Explore the Frozen Frontier

Untamed glaciers, ancient Inuit settlements, and the dance of the Northern Lights await. Experience the world’s largest island—a breathtaking canvas of icy panoramas, rugged ice caps, and shimmering auroras.

Embark on a Greenland Journey

Although the name might hint at a vast expanse of green, Greenland is a stunning canvas of icy panoramas. Larger than the entire state of Alaska, the “Frozen Frontier” is home to rugged ice caps, vast tundras, and shimmering Northern Lights. Greenland’s expansive glaciers and icebergs, untamed natural wonders, and traditional Inuit communities have been a siren call to intrepid explorers for ages. Whether you’re drawn to the endless days of summer or the magical dance of polar lights, a cruise to Greenland promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Towering Glaciers & Icebergs

Navigate through seas of floating ice sculptures in places like Disko Bay, sailing around majestic ice giants forming for millennia.

Ancient Inuit Culture

Discover traditional communities where centuries-old customs thrive, from Sisimiut’s rich heritage to Qaqortoq’s vibrant local markets.

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun

Experience endless summer days under the midnight sun or witness the magical aurora borealis dancing across the polar skies.

Explore Greenland’s Coastal Gems

Our Greenland cruise advisors will help you discover the destinations that make this frozen frontier so extraordinary. Each port of call offers unique experiences that bring you closer to the raw beauty and rich culture of the Arctic.

Ilulissat & Disko Bay

Known For: UNESCO World Heritage icefjord, massive icebergs, sledding dogs

Highlights: Breathtaking icefjord walks, whale watching, helicopter tours

Best For: Photographers, nature lovers, glacier enthusiasts

Nuuk (Capital City)

Known For: Greenland’s largest city, blend of modernity and tradition

Highlights: National Museum, colonial harbour, Arctic cuisine, fjord excursions

Best For: Culture seekers, history enthusiasts, foodies

Qaqortoq (South Greenland)

Known For: Most vibrant town in South Greenland, Norse ruins, hot springs

Highlights: Viking ruins at Hvalsey, kayaking, Stone & Man gallery

Best For: Adventure seekers, history buffs, art lovers

Compare Greenland Destinations

Destination Best For Top Experiences Unique Features
Ilulissat & Disko Bay Glacier viewing, photography Icefjord walks, 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

Our Greenland expedition advisors will chart your perfect voyage.

A Greenland fjords cruise showcases awe-inspiring waterways carved by ancient ice. There’s nothing quite like navigating through a sea of towering ice sculptures, sailing around floating ice giants before stepping ashore to explore remote settlements. But the magic doesn’t stop at the ice. For those seeking an intimate connection with the untouched, boutique Greenland cruises provide a personalised journey around these rugged coastlines. With grand ice landscapes, ancient cultures, and lost-in-time villages waiting for you, the only dilemma will be deciding where to go first. And that’s why the heart of the Arctic is best unlocked with the right guide.

Beyond Greenland

Many Greenland itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more memorable expedition.

  • Iceland – Geothermal wonders, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes
  • Svalbard – Polar bears, Arctic wilderness, and remote exploration
  • Canadian Arctic – Northwest Passage expedition voyages
  • Norway – Dramatic fjords and Northern Lights

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.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Greenland

Greenland’s cruise season runs from May through September, with each month offering distinct experiences.

Peak Season (June – August): The summer months bring the midnight sun, with up to 24 hours of daylight in northern regions. Wildlife is most active, hiking conditions are optimal, and seas are calmest. Prime time for whale watching and exploring remote settlements.

Shoulder Season (May & September): These months offer excellent value with fewer crowds. May brings dramatic spring ice breakup, while September offers the chance to witness the first aurora borealis displays as darkness returns to the Arctic skies.

Northern Lights Season: For those hoping to see the aurora, late August through September combines the end of cruise season with the return of dark skies—offering a magical combination of glaciers and polar lights.

Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

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

The prime Greenland cruise season runs from May through September. Peak season (June–August) offers the midnight sun with up to 24 hours of daylight, optimal wildlife viewing, and the calmest seas. For the best value and fewer crowds, consider shoulder season sailings in May or September. Late August through September also offers the chance to see the Northern Lights as darkness returns to the Arctic.

Essential items include layered clothing (base layers, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell), waterproof trousers and sturdy hiking boots, binoculars for wildlife viewing, a quality camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries faster), sunglasses and sunscreen for the bright Arctic sun, and a warm hat and gloves. Most expedition ships provide parkas and rubber boots for shore excursions.

Greenland is primarily served by expedition cruise lines specialising in polar travel. Options include Hurtigruten, Ponant, Seabourn Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Viking Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and Aurora Expeditions. Some luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Oceania also include Greenland on select itineraries.

Yes, a valid passport is required for Greenland cruises. We recommend your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Depending on your itinerary, you may also transit through Iceland, Denmark, or Canada, each with their own entry requirements.

Greenland cruises typically range from 10 to 21 days. Shorter itineraries (10–14 days) often focus on South or West Greenland, while comprehensive expeditions (16–21 days) may circumnavigate the island or combine Greenland with Iceland, Svalbard, or the Canadian Arctic. The remote location and vast distances generally require longer voyages than other cruise destinations.

Greenland offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Marine life includes humpback, minke, fin, and occasionally blue whales, along with seals and walruses. On land, you may spot musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and Arctic hares. Birdwatchers will delight in puffins, Arctic terns, white-tailed eagles, and numerous seabird colonies. Wildlife sightings vary by season and location.

Shore excursions often include Zodiac cruises among icebergs, guided hikes to scenic viewpoints, visits to Inuit communities, kayaking in pristine fjords, and exploration of Norse archaeological sites. In some locations, you can experience dog sledding, helicopter tours over the ice sheet, hot springs visits, and cultural programmes featuring traditional Greenlandic music and cuisine.

Most Greenland cruises depart from Reykjavik (Iceland), which offers easy flight connections from North America and Europe. Some itineraries also depart from Copenhagen (Denmark), Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), or ports in eastern Canada. Expedition cruises may operate as one-way voyages, departing from one port and concluding at another.

Greenland expeditions are well-suited for adventurous travellers of all experience levels. However, these are expedition-style voyages rather than traditional cruises—expect smaller ships, Zodiac landings, flexible itineraries based on weather and ice conditions, and an emphasis on exploration over entertainment. If you’re looking for a transformative, bucket-list experience, a Greenland cruise can be unforgettable.

Greenland cruises can accommodate various fitness levels, though some shore excursions involve uneven terrain, wet landings from Zodiac boats, and moderate hiking. Most expedition lines offer excursion options ranging from easy to challenging. Discuss any mobility concerns with your cruise advisor so we can recommend the most suitable ship and itinerary for your needs.