Aug 19-31, 2025
Greenland is the world’s largest island. Communities have existed here for around 4,500 years, with Norse settlers arriving in the 10th century and Inuit migrating from Alaska in the 13th century. Today, most residents are Inuit, maintaining traditional lifestyles in villages set against stunning Arctic scenery and immense mountains. During this voyage, the Vega will navigate through Greenland’s fjords, where travelers can search for whales, hike along icebergs and tundra, walk on the Greenland Ice Sheet, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and Viking ruins, learn about Inuit migrations, and meet local communities. The SH Vega, a state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship, accommodates 152 guests in spacious staterooms and balconied suites. It features elegant common areas and environmentally friendly innovations.
Countries Visited:
Canada, Greenland, Iceland
Starts/Ends:
Iceland / Greenland
Duration:
13 days/12 nights
Activity Level:
Easy
Accommodation:
5-star | ★★★★★
International Air Route:
TBA
Group Size:
max 152-guest
Experiences:
Natural beauty, culture, cuisine
Learn about the history of the Inuit, Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board.
Marvel at the glistening icebergs that crack and calve spectacularly off glaciers into the meltwater.
Get your camera ready for large pods of narwhal, playful seal, arctic foxes and gyrfalcons.
Dig into the tumultuous history of the Vikings who made west Greenland their home.
Built in Finland and launched in July 2022, Swan Hellenic’s Vega is a new generation expedition cruise ship. Although at 10,250 tons the ship is large enough to accommodate more than 250 passengers, Vega will accommodate a maximum of 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and balcony suites. The low guest density results in one of the most generous indoor and outdoor space-to-guest ratios among cruise ships.
Featuring the latest advances in technology and engineering, Vega is among the world’s first environmentally responsible ships. Equipped with hybrid engines, a system of powerful batteries, and a unique water filtration system, Vega leaves a minimal footprint. For cruising in Polar regions, the ship meets the stringent requirements of the new Polar Code with its high PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull and other advanced features. A computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning System allows the ship to maintain position without anchoring. Operated by a complement of 120 experienced European officers and international crew members, Vega will carry a fleet of Zodiacs, versatile landing boats, and kayaks. Powerful stabilizers provide a smooth ride.
Vega’s interior spaces exude sophisticated elegance, with most rooms opening to panoramic views of the sea. All staterooms and suites face outside and are equipped with private facilities, climate control, TV, Wi-Fi and USB connections, and other amenities. Of the ship’s 76 staterooms, 60 have balconies. Public areas include a spacious observation lounge equipped with state-of- the-art facilities for lectures and presentations; a club lounge; a restaurant that accommodates all guests at one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the heated swimming pool; a wellness area with gym, spa, and sauna with an adjoining outdoor jacuzzi; library; beauty salon; and an infirmary that is attended by a full-time doctor and nurse. The ship also features expansive open-deck areas. Two elevators connect all decks. Attentive service is provided on a 24-hour basis. The outstanding cuisine is complemented by fine wines at lunch and dinner.
Cat. E
Cat. D
Cat. C
Cat. B
Cat. A
Cat. AA
$12,990
$13,590
$16,390
$17,190
$20,990
$20,990
$16,987.50
$24,585
$25,785
$26,985
$26,985
$Inquire
206 sq. ft.
206 sq. ft.
300 sq. ft.
300 sq. ft.
300 sq. ft.
474 sq. ft.
A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by personal check or charged to a credit card.
• Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
• Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
• Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!
A Coda representative will greet you upon arrival in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and escort you to the Hotel Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (or similar).
Hotel: Hotel Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (or similar) ★★★★★
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalized harbor area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our on-board professional photographers.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests ending with the Thrym Glacier. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You might also have the opportunity to see whales.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, Prins Christian Sund offers breathtaking vistas of Greenland's icy wilderness. Call at Aappilattoq, where colourful Nordic houses stand against snow-tipped mountain ridges, encircling Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village in Greenland. Nestled within the icy wilderness of Prins Christian Sund, accessible by boat or helicopter, Aappilattoq is home to around 100 rugged individuals who make a living through fishing and hunting. Considered the southernmost inhabited area in Greenland, Aappilattoq is in fact at the midpoint of the west and east coasts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The deserted mining town of Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtut) was once vital for WWII aircraft production with the world's largest reserve of cryolite, a mineral that produced aluminium. Abandoned houses, the enormous mine pit and above-ground cemetery reveal the history of this settlement. Scattered cryolite chunks on the rocky shore mix with relics like old engines from when Inuits used cryolite for snuff. Now only muskoxen inhabit this eerie place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk has a thriving arts scene. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk has a busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral, colourful wooden houses and avant-garde architecture. It also serves as the gateway to Inuit experiences and natural adventures on the fjords among the icy seas and spectacular mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The northernmost city in Greenland, just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport. Abandoned settlements lie between Sisimiut and the Thule district to the north. The area is home to humpback whales, walrus, and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland icecap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat, formerly Jakobshavn or Jacobshaven, is home to as many sled dogs as people.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise along Greenland's west coast, and enter the long fjord that leads to Kangerlussuaq.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kangerlussuaq. Disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Reykjavik. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Hotel: Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (or similar) ★★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your Coda representative will accompany you to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges such as shore excursions or embarkation and port charges. Other than the international airfare and expenses of a personal nature, all else is included. Specifically, the rates include:
Two nights at the Hotel Hilton Reykjavík Nordica (or similar) in Reykjavík.
All meals aboard ship with a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night aboard ship.
Open bar with select alcoholic beverages aboard ship.
24-hour room service aboard ship.
Airport/hotel/pier transfers and luggage handling on the program arrival and departure dates.
Complete program of tours, excursions and other activities ashore, led by professional local guides and onboard experts.
Educational program of lectures and discussions by the onboard experts and guest lecturers.
The services of an experienced Coda trip director.
Gratuities to shipboard personnel, local guides, drivers and porters.
All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
Basic Wi-Fi aboard ship.
Complete pre-departure material.
International airfare including seat assignments & baggage fees
Private arrival/departure transfers (outside designated group transfer)
Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks with meals unless indicated
Trip cancellation and Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
Gratuities to guides, drivers, Coda Tour Manager
Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
You will need to book flights from the USA to and return from REYKJAVIK (KEF). Icelandic Air is the carrier with direct flights from the USA. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles.
The flight from Kangerlussuag to Reykjavik is included in the cruise fare and will be issued by Swan Hellenic.
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and you must have at least two blank pages available per country visited. No visas are required for American passport holders.
No immunizations are required for travel on this tour. However, the Center for Disease Control suggests that all travelers make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We highly recommend Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance. Please ask Coda Tours for a quote.
For an August cruise to Greenland, pack for a variety of weather conditions, as temperatures can range from mild to chilly, especially near the coast. Focus on layering with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers like fleece, and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Bring a hat, gloves, and scarf for colder days and shore excursions, along with comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or boots for exploring. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for bright, reflective sunlight off the ice. Pack casual, comfortable clothing for onboard, including swimwear for indoor pools or hot tubs, and a dressier outfit for formal dinners.
| Average Temperature | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | 42° F | 52° F |
| Kangerlussuaq | 31° F | 46° F |
The cruise is guaranteed. A Coda representative will accompany Coda clients if 12 or more book through Coda Tours.
A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately 3 weeks before departure.
You will need to book flights from the USA to and return from REYKJAVIK (KEF). Icelandic Air is the carrier with direct flights from the USA. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles.
