The Heart of Greenland with Disko Bay
About Reykjavik
Like Nowhere Else on Earth
This Greenland expedition cruise explores the Inuit’s rich culture and breathtaking nature. One highlight is the Disko Bay area, where colorful villages cling to rocky hillsides surrounding inland ice. In fact, 80% of amazing Greenland is covered by ice. Together, we will explore long fjords, glaciers and lush meadows, while hopefully encountering whales, seals and sea birds along the way.
“Kalaallit Nunaat” - Land of the People
Our itinerary invites you to discover Greenland’s amazing geography under the Midnight Sun and meet the people that call this wilderness home. This adventurous sojourn explores rarely-visited settlements and lively towns, and encourages you to discover the many attractions in Nuuk.
Close to Natural Wonders
Our landings, excursions and optional activities like kayaking and hiking give you the chance to get out and explore famous natural treasures like the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, massive icebergs emerge into the sea from the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, part of the Greenlandic inland ice sheet.
These are just some reasons to visit Greenland, but our expedition cruise adds more by starting and ending in fascinating Iceland, providing you the opportunity to explore the land of fire and ice before or after your cruise.
- Combine the exploration of pristine Greenland nature with fascinating Inuit
- Begin and end your journey in Iceland - a great opportunity to explore further
- Discover Greenland’s immaculate beauty under the Midnight Sun
- Sail into lovely Disko Bay
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including small boat cruising and onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international, handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the regions we sail in
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBAORD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, outdoor hot tubs and saunas with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, long hikes (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Itinerary
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Capital of Iceland - Reykjavik, Iceland - Embarkation - Full Day
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norse settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning “Smoky Bay”) after the columns of steam rising from hot springs in the area. The region offers fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths, well worth exploring before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen.
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Crossing the Denmark Strait - At sea - At sea
We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago. Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology, and get to know our innovative expedition ship.
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“Kalaallit Nunaat” – Land of the People - Qaqortoq - Full Day
Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its colorful houses and lovely setting. The biggest town in southern Greenland, with 3,000 inhabitants, Qaqortoq is easy to explore on foot, or you can join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture.
Included activity:
Great Lake Walk (2 hrs)
Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the surrounding fjord system and is best discovered on foot, which says something about its small size. Our hike leads you outside the town to see its water supply, the great lake known as Tasersuaq. Walking along its shoreline provides stunning views and creates awe for nature’s majesty.
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Exploration Day - Kvanefjord area
We discover the beautiful region of Kvanefjord near Paamiut by sailing deep into the fjord. Our experienced captain will take advantage of the conditions to identify landing sites for onshore walks, places to launch our kayaks, ideal communities to visit, and the best spots to spot wildlife.
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The Venice of Greenland - Maniitsoq - Half Day
Founded in 1755, Maniitsoq means “The uneven place,” referring to the rocky hills and mountains shaping the town’s layout. It is also known as the “Venice of Greenland” because it lies in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals.
The local museum introduces you to the town´s rich history and culture.
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“Where There are Fox Dens” - Sisimiut - Full Day
Sisimiut lies 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Its name means “the people living in a place where there are fox dens.” Greenland’s second largest town is a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions. We offer you a variety of exciting excursions to discover Sisimiut’s many attractions.
Included activity:
Kayak Demo and Museum visit (1 - 2 hrs)
Enjoy a traditional kayaking demonstration and the Sisimit museum. The Inuit invented the ‘qajaq’ in Greenland. Experience the Greenlander kayak roll first hand. Sisimut museum features local cultural history and exhibits different periods of the city’s history and its surroundings.
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Icefjord - UNESCO World Heritage Site - Ilulissat - Full Day
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage site. At the fjord’s mouth, you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These masses of ice originate from Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world. Join one of our many excursions here.
Included activity:
Walk to the Icefjords (2 hrs)
Hear the ice cracking in the distance? Take a closer look at the beautiful icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord. Getting a close-up view of these frozen giants will slow your world down and leave you humbled. Join us on a walk to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Named After Expedition Team Member Friederike Bronny - Camp Frieda - Full Day
We visit a location near Saqqaq that was without an official name until 2013. The place is special to us, as it is named after a former expedition team member. We land on the beach to explore this northernmost destination of our cruise, amidst breathtaking scenery and Arctic flora.
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Exploration Day - Evighed Fjord (Eternal Fjord)
Today´s exploration will take us to meandering Evighed Fjord, surrounded by tall mountains (up to 6,600 ft high). The day’s weather and ice conditions will determine the final program and the range of activities we offer.
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The Vibrant Capital of Greenland - Nuuk - Full Day
Nuuk lies at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Greenland’s capital city is where old and new meet, from historic buildings in “Kolonihavnen” to the modern “Center for Greenland Self Rule.” There’s also the National Museum - home to the famous Qilakitsoq mummies.
Included activity:
Shuttle & Museum visit (1 - 2 hrs)
Visit the National Museum of Greenland. Discover exhibitions covering Greenland's history during the past 4,500 years - from the first Arctic Stone Age cultures to the Norse settlements, the arrival of the Thule culture and the gradual transition to modern day Greenland.
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Musk Oxen and a Norse Settlement - Ivittuut - Half Day
The abandoned town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen. More than 1,000 years ago, Vikings settled the area, but left no written records behind. Archaeologists believe this was the last Norse settlement in Greenland to be established, and the first to be abandoned.
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Heading Back to Iceland - Prins Christian Sund Region
Prince Christian Sound separates mainland Greenland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago. If conditions allow, we will sail through this narrow channel and admire the spectacular scenery here. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).
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Heading Back to Iceland - Irminger Sea - Denmark Strait
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set ou course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, watching sea birds follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.
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The Stylish Capital of Iceland - Reykjavik, Iceland - Disembarkation
You arrive in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the city and country, add one of our exciting pre- or post-cruise Land Adventures to your trip.
