greenland In Depth
on the Sh Vega

Greenland in Depth

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Greenland in Depth

Day 1

Reykjavík

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 2

Skjoldungen

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.

Day 3

Prince Christian Sound

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.

Day 4

Aappilattoq

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.

Day 6

Nuuk (Godthaab)

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 7

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

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.

Day 8

Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)

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.

Day 10 - 11

Kangerlussuaq Havn

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.

Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.For now, sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know your expedition ship.Introducing SH VegaOur brand new ship, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.Built in Finland’s famous Helsinki Shipyard, SH Vega was made for wonderful cruising experiences. Welcoming spaces to relax on board, unobstructed views throughout the ship, and world-class restaurants, staterooms and amenities mean sailing on SH Vega is always a pleasure.

Swan Hellenic’s plethora of dining options provide guests with an appetite for global flavours a tempting variety of options, from sun chasing early riser’s breakfast through to late dinner and 24 hour room service.The onboard restaurants serve modern international delicacies featuring regional cuisine and ingredients creating a unique once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. World renowned chefs will prepare culinary experiences from the destinations visited, pairing the latest international trends with untasted regional delights.Bespoke & private dining experiences will be offered both inside and outside (depending on the weather conditions and routing). Offering guests superb the opportunity to enjoy and explore top-tier culinary skills and the local landscape that is home to distinctive unique flavours of seasonal ingredients, alongside fine wines.

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.

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

No matter what time of day, our carefully curated In-Cabin Dining Menu traverses perennial international favourites and a plethora of international delicacies, providing a world-class gastronomic experience in the comfort of your own cabin.

Start your morning right with a nourishing selection of breakfast dishes – from a healthy yoghurt, granola and local seasonal fruit to a heartier regionally inspired eggs benedict. Or opt for a more intimate lunch or dinner, served al fresco on your private veranda.

Room Service may also be ordered from the Swan Restaurant during regular dining hours.

A selection of late-night snacks and light bites has been created to pair perfectly with your In-Cabin movie. Please refer to the In-Cabin Dining Menu to place your order.

Room Service is available 24 hours a day.

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.

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.

Capturing the right images of your voyage has never been more important. And on an expedition cruise to exceptional destinations there’s a lot you can do to enhance your pictures. Whether you're shooting on your phone, or a camera, our experts on-board will offer tips on downloading and upskilling as well as editing to ensure you capture the best memories possible.

But we’ve taken it one step further. Our state-of-the-art photography lab is dedicated to ensuring guests capture every moment from their once-in-a-lifetime trip. This is a fun place to come and learn, ask questions and swap tips with fellow passengers. Private tuition available on request.

Boutique

The Boutique can be found on Deck 7.

The Bridge can be found on Deck 8.

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 comfort and manoeuvrability so that everyone can get up close and personal with their majestic surroundings.

As well as our daily zodiac excursions there are opportunities for polar kayaking and trekking and for the brave… The Polar Plunge.

For expeditions ashore, there is a heated concierge managed changing room we like to call Basecamp.

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.

Exploratory travel is in our DNA, which is why our polar experts are focused on ensuring our guests return home having had the most authentic experience possible. Our inquisitive, like-minded passengers share a thirst for knowledge. Swan Hellenic’s lecturers and guest speakers are carefully selected to give engaging and stimulating talks on a wide range of subjects that are relevant to each itinerary. They bring specialist knowledge and insight into the scientific, geographic and historical understanding of the remote polar regions that allows the customer to fully embrace the wondrous environments in which they are travelling.

Fitness is a key part of the daily routine for many. Just because you’re on holiday your wellbeing routine need not stop. SH Minerva and Vega’s state-of-the-art gym will please the most discerning of fitness fiends. Here, you will find everything from cardio machines and stretch bands to weights. We will also be offering a range of instructor-led classes. Why not try a morning stretch class or book a fitness assessment with one of our specialist body coaches? You don’t have to be pounding the treadmill to enjoy our fabulous on-board fitness and spa facilities. Relax and revive in the sauna, outdoor pool or one of the jacuzzis and book yourself in for a healing massage or facial. Our fitness areas are spotlessly clean, with luxurious changing facilities, water and towels provided.

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.

Enjoy breathtaking vistas with a refreshing dip in our outdoor tub after a relaxing massage or sauna

Sauna With A View

Head to Deck 8 for the best views in the world. After a work out in our state-of-the-art gym, relax in our sauna or Jacuzzi and take in those breathtaking vistas along the way.

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.