DESTINATION

Greenland

From immense glaciers calving into pristine fjords to the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights overhead, Greenland is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring cruise destinations—a place where untouched Arctic wilderness meets centuries-old Inuit tradition.

Venture Into the Arctic on a Greenland Cruise

Greenland is the ultimate bucket-list destination for cruisers seeking something truly extraordinary. Larger than Alaska yet home to fewer than 60,000 people, the world’s biggest island is a spellbinding mix of colossal ice caps, deep fjords, and colourful coastal settlements steeped in Inuit heritage. Summer brings the midnight sun—endless daylight for wildlife spotting and glacier exploration—while late-season sailings reward travellers with the first shimmering curtains of the aurora borealis. Whether you’re a seasoned expedition cruiser or dreaming of your first polar voyage, our expert advisors will pair you with the right ship, itinerary, and cabin so every moment on the ice is unforgettable.

A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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An elegant cafe interior on a cruise ship featuring a curved bar, warm lighting, and yellow and brown color scheme. The 'Caffe Italia' sign highlights the Italian-themed dining area.
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Greenland Glaciers
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View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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Towering Glaciers & Icebergs

Sail through Disko Bay’s cathedral-like ice formations—colossal sculptures shaped over millennia and still calving from one of the most active glaciers outside Antarctica.

Ancient Inuit Heritage

Step ashore in remote settlements like Sisimiut and Qaqortoq to experience living traditions—drum dancing, kayak building, and cuisine—that have thrived in the Arctic for thousands of years.

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun

Cruise under 24 hours of golden summer daylight, or time your voyage for late season when the aurora borealis paints the polar sky in swirling ribbons of green and violet.

Discover Greenland’s Coastal Gems

Every port along Greenland’s rugged coastline tells a different story. From UNESCO-listed icefjords to colourful capital streets, our cruise advisors will match you with the stops that bring your Arctic dream to life.

A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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Ilulissat & Disko Bay

Key Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage icefjord, massive calving glaciers, sled-dog culture

Top Experiences: Icefjord boardwalk hikes, whale watching, helicopter flights over the ice sheet

Perfect For: Photographers, nature enthusiasts, glacier lovers

Duration: Featured on most 10–21 night itineraries

A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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Nuuk (Capital City)

Key Attractions: Greenland’s largest city, National Museum, blend of modern and traditional life

Top Experiences: Colonial harbour walking tour, Arctic fine dining, fjord boat excursions

Perfect For: Culture seekers, history buffs, food lovers

Duration: Common stop on West Greenland sailings

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Qaqortoq (South Greenland)

Key Attractions: South Greenland’s most vibrant town, Norse ruins, natural hot springs

Top Experiences: Hvalsey Viking ruins, sea kayaking, Stone & Man outdoor sculpture gallery

Perfect For: Adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, art lovers

Duration: Highlight of South Greenland itineraries (10–14 nights)

Compare Greenland Destinations at a Glance

Destination Best For Top Experiences Unique Feature
Ilulissat & Disko Bay Glacier viewing, photography Icefjord hikes, whale watching, helicopter tours UNESCO World Heritage Site, most active glacier outside Antarctica
Nuuk Culture, urban exploration National Museum, colonial harbour, Arctic cuisine Greenland’s capital, blend of old and new
Qaqortoq Adventure, history Norse ruins, kayaking, hot springs Stone & Man outdoor gallery, Viking heritage
Sisimiut Inuit culture, hiking Dog sledding, Arctic Circle Trail Second-largest town, rich traditional heritage
Kangerlussuaq Ice-cap access, wildlife Ice sheet excursions, musk ox viewing Gateway to the inland ice, clearest skies for aurora
A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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Let our Greenland expedition advisors chart the perfect Arctic voyage for you.

Greenland’s sheer scale can feel overwhelming when you’re planning your first polar voyage. Should you focus on the towering icebergs of Ilulissat and Disko Bay, or set your sights on the Viking-era ruins of Qaqortoq in the south? Perhaps the midnight-sun wilderness around Sisimiut calls to you, or maybe it’s the chance to stand on the vast inland ice sheet at Kangerlussuaq. Add in opportunities to spot humpback whales, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes, and the choices multiply fast.

That’s where our team of 23+ expert advisors comes in. We’ve studied these itineraries inside and out, and we’ll narrow down the options based on your interests, fitness level, and travel dates—then secure you the best available rate with our exclusive group pricing. No fees, no guesswork, and weekly price monitoring after you book so you never miss a drop. Talk to a cruise expert today and let’s turn your Arctic dream into a confirmed sailing.

Extend Your Arctic Adventure

Many Greenland sailings can be paired with neighbouring polar and sub-Arctic destinations, giving you an even richer expedition experience on a single trip.

