There’s a saying among international jetsetters, “When you have seen the world, then there is always Greenland.” True enough; not everyone can casually mention that they’ve seen narwhals and walruses in the wild. For bragging rights like this, Greenland is a must-do. So you might as well visit on a private charter with 12 fellow adventurers and an Arctic-specialist guide.
Australia travel company Micro-Cruising has just eight open berths left for its exclusive 19-day voyage on the specialist expedition vessel M/S Kisaq. After arriving in the high Arctic town of Qaanaaq (AKA Thule) on July 28, you’ll have a few days to explore the area before your cruise departure on August 2. The final docking destination will be on August 20 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city.
On your voyage, you’ll get to explore Greenland’s west coast from north to south in areas normally out of reach for tourists. Passengers will get an up-close look at the country’s wild terrain and seas boasting beluga and killer whales, along with at least four species of seals.
The itinerary starts at the northernmost town on earth in the remote wilderness, then progresses down the coast, past glaciers, icebergs and green fjords. Guests will discover the ruins of ancient Norse settlements founded by Erik the Red, and will have a rare encounter with the endangered culture of the last traditional Inuit villages, where life revolves around fishing and seal hunting for survival.
Gastronomic adventurers can sample a Greenland buffet of seal meat, musk oxen, caribou, whale steak, and “kirioq” made from rotting birds cured inside a seal carcass. Not hungry after reading the menu? Opt to dogsled instead, or take a helicopter trip over one of the world’s most active glaciers. The bravest of your group can also choose to sleep on a glacier overnight.
The cost is approximately $6,948 per person (AU $8,915) including all food and on-board accommodations, but excluding optional activities, airfare, air transfer and pre/post accommodations. Encounters with Santa Claus, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed.
