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ARCTIC 2022ESSENTIALGREENLANDSouthern Coasts and Disko BayD E S I G N E DT OG OB E Y O N D
Contents1Overview2Itinerary6Arrival and Departure Details8Your Ship10Included Activities12Adventure Options13Dates and Rates14Inclusions and Exclusions15Your Expedition Team16Extend Your Trip17Meals on Board18Possible Excursions21Packing Checklist
OverviewEssential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko BayOne of our most popular itineraries, Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts andDisko Bay, is elevated to a new level with the newest addition to our fleet, thegame-changing polar vessel Ultramarine. Enjoy an ultra-immersive explorationof Greenland’s most remote regions, sailing the icy waters of the rarely traveledsoutheast coast, traveling down to the lush southern tip, and stopping to visitlocal communities and observe imposing glaciers of the west coast – all the whiletaking advantage of Ultramarine’s luxurious suites, spa and wellness amenities andincredible wilderness viewing spaces. Ultramarine offers guests more AdventureOptions than any other operator in the polar regions.Visits to picturesque villages and Norse ruins will provide guests with an intimatelook into Greenland’s distinct culture and history, while the rugged landscape,highlighted by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains, verdantvalleys and incredible wildflowers will leave you breathless. On Essential Greenland:Southern Coasts and Disko Bay, spectacular, unspoiled wonders await at every turn,EXPEDITION IN BRIEFSearch for iconic Arctic wildlife,such as whales, seals and seabirdsExplore the Ilulissat Icefjord andKujataa farming communities, bothUNESCO World Heritage SitesMeet locals and experiencetraditional Inuit settlementsVisit Norse historical sites and learnabout this fascinating cultureCruise in a Zodiac to exploreicebergs, glaciers, fjords and moreImmerse yourself in the icy realmof the Arctic with optional kayakingadventuresEnjoy flightseeing and heli landingswith Ultramarine’s two onboardhelicoptersand Ultramarine will take you places no other vessel can.1
ItineraryDAY 1 ARRIVE INREYKJAVIK, ICELANDArrive in the Icelandic capital and makeyour way to your included hotel. Youwill have the rest of the day to explorethe city on your own.DAY 2 EMBARKATION DAYThis afternoon, you’ll board your vesseland begin your expedition. Get ready fora great adventure ahead!DAY 3 AT SEAAs we cruise across the Denmark Strait,your Expedition Team will teach youabout the wildlife and enthralling historyof Greenland, its fascinating geology,ecology and climate, and the incrediblesights you will soon explore. Staffwill also keep watch for the seabirdsyou’ll likely see soaring around yourship, as well as the whales that can beencountered here.DAYS 4 & 5 EXPLORINGEAST GREENLANDYour exploration of Greenland beginswith East Greenland, one of the leastvisited and most remote parts of theisland. Your days sailing along thecoast will be guided by weather andice conditions, with each day and eachexcursion presenting new adventures.The region is a sight to behold, boastinga mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers,steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.Baffin uukPaamiutSkjoldungenDenmark StraitUunartoqPrins Christian SundAtlantic OceanReykjavikICELANDESSENTIAL GREENLANDSouthern Coasts & Disko BayOnboard the UltramarineFlight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik2
One location we hope to visit ifconditions allow is Skjoldungen, whereyou’ll cruise between the mountains toview glaciers deep within the fjords. Thenarrow part of the fjord provides an idealplace to put our Zodiacs in the water fora more in-depth exploration.If conditions allow, you may also visitthe site of an abandoned Inuit settlement,whose inhabitants were relocated tolarger, more accessible towns around1961. Exploring ashore, you’ll experiencea true Arctic ghost town, complete withabandoned buildings, furniture and evenshoes! Hiking the rugged terrain rewardsyou with impressive views of snowcapped mountains, deep turquoise watersand the surprisingly colorful Arctictundra. This site is prone to mosquitos,however, so have your spray and nettingat the ready.If you’re feeling even more adventurous,perhaps you’ll treat yourself to anoptional paddling excursion (extra cost),an unforgettable opportunity to glide pasticebergs and glaciers and capture somephotographs from a unique perspective.Another possible destination is LindenowFjord, and if conditions are favorable,it’s a great spot for hiking through lushand varied flora, surrounded by epicmountain vistas. This rarely visited deepfjord is fed by a number of glaciers andoffers ample opportunities for yourcamera to get a workout.DAYS 6 & 7 EXPLORINGSOUTH GREENLANDSailing on, we’ll explore Greenland’sfertile southern coast. NicknamedArctic Patagonia, this region is as richin spectacular scenery