Greenland Cruise

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting expedition – “Greenland, Arctic Canada & Hudson Bay.” This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a Zodiac briefing.

Spend the day crossing the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board the Silver Explorer. Tonight, you're invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party where the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Cruising along Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, the Silver Explorer explores the Skoldungen Fjord. Spend much of the day out on deck to take in the enchanting scenery: towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. Upon arriving at top of the fjord, easily see the retreating state of the Thyrms Glacier, and have your first Zodiac cruise of the journey, allowing you to explore this picturesque setting from a new, up-close perspective. On the return journey exiting this U-shaped fjord, join your Expedition Team out on deck to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

The plan for today is to explore one of South Greenland’s most dramatic natural features: Prince Christian Sound. The water is placid and the crisp scent of ice fills the air. On either side, waterfalls stream down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as you navigate the fjord through a sea of icebergs that glitter in the sun. Born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge, each iceberg is different from the next. Time and weather conditions permitting, plan to set out via the Zodiacs to explore even more.

Nanortalik lies in a scenic area surrounded by steep mountainsides and is Greenland’s most southerly town. The town’s name means the “place of polar bears,” which refers to the polar bears that used to be seen floating offshore on summer’s ice floes. Nanortalik has an excellent open-air museum that gives a broad picture of the region from Inuit times to today. At the summer hunting camp, Inuit in traditional clothing will describe aspects of their ancestor’s customs and lifestyle including an impressive kayak demonstration. Time permitting, enjoy the tradition of kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) and a folk dancing presentation at the Cultural Center.

In the afternoon, the Silver Explorer will drop anchor at Uunartoq. Since the days of the Norse, the hot springs here have been renowned for their healing effects. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind in steaming waters. Remember to pack swimwear!

Arrive at the picturesque harbor town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok) in the morning. The town’s name translates to ‘white place,’ but today, instead of snow, admire the hillsides of colorful houses painted in bright primary shades. The local guide will take you to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork.

In the afternoon, the Silver Explorer anchors off Hvalsey. Once ashore, learn how Christianity spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Together visit these historical ruins from the time of the Vikings.

Encircled by a wealth of Norse ruins, Qassiarsuk (or Brattahlid) is where you begin the day. Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Danish name. Tour the foundation remains of the manor house of Erik the Red founded Greenland after being banished from Iceland and Norway for murder. Also, visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America, see a recently unearthed Norse graveyard that contains remains of 144 Norse colonists, and have a chance to admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

Back aboard the Silver Explorer, enjoy lunch as the ship cruises to Ittileq. From the landing site, walk the 4 km / 2.5 mi to Igaliku to meet up with the 30 inhabitants, who are very proud of their beautiful village. With local guides, visit the ruins of Garðar, which was once the religious heart of 12th-century Norse Greenland.

Bid farewell to Greenland and sail towards the Americas following in the wake of the Vikings who made this journey centuries ago. Binoculars in hand, watch for whales feeding in the rich waters and seabirds that will follow your passage. Onboard Silver Explorer, a variety of diversions are available, including educational lectures, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Center, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

The first foray into Canada begins in the town of Iqaluit located at the head of Frobisher Bay, an inlet of the North Atlantic extending into southeastern Baffin Island. Iqaluit is the capital of Canada’s newest territory, Nunavut, which is Inuktitut for “our land.” Nunavut is the least populated but largest of all Canada’s provinces and territories, and is filled with culture and charm.

After completing formalities associated with customs and immigration, go ashore and explore the edges of Canada’s, “true north.” Your ship’s experts along with local guides will lead through the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the Nunavut Legislative Assembly Building, both housing incredible collections of Inuit artwork. Before returning to the Silver Explorer, enjoy a performance of traditional throat singing.

Today the search is on for Ursus Maritimus, the polar bear, which the native Inuit refer to as Nanuk or Nanuuq. The Lower Savage Islands are a small group of islands off of the southeastern tip of Baffin Island, and a common location for polar bears to be found during the summer months. With plenty of land to roam while giving each other a wide berth, plus opportunity for the odd feed, it seems many bears locate here as the ice vanishes with the season’s warming temperatures. The Zodiacs will allow you to cruise through the narrow channels between the islands to search for wildlife among the unusual rocky formations.

Explore around remote Akpatok Island at the northernmost extremity of the Labrador peninsula. Steep and sheer limestone cliffs jut out of the icy waters. Encased in snow and surrounded with sea ice in the winter months, this uninhabited island lures hordes of wildlife, most notably the world’s largest population of breeding thick-billed murres, (Inukitut name: Akpatok) estimated at well over a million birds. These auks flock to the bare cliffs of the island between June and September, and female murres incubate their single pear-shaped egg on the cliff’s ledges. Glaucous gulls can be seen soaring above looking for unguarded eggs and chicks, while black guillemots paddle around on the nearby sea. Akpatok Island is also a favorite summer home for polar bears as they wait for the winter ice to form.

Later in the day, the Silver Explorer will reposition to the West in hopes that conditions will permit you to step ashore for an even closer inspection of the island – by foot.

Located in Tuvaaluk Bay, Diana Island is an oasis of Arctic tundra plant life with its green cliffs, sparkling streams and abundant shorebirds. Join a walk in one of the beautiful valleys to search for members of the musk ox herd that frequent this area.

Opingivik Island, means a ‘summering place' in Inuktitut and, indeed, it is one of the most concentrated archaeological sites in the region, dating back thousands of years. Still used today by local residents for hunting and fishing, explore this tiny island in Tuvaaluk Bay as guides interpret the many rock constructions. Here you can find tent rings, hunting blinds, food caches and graves.

This morning enter the fjord of Douglas Harbour – a stunning site with its sheer cliffs that plummet into the sea. Be out on deck to search for the caribou herd that spends the summer months feeding on the tundra along the coastline. Conditions permitting, plan to make a Zodiac landing and explore ashore with the Expedition Team. In the afternoon, relax in one of the onboard lounges, enjoy entertaining lectures and the insights of knowledgeable lecture staff team and perhaps participate in the friendly team competition of a hilarious Liar’s Club game.

Without a doubt, Cape Dorset is the most famous Inuit art village in the Canadian North. Here visit the printmakers and carvers of the region and even have the option to purchase a special piece as a souvenir of your visit. Traveling across the bay by Zodiac, next explore Mallikjuaq Territorial Park where the remains of winter residences from thousands of years ago can be seen. Your local guide will explain in detail the aspects of daily life for his ancestors. An afternoon at sea allows you to make good progress towards your next destination and to catch up on some sleep with a well-deserved siesta before another early morning start tomorrow.

Though walrus do not form colonies, both Bencas Island and Walrus Island are known for the walrus that frequent their shores. Zodiacs will cruise around the islands for an up close look at these remarkable creatures.

As you make the way along Canada’s scenic coast, enjoy some time out on deck keeping an eye out for seabirds, dolphin, seals and migrating humpback, fin and blue whales, or listen to additional presentations by expert natural history staff in The Theater or in the comfort of your own accommodation. Enjoy a fine cognac at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

During the summer months a truly spectacular sight can be beheld in Churchill, Manitoba. On the west coast of Hudson Bay thousands of beluga whales, having just given birth, gather together to feed in the brackish waters in front of the town. Join the Expedition Team for a Zodiac cruise into the mouth of the river in hopes of observing these white whales and their young.

Disembark the Silver Explorer and transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Winnipeg.