Greenland Expedition Cruise Routes

Key Takeaways

You’ll find three main cruise regions in Greenland: East, South and West. Your journey can last between 12-24 days, letting you explore multiple areas.

• Your East Greenland cruise starts from Reykjavik or Kangerlussuaq. You’ll see stunning fjords at Scoresbysund and Danmark Island.
• In West Greenland, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord. You’ll marvel at the massive icebergs in Disko Bay.
• South Greenland takes you to fascinating Viking ruins around Narsarsuaq and Qaqortoq. You’ll experience unique local history and culture.
• You can book your cruise from June to September. August offers the best weather conditions with temperatures around 10°C.

Popular Greenland Cruise Routes

Greenland’s cruise routes offer you three distinct regions to discover: East, South and West Greenland.

East Greenland cruises start from Reykjavik or Kangerlussuaq. You’ll sail to Scoresbysund and Danmark Island, where you can spot massive icebergs and colourful autumn tundra.

South Greenland lets you explore Viking ruins near Narsarsuaq and Qaqortoq. You’ll navigate through fjords filled with floating ice.

West Greenland features the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Disko Bay‘s impressive iceberg formations.

You can pick cruise lengths from 12 to 24 days. Many routes combine multiple Greenland regions.

You can also choose extended voyages linking Greenland with Svalbard, Iceland or the Canadian Arctic.

Top Ports and Landing Sites

Greenland welcomes you through several key ports and landing sites. You can enter West Greenland through Nuuk, the cultural centre, or Ilulissat with its UNESCO ice fjord.

Sisimiut lets you meet Inuit communities, whilst Kangerlussuaq operates as your main travel hub.

You’ll discover South Greenland’s Viking heritage at Narsarsuaq and Qaqortoq. These ports give you access to Brattahlid’s historic sites and the stunning Prince Christian Sound.

The east coast offers you more remote spots like Ittoqqortoormiit, where you’ll need zodiac boats to reach the fjords.

You can start your Greenland trip from three main ports: Reykjavik, Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq.

If you’re planning to visit other Arctic regions, you might depart from Longyearbyen or Aberdeen.

Best Time To Cruise Greenland

Peak Season: June to September

You’ll find the most reliable cruising conditions in August, with average temperatures of 10°C. This weather lets you enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. You can join regular Zodiac boat trips and go kayaking when ice conditions allow.

Northern Lights Season: September to March

You’ll get your best chance to see the Northern Lights during these months due to longer, darker nights. Greenland offers excellent viewing opportunities because of its clear, dark skies.

Early Season: May to June

You’ll need to book a specialist ship for early-season trips. Choose an icebreaker or PC5-rated vessel, as ice remains thick during these months.

Cruising Routes

You should expect more challenging conditions on eastern routes. These journeys need extra safety planning and suitable vessels.

Weather Tips:

• Summer brings mild days perfect for deck activities
• You’ll want warm layers even in peak season
• Your cruise schedule may change with ice conditions
• You can experience midnight sun in summer months
• You should pack waterproof gear year-round

Choosing Your Expedition Ship

Your choice of expedition ship directly impacts your Greenland adventure. You’ll need a vessel with an ice-strengthened hull built for Arctic waters. Ships typically host 50-300 passengers, giving you personalised attention from crew members.

Essential features to look for:

• Zodiac boats for shore landings
• Helicopters for aerial exploration
• Modern navigation systems
• Comfortable cabins
• Quality dining facilities

You can book with trusted operators like Quark Expeditions or Exploration Life, who run regular Greenland routes.

These companies offer you:

• Expert guides and lectures
• Wildlife spotting opportunities
• Visits to local communities
• Full onboard facilities

Your time at sea forms a large part of your journey, so check the ship’s comfort level matches your needs.

Space, stability and amenities should suit your preferences for longer voyages.

Planning Your Arctic Adventure

You can explore Greenland between June and October, when most cruises operate. The midnight sun appears from mid-April to August, whilst the northern lights shine from late August to October.

Popular Routes:

1. East Greenland
   • Visit Scoresby Sund’s deep fjords
   • Explore the village of Ittoqqortoormiit
2. West Greenland
   • Travel from Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq
   • End at the icebergs of Ilulissat
3. South Greenland
   • Start in Narsarsuaq
   • Journey through Lindenow Fjord
4. Northwest Passage
   • Sail above 80° north
   • Experience high Arctic conditions

Your Trip Essentials:

• Book charter flights to reach starting points
• Add transfer packages to your budget
• Arrange local accommodation
• Keep your schedule flexible for ice and weather changes

Weather and ice conditions will shape your daily activities, so you’ll need to adapt your plans.

You can reach most departure points via charter flights from major cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wildlife Can I Photograph During Different Seasons of Greenland Cruises?

During your Greenland cruise, you can spot different wildlife in each season:

Spring

• Seals lounging on ice floes
• Humpback and fin whales swimming in coastal waters

Summer

• Musk oxen grazing on the tundra
• Large colonies of seabirds nesting on cliffs
• Arctic foxes hunting near shorelines

Autumn

• Whales feeding before migration
• Birds gathering for their southward journey

Winter

• Polar bears hunting seals on sea ice
• Beluga whales swimming through icy channels

Are Special Vaccinations Required for Greenland Expedition Cruises?

You don’t need special vaccinations for Greenland expedition cruises. Standard travel vaccinations are sufficient for your journey. You should check two things before departure: your cruise line’s current health requirements and Greenland’s entry protocols. Keep your regular vaccinations up to date, and you’ll be ready for your Arctic adventure.

How Reliable Is Internet and Phone Connectivity During Arctic Voyages?

Internet and phone coverage in the Arctic remains patchy and unreliable. Your mobile phone won’t work in most areas, as regular network towers don’t exist in these remote regions. You’ll need satellite-based communications instead, which provide slower speeds at higher costs.

Your connection speeds will fluctuate throughout your voyage, and you might experience complete blackout periods. You should download essential information before your trip and inform your contacts about potential communication delays. Many ships offer limited Wi-Fi packages, but these work best when closer to coastal areas.

What Photography Equipment Is Recommended for Capturing Northern Lights and Icebergs?

The essential photography kit for Arctic scenes combines these key items:

Your camera needs:

• A wide-angle lens (14-35mm) to capture the full aurora displays
• A sturdy tripod to keep shots crisp in dark conditions
• A waterproof camera case to protect against ice and moisture
• A camera body with good ISO performance (at least 3200)
• A remote shutter release to avoid camera shake

This setup will let you photograph both the Northern Lights and icebergs effectively. You can keep your gear light whilst ensuring you don’t miss any magical Arctic moments.

For best results:

• Set your camera to manual mode
• Use long exposures for aurora shots
• Keep spare batteries warm in your pockets
• Pack silica gel packets to combat moisture

Can Children Participate in Greenland Expedition Cruises and at What Age?

Your children can join Greenland expedition cruises. Quark Expeditions accepts children aged 8 and above, whilst Lindblad welcomes children from ages 5-6. Your child must meet specific height and weight guidelines to take part in cruise activities safely. Do check with your chosen cruise operator for their exact requirements before booking.