as it is in historyand culture. Here, it’s easy to see whyErik the Red gave Greenland its name:everywhere you look rewards withvistas of icy waters set against a backdropof soaring mountains, crystal-clearwaterfalls and unbelievably lush, greenvalleys. Scattered around the shoresof the fjord systems that dominate thearea are several small settlements, bothancient and present day, making SouthGreenland an ideal place to explore.The magical Prins Christian Sund,a complex maze of narrow fjords andchannels, is a great place for cruising.You’ll explore this stunning sound, hometo calving glaciers, jagged mountains andsheer cliffs that plunge dramatically intothe water. Sailing through this fjord fromthe vantage point of your ship or a Zodiacis an exhilarating experience. If conditionsallow, venturing ashore providesopportunities for all levels of hiking.Steeped in Norse history, the southerncoast of Greenland provides plenty ofplaces to learn about this ancient culture.One such landing we hope to makeis at Hvalsey, the site of Greenland’slargest and best-preserved Norse ruins.3
Exploring the remains of the circa 14thcentury church will feel like steppingback in time, as the building appearsmuch as it did when it was abandonedin the 15th century and the surroundingfells and fjord remain similarlyuntouched.The little village of Igaliku, home toabout 30 inhabitants, is Greenland’soldest sheep-farming settlement. It’s acharming place to go ashore, as sheeppeacefully graze on the grass, surroundedby bloom-covered rolling valleys andsnow-capped mountains. The area is alsoknown for its storied past, as evidencedby the remarkable red sandstone ruins ofthe Gardar cathedral (the largest churchin Greenland in the Middle Ages) andbishop’s residence, which date back tothe early 12th century, when Greenland’sfirst bishop was appointed. Wanderingthe foundations, excavated in 1926, you’llget to see a bit of history firsthand as youlearn about this interesting relic of theViking period. Together with four otherhistoric farming communities, Igalikuis part of a newly established UNESCOWorld Heritage Site.DAYS 8 – 13 EXPLORINGWEST GREENLANDBoasting spectacular glaciers,mountainous landscapes, and vibrantcommunities, the west coast ofGreenland will leave you awestruck.Heading north, each day we hope totake Zodiac excursions from the ship toexplore local bays, channels and landingsites, discovering some of the quaintvillages dotting the islands and fjordsin the region and cruising in some ofGreenland’s most picturesque places.The west coast is home to Nuuk, thecharming Greenlandic capital. You’llhave time to wander the streets of thehistoric Old Nuuk neighborhood and seethe Hans Egede Church and Hans Egedestatue near the waterfront, both namedafter the missionary who founded thesettlement. History buffs will want tovisit the national museum to view thefamous Greenlandic mummies, foundunder a rock outcrop in 1972 by twobrothers who were ptarmigan hunting.Sisimiut is another interesting place togo ashore, as there are more sled dogshere than humans. You’ll have time towander the town’s historic area, whereseveral 18th-century colonial buildingsstill stand, including Greenland’s oldestsurviving church. You’ll also be treatedto a traditional kayaking demonstration.Experiencing a cultural resurgence, thekayak is a symbol of Greenland and canbe traced back over 4,000 years to theInuit, who used the vessels for huntingand transport.Another beautiful locale, and one of westGreenland’s highlights is the IlulissatIcefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Home to the world’s most productiveglacier in the northern hemisphere,Jakobshavn Glacier or Sermeq Kujalleq in4
Greenlandic, this is a great place to enjoya Zodiac excursion to experience icebergsfrom a unique perspective not affordedby land. Venturing ashore in the nearbytown, Ilulissat (which means “iceberg”),rewards with its own spectacle: enormousbergs floating out to Disko Bay. A hikefrom the town to the icefjord will allowyou to view this unforgettable river of icefrom the rocky shore. Given that it’s alsoknown for having more sled dogs thanpeople, it’s not surprising that Ilulissatis the birthplace of the first Europeanto traverse the Northwest Passage bydogsled, explorer Knud Rasmussen.Surrounded by sea and mountains, thefishing community of Itilleq (meaning“crossing place”) is situated in a scenichollow on a small island, about a mile(2 km) above the Arctic Circle. Exploretraditional wooden houses painted in arainbow of colors, chat with the localsand join a customary football (soccer)match between visitors and residents,and you’ll be experiencing Itilleq’sfamous friendly vibe in no time.DAY 14 DISEMBARK INKANGERLUSSUAQ & FLY TO REYKJAVIKEnjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore,where you’ll board your charter flightback to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrivalin Reykjavik, we will transfer you to yourincluded hotel.DAY 