Expedition to the Thule Region

From 1941 to 1992, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland functioned as an American military base. Today, its international airport has transformed it into a hub for travelers venturing into the Far North. Positioned north of the Arctic Circle, Kangerlussuaq is the gateway to incredible adventures in unspoiled nature. Just a short distance away lies the Greenland ice sheet, the largest ice formation in the Northern Hemisphere. From this town, marvel at the breathtaking tundra scenery, especially vibrant in autumn, and spot wildlife such as Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.

Embarkation: from 16:00 to 17:00

On your cruise, you'll visit Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland, founded in 1756. This quaint town exemplifies Greenlandic charm with its vibrant stilt houses scattered across rolling hills and a picturesque fishing port that serves as the gateway to an icy wonderland. The town center features historic buildings, a quaint church, and a museum detailing the rich history of the Inuit people, along with a variety of craft shops. As your ship anchors, you'll have the opportunity to experience the authentic Arctic ambiance and engage with the welcoming locals.

Disko Bay, located on the western coast of Greenland, is a natural wonder known for its breathtaking beauty and immense icebergs. This expansive bay, part of the Baffin Bay, is famous for its dramatic icescapes, where colossal icebergs calve from the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay’s waters are a deep, icy blue, providing a stunning contrast to the white and translucent ice formations that float majestically.

The area is also rich in wildlife, offering a habitat for humpback whales, orcas, and seals, which are often seen navigating the chilly waters. Birdwatchers can spot Arctic terns, gulls, and other seabirds that thrive in this pristine environment.

Paul-Émile Victor once described Greenland as "the most beautiful place in the Arctic," and it's easy to see why. This land is renowned for its enormous icebergs and the majestic ice formations created by the colossal glaciers of the polar ice cap. Among these wonders, the Eqi Glacier stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring. The silence here is often interrupted by the thunderous roar of cracking ice, creating an atmosphere both chilling and exhilarating.

Picture the immense glacier, its translucent crystals shimmering with an icy blue glow under the sunlight. Nearby, you’ll find Paul-Émile Victor’s historic shelter, the starting point for the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations in the 1950s. This place is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the timeless allure of the Arctic.

Akulleq is a picturesque location in Greenland, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene Arctic landscapes. Situated amidst vast ice fields and towering glaciers, Akulleq offers breathtaking views of pristine wilderness, where the icy expanse meets the clear blue skies. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain, dotted with rocky outcrops and occasionally covered in a blanket of snow, creating a stark yet beautiful contrast with the surrounding ice.

Far beyond the Arctic Circle, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Greenland’s Northwest, lies the village of Kullorsuaq, the last stronghold of Greenland’s traditional hunters. This is where the authentic spirit of Greenland thrives. Expansive mineral-rich terrains, majestic mountains, and awe-inspiring glaciers surround the village, where the local community still practices traditional fishing and hunts seals and bears.

Hospitality and a deep respect for nature are integral to the daily life of these residents, who lead a rugged and austere existence. When we anchor in this isolated region, you'll have the opportunity to meet these welcoming people, who are also skilled artisans, adept at crafting with the furs and skins of marine mammals.

Certain places in the world possess a beauty that defies description, and Savissivik, a small Inuit village with fewer than a hundred residents, is one such place. Known as Greenland's largest iceberg graveyard, it offers a mesmerizing spectacle. During your zodiac excursion, you will navigate among these towering ice formations.

Upon reaching land, a hike to a nearby viewpoint will reward you with stunning panoramas of the icebergs, showcasing an astonishing array of shapes and colors. This destination is a paradise for photographers. Additionally, Savissivik Bay is a frequent haunt for polar bears and was once home to one of the world’s largest meteorites, which has since been relocated to a museum in New York.

Thule, situated in the northwestern part of Greenland, is often used to evoke the mythical Far North. This region is known for its challenging but breathtaking sailing conditions, with numerous icebergs calved from glaciers and expansive ice floes. Navigating these waters is both tricky and awe-inspiring.

Your journey will aim to venture as far north as possible, offering a chance to witness the majestic polar bears that inhabit this pristine environment. Along the way, you may visit traditional villages like Dundas (referred to as "Old Thule") and Siorapaluk, the northernmost native settlement in Greenland. In these remote communities, expect a warm welcome from the local children, eager to greet visitors to their unique corner of the world.

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the ship’s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

On Baffin Island, located in northern Canada at the entrance to the legendary Northwest Passage, lies a small Inuit settlement that feels like the edge of the world. To reach this place, you must cross the Arctic Circle, an imaginary line that marks the boundary between the familiar and the mysterious. It is not just the way of life in Pond Inlet that is unique, but the breathtaking setting. Snow-covered mountains, dramatic fjords, and expansive glaciers create a stunning natural landscape that seems to stretch both space and time. Visiting Pond Inlet is a transformative experience, one that leaves an indelible mark on all who venture there.

As the ship ventures deeper into the fjord, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the stunning geological formations that plunge sharply into the emerald waters of Baffin Bay. When the temperature rises and the ice begins to melt, Nunavut transforms into one of the premier locations for observing Arctic wildlife. Keep an eye out for polar bears, which often seek refuge among the scree, enjoying the coolness of the permafrost. On the water, you might catch sight of a narwhal's tusk, or the distinctive shapes of orcas or bowhead whales. Above, you may see a colony of Arctic fulmars, their impressive wingspans gliding gracefully near the ship.

The east coast of Baffin Island is a intricate lacework of fjords, with the spectacular Icy Arm fjord in the north. As you navigate these waters, you'll be awestruck by the towering cliffs that soar over 1,000 meters high. This area is a haven for base jumpers, who leap from the cliff tops with parachutes. During your visit, you'll have the chance to hike at the base of these majestic mountains and explore the glacial valleys. Keep a lookout when you return to your boat; you might spot marine mammals such as whales, orcas, and even narwhals.

You are surrounded by a raw landscape of breathtaking beauty, where silence reigns supreme. This is the Sam Ford Fjord, located on the east coast of Baffin Island, just a few kilometers from the Inuit community of Clyde River. The fjord's otherworldly appearance embodies the remote and untouched allure of the Arctic. From your ship, you will be captivated by the series of towering cliffs that plunge dramatically into the fjord's waters. These soaring rock walls, renowned among climbing enthusiasts worldwide, reflect in the fjord’s surface, creating an illusion that blurs the boundaries between land and sea.

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the ship’s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Your ship glides slowly toward the west coast of Greenland, entering the expansive Evighedsfjorden, located just a few kilometers south of Kangerlussuaq. The name Evighedsfjorden, meaning "the fjord of Eternity," is fitting. This over 100-kilometer-long fjord seems to stretch endlessly, revealing more stunning vistas at every turn. The landscape transitions from majestic glaciers to tundra teeming with diverse flora, and jagged cliffs that provide nesting grounds for a variety of bird species. Take the opportunity to watch white-tailed eagles, seagulls, and black-legged kittiwakes as they soar gracefully above this pristine Arctic environment.

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland hosted an American military base. Today, it serves as a vital transit point for adventurers thanks to its international airport. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, Kangerlussuaq is a gateway to remarkable natural wonders. Just a short distance away lies the Greenland ice sheet, the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. From this town, you can also marvel at the stunning tundra landscapes, especially vibrant with autumnal colors, where you might spot Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.