  • Iceland – Geothermal hot springs, thundering waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes
  • Svalbard – Polar bear encounters and high-Arctic wilderness exploration
  • Canadian Arctic – Legendary Northwest Passage expedition voyages
  • Norway – Dramatic fjords, coastal villages, and Northern Lights cruises
A large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

When to Set Sail for Greenland

Greenland’s expedition cruise season spans May through September, and the experience shifts dramatically from month to month—so timing really matters.

Peak Season (June – August): Summer delivers the famous midnight sun, with up to 24 hours of continuous daylight in the far north. Seas are at their calmest, wildlife is most active, and hiking conditions are at their best. This is prime time for whale watching, Zodiac cruises among icebergs, and visiting remote coastal communities.

Shoulder Season (May & September): Fewer fellow travellers and attractive rates make these months an excellent choice. May’s dramatic spring ice breakup creates spectacular scenery, while September ushers in the return of dark skies—and with them, the first aurora borealis displays of the season.

Northern Lights Window: If the aurora tops your wish list, aim for late August through September. You’ll catch the tail end of the cruise season while enjoying enough darkness for those magical polar-light sightings—all against a backdrop of glaciers and icebergs.

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Greenland Cruise FAQs

Greenland’s sailing season runs from May through September. June through August is peak season, bringing the midnight sun, the calmest waters, and the most wildlife activity. May and September are shoulder months—fewer passengers, lower fares, and unique experiences like spring ice breakup or early Northern Lights sightings. Our advisors can help you pick the timing that best fits your priorities.

Think layers: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating fleece or down, and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Sturdy waterproof boots, warm gloves, a beanie, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (Arctic sun is surprisingly intense) are all essential. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and extra camera batteries—cold temperatures drain them fast. Many expedition lines supply complimentary parkas and rubber boots for Zodiac landings, so check with your advisor before buying extras.

Greenland is primarily served by expedition-focused lines such as Hurtigruten, Ponant, Seabourn Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Viking Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Aurora Expeditions. Select luxury lines—including Regent Seven Seas and Oceania—feature Greenland on certain itineraries as well. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the line that suits your style, budget, and adventure level.

Yes—a valid passport is required, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you may also transit through Iceland, Denmark, or Canada, each with its own entry rules. Your Cruise Help advisor will walk you through every documentation requirement so there are no surprises at the dock.

Expect voyages ranging from 10 to 21 nights. Shorter sailings (10–14 nights) typically focus on South or West Greenland, while more comprehensive expeditions (16–21 nights) may loop around the island or combine Greenland with Iceland, Svalbard, or the Canadian Arctic. The vast distances and remote coastline naturally call for longer trips than most traditional cruise destinations.

The wildlife here is remarkable. In the water, look for humpback, minke, fin, and occasionally blue whales, plus harbour and ringed seals and Atlantic walruses. On land, musk oxen roam the interior, Arctic foxes dart across the tundra, and Arctic hares blend into rocky landscapes. Birdwatchers can expect puffins, Arctic terns, white-tailed eagles, and vast seabird colonies. Sightings vary by season and route, so tell your advisor what’s on your must-see list and we’ll recommend the ideal itinerary.

Options range from Zodiac cruises weaving among towering icebergs and guided hikes to panoramic viewpoints, to visits with Inuit communities, kayaking through pristine fjords, and exploring Norse archaeological sites. Some ports offer dog-sledding, helicopter flights over the ice sheet, hot-spring soaks, and cultural evenings featuring traditional Greenlandic drum dancing and cuisine. Our advisors can help you prioritise excursions before you sail.

Most sailings leave from Reykjavik, Iceland, which has convenient flight connections from across North America and Europe. Other departure points include Copenhagen, Kangerlussuaq (Greenland’s main air hub), and eastern Canadian ports. Many expeditions run as one-way voyages—departing one port and arriving at another—which makes for a wonderfully varied journey.

Absolutely—provided you’re ready for adventure over entertainment. Greenland voyages are expedition-style: smaller ships, Zodiac landings, flexible schedules dictated by weather and ice, and enrichment lectures rather than Broadway shows. If a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience appeals to you more than a mega-ship resort, this could be the perfect way to start. Chat with one of our advisors and we’ll help you decide.

Most expedition lines design excursions at multiple activity levels—from easy scenic Zodiac rides to more strenuous backcountry hikes. Shore landings can involve wet disembarkation from inflatable boats and walking on uneven or rocky terrain. If you have mobility concerns, let your advisor know early. We’ll recommend ships with the best accessibility features and itineraries that match your comfort level, so you can enjoy every landing with confidence.