For the longest time, I’ve wished to journey to Greenland. It’s been up there, and I’ve visited different far-flung locations like Antarctica and Nepal. Lastly, after a few years of planning, we made this a actuality; we booked a tour that might have us visiting Greenland on an expedition.
Okay, rewind. We had this journey deliberate for a few years; it’s been on the cardboard for some time, and my pleasure grew much more because the departure date edged nearer. Lastly, after years of ready, it was time to set sail, and we have been so excited.
Now, there are just a few selections for expedition corporations that go to distant locations like Greenland, so it was mind-boggling to decide on the suitable one. We’d already undertaken an Antarctic expedition with Albatros Expeditions on their ship, Ocean Victory.
So, once we heard that they had a brand-spanking new ship, Ocean Albatros, we knew we needed to e book it. We completely liked our Antarctic Cruise with Albatros Expeditions and simply knew this expedition could be the identical.
After a lot too-ing and frow-ing in regards to the Expedition we wished, we lastly selected ‘In The Wake Of Erik’. The expedition was to take round 10-11 days, departing from Reykjavik in Iceland and ending in Kangerlussuaq (one of many largest, however nonetheless tiny, airports in Greenland). It’s an ex-US-airforce base, and its location is good because it’s protected against the tough winds and excessive climate techniques that may have an effect on Greenland. I’d delve deeper, however that’s an entire new weblog put up.
Because the embarkation date approached, we booked our flight from London to Reykjavik and stayed in a single day earlier than boarding Ocean Albatros, our ship, from Reykjavik harbour. This was the primary time it actually sunk in that we have been about to embark on visiting Greenland on an expedition.
Naturally, we used this chance to eat our manner round Reykjavik. The town has many tasty eating places, and we darted straight to our favorite, Messinn.
After filling up on Plokkfiskur, a tasty stew-like dish of greens and freshly baked fish, we had evening’s sleep on the Exeter Lodge. It overlooks Reykjavik Harbour, which was nice as we might spot the ship as soon as it arrived in port within the morning.
Truthfully, my pleasure was by way of the roof, particularly after waking up and seeing Ocean Albatros within the harbour.
Quick-forward just a few hours, we headed for one closing lunch earlier than boarding Ocean Albatros at The Laundromat Cafe. It’s an excellent little spot for lunch, and some minutes stroll from Reykjavik Harbour.
This made it the proper option to replenish, with simply sufficient time to seize our luggage that we left for the lodge and make our technique to the ship.
After filling up, we boarded Ocean Albatros to begin our journey, visiting Greenland on an expedition. I used to be so excited!
We checked into the room, which was a ‘class B’ room on the 4th ground—particularly, room 429, in case you’re questioning. We ‘ve the balcony rooms onboard Ocean Albatros – however they do produce other room classes to select from.
The room was spacious, with a pleasant massive rest room and direct door entry to the skin deck, which is nice while you’re watching whales from inside.
Anyway, it was to take round 1.5-2 days (relying) to achieve Greenland through the Denmark Strait, which is without doubt one of the choppiest oceans to sail by way of after Drake’s Passage in Antarctica.
And, what, it lived as much as its fame. This was going to be a uneven begin for us visiting Greenland on an expedition.
The swells have been huge, and the waves have been fairly intense. So, after our first beautiful sundown departing Reykavik, we saved ourselves inside and loved the consolation of the restaurant, cocktail bar, and the onboard lectures that occurred each day.
That’s the factor I really like about Albatros Expeditions; every ship has a bunch of specialists from geologists, biologists and conservationists who run lectures each day.
Better of all, you may really inform that the group are passionate in regards to the area. No questions are too robust and so they all have time for you; which I really like.
After just a few dinners, a therapeutic massage on the spa, a cease on the onboard gymnasium and some lectures, we have been itching to achieve Greenland.
As luck would have it, our captain came visiting the tannoy after two days of crusing to announce that Greenland was in sight. The thrill onboard Ocean Albatros was palpable.
You might sense the thrill and thrill that each visitor was feeling. That feeling was magical and one thing I actually received’t neglect.
After just a little briefing within the lecture corridor, we headed straight to the ship’s high deck. We have been to sail through Prince Christian Sound within the area round Ikerasassuaq.
We have been to sail previous the southernmost level of the Greenland icecap and sail west in the direction of Aappilattoq and previous Pamialluk Island.
After a couple of minutes on the highest deck, simply on the horizon, we noticed Greenland. It was round 20 nautical miles away, but it surely was there.
It was simply the beginning of our Albatros Expedition, but it surely felt like we’d already completed a lot.
Inside round 1.5 hours, we’d reached the coast of Greenland. It was unimaginable to see and it felt like a type of moments that get seared into your core reminiscence. It was stunning, tranquil and proper in entrance of us!
As we sailed by way of Prince Christian Sound, we noticed the Greenland Icecap and simply watched silently as we sailed by way of this ethereal panorama. It was (and is) stunning.
Like, phrases don’t describe it sufficient, it was simply so surreal to see. Like, there are only a few instances while you come throughout entire areas left utterly untouched by human exercise. This felt like considered one of them. Actually wild and completely stunning.
We sat on the highest deck for longer than I can keep in mind, with a sizzling chocolate (with a splash of Baileys) and tea to remain heat. It was unimaginable.
We handed huge glacial valleys and among the oldest stones on this planet.
The stone (that makes up the mountains) is billions of years outdated and has stood proudly, solely altering form from tectonic and glacial influences. The panorama is so distinctive.
After just a few hours, we determined to go onto the bridge to see the captain.
In contrast to bigger cruise ships, Albatros has an ‘open-door’ coverage the place expedition friends can freely head to the bridge and see the ship being steered.
It was so fascinating to see, particularly the intricacies concerned in getting our Ocean Albatros by way of Prince Christian Sound.
As we sailed additional east, we lastly reached Nunarssuaq Island and the southern tip of Greenland. We have been again out onto the open ocean to observe the coast north for the subsequent seven days.
It was robust to make a name and go to mattress and miss the views. This was very true because it was nonetheless mild till round 1 am.
Although we had a lot extra to see, we hurried to mattress, prepared for tomorrow’s go to to considered one of Greenland’s many islands, particularly Uunartoq Island and its geothermal Sizzling Springs. Our journey to Greenland on an expedition had simply begun.
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