TrailsIceland
ofandthe
Vikings
Greenland
Escorted by Larry and Lyn Mann
Iceland Pro Cruises • ms Ocean Diamond
September 1 - 12, 2016•12 Days • 27 Meals
A guided zodiac excursion (credit Pro Cruises)
This voyage features a selection of isolated and
seldom visited ports together with some of the world’s most
beautiful scenery. Greenland with its vast ice flows and tiny
population is one of the least visited countries in the world.
Yet it is home to one of the world’s most beautiful and
breath-taking scenic waterways (Prince Christian Sound)
and a people who are at times far more worldly than our
closest neighbours. On this cruise we will travel on a
delightful small ship, ideally suited to visit the tiny ports and
villages in this remote part of the world while ensuring that
all our creature comforts are more than satisfied. Do read
on but don’t delay!
OUR CRUISE SHIP - ms Ocean Diamond
Towering ice off the coast of Greenland (Credit Pro Cruises)
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
 10 night cruise on the ms Ocean Diamond, based on
sharing a double stateroom in the category selected
 Guided zodiac excursions in all ports, as described
 Onboard presentations by local experts
 All 27 meals (B - 10 breakfasts, L - 8 lunches, D - 9
dinners)
 All taxes - port charges, fuel surcharges and air taxes
 Baggage handling at shipside
 Gratuities for all included shipboard services
 Services of our cruise escort and/or cruise director and
local representatives
Air inclusive rates also include:
 Roundtrip economy airfare from Canada including all
taxes/fees
 Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship
 Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
CRUISE ESCORT
Larry & Lyn Mann love to travel and
have visited most continents and
cruised to many parts of the world.
After 35 years in the teaching
profession Craig Travel offers the
perfect match to their skill set and
their passion for meeting new people
and discovering new places. They
were volunteer workers at the
Vancouver Olympics, at Whistler,
teach skiing in the winter and actively
volunteer within their community.
They look forward to sharing this
adventure with all who join them!
Thanks to two stabilizers that significantly reduce roll
and an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1D), the super
yacht Ocean Diamond is the ideal ship for expeditions in
the Arctic region. Due to the ship’s compact size, it can
take passengers to places off the traditional cruise routes
to experience all the highlights of both Iceland and
Greenland. With a maximum of 224 passengers, the
Ocean Diamond features a range of modern onboard
amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and
crew, as well as bilingual expedition leaders and guides.
The 109 cabins and suites, all of them elegantly
designed, offer modern amenities and exterior views.
Most cabins are 180-204sq ft with higher categories
reaching almost 400 sq ft. The ship’s own Zodiacs are
available for shore excursions. After a busy day of
exploration, passengers can browse books or DVDs in
the well-stocked Polar library or enjoy views of the
spectacular Arctic scenery from the panorama salon.
Ship features include:
 Flat screen TVs and DVD players
 Facilities en suite
 Chef prepared meals and daily snack
 Fully stocked bar staffed by a professional bartender
 Presentations by local experts
 Massage and wellness programs
 Library with larger collection of polar books and DVDs
 Internet access
 Theatre-style auditorium with state of the art AV
equipment
Puffin (Credit Pro Cruises)
Shore Excursions: Zodiac landings are included in
each port/location in which they are required to get to
shore. A number of optional excursions are available in
each port/location for purchase. Details and prices for
optional excursions are available online and/or can be
mailed upon request. It is advised to read the optional
excursion information in conjunction with this itinerary. All
shore excursions are subject to change based on local
weather and conditions.
September 1, Thursday
Depart Canada
Group members from across Canada gather for our flight
on IcelandAir to Reykjavik.
September 2, Friday
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland
After clearing customs in Reykjavik we shall have
breakfast in a nice restaurant in Hotel Natura, situated
close to the city centre. After breakfast, we drop off our
luggage at the pier before continuing on a city tour to
explore the unique charm of the world’s northernmost
capital. After free time for our lunch, we head to the pier for
embarkation. The Ocean Diamond docks in Old Reykjavík
Harbor in the heart of the city, a five minute stroll to the
main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs
Reykjavík harbour at 8pm.
ms Ocean Diamond (10 nights)
BD
September 3, Saturday
Stykkisholmur
We begin our exploration of Snaefellsnes Peninsula from
the cheerful town of Stykkisholmur in West Iceland. The
peninsula is dominated by Snaefellsnes National Park
which represents nearly every type of nature seen in
Iceland. With the on board Zodiacs you can join an
excursion and explore thousands of islets among
Breidafjördur Bay (UNESCO) which are teeming with exotic
birdlife, unique basalt rock formations and marine wildlife.
Adventurous spirits may opt to join an expedition to
Snaefellsjökull glacier which sits atop a 700,000 year old
dormant volcano and served as the mystical entrance to
earth’s interior in Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Journey to the
Centre of the Earth’.
BLD
September 4, Sunday
Isafjördur
Today‘s destination is Isafjördur, honorary capital of the
Westfjords. This secluded peninsula is connected to the
mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes areas
where cars have never been. The landscape provides jawdropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient
glaciers, sheer table mountains plunging into the sea and
untouched vegetation.
