Travel advisor Jennifer Sampley and fellow adventurers exploring the fjords of Greenland aboard a Swan Hellenic Zodiac.
By Jennifer Sampley
Certified Swan Hellenic Expedition Specialist
“My motto is simple: I go so you’ll know. There are some travel experiences you can research all day long, but until you have pulled on a dry suit, climbed into a Zodiac, paddled alongside 10,000-year-old calving glaciers, and walked through untouched Arctic settlements with only 136 fellow guests, you cannot fully grasp the magic of true expedition cruising. Here is my complete, unfiltered, day-by-day walkthrough of my Greenland voyage aboard Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega.”
Why Swan Hellenic Expedition Cruising Redefines Luxury Travel
When most travelers think of cruising, they picture 4,000-passenger megaships waiting in long queues to dock at crowded commercial ports. Expedition cruising with Swan Hellenic is the absolute antithesis of that experience. Guided by their philosophy—“See What Others Don’t”—Swan Hellenic takes curious, sophisticated travelers to the most remote, pristine corners of the planet aboard boutique, ice-strengthened PC5 expedition vessels carrying as few as 152 guests.
On this sailing aboard the SH Vega, there were just 136 guests on board. That intimacy transforms the entire journey. You aren’t just visiting a destination; you are immersing yourself in it alongside an elite expedition team of world-renowned marine biologists, geologists, historians, and local naturalists who lead every Zodiac excursion, kayak safari, and hike.
Below is my day-by-day expedition log, taking you from the geothermal wonders of Iceland across the North Atlantic to the towering granite fjords, calving glaciers, and ancient Inuit communities of Greenland.
Days 1 & 2: Pre-Expedition Adventures in Iceland — Waterfalls, Geysers, and Black Sand
Before boarding the ship in Reykjavik, I spent 48 whirlwind hours exploring the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. Cramming in waterfalls, erupting geysers, glaciers, and black sand beaches, I lost count after approximately 47 roadside stops where I exclaimed, “WAIT! We have to pull over for a photo!”
Iceland served as the perfect visual appetizer for the Arctic scale of what was to come in Greenland. Standing beneath towering waterfalls like Skógafoss and walking along the volcanic sands of Reynisfjara reminded me why pre-cruise extensions are essential.
Exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls before embarking on SH Vega.
Day 3: Stepping Aboard the Boutique Luxury of Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega
The moment you step onto the SH Vega, you realize this is not your typical expedition vessel. Delivered with state-of-the-art Scandinavian design, the ship combines understated Nordic elegance with rugged ice-strengthened capabilities.
The Observation Lounge on SH Vega featuring panoramic views, artisan cocktails, and warm Scandi-chic design.
Key highlights of life aboard SH Vega include:
- Heated Balcony Staterooms & Suites: Featuring cozy flame-effect faux fireplaces, plush king bedding, spacious marble bathrooms with heated floors, and binoculars for wildlife spotting.
- Panoramic Observation Lounge: Floor-to-ceiling windows where guests gather for daily briefings, expert lectures, and evening entertainment.
- World-Class Dining: Gourmet multi-course menus crafted in partnership with Michelin-starred chefs, accompanied by fine wines and premium spirits included in your fare.
- Panoramic Finnish Sauna: Sitting in a hot sauna while looking through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall at floating Arctic icebergs is an experience you will never forget!
- Basecamp Mudroom: Dedicated personal lockers for expedition gear, boot dryers, and direct Zodiac boarding access.
Day 4: Crossing the Denmark Strait — Whales, Seabirds, and Arctic Preparation
As we sailed west across the historic Denmark Strait toward Greenland, the expedition team led fascinating educational presentations on Greenlandic history, glaciology, and Arctic wildlife. Out on deck, guests spotted northern fulmars, puffins, and spouts from humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich sub-polar waters.
In the afternoon, we visited Basecamp for our mandatory biosecurity check, dry suit fitting, and Zodiac safety orientation. Swan Hellenic provides every guest with an expedition parka to keep and insulated muck boots for use throughout the voyage.
Day 5: First Landfall in Southeast Greenland — Zodiacs, Icebergs, and an Unexpected Avalanche!
Waking up in Greenland felt like an absolute dream. Looking out from my stateroom balcony, I was greeted by towering granite cliffs, waterfalls pouring hundreds of feet down sheer rock faces, and sculptured icebergs glowing neon blue in the morning light.
Today was filled with incredible “firsts”:
- Stepping foot on Greenlandic soil for the first time.
- Our first Zodiac cruise through labyrinthine iceberg fields.
- Witnessing a thunderous natural avalanche roaring down the distant mountainside—an awe-inspiring reminder of the raw power of the Arctic wilderness!
- Spotting delicate, resilient Arctic flowers blooming on ancient tundra rock.
Zodiac excursion getting up close to massive iceberg arches.
Vibrant Arctic flora flourishing amidst ancient glacial tundra.
