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Greenland: Disko Bay & Ilulissat Small Ship Cruise

Greenland: Disko Bay & Ilulissat Small Ship Cruise

From USD $8,395

Description

Join an epic adventure to Greenland’s Disko Bay – the heart of the Arctic! Marvel at towering icebergs at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, meet the locals, and experience Inuit culture. From colorful villages to glaciers, fjords, and dramatic mountains, this voyage brings together the highlights of this storied land. Even in Greenland’s larger towns, Arctic nature is never far, and life moves to the rhythm of the sea, tides, and midnight sun. Our journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, visiting Sisimiut, Greenland’s lively second city, then the basalt mountains and iceberg-studded seas of Qeqertarsuaq (also known as Disko Island). We continue to the stunning Eqip Sermia Glacier and iconic Ilulissat Icefjord before returning to Kangerlussuaq via Itilleq, where traditional hunting and fishing thrive. With Ocean Albatros’ fleet of Zodiacs, we explore remote villages and Arctic nature in supreme comfort and safety.

Trip Name
Greenland: Disko Bay & Ilulissat Small Ship Cruise
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel Passenger Capacity: 174 passengers in 93 cabins Built: 2021 Ocean Victory carries the same next-generation expedition design as its sister ship, purpose-built for the demands of Antarctica and the Arctic. The patented X-Bow structure delivers a steadier, more comfortable ride through heavy seas and deeper ice, while the heated mudroom and multiple exterior access points streamline zodiac operations. Large stateroom windows, broad observation areas and hydraulic platforms keep the Polar environment in constant view, and amenities such as Jacuzzis, spa, gym, lounge spaces and bistro service support a high standard of comfort without dulling the focus on exploration. Efficiency and environmental performance are central to the vessel’s build. Diesel–electric propulsion reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions by roughly 50 percent compared with traditional expedition ships. Most cabins include private balconies, communal spaces are deliberately generous, and all core expedition infrastructure - photography support, science areas, medical capability and dedicated passenger services - is integrated into daily operations. The result is a modern, stable and environmentally responsible platform for seamless travel across both Polar regions.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: All Aboard in Kangerlussuaq!
On day one, we arrive in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s only inland town and a key air hub with a rich Cold War history. Upon arrival, we transfer by Zodiac to the Ocean Albatros, settle into our cabins, complete a safety drill, and then toast with champagne as we begin our journey through the stunning Kangerlussuaq fjord.
Day 2 - Day 2: Sisimiut – Greenland’s Second City
Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city, with around 5,400 residents. Inhabited since 2,500 BC by Paleo-Inuit peoples, the area holds ancient remains on nearby Tele Island, which can be reached on a refreshing hike. Founded as Holsteinsborg in 1756, Sisimiut features well-preserved historic buildings like the Blue Church from 1775, situated in the city’s charming museum quarter. Today, Sisimiut is a key hub for education and industry, hosting one of Greenland’s largest fish processing plants and the supply company KNI, which services remote settlements. The city blends traditional and modern Arctic life—explore the cultural center Taseralik, the city museum, and the famous art workshop, and taste Greenlandic delicacies.
Day 3 - Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
Qeqertarsuaq is a picturesque town nestled beneath Disko Island’s towering basalt mountains. Once the heart of North Greenland’s whaling economy, the town shifted focus to hunting, fishing, and growing tourism after the industry declined. Qeqertarsuaq’s rich volcanic soil and mild microclimate create uncommonly lush greenery, attracting locals and visitors to its rugged beauty, colorful houses and excellent hiking. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the dramatic coastline of nearby Kuannit by Zodiac, famed for lush tundra, caves, waterfalls, and stunning icebergs, before heading deeper into the heart of Disko Bay. 
Day 4 - Day 4: Eqip Sermia Glacier
Eqip Sermia (a descriptive Greenlandic name meaning ‘the Glacier at the End of the Fjord’) is a relatively small glacier for Greenland, although it is still a truly vast river of ice, flowing directly from the Ice Sheet. It is also one of the most active, and ice constantly tumbles off the vast glacier-front. If conditions allow, we will launch our fleet of Zodiacs to approach this vast river of ice, and hopefully experience the roar of the glacier’s frequent calvings at sea level (from a safe distance of course)!
Day 5 - Day 5: Ilulissat, Iceberg Capital of the World
Ilulissat—meaning “icebergs” in Kalaallisut—is the stunning Iceberg Capital of the World, home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, accessible on a gentle walk from the harbor. This 70 km fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica, which drains 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet and produces 10% of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs—more than the entire U.S. annual water supply! Founded 280 years ago and the birthplace of legendary Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, rich in culture and adventure. Enjoy fresh local seafood, vibrant markets, and elegant art galleries. The hiking trails around the Icefjord are a must-do for visitors, who may also choose thrilling optional boat or flightseeing tours to witness the raw power of the ice up close.
Day 6 - Day 6: Itilleq Village
Itilleq – meaning “the Crossing Place from the Sea” – is a picturesque village nestled among mountains and fjords just north of the Arctic Circle. Located at the edge of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves a rich Inuit hunting heritage dating back thousands of years. Modern colorful houses have replaced turf huts, but locals still rely on Arctic char, reindeer, and muskox, blending tradition with modern life. Warm Greenlandic hospitality welcomes visitors eager to explore this wonderfully homely hamlet.
Day 7 - Day 7: Kangerlussuaq – disembarkation
As our journey concludes, we sail up the 160 km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark by Zodiac after a fond farewell to the Expedition Team and Crew of Ocean Albatros. Though Kangerlussuaq is more known for its Cold War-era military roots and role as a transport hub than its cultural heritage, its surrounding wilderness offers striking natural beauty. Originally built by the U.S. military in the 1950s, the town retains a utilitarian charm. Our Arctic adventure ends at the modern airport, with lasting memories of Greenland’s wild landscapes.
Day 8 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $8,395Triple Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $10,395French Balcony Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $10,895Balcony Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $11,195Superior Balcony Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $11,795Grand Balcony Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $12,595Single Stateroom
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $12,895Balcony Suite
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $13,395Junior Suite
21-06-202727-06-2027USD $15,695Freydis Suite/Premium Suite
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $10,395French Balcony Stateroom
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $10,895Balcony Stateroom
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $11,195Superior Balcony Stateroom
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $11,795Grand Balcony Stateroom
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $12,595Single Stateroom
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $12,895Balcony Suite
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $13,395Junior Suite
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $15,695Freydis Suite/Premium Suite
27-06-202703-07-2027USD $8,395Triple Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Disko Bay ice dynamics: close Zodiac access to Eqip Sermia and the Ilulissat Icefjord, source of a major share of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs.
    • Arctic culture continuity: living Inuit communities in Sisimiut and Itilleq, spanning Paleo-Inuit history, hunting traditions, and modern Greenlandic life.
    • Geological contrast: volcanic Disko Island basalt landscapes paired with Greenland Ice Sheet glaciers and iceberg-filled fjords.

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