15 DEPART REYKJAVIKToday, you can make your way homeat your leisure or spend some timeexploring this artistic city.EXPEDITION SPIRITEmbracing the unexpected is partof the legacy—and excitement—ofexpedition travel. When travelingin extremely remote regions, yourExpedition Team must considerthe sea, ice and weather to guidethe route and itinerary details.This itinerary is a tentative outlineof what you may experience onthis voyage; please be awarethat no specific itinerary can beguaranteed. By the same token,wildlife encounters as describedare expected, but not guaranteed.Your Expedition Team will usetheir considerable experience toseek out wildlife in known habitats,but the presence of any particularspecies of bird or marine wildlife isnot guaranteed.5
Arrival and Departure DetailsAs you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival anddeparture details. Since international air transportation is not included in the costof your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking toextend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 16, learn how toadd on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Reykjavik or a nearby regionof your choice.Arrival Day and EmbarkationARRIVING IN REYKJAVIKYou may arrive in Reykjavik at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and makeyour way to the included hotel.EMBARKATION IN REYKJAVIKOn the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the lobby of yourhotel, transferred to the ship and stored in your cabin.Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2 of your itinerary, usually around 4pm.You and your shipmates will meet in the lobby of your hotel and board the waitingbuses for transfer to the ship. Information about transfer timing will be posted inyour Reykjavik hotel.PLEASE NOTEThere is a strict luggage limit of50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggageand 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage onthe flight between Kangerlussuaqand Reykjavik. Should you haveadditional luggage, it can be stored atthe hotel in Reykjavik. There is NOoption to pay for additional luggage.6
Final Day andDepartureIncluded HotelAccommodationsDISEMBARKATION INKANGERLUSSUAQYour ship is scheduled to arrive inKangerlussuaq between 7am and 8amlocal time. After breakfast, and oncethe ship has anchored, you will havetime to bid farewell to your ExpeditionTeam and shipmates before takingone last Zodiac ride to shore. Thedisembarkation process takes about anhour. After disembarkation, you will betransferred to the airport for the returncharter flight to Reykjavik.Your included accommodation begins onDay 1 of your itinerary, and the specifichotel(s) will be indicated in your finalvoyage confirmation. If you are arrivingprior to Day 1 of your expedition or arestaying after the disembarkation day andwould like help booking a pre- or poststay, please contact your Polar TravelAdviser or travel professional for hoteloptions. As accommodation space islimited, you are encouraged to requestany extra nights as early as possible.DEPARTING FROM REYKJAVIKUpon arrival in Reykjavik, there willbe a group transfer to your includedpost-expedition hotel. After breakfast thefollowing morning, you may make yourway to the airport to connect with youronward flight, or stay longer if you havebooked additional accommodation.Your final night’s includedaccommodation will be provided at ahotel close to Keflavik InternationalAirport, and a transfer to the airportwill be available on the final day of theitinerary. A transfer to the city is notincluded if you are extending your timein Iceland after the expedition but onecan be arranged for you.Arrival and DepartureTransfersREYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERSAn arrival transfer in Reykjavik is notincluded in the expedition; however,your Polar Travel Adviser or travelprofessional can arrange one for you.7
Your Ship: UltramarineUltramarineUltra SuiteOwner’s SuiteNEW! ULTRAMARINEThe newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed togo beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discovernew places, and to immerse you in the best the regionhas to offer.Penthouse SuiteTerrace SuiteDeluxe Balcony SuiteDeck 8Balcony SuiteExplorer SuiteExplorer TripleBiiissttrBttrororoSolo Panorama702704706708WCEquipped with two twin-engine helicopters,Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio ofEEadventure activities in the industry, and features theFitnessFitnessSpa SaaunSpaCeenteer publicCenternacategory’s most spacious suites, breathtakingspaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces thanother expedition ships its size, complemented by aninnovative mix of sustainability features that exceedall industry standards.LoungeLoou&WC WC701703705707WC618620622624626628Staff geiddgege601603605607609615611613621623625627SHIP SPECIFICATIONS:Staff & Crew: 140Guests: 199Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosedIce Class: PC6617Accessible cabin; please speak to yourPolar Travel Adviser for detailsDeck 7EEWith all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly 619positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expeditionexperience.Deck 6WCTheatereateereaWCBalconyInterconnecting SuitesWCReestatauraraantEEWCDeck 5Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan 409407403405422424426428430432All images are artist's renderings.421423425427429431EE8Deck 4
