iceland and greenland - craig travel
TRANSCRIPT
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Trails of the Vikings Iceland and 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. The special rates shown in
this brochure are set to increase by 16% - 18% on December 30, 2015.
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
Roundtrip economy airfare from Canada including all
taxes/fees
Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship
Baggage handling at shipside
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
Gratuities for all included shipboard services
Services of our cruise escort and/or cruise director and
local representatives
Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
OUR CRUISE SHIP - ms Ocean Diamond
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
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!
Towering ice off the coast of Greenland (Credit Pro Cruises)
Cruising the Prince Christian Sound Odyssey (Credit David Craig)
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 jaw-dropping 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 ice-choked 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 Nanortalik / Qaqortoq , Greenland Early this morning we reach Greenland’s southernmost city of Nanortalik which are framed by steep cliffs, deep blue fjords and green coniferous forests. In the surrounding area various ruins from both Norse and Inuit settlers can be found. While Norse settlers appreciated the fertile, green valleys, the Inuit preferred seal hunting in the local waters. We continue our voyage to Qaqortoq, South Greenland‘s largest town. 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. 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
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.
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.
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Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Category/Description/Deck Sharing Twin
Cat T Porthole Windows [Triple Accommodation] (Deck 3) . $4,265 Cat P Porthole Windows (Deck 3) ............................. $5,375 Cat O Picture Window [Obstructed View] (Decks 5, 6) ..... $6,445 Cat D Picture Window (Decks 4, 5, 6) ....................... $7,725
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.
The prices above DO NOT include the cost of comprehensive insurance which is available on a optional basis and is highly recommended. Insurance premiums vary with the cost of the trip and the age of the passenger. For passengers up to 74 years of age on departure date premiums will range from $285 to $670pp. Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 years from $190 - $462pp. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario – please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Check our website for the most current information.
Final payment will be due May 27, 2016
Deposit will be $2,500 per person
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
The Green Scenery of Narsarsuaq (credit Pro Cruises)
Cruisers enjoy a performance by local Greenlanders (credit Pro Cruises)
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
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
Book and deposit by January 15, 2016 and take advantage of these low prices.
As of January 16, 2016 cruise prices will increase by $700 - $1,450 per person!