The Norse originally set sail from Iceland in search of plentiful farmland, and their search was rewarded in the beautiful and fertile fjords of Greenland. Follow Erik the Red’s original route to explore this seldom-seen coastline, visiting important archaeological sites and modern Greenlandic communities along the way.
Highlights
• Follow the Norse explorers
• Glaciers and icebergs
• Vikings lived here!
• Experience Greenland’s unique blend of cultures
Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík was established in the year 874 CE. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound. The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. We depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Sailing west from Iceland, we are truly in the wake of the Vikings. We’ll be watching for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait. Our onboard program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that awaits us in Greenland!
Our first view of Greenland’s east coast will reveal a coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice. Our spotters will be watching for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as bears, seals, and humpback whales. We’ll explore the remote reaches of glaciated fjords by Zodiac.
Joining the Irminger and Labrador Seas through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound) is among the world’s most majestic waterways. Craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers. We’ll make the most of our deck time, scouting for landing opportunities on the skirts of the mountains.
South Greenland lives up to its namesake; the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. Jagged mountains rise from beyond green pastures, with sheep farms directly bordering ice fjords. Here we find the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenland life.
The settlement at Hvalsey was a major Norse centre in the early centuries of the last millenium. Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. The last known record from the original Norse colony is of a wedding held here in September 1408!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brattahlíð is in the most fertile part of Greenland and was the home of Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s. A reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse are featured here. Greenlandic Inuit now run the sheep farms originally worked by Norse settlers.
The Sermersooq region of Greenland has a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords. Our time will be spent on the western coast of the region, where records of human habitation stretch back over 1,500 years. We’ll explore by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit. We’ll keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals, and enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafes.
The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.
Defined by jagged mountain peaks, sheer bird cliffs, cascading streams, and calving glaciers, Kangerlussuatsiaq lives up to its Danish name, Erighedsfjorden which means “the fjord of eternity.” Whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or kayak, a visit to the face of the glacier is truly a sublime experience.
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) offers 190 kilometres of superb scenery as we cross the Arctic Circle. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s main flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto, ON.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Quad
Deck 4
Interior cabin
Four lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 240 square feet
Triple
Deck 4
Interior cabin
Three lower berths
Two private baths
Approximately 200 square feet
Main Twin
Deck 5
Interior cabin
Two lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 120 square feet
Main Twin
Deck 4
Porthole window, unobstructed view
Two lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 100 square feet
Main Twin
Deck 5
Picture windows, unobstructed view
Two lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 115 square feet
Comfort Twin
Deck 4
Two porthole windows, unobstructed view
Two lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 175 square feet
Deck 7
Picture windows, partial obstruction
Two lower berths
Private bath
Refrigerator
Approximately 135 square feet
Deck 8
Picture windows, obstructed view
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath
Refrigerator
Approximately 160 square feet
Select Twin
Deck 5
Picture windows, unobstructed view
Two lower berths
Private bath
Approximately 190 square feet
Deck 8
Oversize windows, partial obstruction
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath
Refrigerator
Approximately 145 square feet
Superior Twin
Deck 5
Two picture windows, unobstructed view
Two lower berths
Private bath
Sitting area
Approximately 210 square feet
Deck 7 Forward-Facing
Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath with full tub
Approximately 180 square feet
Deck 7
Picture windows, partial obstruction
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath
Refrigerator
Approximately 190 square feet
Junior Suite
Deck 5
Picture windows, unobstructed view
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath
Sitting area
Approximately 270 square feet
Deck 7 Forward-Facing
Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath with full tub
Sitting area
Refrigerator
Approximately 290 square feet
Suite
Deck 7 Forward-Facing
Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view
Matrimonial bed (bigger than US double but smaller than a Queen)
Private bath with full tub
Refrigerator
Approximately 310 square feet
Additional charges:
Charter Flights: USD pp
Ocean Endeavour
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 137m
Passenger Capacity: 199
Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018
Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout.
Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.
Features of the Ocean Endeavour
VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool
Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking.
Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Inclusions
• Voyage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
• Port Fees and any applicable taxes
• All meals on board
• Expedition jacket to keep
• Rubber boots to borrow for the voyage
• On board facilities including fully stocked library, gym, hot tub and sauna
• Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
• Applicable access permits, entry, and park fees
• Knowledgeable Expedition team
• Guided activities while ashore
• Sightseeing and community visits
• All Zodiac excursions
• Comprehensive Pre-departure materials
• On board education program, lectures and interactive workshops
• Nikon Camera Trial Program
• Evening entertainment
Exclusions
• Commercial & charter flights (where applicable)
• Travel Insurance including mandatory Medical Evacuation insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Program enhancements/optional excursions (Eg Kayaking where available)
• Gratuities (Recommended USD$15.00 per passenger per day)
• Personal expenses including any medical expenses incurred on board
• Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
• Possible fuel surcharges
• Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation
• Southbound Charter Flight:: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival