GREENLAND EXPLORER Valleys and Fjords
The Trip Overview The west coast of Greenland is Europe s final frontier, and sailing along it is the best way to sample its captivating history, enthralling wildlife and distinct culture. Explore places from the Norse and Viking eras, experience the Ilulissat Icefjord a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit two Greenland communities, encountering an ancient culture surviving in a modern world. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Meet locals along the west coast of Greenland and experience traditional Inuit settlements Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore historic places from Norse and Viking eras Spot arctic wildlife, such as whales, birds and seals Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to glaciers, fjords, icebergs and more Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 1
Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own. In the evening, join us at your hotel for a welcome briefing. DAY 2 EMBARKATION DAY IN AKUREYRI You ll fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! DAY 3 AT SEA While we cross the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with educational presentations about the wildlife, history and geography of Greenland, your next stop. Join expedition staff on deck and on the bridge as they look out for whales and seabirds, get to know your fellow guests or simply take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. DAY 4 EAST GREENLAND Experience a true arctic ghost town when we visit the abandoned settlement of Skjoldungen, where inhabitants were forced to move to larger, more accessible towns in 1961. The narrow part of Skjoldungen Fjord is an ideal place to explore by Zodiac. Those who opt for our kayaking program may have an opportunity to get out on the water to glide past icebergs and capture some great photographs. DAYS 5 TO 7 SOUTH GREENLAND Climbers and mountaineers around the world know Tasermiut Fjord, one of the world s most prolific big-wall playgrounds. This part of Greenland is ARCTIC CIRCLE Itilleq Nuuk Paamiut Baffin Bay Sisimiut Uunartoq Eqip Sermia Ilulissat Kangerlussuaq Skjoldungen Prins Christian Sund Atlantic Ocean GREENLAND Scoresby Sund Reykjavik Denmark Strait Akureyri ICELAND GREENLAND EXPLORER Valleys and Fjords Flight to Akureyri or Reykjavik On the Ocean Adventurer Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 2
particularly dramatic, being nicknamed the Arctic Patagonia. A bit of a history lesson will be provided here as you learn about the settlements of the area, founded by Erik the Red. As we round Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland, we will call in at the natural hot springs found in the Uunartoq area, soak in the geothermal waters and watch the icebergs pass by. DAYS 8 TO 13 GREENLAND S WEST COAST Heading north, you ll stop at some of the quaint villages that dot the islands and fjords of Greenland s western side. You ll find friendly faces, local artisans and colorful houses on the wildflowercovered tundra. You ll visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and home to fewer than 16,000 people. You ll have time to wander the streets and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. You ll also visit the museum to see the famous Greenlandic mummies. The nearby town of Sisimiut is an interesting place to visit, as there are more dogsleds here than humans. Evighedsfjorden, which means Fjord of Eternity, is a favored place for us to put the Zodiacs in the water for some more in-depth exploration. This long, deep fjord has very few settlements, so you ll come to appreciate nature in its rawest form. There will be an opportunity for hiking among the towering mountains, and you ll have plenty of chances to photograph the colorful tundra and dramatic landscapes. The west coast of Greenland also provides many dramatic, mountainous landscapes where fjords open into the sea. You will explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, home to one of the world s fastestmoving glaciers. Moving approximately 62 feet (19 meters) per day, the glacier provides you with a great opportunity to photograph ice crashing into the sea. Continuing along, the Amerloq Fjord offers a chance for you to stretch your legs by exploring abandoned villages and ancient Thule sites. DAY 14 DISEMBARKATION IN KANGERLUSSUAQ Today, you ll board your direct charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your hotel. DAY 15 DEPART REYKJAVIK After breakfast, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in Reykjavik. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 3
Adventure Options Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions voyage offers a variety of fun recreational activities to enhance your polar experience. Included Activities HIKING Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is the best way to appreciate the landscape, communities and shorelines. LECTURES Daily chats with on-board experts our guides, scientists and other special guests let passengers rub shoulders with historians, botanists, ornithologists, zoologists, geologists and more. POLAR PLUNGE This rite of passage, experienced just once per expedition, sees you safely jumping into icy ocean waters under the watchful eye of our staff and just about every single camera lens on board! Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 4
ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, safely transporting guests to remote shorelines and shallow inlets places the ships can t reach. Hopping in and out of them is super-easy. PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is both rewarding and constructive. Plus, it is next to impossible to take a bad picture of the Polar Regions. OTHER EQUIPMENT ON BOARD Walking poles are provided at each landing for your convenience. This equipment is available at no cost. More information about your Included and Paid Activities, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser or your travel professional. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 5
Paid Activities SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage instead of shore landings. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent and will only be conducted during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required for you to feel comfortable on the water, and you must have the capability to do a wet exit to participate. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 6
Arrival & Departure Details As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar cruise? Arrange for a layover in the destination of your choice, or add on a pre- or post-expedition stop or both! in our gateway city. Quark Expeditions can help you book your flights, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN REYKJAVIK You may arrive in Reykjavik at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make your own way to the included hotel. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions will be available in the lobby of the hotel on the evening to answer any questions about the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. AKUREYRI AND EMBARKATION Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Reykjavik to Akureyri on Day 2 of the itinerary, after breakfast. Although the scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. You should be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on our group transfer at any time. PLEASE NOTE Baggage allowance on charter flights is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 7
Final Day and Departure DISEMBARKATION IN KANGERLUSSUAQ Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Kangerlussuaq, between 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has docked, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Reykjavik. DEPARTING FROM REYKJAVIK Upon arrival in Reykjavik, there will be a group transfer to your included postexpedition hotel. After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the airport to connect with your homeward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation. Included Hotel Accommodations Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, and would like help booking a pre- or poststay, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options. Arrival and Departure Transfers REYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers in Reykjavik are not included; however, your Polar Travel Adviser can arrange them for you. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days prior to traveling. PLEASE NOTE Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 8
Extend Your Trip PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore our gateway city before or after the voyage. Since you re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Reykjavik. We have a variety of pre- and post-expedition packages in this fascinating city, known for its vibrant music and art scenes. Enjoy an extensive city tour, explore the Golden Circle, taking in Iceland s most stunning natural wonders, and soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. And maybe fit in some whale watching, too! To discover the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Polar Travel Adviser via email, at Enquiry@QuarkExpeditions.com or phone (1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions. FROM TOP:View of Reykjavik; Blue Lagoon Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 9
Inclusions YOUR GREENLAND EXPEDITION INCLUDES Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board All shore landings per the daily program Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled Photographic journal documenting the expedition Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings Official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin Comprehensive onboard materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program All luggage handling aboard the ship Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES One night s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik with breakfast Transfer to the Reykjavik airport on Day 2 Charter flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri Transfers to and from the ship Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik Group transfer from Reykjavik airport to hotel One night s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik with breakfast PACKAGE COST: $1,295 THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES Mandatory transfer package* International airfare Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above Meals ashore unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance strongly recommended Excess-baggage fees on international flights Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified Phone and Internet charges Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew Additional overnight accommodation Optional kayaking activities Arrival and departure transfers in Reykjavik Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 10
Dates & Rates Dates Days Start/End Triple Lower Deck Main Deck Porthole GREENLAND EXPLORER VALLEYS AND FJORDS OCEAN ADVENTURER Main Deck Window Superior Deluxe Suite Owner s Suite AUG 7 AUG 21, 2018 15 Reykjavik $7,495 $9,795 $10,795 $11,795 $12,995 $14,295 $15,795 $17,295 $695 *Mandatory transfer package available for $1,295. All rates per person in USD. Sea Kayaking Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 11
Your Expedition Ship FUNNEL OCEAN ADVENTURER You will be proud to call this ship your home when at sea in 510 the Arctic. Quark Expeditions popular ship Sea Adventurer has 510 512 been relaunched as Ocean Adventurer after a multi-million-dollar 511 renovation. A team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers and polar expedition specialists worked together to CLINIC enhance this nimble and intimate fleet favorite. Improvements 402 400 POLAR LIBRARY 403 401 include a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus the complete remodeling of the lounge, dining room and bar. PURSER S OFFICE All cabins received new soft furnishings and 304bathrooms, CLIPPER 302 300and six CLUB DINING new deluxe cabins as well as three new suites have been added. ROOM WC EL OFFICE 311 309 307 305 303 301 Major technical enhancements include two new Rolls-Royce POLAR BOUTIQUE engines, which yield increased fuel efficiency and a minimized carbon footprint. ZODIAC BOARDING ROOMS SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 87 Guests: 132 Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed STERN Ice Class: 1A Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. 228 231 226 229 224 227 222 225 220 223 218 221 216 219 214 217 112 212 215 110 111 210 211 108 109 208 209 106 107 206 207 405 204 205 104 105 404 RECEPTION BRIDGE MAIN LOUNGE 406408 202 203 102 103 407409 100 201 200 101 OBSERVATION DECK BRIDGE DECK CAPTAIN S DECK UPPER DECK GYM MAIN DECK DINING ROOM LOWER DECK BOW 512 CLINIC 304 ZODIAC BOARDING ROOMS 510 510 511 POLAR LIBRARY CLIPPER CLUB 302 311 309 307 305 303 301 228 231 WC 226 229 224 227 222 225 402 403 EL OFFICE 220 223 FUNNEL 300 218 221 216 219 400 401 PURSER S OFFICE POLAR BOUTIQUE 214 217 112 212 215 110 210 211 108 208 209 106 206 207 405 204 205 104 404 MAIN LOUNGE RECEPTION BRIDGE 406408 202 203 102 407409 100 201 200 OBSERVATION DECK BRIDGE DECK CAPTAIN S DECK UPPER DECK GYM MAIN DECK STERN BOW Triple Lower Deck Twin Main Deck Twin Porthole Main Deck Twin Window Superior Deluxe Suite Owner s Suite 111 109 107 105 103 101 LOWER DECK Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 12
Your Expedition Team Behind the scenes and on the front lines, we are nothing without the dedication, knowledge, energy and passion of our staff. By consistently attracting the most talented people in the polar travel industry, we can keep doing what we do, season after season, to the poles and back and back again. This is where we shine. Our Expeditions Leaders and staff bring diverse polar expertise in subjects as varied as polarhistory, marine biology, glaciology and photography. Their knowledge will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further enhance your connection to the Arctic. With over 25 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions, we know how to handle the unexpected to guarantee the safety of all passengers. Ensuring this hard earned experience is not lost, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in our newly developed Quark Academy, which provides real-world polar expedition training prior to any staff member s first voyage. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 13
Possible Landings West Greenland EVIGHEDSFJORDEN Meaning Fjord of Eternity, Evighedsfjorden (or Kangerlussuatsiaq in Inuit) is an especially dramatic fjord, with towering cliffs and a deep canyon. Home to seals, whales and arctic fox, the fjord itself empties into the Davis Strait, an important area for feeding walrus and narwhals. Excellent for Zodiac cruising and photography, this true piece of Greenlandic wilderness is a mostly uninhabited area, where the icebergs outnumber the people. ILULISSAT ICEFJORD North of the Arctic Circle, this ice fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq glacier located here moves 62 feet (19 meters) per day. More glacial ice is calved into the ocean here than anywhere else, except for Antarctica. KANGERLUSSUAQ Kangerlussuaq and the Kangerlussuaq Fjord in West Greenland present colorful buildings and the potential for glimpses of arctic wildlife such as muskoxen and caribou. Lush mountainous landscapes provide a great backdrop to this port, and whales may be spotted at sea. NUUK Home to 15,000 people, Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and is the largest settlement on the island. The Hans Egede Church and the statue of Hans Egede near the waterfront are named after the missionary who founded the settlement. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 14
The Katuaq Culture Centre and Nuuk Art Museum are also worth exploring. SISIMIUT A village town the second largest 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 of Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures. The colorful wooden houses here are typical of Greenlandic communities today. Nasaasaaq, an impressive mountain, provides a scenic backdrop for this settlement, and the nearby Amerloq Fjord is another worthwhile landing site. South Greenland HERJOLFSNES Nearing the southernmost tip of Greenland, Herjolfsnes is a historic stop, with a Viking church setting the scene for a mysterious and interesting tale. In the early 1900s, sea levels began to rise, exposing clothing and the remains of an ancient settlement here, once the site of a church graveyard. KAP FARVEL The southernmost point of Greenland, Cape Farewell is located on Eggers Island. In the Uunartoq area, the geothermal waters of natural hot springs are an ideal spot to watch the icebergs as they pass by. TASERMIUT FJORD Erik the Red was the founder of the settlements in South Greenland, often referred to as Arctic Patagonia. Kayaking and Zodiac excursions into the fjord allow for closer connection to Greenland s most dramatic landscape. East Greenland SKJOLDUNGEN FJORD This fjord provides a welcome shelter from the open sea, offering contrasting colors of bright green water and piercing white ice. Waterfalls pour down the tall cliffs, with the Thryms Glacier in the distance. The fjord was once home to the settlement, which was abandoned evacuated by the government in 1961. This stop allows for an interesting day of exploring an arctic ghost town. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 15
Know Before You Go Meals on Board If there is one constant at sea, it is that you ll enjoy delicious meals on a daily basis. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you ll always be served three meals a day. Almost any dietary restriction can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top quality meals during the course of your expedition. Coffee, tea and water are available at all times. Soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, spirits and champagne are available at an extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bar on the ship is open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in the late morning, afternoon and evening. Language Capability The Quark Expedition Team is sourced globally and brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and language proficiency. Although the main language spoken during the expedition is English, we can accommodate Mandarin speakers on any voyage. Please inquire with Quark Expeditions to learn what other languages might be accommodated on your voyage. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURES Weather conditions are highly variable, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may find temperatures warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions. Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 16
Packing Checklist WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Weather conditions are highly variable, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may find temperatures warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition 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, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate polar footwear. Additional suggested items include: FOR SHORE LANDINGS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Mid-layer warm/fleece top Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs) Glove liners Neck warmer or balaclava Warm hat that covers ears Waterproof pants Waterproof gloves Sunscreen Sunglasses with UV protection SUGGESTED ITEMS Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!) Binoculars Camera with extra batteries Extra memory cards Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates) Eye masks for sleeping Seasickness, indigestion, headache or other medicine Voltage adapters FOR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters) Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip close-toed unheeled shoes (NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board due to safety concerns) For more packing and gear-related info, visit the Quark Expeditions online Polar Boutique at Shop.QuarkExpeditions.com Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details 17
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional or a Quark Expeditions Polar Travel Adviser 1.888.892.0073 QuarkExpeditions.com EXPEDITION BROCHURE July 2018