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Midnight sun light, Ilulissat

Grand Greenland - Farthest North to Thule and Kane Basin

Reykjavik Roundtrip - Example 21 Day Cruise aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen
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Embark on an unforgettable 21-day Grand Greenland – Farthest North to Thule and Kane Basin aboard MS Fridtjof Nansen cruise that begins in the city of Reykjavík and continues through the icy wilderness of Greenland. Sail north toward Disko Bay, home to the majestic Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning icebergs. Explore Uummannaq Fjord, visit ancient archaeological sites, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Arctic Circle.

Venture further north to the remote Thule and Kane Basin regions, navigating icy waters and spotting iconic Arctic wildlife like narwhals, walruses, and polar bears.

Experience the rich traditions of West Greenland's communities, including Sisimiut. Conclude your journey in Reykjavík, where you can explore more of Iceland’s natural wonders.
View of Reykjavik from the Church TowerHouses of GreenlandStreet view of old town ReykjavikArctic Polar Bear WalrusMidnight sun light, Ilulissat
Highlights
  • Marvel at Nuuk’s iconic Mother of the Sea statue and cathedral
  • Spot whales and icebergs while sailing through Disko Bay’s pristine waters
  • Experience the beauty of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Uummannaq, known for its heart-shaped mountain and unique culture
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Cosmopolitan Reykjavik

Begin your journey with an overnight stay in Reykjavík, a charming city filled with art, culture, and history. Take a leisurely walk along Laugavegur, the main shopping street lined with boutiques and outdoor stores. Marvel at the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church and explore the captivating exhibits at the Reykjavík Art Museum. If you have extra time, consider booking a Pre-Program and experience Iceland’s stunning natural wonders before your cruise begins.

Day 2: Nuuk | Embark

Start your day early as you leave Reykjavík and fly to Nuuk, the vibrant capital of Greenland.

Nuuk is a small yet colorful city, home to fewer than 20,000 people. Its mix of historic and modern architecture is truly unique. For a glimpse of the past, visit the old town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede perched on a hill. Nearby, the stunning Mother of the Sea statue stands gracefully by the water.

Your expedition ship is waiting for you in the harbor. Once aboard, you’ll receive a complimentary expedition jacket and can settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.

Day 3: Sailing toward Disko Bay

Sailing towards the Arctic Circle, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these mandatory presentations if you want to join planned landings as you head north.

You have time to settle in, enjoy the ship’s state-of-the-art facilities, and join the first lectures on Greenland-related topics, including the Citizen Science projects run on board the ship.

At some point during the sailing, you'll cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

Day 4: UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

Today, you reach Disko Bay, a haven for whales and other wildlife. The water here is dotted with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland. Today, you’ll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway to the breathtaking ice fjord.

Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue water as they take on different hues of white, gray, and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, returns to the ship with enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Center to learn about the ice in this fascinating area. You can also go on a hike to Sermermiut to take in incredible views.

Day 5-6: Exploring Uummannaq Fjord

Beyond the Nuussuaq peninsula, distances start to mean everything, because it’s here that Greenland’s ‘Far North’ begins. At this latitude, life proceeds at a slower pace. Weather and ice conditions run the show, and any successful landing attempts depend on the ability of the captain to safely navigate waterways – especially when a summer fog descends. All in all, it’s the perfect setting for our expedition.

The beauty of the land and the relative productivity of the environment here have attracted people since the first settlers came down the coast more than 4,000 years ago. Intriguing archaeological sites are silent witnesses to the ability of Arctic people to thrive in such a harsh environment. It is in this area that the famed Qilakitsoq mummies were discovered.

Potential activities around here include stops at small communities such as Uummannaq – a beautiful island town with a heart-shaped mountain – or Ukkusissat. You may visit the archaeological site of Qilakitsok, go on nature landings, or attempt ice-cruising in the inner fjords with the small boats (RIBs).

Day 7: Melville Bay

You’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ‘The Great Dog Sledding Place’, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville in the mid-19th century.

Enjoy your day as you sail well beyond 70 degrees north. Relax on board, join the Expedition Team out on deck as they watch for wildlife, and learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures on topics such as nature, geology, and mythology.

Day 8-14: Farthest North

From now on, you’ll be exploring as far north as you can get, taking in the Thule and Kane Basin regions.

The ‘farthest north’ has been a magnet for polar explorers ever since the North Pole became known to Arctic travelers. For decades, this abstract latitudinal concept became the measure of success for many northbound expeditions. High-latitude records were achieved elsewhere until Captain Nares sailed past Thule and opened the path to the pole itself.

