Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Reykjavík is full of art, culture, and delightful history. It is definitely worth discovering, either before or after your cruise to Greenland.

Stroll along Laugavegur, filled with boutiques and outdoor shops, or head to the architecturally striking Hallgrímskirkja

church or the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Why not book a Pre-Program with us? That way, you can discover the nearby waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and national parks.

At Reykjavík Harbor, MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, take time to settle into your cabin. Your adventure has begun.

Crossing the Denmark Strait

We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait, the route taken by Erik the Red, supposedly the first European to have settled there. Relax and explore the stylish onboard facilities of our hybrid electric–powered ship.

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, learn more about Greenland’s geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Then hit the gym, swim in the infinity pool, book a treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our three onboard restaurants.

Culture and history in Qaqortoq

Our expedition cruise of Greenland begins in earnest in a town has been settled since prehistoric times. The colorful houses and lush scenery of Qaqortoq provide a beautiful backdrop for its rich culture.

Explore the local museum, which includes rare Inuit artifacts, or enjoy lush scenery on a walk to a nearby lake. Join an optional excursion to meet friendly locals and hear their stories at a traditional kaffemik social gathering.

Explore Kvanefjord

Experience the sublime fjords of Greenland’s west coast as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'.

Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice, which is pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations.

Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore, where you will enjoy beautiful scenery on a nature walk. You could also head out in boats to scout for wildlife.

Fascinating Maniitsoq

Today our expedition cruise reaches Maniitsoq. Nicknamed the 'Venice of Greenland' for its natural canals, the surrounding mountains deliver awe-inspiring views. You might even spot pods of humpback whales from shore.

Once a regional hub for trading reindeer hides, people have lived here for 4,000 years. Discover figurines carved from walrus ivory, traditional Greenlandic costumes, and many works of art in the local museum.

Maniitsoq has many hiking options with different viewpoints to discover. And don’t miss the chance to chat to the town's welcoming locals.

Spectacular Sisimiut

We reach spectacularly situated Sisimiut, just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, where you'll experience the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

One of the best things you'll experience on your expedition cruise to Greenland with us is meeting the local communities in the places we explore—authentic interactions that make for fantastic memories.

UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay, a haven for whales and seals. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland. Today, you'll find out why. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you walk to the ice fjord and the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut.

Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters, as they take on different hues of white, grey, and blue. Even amateur photographers will return to the ship with enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, enjoy a hot drink by the colorful houses along the water.

Go wild in Vaigat Sound

The rugged Vaigat Sound is our northernmost point. You may feel like the first person to explore it. We are at the hands of Mother Nature today and the Expedition Team will identify the best landing sites to explore.

If possible, we’ll take small boats (RIB) out for a shore landing or take an optional kayaking trip between icebergs. You may visit Camp Frieda, trek across the tundra, and get up close to a glacier and learn how it moves.

Have your binoculars and camera ready as wildlife sightings in Disko Bay can include orcas and bowhead whales, as well as harp, hooded, bearded, and ringed seals.

Beguiling Evighedsfjord

Our expedition cruise now heads back south. Enjoy a day of exploration in the magical and imposing Evighedsfjord, near Kangerlussuaq. Until that day, we won’t have determined the exciting adventures that lie in store for you.

The 'Fjord of Eternity' is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its waters, 2,300 ft deep. It is surrounded by misty mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal-blue ice caves.

Nature reigns here. The only settlements in this region are tiny fishing villages clinging to the shores. Like always, we'll be on the lookout for Arctic flora and wildlife, including whales and seabirds.

Nuuk, Greenland’s capital

After several days exploring remote, idyllic icescapes, you’ll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colorful capital. It has a population of 18,000 people and a striking mix of old and new buildings.

Compare the old buildings like the Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland’s parliament building.

Visit the national museum and gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago. See the six Qilakitsoq mummies, or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene as part of an optional excursion.

Forgotten town

As you wander around the abandoned ruins of this ghost town, it’s hard to believe that Ivittuut, a former mining outpost, once played a pivotal role in the course of history.

During World War II, the US secretly stationed troops here to prevent rare cryolite, used to make aluminum alloys, from falling into enemy hands. Supplies were instead shipped to the UK to manufacture aircraft that fought in the Battle of Britain.

Here, you can walk among the area's deserted buildings. In what was once the last Viking settlement in Greenland, the only inhabitants you’re likely to see nowadays are musk oxen.

Prince Christian Sund

We aim to explore the incredible waters of Prince Christian Sound, stretching 60 miles long. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colorful houses in the village of Aappilattoq.

Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice and glaucous gulls and black guillemots soaring above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales.

If sea ice prevents us from entering the sound, we'll head to the jagged Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.

Reflections of Greenland

After exploring the ethereal beauty of western Greenland, we set our course back to Iceland. Enjoy two days at sea recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, learning about the delicate ecology of Greenland in the Science Center, and relaxing.

Out on deck, you might spot seabirds or whales that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer will share tips to capture them in action. You can even count the whales you see for our Happywhale Citizen Science project.

This might be the time to enjoy the panoramic sauna, the hot tubs on deck, or the heated pool. Why not book a treatment in our wellness area? You can also enjoy the company of fellow explorers over drinks in the Explorer Lounge &Bar.

Return to Reykjavík

Your expedition cruise to Greenland will come full circle when you arrive back in Iceland's stylish capital in the early morning.

If you want to discover more, join our optional Post-Program to the south of Iceland before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.