HIGH ARCTIC EXPLORER
The colourful villages of Greenland invite you for a journey of
untouched scenery, majestic fjords and exceptional wildlife.
Gaze amazed as rare Peregrine Falcons hunt for prey while you
venture north in search of the elusive Polar Bear . The waters
may be icy but the culture of the local Inuit population will warm
your memories for a long time after you disembark.
ITINERARY
Day 1 — Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Enjoy your first Zodiac-ride to Silver Cloud, waiting at anchor. Once all guests
have embarked, a safety briefing will be conducted and we will depart on our
exciting Silversea Expedition -“High Arctic Explorer”. This evening, you will be
introduced to your Expedition Leader and the Expedition Team and attend a
Zodiac briefing. While we cruise the 100-mile-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord keep
an eye for Peregrine Falcon, as this fjord is home to 130 pairs.
Day 2 — Sisimiut, Greenland
Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in
Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the
southernmost town where there exists enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled
in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary
means of winter transportation for centuries. You will see many dogs in town
and we hope to meet the owner of a sled dog team and his dogs. He will tell
us all about sledding and how the Greenlandic sled dog has been bred to be
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amongst the strongest working dogs in the world. A nice hike around the town
and into the outskirts will be offered. Stroll through the Sisimiut Museum with
its 18th century wooden buildings and see some of the local handicraft,
featuring native stonework and sealskin garments.
Day 3 — Uummannaq, Greenland
In the iceberg-laden waters surrounding the remote community of
Uummannaq it is common to see whales, so be sure to join the Expedition
Team out on deck during our approach. This area of Greenland is known for its
huge basalt mountains, and this small hunting and fishing village rests at the
foot of the heart-shaped Uummannaq Mountain, a name that translates to
mean “in the shape of a seal’s heart”. Together we will take a guided walking
tour of Uummannaq to see the granite church. Perhaps we will have a chance
to listen to the local choir. During the walk we will learn how village life
revolves around the halibut/fish-processing factory. The more energetic will
have the opportunity to hike to what is known as the “summer residence of
Santa Claus”.
Day 4 — Cruising Baffin Bay
Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team,
relax ing one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and
meet up with new friends for cocktails. On board Silver Cloud, a variety of
diversions are available, including lectures, spa treatments, a workout in the
Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences. Before turning in
for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and
sky.
Day 5 — Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada
Located in northern Baffin Island, Pond Inlet is a small, predominantly Inuit
community with a population of roughly 1500 inhabitants. In 1818 the British
explorer John Ross named a bay in the vicinity after an English astronomer
and today Pond Inlet is considered one of Canada’s “jewels of the North”.
Several glaciers and mountain ranges nearby make this one of the most
picturesque communities. Many archaeological sites of ancient Dorset and
Thule peoples can be found near Pond Inlet. The Inuit had long hunted
caribou, ringed and harp seals, fish, polar bears, walrus, narwhals, geese,
ptarmigans and arctic hares, before European and American whalers came
here to hunt bowhead whales. Pond Inlet is known as a major center of Inuit
art, especially printmaking and stone carving. View a variety of techniques and
styles used in creating these unique pieces in the galleries in town.
Day 6 — Buchan Gulf, Nunavut, Canada
Located in the northern part of Baffin Island, Buchan Gulf is an Important Bird
Area with many Northern Fulmars nesting there. The area has several
connecting fjords and spectacular scenery. In the water narwhal and walrus
have been seen –and polar bears are frequent visitors too. A tundra walk can
be challenging, as the surrounding area consists of dense, spongy, thick moss
carpets and might be boggy. There are several ancient Thule
semi-subterranean winter home sites found in the area.
Day 7 — Sirmilik National Park, Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada
Found at the northern end of Baffin Island, Bylot Island runs 180 km from east
to west and 110 km from north to south. Bylot is one of the largest
uninhabited islands in the world. Vertical cliffs and numerous glaciers are
found along the shore of Bylot Island. Polar bears are known to den here,
while beluga and bowhead whales, narwhal and harp seals, as well as ringed
seals frequent the area. The Sirmilik National Park covers much of this area
and harbours large populations of Thick-billed Murres (Brünnich’s Guillemots)
and Black-legged Kittiwakes which we intend to see. The importance this area
has for birds is shown in its designation as Important Bird Area (actually three
different ones) and Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The southwest
corner of Bylot Island’s southern end has moist lowland tundra that is ideal
nesting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds -and more than 70
different species of birds can be found on Bylot Island. Canada’s largest
breeding colony of Greater Snow Geese in the Canadian High Arctic is on this
island.
Day 8 — Cruise Peel Sound, Nunavut, Canada
Silver Cloud will cruise between Somerset Island and Prince of Wales Island in
the Peel Sound. We will be following the track of two famous expeditions of
the mid-19th century: Sir James Franklin’s and James Clark Ross’. The ice
conditions will dictate how far the ship can go and we will look for polar bears
on the ice and might take to the Zodiacs to get a closer look.
