Hurtigruten focuses on cultural exchange between guests and Greenland’s Inuit
Guests can immerse themselves in Greenland, learning about the country’s Inuit culture through direct interaction and conversation on Hurtigruten’s 2012 “Heart of Greenland” explorer voyage. Those travelers booking by December 31, 2011 save 10% off regular fares.
The core of the nine-day itinerary is built on the desire voiced by many of Hurtigruten’s guests to have a more intimate experience on their visits to the small towns and villages on the Greenland coast. Examples include: in Itilleq Township an invitation to guests to join in or watch a traditional football match; while in Uummannaq a warm welcome by the local school children is followed by the traditional “kaffemik” (a friendly cup of coffee) and conversation with the people who live there.
Tour highlights include a coach journey to the Greenland Ice Cap followed by a late afternoon barbecue at restaurant Roklubben, situated on the shore of Lake Ferguson, and hiking expeditions in Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq and Ilulissat. Reduced fares for the four departure dates – June 10, 17 & 24; July 1 – range from $5,916 to $8,231 per person, double. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Club
, a loyalty club for those who have previously sailed on Hurtigruten, receive an additional 5% off as well as a range of onboard benefits.
The “Heart of Greenland” itinerary spends nine days exploring the coast of Greenland and visiting small settlements that can only be accessed by sea, while the midnight sun burns brightly 24/7. The size of the 318-guest expedition ship MS Fram makes for easy on/off so more time is spent exploring ashore than waiting in disembarkation lines. The ship departs Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen and heads to Kangerlussuaq, located at the head of the fjord of the same name, and Sisimiut, where the fishing industry is as impressive as the local craftsmen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Guests get a view of Greenland’s diverse landscape on visits to Qeqertarsuaq, situated on the volcanic island of Disko; Uummannaq, found at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain; Ukkusissat, a traditional hunting and fishing settlement; and Eqip Sermia, made impressive by a five-kilometer glacier front. After stops in the UNESCO Heritage Site of Ilulissat, Greenlandic for “iceberg,” and a stay at the settlement of Itilleq, the ship disembarks at Kangerlussuaq where guests take a return flight to Copenhagen.
Guests can further explore the Inuit culture and icy landscape of Greenland by taking advantage of a wide range of optional excursions. Options include a helicopter flight to Ilulissat Glacier, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, features birds-eye views over the ice cap and the glaciers stranded at the mouth of the fjord; a PolarCirkel landing at Eqip Sermia, complete with a barbecue on the outside deck of the ship; and a tour of Sisimiut’s town sights including the museum which is housed in charming buildings originating from the colonial period.
Rates are subject to availability and include accommodations in cabin or suite of your choice; full board; educational lectures by experts; Expedition Leaders; flight between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen; transfers; wind and rain resistant jacket; numerous PolarCirkel boat landings; and specific excursions as indicated within each itinerary. International flights and optional excursions are additional.
Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring and fall. The company’s fleet of 13 intimate ships, with 151 to 646 berths, allows passengers to enjoy unique destinations in a relaxed atmosphere.