Explorers like Elisha Kane, Adolphus Greely, Robert Peary, and Frederik Cook also came that way and guaranteed for themselves a name in polar history and on Arctic maps. During the next week, you'll be sailing in their wake.

Ice and weather permitting, you'll explore the Thule region of northwest Greenland, cross the Smith Sound into Kane Basin, and make your way toward the Nares Strait between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. How far north you'll get is entirely dependent on the ice conditions you encounter.

You’ll witness the raw beauty of the High Arctic well beyond the world humans can inhabit. With an extreme climate year-round, changeable sea ice conditions, and poorly charted waters, you’re guaranteed to face challenging sailing conditions that are only within the reach of modern expedition vessels like MS Fridtjof Nansen.

On the way north, you aim to visit local communities, go on nature landings in the small boats (RIBs), sail through icy channels, and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas, narwhals, belugas and perhaps even polar bears.

Day 15-16: Crossing Baffin Bay

You are now sailing south again, as the adventures in the north are complete. Days at sea are the perfect time to relax on board, chatting with new friends in the Expedition Lounge & Bar, catching up on any lectures you may have missed, and enjoying leisurely lunches. If you haven’t tried out the hot tubs yet, now is your chance. There’s something magical about bathing in warm water as icebergs drift past!

Out on deck, the Expedition Team keeps up their wildlife watch every day, and guest lecturers continue to reveal new and interesting information about Greenland, the Arctic, and other topics related to the cruise. Feel free to join in any of the Citizen Science projects that are running – they’re engaging and fun, and you’ll be contributing something useful to global research.

Day 17-19: Landscapes and communities of West Greenland

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts. It’s home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.

On the journey south, you’ll visit communities where traditions are still alive, including Sisimiut, which lies 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This modern town has grown up alongside very ancient remains that date back more than 4,000 years. If you want to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, make sure to visit the interesting 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.

Day 20: End of expedition in Nuuk | Disembark

Today, as you arrive at Nuuk, you say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team, and the new friends you have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared to all other towns you have visited in the country over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window into modern Greenland.

From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that last a lifetime.

Day 21: Reykjavik

  • 1 Breakfast
Your adventure concludes in Reykjavík, giving you another chance to explore Iceland’s stylish capital.

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

Ship/Hotel

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Antarctica Wilhelmina Bay Photo by Espen Mills
Reception

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$20,994 2-3 travelers
Outside cabin on lower/middle deck(RS)
183 sq ft, Cabins on middle decks with queen bed
MS Fridtjof Nansen outside cabin
Outside Cabin on Lower/Middle Decks (RR)
205–248 sq ft, Larger cabins on middle decks with flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed. Most are 215 sq ft.
Outside cabin on upper deck
High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.
MS Fridtjof Nansen outside cabin
Outside Cabin on Lower/Middle Decks (TY)(TT)
258–291 sq ft, Large cabins without balcony. On middle decks, with flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
Outside Cabin with Balcony (XT)(XTD)(XY)
161–205 sq ft, Spacious high-deck cabins with a balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee
MS Fridtjof Nansen corner suite
Corner Suite (MF)
237 sq ft, Corner suite with large windows, without a balcony, with flexible sleeping arrangements, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
MS Fridtjof Nansen suite w/ balcony
Suite with Balcony (ME)
215–301 sq ft, Suites with a private balcony on high decks, with flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker
MS Fridtjof Nansen large suite w/ balcony
Large Suite with Balcony (MD)
377 sq ft, Large corner suite with a private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Accessible to guests with limited mobility.
MS Fridtjof Nansen corner suite w/ balcony
Corner Suite with Balcony (MC)
215–323 sq ft, Aft corner suites with a private balcony and hot tub, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
MS Fridtjof Nansen XL suite w/o balcony
XL Suite (MB)
474 sq ft, Extra-large corner suites without a balcony. Aft corner suites with sofa bed, flexible sleeping arrangements, large windows, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
MS Fridtjof Nansen XL suite w/ balcony
XL Suite with Balcony (MA)
495–517 sq ft, Extra-large corner suites with a private balcony. The ship’s most spacious cabins, with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Included
  • 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
  • 20 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gratuities
  • Complimentary Reusable Water Bottle 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
  • Use of the Ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
  • Citizen Science Program where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
  • Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Escorted landings with small expedition boats
  • Overnight stay in Reykjavik before and after the expedition cruise, including breakfast
  • Flights in economy class between Reykjavik and Nuuk
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Optional shore excursions with local partners
  • Optional small-group activities with the Expedition Team

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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