The rarity of pure silence and the tranquility of nature can
be enjoyed while sea-fishing or watching thousands of
puffins on the tiny island of Vigur.
BLD
September 5, Monday
Denmark Strait Cruising
Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards
Greenland, following the same maritime route used by
Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. En route you can
attend fascinating presentations by our Expedition Team
members.
BLD
September 6, Tuesday
Prince Christian Sound
When conditions are favorable we travel along the 70 mile
long (112 km) Prince Christian Sound which connects the
Labrador and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often icechoked channel, we come so close to icebergs we can
almost reach out and touch one. The force of Greenland’s
massive, inland ice cap pushes glaciers towards the sea,
where large hunks of ice break off and become floating
icebergs.
BLD
September 7, Wednesday
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Early this morning we reach South Greenland’s largest city
of Qaqortoq. Located on an iceberg filled bay surrounded
by countless colourful houses, Qaqortoq is considered one
of the most beautiful cities in Greenland. Don’t miss the
outdoor art installation “Stone and Man,” which was
conceptualized by local artist Aka Høegh and comprises
granite sculptures and reliefs by 18 Nordic artists located
throughout the city centre. In the evening we visit the
picturesque village of Igaliku.
BLD
September 8, Thursday
Narsaruaq / Qassiarsuk
Today we reach the small settlement of Qassiarsuk,
founded by notorious Viking Erik the Red who named this
area “green land” because of the inviting green valleys
surrounding it. During our stop here we can join excursions
to learn about the lives of the island’s early Norse settlers,
visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse and small turf
church, visit the Qoroq Ice Fjord, kayak through ice filled
waters, or visit the Narsarsuaq Museum (entrance incl).
BLD
September 9/10, Friday / Saturday
Denmark Strait
With Iceland set in our sights we cross the Denmark Strait
again heading east. Review the impressions of the last few
days or visit interesting lectures presented by the on board
expedition team. Keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins
and seabirds!
BLD
Cruising the Prince Christian Sound Odyssey (Credit David Craig)
September 11, Sunday
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Located off the coast of South Iceland, the island group
Vestmannaeyjar was formed by submarine volcanic
eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from
the sea in 1963 and is the youngest place on earth. We go
ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the
archipelago. Here the evidence of Iceland’s volcanic fury is
on full display with half-buried houses in ash from a violent
eruption in 1973 when the entire island had to be
evacuated. Aboard Zodiacs we circumnavigate the island to
take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to
see the local bird life, visit caves and possibly spot whales.
An epic experience here is to play a round of golf in a
sunken volcanic crater.
BLD
September 12, Monday
Reykjavik / Canada
In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavík. After
breakfast it is time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond.
We visit the famous Blue Lagoon bathe in the mineral-rich
geothermal pools, before proceeding to the airport for our
flight home.
B
The Green Scenery of Narsarsuaq (credit Pro Cruises)
Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars per person
Category/Description/Deck
Sharing Twin
Cat T Porthole Windows [Triple Accommodation] (Deck 3)$4,965
Cat P Porthole Windows (Deck 3) .......................... $6,295
Cat O Picture Window [Obstructed View] (Decks 5, 6) ... $7,635
Cat D Picture Window (Decks 4, 5, 6) .................... $9,175
Other stateroom categories are available. Above rates are
per person based on sharing the category chosen. Cat T
cabins are available on a request basis only. See Deck
Plan for full details on various categories available. Single
rates are available on our website or on request.
Sample air add-ons from cities across Canada:
Toronto ...................................................................... $1,035
Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $1,275
Halifax ........................................................................ $1,565
St John’s .................................................................... $1,685
Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon ................................. $1,595
Calgary / Edmonton ................................................... $1,575
Vancouver.................................................................. $1,595
Victoria ....................................................................... $1,665
Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Air
fees, taxes and carrier are subject to confirmation prior to
final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.
Prices are based on a minimum 15 members, on rates,
taxes and fees effective October 2015 and are subject to
change due to factors beyond our control. The cruise will
be escorted from Canada with a minimum of 20 members
enrolled.
Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is
available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with
the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For
passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date,
premiums will range from $280 to $726 pp plus applicable
taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will
range from $186 to $473 pp plus applicable taxes. This
insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries
limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please
discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check
our website for the most current information. Refer to the
enrollment form for general information and conditions.
Final payment will be due May 27, 2016
Deposit will be $2,500 per person
Cruisers enjoy a performance by local Greenlanders (credit Pro Cruises)
CT Rating 3 - Moderately Challenging: While the basic
cruise is suitable to all passengers meeting our basic
criteria, most of the excursions involve travel by zodiac
(small inflated boats - see front cover). Guests with limited
mobility may find it very difficult to go ashore in some ports.
Members should be in good physical health and be fully
mobile to fully enjoy all aspects of this cruise.
REV01JULINS
To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the
enclosed enrolment form, indicating the cruise you wish to
join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
[email protected] / www.craigtravel.com