Deluxe Balcony SuiteSaunaSuite BathroomFitness CenterMain RestaurantAll images are artist's renderings.9
Included ActivitiesReady for a little adventure beyond yourship? Each Quark Expeditions voyageoffers a variety of recreational activitiesto enhance your polar experience.FLIGHTSEEINGWhile polar landscapes are spectacularfrom the sea, they’re even more stunningfrom the air, a view you can enjoy whileseated in one of the two twin-enginehelicopters stationed on Ultramarine.Typically in groups less than 10, you willexperience an unforgettable aerial tourof the Arctic during a 10- to 15-minuteflightseeing excursion that’s includedin the cost of the voyage. Additionalhelicopter activities may also be availablefor purchase on board. Please note: allhelicopter operations are weather- andlogistics-dependent.HELI-LANDINGYou will be transferred fromUltramarine’s heli-decks via our twotwin-engine helicopters to a pre-selectedArctic destination. You’ll have time toexplore the location, accompanied byQuark Expeditions team members,after which you’ll be picked up by thehelicopters in the same location andreturned to Ultramarine. Note: helilandings are dependent on weatherconditions and logistics.ZODIAC CRUISINGZodiacs are the workhorses of polarexpeditions, taking you to places theships can’t access, allowing you toreach remote shorelines, explore shallowinlets and search for unique wildlife.Expedition staff make stepping in andout of them safe and comfortable, andyour Zodiac drivers will provide activeinterpretation, making the landscapecome even more alive.10
HIKINGLed by experienced staff, exploring onfoot is the best way to appreciate thepolar landscapes. Our guides are ableto accommodate a range of skill levelsto suit every passenger. Walking polesare provided at each landing for yourconvenience. As there are a limitednumber of poles available, please bringyour own if you require them on everylanding. Some landing sites will offermore demanding options than others.PRESENTATIONSEnjoy daily chats with and presentationsby our world-class onboard polarexperts—guides, scientists, naturalists,historians and other special guests whowill introduce you to the fascinatinghistory, biology, ornithology, andglaciology of the region, and much,much more.POLAR PLUNGEThis rite of passage, scheduled only onceper expedition, gives you the chanceto jump safely into the bracing Arcticwaters under the watchful eye of ourstaff—and just about every single cameraon board!PHOTOGRAPHYDocumenting your voyage so you cantake the memories home is a rewardingexperience. Our photography guides willhelp you hone your skills to capture thebeauty of the polar regions.Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or yourTravel Professional for more informationabout your Included Activities and AdventureOptions, including the necessary experience,physical requirements and cost.11
Adventure OptionsSEA KAYAKINGImagine gliding across the surface ofa bay in the presence of icebergs andglaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program isa great way to intimately explore yoursurroundings. A small group of kayakerswill plan to go out multiple times pervoyage as an alternative to shore landingsor Zodiac cruises.PLEASE NOTEFor all paid activities pre-booking isrequired. We recommend bookingearly as spaces fill quickly. Pleasesee your pre-departure book fora list of provided gear for eachAdventure Option.The number of opportunities to kayakis weather dependent, and will beconducted only during calm conditions.Prior kayaking experience is required,and you must be able to do a wet exitto participate. Beginners interested inkayaking should consider participatingin the Paddling Excursion.PADDLING EXCURSIONIf you’re interested in kayaking butwould like to try something a bit lessdemanding than Sea Kayaking, you’rethe perfect candidate to sign up for aone-time paddle on our stable sit-ontop kayaks—perfect for anyone withminimal or no kayaking experience.Small groups of passengers will betaken out on calm days, with ourexpert guides always present to provideinstruction and help you connectwith the polar sea. Two outings willbe pre-booked, and once successfullycompleted, any subsequent outingswill be offered via lottery on board.12