Day 9 — Beechey Island and Radstock Bay, Devon Island,
Nunavut, Canada
Silver Cloud will anchor in front of Beechey Island. Fringed by a narrow beach,
windswept and barren, Beechey Island is associated with the tragic Franklin
Expedition looking for the Northwest Passage. Three graves of members of the
expedition as well as a cairn and some small buildings were found here during
the search for the survivors of the expedition. Parts of Northumberland House,
a supply depot and emergency shelter dating back to the 1850s and the
Belcher Expedition, can still be seen on the island today. We will go ashore to
have a look at the remains of Franklin’s unfortunate stop and a monument
that has been erected in memory of those who had perished on that
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expedition. During lunch Silver Cloud will reposition to Devon Island. This is
Canada’s sixth largest island and was first seen by Europeans in the early
17th century. The Thule culture had already settled there many centuries
before and we will be looking for Thule qarmat homes. Other striking finds in
this area are the many fossils of corals, crinoids and nautiloids that can be
seen. Our team of experts will be leading and guiding you, looking for remains
of the Thule, and the fossils -and for wildlife, as just across Lancaster Sound is
Prince Leopold Island, a Canadian Important Bird Area, a federally listed
migratory bird sanctuary, and a Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site with
large numbers of Thick-billed Murres, Northern Fulmars and Black-legged
Kittiwakes breeding there between June and September.
Day 10 — Dundas Harbour, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada
Our second landing on Devon Island takes us ashore to the abandoned
settlement of Dundas Harbour, called Talluruti in Inuktitut. Together we will
explore the expanses of barren tundra while our onboard Historian might
describe the various attempts to settle the area over the years. In 1924 a
Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment was established at Dundas
Harbour. Three constables were stationed here to watch over the entrance into
the famous Lancaster Sound—the gateway to the much sought after Northwest
Passage. The remains of their outpost can still be seen. Birders will hope to
see the Rough-legged Hawks that nest on the cliffs and we might catch a
glimpse of grazing muskoxen.
Day 11 — Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada
With more than 196,000 km² Ellesmere Island is Canada’s third-largest and
northernmost island. The Quttinirpaaq National Park makes up more than
one-fifth of the island. Polar bears, arctic wolves, arctic foxes, ermines,
muskoxen, Peary caribou, arctic hares, and collared lemmings are typical
animals found on Ellesmere. In the waters we will look for ringed seal,
bearded seal, and narwhal. Rare but not entirely impossible would be
sightings of harp seal, harbour seal, and beluga, bowhead and killer whales.
Day 12 — At Sea, crossing Baffin Bay
Participate in onboard activities, attend a lecture by a member of the
Expedition Team, or simply be on the lookout for wildlife this far north. A spa
treatment, a visit to the Sauna, a workout in the Fitness Centre, there are
many choices of how you want to spend the day. In the evening enjoy another
special dining experience.
Day 13 — Upernavik, Greenland
This afternoon, as we continue our exploration, we stop at Upernavik, one of
the few settlements along the northern part of West Greenland. During our visit
we will have a look at the local museum and stroll through the brightly
coloured village.
Day 14 — Disko Island, Greenland
During the morning Silver Cloud will ply the Disko Bay en route to our
destination along Disko Island’s east coast. Our exploration of the Disko Bay
area will head to an area north of the village of Qeqertarsuaq, which is named
after Disko Island’s local name –meaning “large island”. With more than
3,300 sq. miles Disko Island is Greenland’s second-largest island. We hope to
offer tundra walks and will enjoy a Zodiac tour of the rugged coastline and the
many icebergs that get stranded here after breaking off from the Jakobshavn
Glacier.
Day 15 — Ilulissat, Greenland (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Just after sunrise, be out on deck to see the fjord of the northern hemisphere’s
most active glacier – Jakobshavn – often surrounded by icebergs in all shapes
and sizes and in varying shades of white and turquoise. Known as the
birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 35 km³ of ice
each year. While here, we may have the opportunity to see a demonstration of
ancient fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught and prepared fish.
During our guided walking tour of Ilulissat, we will visit the local history
museum, located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed
polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. Another tour continues via fishing boat, as we
navigate amongst the many icebergs at the fjord’s entrance. Alternatively,
guests have the option to purchase an exciting helicopter excursion to see the
magnificent Jakobshavn Icefjord by air (seats are limited).
Day 16 — At Sea
Participate in final discussions and attend lectures that recapture our
experiences in Greenland and the Canadian Far North. Take time to go through
your pictures and to edit them, but definitely you want to attend our
Videographer’s presentation of our journey. Tonight our Captain would like to
invite you to the Farewell Cocktail and Farewell Dinner.
Day 17 — Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
After breakfast, disembark Silver Cloud via Zodiac.
Please Note:
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and
cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together
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to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible,
taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition
Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or
cancellation.
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YOUR SHIP: SILVER CLOUD
YOUR SHIP:
Silver Cloud
VESSEL TYPE:
Luxury Expedition
LENGTH:
157 m
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
200/260
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
1994 Refurbished & Rebranded
After extensive refurbishment, _Silver Cloud_ will be the most
spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition
cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her
unparalleled service make her truly special. Her five dining
options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites
include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few
cavorting penguins has never been so personal. Broad
sweeping decks with multiple open spaces and a swimming
pool complete what is surely the most distinctive expedition
ship sailing today.
A limited number of guests, particularly with just 200 in polar
waters, mean that _Silver Cloud_ has the highest space to
guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her
18 zodiacs, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide
simultaneous explorations. Finally, a team of 19 passionate and
dedicated experts are always at hand to ensure your voyage is
enhanced every step of the way.
Artists impressions
'
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INSIDE YOUR SHIP
Deluxe Veranda Suite
Grand Suite
Medallion Suite
Owner's Suite
Royal Suite
Silver Suite
Veranda Suite
Vista Suite
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
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PRICING
18-Aug-2018 to 03-Sep-2018
Vista Suite
13650 USD pp
Veranda Suite
17150 USD pp
Deluxe Veranda Suite
17950 USD pp
Medallion Suite
30050 USD pp
Silver Suite
33650 USD pp
Royal Suite
44550 USD pp
Grand Suite
46450 USD pp
Owner's Suite
50050 USD pp
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com