SH Vega
Ship Facts
Gross Tonnage: 10,700
Length: 337 feet
Breadth: 75 feet
Draft: 18 feet
Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
Guests: 152
Crew: 120
Decks: 9
Inaugural: July, 2022
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Greenland in Depth
Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2025
12 nights from/to Reykjavík, Iceland
August 19 – 31, 2025
Swan Hellenic Cruises SH Vega
 Escape to a remote and remarkable part of the world on this fascinating Greenland Discovery deluxe gay group cruise voyage. Sail through an intricate fjord system, and discover the pathways of Inuit migrations, Viking ruins, and settlements that are over 4,500 years old. Learn about local traditions against a backdrop of immense mountains and stunning Arctic scenery. And explore UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites and pristine waterways packed with floating icebergs.
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.
Our Greenland cruise do not merely observe the coastline from the decks of a vessel, they get you to shore as often as possible, immersing you in one of the Arctic’s most unforgettable and scenically stunning landscapes.
One of the least explored areas on the planet, you’ll never forget the adventures you have in the Arctic. Paddle close to icebergs and discover captivating landscapes from the comfort of a sea kayak. Race across icy water in a Zodiac boat, looking out for whales, sea birds and seals. Head ashore to explore special, remote destinations with expert guides. Or take an exhilarating Polar Plunge, immersing yourself in water that’s around zero degrees Celsius – no...
When you join us on an Arctic cruise to Greenland, adventure is guaranteed. Not only will you encounter a world where Inuit and European culture meet, but also a ruggedly beautiful wilderness populated by a wide range of exotic Arctic animals.
Greenland in Depth Gay Cruise Highlights
• Learn about the history of the Inuit, Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board
• Get your camera ready for large pods of narwhal, playful seal, arctic foxes and gyrfalcons
• Marvel at the glistening icebergs that crack and calve spectacularly off glaciers into the meltwater
• Dig into the tumultuous history of the Vikings who made west Greenland their home
Your Ship - Swan Hellenic Cruises Brand New SH Vega
Welcome To SH Vega, Your New Home Away From Home. Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. For now, sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know your expedition ship.
Our brand new ship, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.
Sophisticated Elegance
We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.
Your Wellbeing
The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories.
The Observation Lounge
After a day of exploration, where better to relax than in the Observation Lounge. Sit back, savour your favourite tipple whilst getting to know your fellow guests.
Alfresco Dining & Heated Outdoor Pool
On Deck 7 you'll find a heated outside pool along with pool side seating from where you can enjoy stunning scenery.
The Swan Restaurant
As the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, our 152-seat restaurant serves international and local cuisine focussed on quality regional ingredients from the unique destinations we visit.
Sauna With A View
Head to Deck 8 for the best views in the world. After a work out in our state-of-the-art gym, relax in our sauna or Jacuzzi and take in those breathtaking vistas along the way.
The Club Lounge
Vibrant and welcoming, The Club Lounge acts as a hub, combining 24 hours tapas inspired dining with panoramic views of the ocean glittering below.
What's Included
• Two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Keflavík
• Welcome dinner in Keflavík
• Group airport/hotel/pier transfers overseas at designated times on the indicated arrival and return dates, and handling of luggage
• Cruise aboard the Swan Hellenic Vega, as described in the itinerary
• 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
What's Not Included
• 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, Gay Group Manager
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
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Africa West Coast
Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2025
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 19 Aug |
Reykjavík, Iceland |
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| 20 Aug |
Reykjavík, Iceland / Embarkation |
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PM |
| 21 Aug |
A Day at Sea! |
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| 22 Aug |
Skjoldungen, Greenland |
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| 23 Aug |
Prins Christian Sund / Aappilattoq |
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| 24 Aug |
Ivittuut, Greenland |
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| 25 Aug |
Nuuk, Greenland |
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| 26 Aug |
Sisimiut, Greenland |
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| 27 Aug |
Ilulissat / Disko Bay |
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| 28 Aug |
Disko Bay, Greenland |
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| 29 Aug |
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland |
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| 30 Aug |
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Reykjavík, Iceland |
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| 31 Aug |
Reykjavík, Iceland / Departure |
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Day 1 - Reykjavík, 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.
Day 2 - Reykjavík, Iceland / Embarkation
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.
Day 3 - A Day at Sea!
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.
Day 4 - Skjoldungen, Greenland
On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests ending with the Thrym Glacier. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You might also have the opportunity to see whales.
Day 5 - Cruise Prins Christian Sund
A beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, Prins Christian Sund offers breathtaking vistas of Greenland's wilderness. Magnificent granite cliffs plunge into crystal-clear waters. Minke whales are a common sight, and ringed seals are well-adapted to this harsh Arctic climate.
Day 5 - Aappilattoq, Greenland
Colourful Nordic houses stand against mountain ridges, encircling Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village in Greenland. Nestled within the icy wilderness of Prins Christian Sund, accessible by boat or helicopter, Aappilattoq is home to around 100 rugged individuals who make a living through fishing and hunting. Considered the southernmost inhabited area in Greenland, Aappilattoq is in fact at the midpoint of the west and east coasts.
Day 6 - Ivittuut, Greenland
The deserted mining town of Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtut) was once vital for WWII aircraft production with the world's largest reserve of cryolite, a mineral that produced aluminium. Abandoned houses, the enormous mine pit and above-ground cemetery reveal the history of this settlement. Scattered cryolite chunks on the rocky shore mix with relics like old engines from when Inuit used cryolite for snuff. Now only muskoxen inhabit this eerie place.
Day 7 - Nuuk, Greenland
Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk has a thriving arts scene. Nuuk has a busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral, colourful wooden houses and avant-garde architecture. It also serves as the gateway to Inuit experiences and natural adventures on the fjords among the icy seas and spectacular mountains.
Day 8 - Sisimiut, Greenland
The northernmost city in Greenland, just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport. Abandoned settlements lie between Sisimiut and the Thule district to the north. The area is home to humpback whales, walrus, and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.
Day 9 - Ilulissat / Disko Bay
Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs.
Day 10 - Disko Bay, Greenland
Known for its Inuit culture, whales and icebergs, Disko Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Western Greenland. The bay is also home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. First visited by Europeans in 1596, in search of a Northwest Passage to Asia, it has been an Inuit home for millennia. The village of Qeqertarsuaq embodies thriving Inuit traditions, preserving the cultural legacy.
Day 11 - Exploring Fjords / Kangerlussuaq
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.
Day 12 - Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Disembarkation / Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland
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.
Day 13 - Reykjavik, Iceland / Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
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