Experience Inuit Life With Hurtigruten

Did you know only two of Greenland’s towns are connected by road? How about that the main mode of transport during the winter is the humble dog-sled? You can find out more about this fascinating island and its unique culture on a series of special voyages with Hurtigruten in 2013. 

This has been the home of the Inuit for more than 5,000 years, and Hurtrigruten takes guests on a truly memorable journey to the very heart of the Greenlandic way of life. Settlements here range from a population of just two to the larger communities of a few thousand, and guests are guaranteed a warm welcome wherever they go. Offering a genuine insight into local culture and traditions, visitors are encouraged to explore, meet and chat with locals and can even join in a friendly football match or cup of ‘Kaffemik’ (Greenlandic coffee) with the natives.

Travelling on MS Fram, guests are transported directly to many small settlements, most of which are accessible only by boat. This makes it easier to mix with local folk, and, in Uummannaq, the ship receives a special greeting by a group of local school children. Other highlights include the seafaring town of Sismiut, Greenland’s second largest; the port of Qeqertarsuaq, home to an Arctic research station; and the impressive three-mile-long glacier front of Eqip Sermia.

Hurtigruten also offers a number of optional excursions, such as a helicopter flight to Ilulissat Glacier, and an exploration of the Viking ruins at Narsaq. Four different itineraries sail between the end of May and September 2013 and early-booking fares offer savings of up to 20% off the brochure price. Here's a typical example:

The Heart of Greenland: This incredible nine-day expedition follows Greenland’s west coast, visiting small settlements accessible only by boat. Available on June 9,16, 23 and 30, prices start at £4,374pp and include seven nights full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers, landings and lectures by the expedition team. Flights from the UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Based on two sharing.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's adventure-cruise specialists.

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Coffee And Football In Inuit Greenland

Fancy a coffee with an Inuit in their home? Or how about a game of football with the locals? Or the chance to meet local school children? Getting closer to the traditions and culture of the people who live in Greenland is a core focus on a Hurtigruten voyage to Greenland.

Greenlanders refer to their island as ‘Kalaallit Nunaat’ - the land of the people. And, in 2012, Hurtigruten will bring its guests closer to both the locals and the townships for the ultimate cultural experience. In turn, it also aims to give something back by offering the Inuits contact with the wider world, which for some is otherwise unobtainable.

Hurtigruten voyages include visits to Greenland’s small townships and the rare opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the everyday life of the Inuits. Inuit houses are open for Hurtigruten guests and they are invited by local families to partake in a traditional ‘kaffemik’, the Greenland version of a cup of coffee and learn more about their way of life.

In Uummannaq, there is a welcome by local school children and the chance for them to mingle with guests. When the ship docks in the Ittileq township, guests, crew and locals join together for a traditional football match that sees sport bringing together different cultures.

Hurtigruten offer a selection of voyages to Greenland during the summer months. For example, The Heart of Greenland (from £4,117pp), a nine-day expedition along Greenland’s west coast visiting small settlements accessible only by boat. Available on June 10, 17 and July 1, the voyage includes seven nights full board on the ship, return flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, transfers and lectures by the expedition team. Flights from UK to Copenhagen are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten. Price based on two sharing and valid if booked by 31 December 2011.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.