Sometimes a disappointment can turn into the best opportunity. Such was the case during our recent cruise.
Scheduled for 3 ports after Reykjavik we ended up sailing away from Iceland after only one, Isafjordur. The reason; a worsening storm bringing hurricane force winds that was moving between Iceland and Greenland. Our captain made the difficult decision to make the crossing before the storm hit to ensure we were able to make it to what was undeniably the bucket list destination for our cruise, Greenland. After leaving Isafjordur we sailed through the night, a calm journey despite the storm that was building around us.
The messaging from the captain was top notch. The next morning the Captain met passengers in the theatre for what he anticipated would be a difficult discussion. He shared the weather maps he and his crew referred to when making the unenviable decision to cut short our time in Iceland. He didn’t apologize or defend, simply gave us the information. No one could argue with his logic which ensured the cruise was free of discord. In fact his messaging was so well received that his celebrity like status was evident throughout the rest of the cruise as he met with many of the passengers.
As soon as we reached Greenland we pulled into Prince Christian Sound on the south east side of the island to wait out the storm. This is a rarely traversed sound that was home to only one small village of 90 some odd souls and a number of fascinating icebergs, waterfalls and glaciers. Despite the storm raging outside the sound was sunny if not warm and breezy. We spent two full days slowing sailing around the fjord enjoying its beautiful scenery.
Notable in that less than one million people have ever visited the sound, we felt very much like intrepid explorers in an unknown land. Many of the nooks we approached were uncharted thus the captain did not sail too close to any of those shores.
Throughout both days we made frequent trips to the upper reaches of the ship to take photos and wonder at the natural beauty around us. It was such a different landscape than we are used to! Despite his best efforts Ken lamented that the photos could not do it justice. I will let you decide.
Travel is and always should be an adventure into the unknown. Despite our best attempts to plan, control and regulate it is the unplanned that makes for the most amazing travel memories.
Photo Credits to Fellow Travelers