Aug 18-31, 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:
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
$13,490
$14,190
$17,190
$17,990
$18,790
$22,990
$ 16,188
$17,028
$25,785
$26,985
$28,185
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!
Depart the USA on any regularly-scheduled flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavik’s airport. Upon arrival, transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in the town of Keflavík, which is located just 30 miles from Reykjavík. In the evening, meet fellow travelers, Dr. Nigella Hillgarth, and the Trip Director at a welcome dinner. (D)
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Iceland with a visit to the geothermal fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula where powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the Earth’s crust share the landscape with multicolored pools of boiling mud. Then explore Reykjavík with a panoramic tour of the city’s major attractions, including Parliament and the Höfði house (site of the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Summit). Enjoy a light lunch before arriving at the pier in the late afternoon to embark Vega. (B,L,D)
During this day at sea, attend informative lectures and briefings from Dr. Nigella Hillgarth and the ship’s expert expedition staff, relax and enjoy cruising the open sea, and treat yourself to some of the many amenities aboard Vega. (B,L,D)
On the rugged east coast of Greenland, Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains growing thick with dwarf birch, arctic wildflowers, and willow forests. Serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars, known as seracs, share the sea with icebergs calved from the Thrym Glacier and gleam in a white to blue spectrum. In addition to the natural beauty of the fjord, whales are often seen here, cavorting among the floating bits of ice. (B,L,D)
The small, colorful and charming Nordic homes of Aappilattoq, the only settlement in Prins Christian Sund, are a stark contrast to the snow-tipped mountain ridges in this icy wilderness. A beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, Prins Christian Sund is a favorite habitat of fin, blue and minke whales, and also hosts muskoxen, bearded seals, and an occasional polar bear. Explore these unspoiled, picturesque waterways, where magnificent glaciers tower and sheer granite cliffs are the site of crystal-clear waterfalls. (B,L,D)
Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtut) is an abandoned mining village built on the site of an ancient Norse settlement. Cryolite, a mineral used as flux in processing aluminum, was found in great quantities here, and the once incredibly productive mine played a crucial role in the Allies’ production of aluminum for fighter planes during WWII. Walk among the Ivigtut’s deserted buildings, see the enormous hole from which cryolite was mined, and pause at the above-ground cemetery used by the community until Ivittuut was abandoned. (B,L,D)
Situated just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Nuuk (also known by its Danish name, Godthåb) is the northernmost capital in the world. It is also the oldest town in Greenland, founded by missionaries in 1728. It is a town of colorful wooden houses, avant-garde architecture and fjords of clear ice water. (B,L,D)
Today we sail some 50 miles north of the Arctic Circle to call in Sisimiut, the second largest town in Greenland, boasting a population of just about 6,000. Primarily a fishing village, Sisimiut offers a small museum and an arts and crafts center. We may have the opportunity to see artisans at work and perhaps to purchase some Greenlandic arts and crafts. (B,L,D)
Heading further north, we come to Ilulissat and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Disko Bay. Here we will spend two days exploring this fascinating region. Eqi Glacier is one of the world’s most active glaciers and offers our best chance to witness calving. This is also the point in our expedition where we are most likely to see beluga whales as they feed on the rich krill in front of the glaciers. Weather and ice permitting, we will call in the town of Ilulissat (the word means “iceberg”), where Knud Rasmussen grew up, and where we will gain a first-hand sense of why he was drawn to devote his life to the exploration of the Arctic. (B,L,D)
As we sail south to make our way to Kangerlussuaq and our expedition’s end, the Captain and Expedition Leader will take Vega in and out of the fjords that define the coast, choosing our exact route on the basis of ice and weather conditions, and following sightings of the whales and seals that thrive in these ice-choked waters. During the course of the day, you might enjoy kayaking in the fjords or exploring glacial areas that attract muskoxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, and gyrfalcons. (B,L,D)
After breakfast aboard, disembark and transfer to the airport for a flight to Reykjavík. On arrival in Iceland’s capital, check in to our hotel for overnight. (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward. (B)
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 Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Keflavík.
Cruise aboard the Swan Hellenic Vega, as described in the itinerary.
Group airport/hotel/pier transfers overseas at designated times on the indicated arrival and return dates, and handling of luggage.
Lectures and discussions with Dr. Nigella Hillgarth.
Program of lectures and presentations from experts and naturalists.
Complete program of shore excursions, led by professional local guides.
All meals aboard the ship, with a selection of wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.
Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard the ship hosted by the captain.
Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night.
24-hour room service.
Gratuities to the ship’s crew, guides, porters and drivers.
Basic Wi-Fi aboard the ship.
The services of an experienced Trip Director.
All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
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.
