfast through to dinner.

The Swan Restaurant Private Dining Room
Private dining experiences are also available at Chefs table in main restaurant. These intimate meals are bespoke and the executive chef along with our sommelier will curate a tailor made menu with wine pairing. We take it the extra step, adding the concept of wine education and carefully explaining each new pour as it complements the dish. Private dining experiences are offered at an additional cost and need to be booked in advance.
Pool Bar and Grill
If you’re a fan of alfresco dining, you’ll love our Pool Grill & Bar! With stellar views of the glistening sea, this friendly space serves delicious dishes created from local, seasonal ingredients, along with grilled classics and handcrafted cocktails and drinks.
Club Lounge

Vibrant and welcoming, the Club Lounge acts as a hub for relaxed get-togethers, 24 hours a day. With a variety of delicious food on offer – from freshly baked pastries and coffee, and traditional British afternoon tea, to tapas-style dining, and freshly made pizza – whatever you choose, it’s sure to be the perfect complement to a panoramic view of the glittering ocean.

Room Service

Our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom. From healthy breakfasts, luscious lunches, to divine dinners and late-night snacks, there’s always something tasty to tempt you.

Entertainment

We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.

Observation Lounge

With its expansive panoramic sea views, friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and comfy, luxurious seating, the Observation Lounge is a great place to relax. Enjoy a quiet moment, read a good book, or sit back and savor your favorite tipple as you get to know your fellow guests.

Library

Take time to relax in one our spacious viewing areas and enjoy our wide selection of rich reference and other reading materials in the stylish library.

Swan's Nest

Take a pew in the forward-facing Swan’s Nest observation platform for extraordinary 180-degree views.

Reception

The Reception can be found on Deck 4.

Bridge

The Bridge can be found on Deck 8.

Health And Fitness

Take time to indulge and invigorate your senses…

Explore & Restore

Searching for a new level of clarity and connection? Swan Hellenic has teamed-up with Chopra, a leading integrative health company founded by world-renowned pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra, to create Explore & Restore – an extraordinary new program of transformative well-being voyages…

Embracing new horizons

Inspired by the healing properties of the sea, our new approach to well-being has been designed to take you on the ultim....

Heated Outdoor Pool

Our heated infinity pool was designed for you to unwind after a busy day, and truly immerse yourself in your inspiring surroundings.

Sauna With A View

Head to Deck 8 for the best views in the world. After a work out in our gym, relax in our panoramic sauna and take in the stunning scenery.

Spa

Choose from one of the many beauty and wellness treatments at our Balinese spa, including hot stone and bamboo massages, and pampering body care. Our sauna is the perfect place for meditative moments after your onshore activities or to finish a well-deserved pampering session.

Gym

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. There are also instructor-led classes available, along with personal trainers, offering everything from resistance training and Pilates, to yoga and meditation.

Beauty Salon

Choose from one of the many beauty and wellness treatments.

Enrichment

As well as taking you to unusual, off-the-beaten-track destinations, Swan Hellenic offers the company of like-minded people, and acclaimed experts, who give eye-opening lectures, and are on hand to chat throughout your voyage.

Our onboard experts are renowned in their fields and bring unparalleled knowledge to your adventures. Each moment with us is enriched by real insights into the peoples, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of each amazing place we visit. Wherever you choose to go, sailing with Swan Hellenic is a voyage of discovery, which is what makes us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide.

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Excursions

No stone is left unturned when it comes to researching our shore excursion programmes. All aspects of the itinerary are carefully planned in detail by a knowledgeable, well travelled team to ensure each aspect of the cruise is delivered to the highest possible standard.

We’ve thought of all our guests, including the less mobile. Our 12-person hard-hulled zodiacs, the boats that take guests off the ship, have been designed for increased c....

Expedition Team

When you sail with Swan Hellenic, as well as visiting remote, unusual destinations, you’ll be traveling with friendly onboard experts. Renowned in their fields, these easy going specialists are on hand throughout your journey. From historians and naturalists, to meteorologists and ornithologists, our expedition team bring unparalleled knowledge to your adventures. Whether you chat with them at dinner, grab a morning coffee together, or catch o....

Expedition Lab

Love landscapes? Gain a deeper understanding of how your surroundings were formed from the knowledgable geologists you meet on board – and change the way you see the world forever.

Lecture Programme

One thing we’ve discovered over the years is that our inquisitive, like-minded passengers share a thirst for knowledge. Sound familiar? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear we always select our lecturers and guest speakers with this in mind. We choose experienced people who give engaging and stimulating talks on a wide range of subjects that are relevant to the places we visit…

Our guest lecturers have a wealth of specialist knowledge, which ....

Basecamp
Basecamp can be found on Deck 3.
Kids And Teens

Please note: there are no dedicated children's facilities on board.

USEFUL TO KNOW

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Wi-Fi

Our ships are equipped with the latest, cutting-edge satellite internet technology. Our secure and robust Wi-Fi is available complimentary for the convenience of all guests for messaging and visiting selected news websites. Details as follows:

SILVER CONNECT Complimentary

  • Only text messaging to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, WeChat as well as access to some news websites. No voice, emails, VPNs or streaming con....
Smoking Policy
Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 aft portside and on Deck 7 Observation Lounge's starboard side. It is not permitted in any indoor area or on balconies.
Language Spoken Onboard

On our ships, the primary “official” language spoken on board is English. Due to our international staff, many crew members speak Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, French, or Russian. Lectures are generally held in English language. Depending on the actual nationality split of each cruise, we provide technical support for online streamed translation for guests of other native languages. Please ask our Expedition team for support.

Ple....

Laundry

Our all-new ships have a laundry, dry-cleaning, and ironing service for a small fee.

For your convenience, we also have a “self-service” area on deck 4 with a Laundromat and dryer and an ironing station at no charge.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age to consume alcohol on all Swan Hellenic ships on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one (21).

The minimum age to consume alcohol on Swan Hellenic ships on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand is eighteen (18).

Medical Services

If you have any health problems, there is a modern ship's emergency room on board our ships under the supervision of an experienced ship's doctor and an assisting nurse. This service is offered by our medical services partner VIKAND. Please note the consultation hours posted on board.

Am I allowed to take certain prescriptive medication with me?

If you require and are carrying a particular medication, you will need proof in ....

What To Pack

Our expedition cruises are mainly concerned with what happens outside the ship, so dress codes are very relaxed, and there are no formalities at mealtimes.

At breakfast and lunch, you’ll wear the clothes you'll be wearing outside (minus the outer gear). Once you’ve changed out of your expedition gear in the evening, you’ll probably want to put on something casual and comfortable. It’s always worth having an extra layer if you want to rus....

Currency

On board

The on-board currency is the USD. Onboard spending will be added to your final bill. It is worth taking a debit/credit card in case of any problems paying your bill. Remember to tell your bank before traveling to avoid having your card refused.

Antarctica

There is no official currency as Antarctica does not belong to one country. It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) signed by various nati....