Inclusions and ExclusionsInclusionsExclusionsRATES INCLUDE: Leadership throughout your voyage by ourexperienced Expedition Leaders, including shorelandings and other activities All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the dailyprogram All shore landings as per the daily program Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on boardthroughout your voyage (Please inform us of anydietary requirements as far in advance as possible.Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot preparekosher meals.) Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, teaand cocoa available around the clock F ormal and informal presentations by ourExpedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled A photographic journal documenting the expedition A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan forlandings and Zodiac cruising excursions An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin All miscellaneous service taxes and port chargesthroughout the program All luggage handling aboard the ship Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengersto a maximum benefit of USD 500,000 per person Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik Group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2 Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik Group transfer from Reykjavik airport (Keflavik) to airport hotel One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in KeflavikShuttle transfer to Keflavik airport on last day of itineraryRATES SPECIFICALLYDO NOT INCLUDE: andatory Transfer Package*M International airfare Arrival transfers in Reykjavik Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes notmentioned above Meals ashore unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medicaltravel insurance—strongly recommended Excess-baggage fees on international flights Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiaccruising, or any other gear not mentioned Laundry, bar and other personal charges unlessspecified Phone and Internet charges (connectivity mayvary by location) Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage forshipboard staff and crew Additional overnight accommodation Adventure Options not listed in IncludedActivitiesPACKAGE PRICE: 1,295 USD14
Your Expedition TeamOur Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as variedas polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Theirknowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polarenvironment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and anindustry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected.Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, all our new expedition staffreceive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polarexpedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing trainingfor experienced staff.15
ExtendYour TripPRE- AND POST-EXPEDITIONTRIP EXTENSIONSYou can extend your trip by bookingextra days to explore our gateway citybefore or after the voyage. Since you’retraveling such a long way, you may wantto spend extra time in Reykjavik. Wehave a variety of pre- and post-expeditionpackages in this fascinating city, knownfor its vibrant music and art scenes.Enjoy an extensive city tour, explore theGolden Circle, taking in Iceland’s moststunning natural wonders, and soak inthe famous Blue Lagoon. And maybe fitin some whale watching, too!FROM TOP: View of Reykjavik; Blue Lagoon16
Meals on BoardIf there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. Whilemeal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll alwaysbe served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can beaccommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are servedplated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs toprepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality mealsduring the course of your expedition.Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beerand wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are availablearound the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium winesand champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboardaccount. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellowshipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.17
Possible ExcursionsWhen traveling in extremely remoteregions, your Expedition Team mustconsider the sea, ice and weather toguide the route and itinerary details.The following sites are a sample of whatyou may experience on your expedition,whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shorelanding.East GreenlandSKJOLDUNGEN FJORDThis fjord offers contrasting colors ofbright turquoise water and piercing whiteice. Waterfalls pour down the tall cliffs,with the Thryms Glacier in the distance.The fjord was once home to a small Inuitsettlement, which was evacuated by thegovernment in 1961.South GreenlandHVALSEYAlso known as Qaqortukulooq, Hvalseyis the site of Greenland’s best-preservedNorse ruins. Built around 1300, themedieval church attracted people fromnear and far to attend Christian festivalsthroughout the year. The last writtenrecord of the Norse in Greenlandrecounts the wedding of an Icelandiccouple here in 1408. Surrounding thechurch are the ruins of a farmstead,including stables and a banquet hall. Thearea is a designated UNESCO WorldHeritage Area.IGALIKUPart of the UNESCO World Heritage Areaknown as Kujataa, the small communityof Igaliku (Igaliko) was founded in 1783and is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farmingsettlement. Quite different from thedistinctive colorful wooden houses seen18