Day 6: Prins Christianssund Navigation & Hiking in Remote Aappilattoq
If you love Alaska, you will be utterly over the moon with Greenland. Alaska is spectacular, but Greenland feels like someone turned the scale up several notches.
Navigating the breathtaking 60-mile granite corridor of Prins Christianssund.
This morning we navigated Prins Christianssund (Prince Christian Sound), a narrow 60-mile fjord system lined with vertical granite peaks rising over 3,000 feet straight out of the water. Seals lounged on ice floes as our captain executed an unforgettable detour to bring SH Vega within meters of an active tidewater glacier.
Later, we anchored near the tiny, remote hunting settlement of Aappilattoq. Taking the Zodiacs to shore for a dry landing, we hiked through the village and climbed the surrounding ridge for panoramic vistas of the fjord.
Hiking above the vibrant village of Aappilattoq with SH Vega anchored in the bay.
Learning about Greenlandic culture and Arctic heritage from local residents.
Day 7: The Abandoned Mining Town of Ivittuut & A Wild Musk Ox Encounter!
We sailed into Ivittuut near Cape Desolation—a former cryolite mining community that was once bustling but closed decades ago. The massive mining pit is now a serene turquoise lake, and the historic wooden buildings, original tea house, and raised-grave cemetery still stand preserved in the Arctic air.
Wandering through with our small group, there were no tour buses, no souvenir shops, and no other cruise ships. Just pure, untouched Greenland.
And before we even stepped off the Zodiac, we had a thrilling wildlife encounter: a wild Musk Ox was standing right on the plateau above us! The Swan Hellenic expedition guides positioned our group safely, allowing us to photograph this magnificent prehistoric creature without disturbing his domain.
A wild Musk Ox standing proudly on the plateau above our landing site in Ivittuut.
Exploring the preserved historic buildings of Ivittuut before returning to the Zodiacs for hot chai.
Day 8: Kayaking to Nigerdlikasik Glacier & Chasing Our Ship!
This was easily one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Waking up to crystal-clear skies, we suited up in heavy dry suits and set out with our expert kayak guides for a two-hour paddle through Kvanefjord toward the thunderous Nigerdlikasik Glacier.
Paddling through floating ice in absolute silence, we got up close to a roaring glacial waterfall and listened in awe as the massive glacier calved in the distance with a sound like rolling thunder. Our guides told us no other passenger ship had ever brought kayakers into this secluded cove.
When our paddle ended and we climbed into our Zodiac, we looked around and realized: OUR SHIP WAS MOVING! The captain had repositioned SH Vega closer to the glacier face so the guests on board could marvel at the views—which meant we spent the next 30 minutes gleefully chasing our ship through the fjord in a Zodiac. Definitely not a hardship with those views!
Jennifer Sampley sea kayaking through floating brash ice in Kvanefjord toward Nigerdlikasik Glacier.
Paddling into the icy amphitheater of Nigerdlikasik Glacier.
That evening, our kayak adventure was featured in the expedition recap and on Swan Hellenic’s official Instagram Story (making us internationally famous kayakers!). After dinner, expedition leaders Gustav and Ilene had the entire lounge singing, laughing, and dancing together. That camaraderie is what makes having only 136 guests so special—the people guiding your adventures by day become your cherished friends by night.
Days 9–14: Nuuk, Disko Bay Icefjords, and Journey Home
As we continued northward along West Greenland, we explored Nuuk, the charming capital city where modern Nordic architecture blends with ancient Inuit culture at the Greenland National Museum. Further north in Disko Bay, we sailed through UNESCO World Heritage icebergs the size of skyscrapers, calving from the fastest-moving glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
We completed our journey sailing through the 100-mile long Kangerlussuaq Fjord before taking our seamless charter flight back to Iceland to connect home to the United States.
Towering icebergs reflecting in mirror-like waters under the Arctic sun.
The outstanding Swan Hellenic expedition team who guide and enrich every excursion.
Why Book Your Swan Hellenic Cruise with Jennifer Sampley & Vincent Vacations
Expedition cruising requires intricate planning—from choosing the right polar ship and cabin category to navigating complex Arctic flight schedules and arranging pre/post land journeys. As a certified Swan Hellenic specialist with firsthand experience on board, I provide personalized concierge service every step of the way.
Firsthand Expertise
I have sailed the routes, kayaked the fjords, tested the dry suits, and tasted the menus. You receive real, honest advice from an advisor who has been there.
Signature Travel Network Perks
Through our elite agency consortia, we secure exclusive shipboard credits, complimentary stateroom upgrades, and private cocktail receptions whenever available.
Seamless Flight & Pre-Trip Care
We coordinate your international flights, pre-cruise Iceland hotel stays, private transfers, and travel insurance so your trip is effortless from start to finish.
Ready to Explore Greenland, Antarctica, or the Arctic?
Let Jennifer Sampley design your dream expedition cruise with Swan Hellenic. Contact us today for complimentary concierge planning and exclusive Signature perks.