epic iceland (ocean diamond) - small cruise ships
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EPIC ICELAND (OCEAN DIAMOND)
If you want to see nature in the raw, where better than the ‘Landof Ice and Fire’ - Iceland. Europe’s least populated countryoffers the visitor an unparalleled experience of elemental forcesat work. Its largely deserted interior is dotted with huge icecapsand glaciers, active volcanoes, gurgling mud pools, steaminghot springs and lava fields. And, if this were not enough, theimmense scale of the landscape is dominated by toweringsnow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls andspontaneous erupting geysers.
The island provides a unique historical, cultural, geological andoceanographic experience. Under the surface, this islandsimmers with the sparks that are the tell tale signs of itsyouthfulness as Europe’s most recent geological addition, only16-20 million years old. Iceland is continuously being created;some of its newest land is a mere 35 years old. Our explorationof Iceland will take us to some of its most dramatic areas andwhilst we sail its waters, we will look out for humpback whales,orcas and white-beaked dolphins taking advantage of weatherconditions and possible sightings to achieve the maximum withour time.
We sail from Oban and before reaching Iceland visit the remoteand uninhabited island of St Kilda before continuing to thelittle-visited
Faroe Islands. Once a stopping point for Viking explorers, today are a collection of 18 enchanting islands that are a paradise for walkers and bird watchers. The islands can be traced back to the 9th century seafaring explorers who traversed the North Sea and claimed Orkney, the Shetland Islands, Iceland and Greenland. We explore the villages and rolling hills of these distant isles before venturing north to Iceland where we discover the breath taking landscapes that this truly unique country offers. Such a journey can of course only be undertaken by a special vessel with the self-sufficient qualities of the Ocean Diamond and with her expert expedition team and fleet of Zodiacs we will be able to land on remote beaches and cruise close to
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shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. Join us on oursummer expedition as we explore the magnificent landscapesand learn more of the centuries old legacies of a Viking andNorse heritage.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - OBAN, SCOTLAND
Embark the Ocean Diamond this afternoon. Transfers will beprovided from Glasgow International Airport and Central Stationat a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - ST KILDA, SCOTLAND
Arrive at first light in St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabitedarchipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. Thelargest island, Hirta, once supported a population of over 200,but the last islanders left in the 1930s. The Medieval village hasbeen restored by the National Trust for Scotland and offers amarvellous link with the past. The islands are an importantbreeding ground for many seabirds including Atlantic puffinsand northern fulmars. Later, cruise past two of the largestgannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Berneray.
Day 3 - TORSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS
We arrive in the Faroe Islands at lunchtime. From our berth inTorshavn we will join a guided tour through Torshavn over thehills to Kirkjubour, the island’s oldest cultural centre, where wesee the ruins of the 13th century St. Magnus Cathedral and the11th century church. We also visit the 900-year old“Roykstovan”, the old bishopric, considered to be the oldestwooden house in Europe. We will moor overnight for those thatwish to explore the town this evening.
Day 4 - MYKINES
Today we will use our Zodiacs to explore the westernmostislands of the Faroes. We will visit Mykines which is wonderfullygreen and its single village with bright turf roofed houses andturf streets is a delight. One of the best walks in the Faroes canbe found here at “Lundaland” (land of the puffin) on the islet ofMtkinesholmur, connected to Mykines by a small bridge. This isa strenuous hike but rewarding as the island is inhabited by alarge number of puffins and gannets.
Day 5 - SEYDISFJORDUR, ICELAND
Today, we reach Iceland and the natural harbour atSeydisfjordur which has preserved its fishing heritage from theearly 19th century and its architectural style. On a walking tourwe will pass brightly painted and well preserved Norwegian stylewooden buildings and visit the shops famous for their Icelandicpatterned woollens. The keen walkers might prefer an energetichike up the river trail through a verdant landscape ofwildflowers.
Day 6 - HUSAVIK
Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland. Today, theship’s Zodiacs take you into Skjalfandi Bay to enjoy thestunning views on the snow capped Vik Mountains while lookingfor wildlife. In this sheltered bay you can find up to 15 differentspecies of whales as well as dolphins and many different kindof birds. For those that prefer to stay ashore you can explore thetown and the excellent Husavik whale museum.
Day 7 - GRIMSEY AND SIGLUFJORDUR
The Arctic Circle bisects Grimsey Island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife. We have the morning here to enjoy a walk on the island. Over lunch we head to Siglufjordur, an unbelievably picturesque town that
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enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains.Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herringindustry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellousIcelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit theHerring Era Museum. Alternatively take a Zodiac cruise inHedinsfjordur, a dramatic and unspoiled landscape locatedbetween Olafsfjordur and Siglufjordur. This uninhabited fjord issurrounded by the majestic mountains of the TrollaskagiPeninsula and we will enjoy the scenery as we watch for wildlife.
