Ilulissat, Greenland, 7/14/2022, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Greenland
National Geographic Resolution wove its way through the gargantuan icebergs spit forth from the forty-mile-long fjord to arrive at Ilulissat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Setting out on a fleet of local boats, our guests enjoyed spectacular views of the many forms that ice can take. Guests also enjoyed time in town and more vistas on land along the boardwalk that leads to the ice edge, where ancient nomadic hunters camped in peat bog huts of their own creation.
Paul North is the founder of the educational nonprofit Meet the Ocean and host of its online podcast. As a polar diver with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, he tours the remote underwater landscapes of Antarctica and other sub-zero destinati...
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We started our day in Nassuttooq Fjord, (“The place with many reindeer antlers” in Greenlandic) with kayak excursions and Zodiac cruises. Our naturalists and other specialists provided insight about the geography, current and past cultural significance, and the flora and fauna of the area. In addition to other wildlife sightings, one of the highlights was seeing bird colonies on the cliffs. Afternoon activities included some real exploration for our next landing, as Captain Martin ventured into uncharted territories for our hikes. As the name Nassuttooq suggests, we were indeed greeted with the sight of several reindeer antlers on the way to the various types of hikes that were being offered. The naturalists provided more insight on both the natural and the cultural aspects of the area, as Nassuttooq Fjord has been used for reindeer hunting for the Inuit communities of Greenland. We wrapped up the day with our last daily recap and a presentation on Greenlandic communal activity by a special guest speaker from Greenland, Qupanuk Olsen. The evening concluded with Captain Martin’s farewell toast.
Wow, what a wonderful day experiencing Ilulissat! Skies were blue and the temperatures balmy as guests enjoyed two very special activities, including a visit to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre and a local boat tour of the fjord. The Ilulissat Icefjord is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the center provides many exhibits that help document the significance of the fjord. Adjacent to the center, a boardwalk allows access to the side slopes of the ice fjord. The viewing experience of these icebergs was seriously enhanced when guests were able to board local sightseeing boats for a two-hour excursion amongst the beautiful and naturally sculptured ice forms. Many guests were also treated to a special event when our local guides located several humpback whales. Blessed to be in the presence of these whales, it was quite an occasion to be able to hear the blows and to watch their majestic maneuvers against an ice landscape that was mystical and magical. It was truly exceptional to be immersed in nature in this remarkable part of West Greenland.
The morning was quite unusual for this latitude of 70 degrees north, as it was warm, the sea surface was still, there was no wind, and the sun was shining in a perfectly blue sky as National Geographic Resolution approached Uummannaq. The multi-colored houses were scattered whimsically on gneiss rock outcrops with a magnificent single-rock mountain in the background. The view on the island was so spectacular and unreal, that the general impression was we were on the movie set of The Lord of the Rings. In the morning, guests had an opportunity to tour Uummannaq independently or go on an excursion to a viewpoint overlooking the town. A local museum, a church, and a souvenir store were available to explore. In the afternoon, following a short repositioning, the ship stopped close to Qilakitsoq, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites, where mummified human bodies dating back to 15th century AD were discovered in 1972. Guests were able to land on the site or go for a Zodiac cruise to view sparkling icebergs, epic landscape, and marine wildlife. After activities on land and water, a surprise awaited guests when a polar plunge platform was prepared for them, and 46 brave souls jumped in ice-cold Arctic water. The day was not yet over, though. After dinner, Captain Martin Graser talked about National Geographic Resolution and what makes this ship so special.
