Difficult choices!

 We've gotten close enough (3 weeks out) that we've started to get questionnaires about what we'd like to do on the cruise.  This is our first hint of what SORT of activities will be offered.  It's a bit curious that they started with activities for Day 12.

Here's a slightly-edited version of what we received today (we were kind of giggling over the "elevation gain" parts! Ooh, a whopping 300 feet!?!).

Dear Sheila and Norman:

We hope you are looking forward to your expedition, Iceland and Greenland: Edge of the Arctic aboard National Geographic Resolution.

Your voyage will be filled with a variety of optional activities for you to choose from, which we would like to begin preparations for in advance. We want to make sure you can arrive on the ship with your main focus on the experiences at hand for the first few days of the voyage. Our excursion options will be offered on a first come, first served basis, and knowing your preferences in advance will help us prepare for your arrival. (Please note that you may always alter your selections once you arrive on board, subject to availability.)

SISIMIUT 

OPTION 1: Town Walk & Free Time

Soak in the sights and sounds of Sisimiut, meaning “where the foxes are” in Greenlandic. Just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is a vibrant coastal town that blends tradition and innovation. Walk through the city where colorful homes, historic buildings, and Arctic landscapes create a truly unique atmosphere and hear insights about community life from a local guide.

Visit a local microgreens farmer who is pioneering sustainable ways to grow fresh produce in Greenland’s challenging climate. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the open-air museum, browse artist workshops, or take in the character of this remarkable Arctic community at your own pace.

Please Note: The walk will cover approximately 2.5 miles in length, with about 100 meters of elevation gain/loss at multiple points during the walk. This option requires steady footing as most of town is a combination of gravel and pavement. There can be potholes and various uneven surfaces.This option is for those who prefer free time at their leisure instead of visiting Dog Town after the town walk.

OPTION 2: Town Walk & Dog Town

Soak in the sights and sounds of Sisimiut, meaning “where the foxes are” in Greenlandic. Sitting just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the first large settlement in Greenland where it is permitted to have the Greenlandic dog. Walk through the city, visiting Dog Town and learning about how the Greenlandic Dog continues to play an important role in daily lives. Meet a microgreens farmer innovating new ways to produce fresh greens in a harsh environment before free time to visit the open-air museum or artist workshops in town.

Please Note: The walk will cover approximately 2.5 miles in length, with about 100 meters of elevation gain/loss at multiple points during the walk. This option will travel by foot throughout the afternoon to different sites in the city. Please choose this option if you are looking to actively explore by foot with stops along the way.

OPTION 3: Arctic Circle Hike

Greenland’s most famous long distance hiking trail starts in Sisimiut and runs all the way to Kangerlussuaq where we embark the ship. Spend the afternoon on just a small segment of the trail outside of town, where we will hope for any morning fog to clear off and have a beautiful view of the harbor and city below.

This hike will also visit Dog Town where you'll learn about how the Greenlandic Dog continues to play an important role in daily lives.

Please Note: This hike is meant for fit travelers who are accustomed to regular hiking and are focused on exercise instead of interpretation and photo opportunities. Total length will be approximately 5.4 miles with an elevation gain of 300 ft. We will make limited stops, including one for a group photo or brief water break.

OPTION 4: Tele Island Hike

Embark on a hike through Sisimiut’s rich history, spanning over 4,000 years of Arctic life. This journey reveals how the Inuit adapted to extreme conditions and later encountered European traders and settlers, shaping the town we see today.

The trail leads to Sallinnguit, or Tele Island, once a separate island and now home to the local phone company. It was a key site for early Inuit communities, with visible traces of homes, hunting grounds, and burial sites still etched into the landscape.

This fascinating walk offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and striking Arctic nature, bringing to life stories of resilience and change.

Please Note: This hike is 2.25 miles total with about 15 meters of elevation gain. However, the hike can be challenging for some due to the varied terrain with loose gravel, slippery rocks, and uneven footing throughout, so good balance, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

OPTION 5: Fully Independent Free Time

If mobility/being on foot is of concern, or if none of these options suit you, we welcome you to enjoy free time on the ship or in town at your leisure. This option is for those who wish to go at their own pace. We will be docked just outside of town with many places being less than a mile's walk from the ship.

Which one would YOU choose? Drop your answer in the comments!