Day 8 - AKUYERI
From Akuyeri we travel by bus to the Lake Myvatn-Krafla area, afine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling andsteaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters.The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces atwork. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations andhot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largestmigratory bird sanctuary in Europe. Our route will then take usby Godafoss (falls of the Gods), an imposing sight. Alternativelyjoin a tour to the 3500 year old Lofthellir lava cave, on the waywe pass the unique Hverfell Volcano, past the crater row ofLudentarborgir and to the base of Mount Hvannfell. From thereit is a 20-minute walk across lava fields to the cavern. Withinthe 1200-foot-long cave you can observe what are consideredto be the most impressive natural ice sculptures in Iceland.
Day 9 - WESTERN FJORDS
This morning we are in the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We cruise round the north coast of Iceland at the Hornbjarg Cliffs. These stunning cliffs rise 534 metres from the sea and this is one of the largest centres for puffins in Iceland. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to explore Isafjordur and Jokulfjordur and, whilst the itinerary will
be dependent on local weather conditions, we hope to land onVigur a serene little island with only five residents but home tothousands of puffins, eider ducks and arctic terns. We can alsovisit Iceland’s only windmill dating from the 19th century.
Day 10 - BREIDAFJORDUR
We will again use our small ship to explore. We hope to visit theLatrabjarg cliffs this morning, the westernmost point of Europeand home to millions of birds including puffins, northerngannets, guillemotts and razorbills. Sailing at lunchtime wecontinue to Breidafjordur to enjoy expedition cruising in thesmall islets where we will see thousands of birds and also keepan eye out for whales.
Day 11 - REYKJAVIK
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for yourindependent travel home.
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YOUR SHIP: OCEAN DIAMOND
YOUR SHIP: Ocean Diamond
VESSEL TYPE:
LENGTH:
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
The 210 passenger vessel was completely refurbished inNorway in 2019 and is perfect for our exploration being largeenough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and amplepublic space, yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas.The vessel is outfitted with the most current navigational andcommunications technology as well as with retractablestabilisers for smooth sailing. The vessel is ice strengthened andfeatures 18 Zodiacs for our forays ashore.Your Cabin/Suite With a maximum of 210 passengers, theOcean Diamond offers cabins across its five decks. There arange of cabins and suites available and all feature outsideviews (porthole, window or balcony), full private en-suitebathrooms featuring bathtub and shower, a writing desk,individual temperature control, in-room safe, refrigerator,satellite phone access, hairdryer and flat-screen television andDVD player. Cabins range in size from 17 square metres to 30square metres.Your Space The Ocean Diamond features spacious public areasand ample deck space from where you can admire the beautifulpassing
landscapes. Public areas and facilities include an observation lounge with bar, a fitness centre, pool with bar, sun deck, lecture threatre with state of the art audio visual equipment, library and lounge. The restaurant serves all passengers in one, open seating and cuisine onboard is international. There is also a gift shop, clinic and a spa onboard. Your Dining The single sitting restaurant is located on the Lower Deck and is both spacious and light. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is served to your table. All meals include a vegetarian option. Afternoon tea also served daily around the afternoon excursions and coffee, tea and water are available complimentary around the clock. Weather permitting, there will be the opportunity to dine outside on occasion. Life Onboard The atmosphere onboard is focused on exploration and discovery with all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. The onboard crew offer excellent service and in addition the expedition team will enrich your experience with their knowledge of the region. Through a lecture programme and shore expeditions, they will share their expertise
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and passion with you. After a day of exploration ashore, you willreturn to the comfort of a sophisticated ship with a friendly crewand informal atmosphere. A fleet of Zodiacs are used forlandings and nature cruises, and during your voyage you willhave the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on theBridge to learn more about your journey, further fostering theexpeditionary nature of our voyage. Some Deck Plans may vary from what you see below. The vessel complies with all MARPOL (Marine PollutionAct)regulations. The vessel has a Garbage Management Plan todeal with garbage accumulated during a voyage. As for humanwaste, the vessel is equipped with a Sewage Treatment systemthat processes the waste generated onboard. The treated wastewater is discharged at sea or shoreside. If discharged at sea itis done according to strict International standards and Classrequired protocols that include distance from shore, depth ofthe water, speed of the vessel and rate of discharge.