throughout Greenland, the 19th- andearly 20th-century stone dwellings ofIgaliku incorporate building stones fromthe Norse ruins of the nearby Gardarcathedral and bishop’s farm (the largestin the country).KUJATAAThis sub-Arctic farming landscape—theearliest example of agriculture in theArctic—was designated a UNESCOWorld Heritage Area in 2017. Featuringarcheological sites and agriculturallands, Kujataa is comprised of five areas(Igaliku, Hvalsey, Qassiarsuk, Sissarluttoqand Tasikuluulik) that represent themost comprehensive cultural histories ofNorse and Greenlandic farmer-hunters.In honor of the designation, GreenlandicPost issued a stamp in 2018 showcasingthe landscape of Kujataa.PRINS CHRISTIAN SUNDThe massive tidewater glaciers anddramatically steep cliffs dominating thispicturesque fjord system, named afterChristian III of Denmark, are one of themany reasons South Greenland has earnedthe moniker Arctic Patagonia. Aappilattoq,home to about 100 people, is the onlysettlement in this remote region. Thisis an ideal place for ship cruising, as theicebergs here come in all shapes and sizes.West GreenlandILULISSAT ICEFJORDNorth of the Arctic Circle, this icefjord is a UNESCO World HeritageSite. Recognized as one of the fastestmoving glaciers in the world, theJakobshavn Glacier (or Sermeq Kujalleqin Greenlandic) located at the head of theicefjord moves 62 feet (19 meters) per day.More glacial ice is calved into the oceanhere than anywhere else in the Arctic.19
KANGERLUSSUAQKangerlussuaq and the KangerlussuaqFjord in West Greenland provide a greatbackdrop of mountainous landscapes atthis port of disembarkation.NUUKNuuk is the epicenter of Greenland’sfascinating emerging culture. Atpopulation 15,000, the world’s smallestcapital city is a wonderful and curiousmix of the traditional and the new. Aparticular highlight is the GreenlandNational Museum, which offers aninsight into social change affecting thecountry from the 1950s onwards. Otherexhibits include some of the world’soldest rocks (approx. 3.8 billion yearsfound close to Nuuk), and the Qilakitsoqexhibit displaying the mummifiedremains of 15th century Inuit womenand a six-month old child. The KatuaqCulture Centre and Nuuk Art Museumare also worth exploring.SISIMIUTThe second-largest town in Greenland,Sisimiut is a place to stretch your legs.Inhabited for more than 4,000 years,Sisimiut has a history that is a mix ofSaqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures.The colorful wooden houses here aretypical of Greenlandic communitiestoday. Nasaasaaq, an impressivemountain, provides a scenic backdropfor this settlement.EXPEDITION SPIRITEmbracing the unexpected is partof the legacy—and excitement—ofexpedition travel. When travelingin extremely remote regions, yourExpedition Team must considerthe sea, ice and weather to guidethe route and itinerary details. Thisitinerary is a tentative outline of whatyou’ll experience on this voyage;please be aware that no specificitinerary can be guaranteed. By thesame token, wildlife encountersas described are expected, but notguaranteed. Your Expedition Teamwill use their considerable experienceto seek out wildlife in known habitats,but the presence of any particularspecies of bird or marine wildlife isnot guaranteed.20
PackingChecklistWEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURESPolar weather is extremely variable; temperaturesmay hover around the freezing mark and winds canbe strong. The extended daylight warms shelteredareas so that you may sometimes find it warmenough for t-shirts. However, you may encountersnow squalls, fog and white-outs during anexpedition and should be ready for any conditions.WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, allQuark Expeditions voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additionalsuggested items include:FOR SHORE LANDINGSSUGGESTED ITEMS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!) Mid-layer warm/fleece pants Binoculars Wool and synthetic socks (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with charger and extra batteries Neck warmer or balaclava Extra memory cards Warm hat that covers ears Earplugs Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride) Eye masks for sleeping Waterproof gloves and glove liners Moisturizer and lip balm (polar a
1 One of our most popular itineraries, Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay, is elevated to a new level with the newest addition to our fleet, the game-changing polar vessel Ultramarine.Enjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of Greenland’s most remo
