Greenland Cruises & Luxury Expeditions

Explore the infinite wilderness of the largest island on Earth on a Greenland cruise. Encounter colossal icebergs, sail through mountainous landscapes, and visit remote Inuit settlements.

Greenland Expedition Cruises

Greenland cruises, beckon you to explore the exclusive, seldom-seen, hard-to-reach places that can only be accessed by ship on an expedition cruise. From the awe-inspiring Disko Bay with its towering Icebergs and calving glaciers to the serene fjords and mountainous vistas of Southern Greenland and the remote, uncharted fjords of the East Coast, Greenland is an epic destination reserved for the most intrepid explorers.

Greenland offers a diverse selection of expedition cruises at different times of the year. In the Springtime, Icebreaker cruises explore Greenland's sea ice when it is off limits to regular ships and visit settlements locked in by the sea ice. During the summer, it is possible to embark on expedition cruises exploring Greenland's coast and longer-length itineraries, including Svalbard and the Northwest Passage.

Our team of experts carefully selects and plans our Greenland cruises to offer you the perfect journey. We offer top-quality small and luxury ships, allowing you to explore this fantastic part of the world in comfort and with peace of mind.

Best Cruises to Greenland

Inuit in East Greenland Early PONANT
No Single Supplement
Reykjavík, Iceland - Reykjavík
14/05/2025 to the 24/05/2025
10 Nights

Price from per person

£13,500
Greenland Icebreaker cruise on Le Commandant Charcot
No Single Supplement
Reykjavík, Iceland - Reykjavík
14/05/2026 to the 28/05/2026
14 Nights

Price from per person

£19,080
kullorsuaq
No Single Supplement
Kangerlussuaq - Kangerlussuaq
Aug 02 2025 - Aug 18 2025
16 Nights

Price from per person

£17,920

Highlights Of a Greenland Cruise

Why Visit?

1

Explore The Most Epic Scenery on The Planet

Greenland is one of the largest untouched wildernesses on Earth, from mountainous landscapes that rival Patagonia to vast unexplored fjords.

2

Witness Colossal Icebergs and Glaciers

Glaciers calve where the Greenland ice cap meets the coast, creating some of the most gigantic icebergs on the planet. Icebergs are seen throughout Greenland.

3

Meet Greenlandic People and Experience Greenlandic Culture

A massive highlight of exploring Greenland is meeting the people who live there and getting an insight into their way of life and culture.

4

Hike in Pristine Wilderness

Greenland offers fantastic chances for exhilarating hikes along remote beaches and deserted hillsides, all with amazing views.

5

Join Exhilarating Outdoor Activities

Greenland cruises offer the perfect chance to experience kayaking amongst the ice, dog sledging, ice fishing and polar trekking. 

6

Small Ship Expedition Cruise Experience

Join a small group of fellow explorers and experience Greenland in comfort and luxury on a purpose-built, ice-strengthened expedition ship.

What To See

huge icebergs in Greenland

Epic Ice

Due to the Greenland Icecap, which frequently calves ice into the waters around the coast, Greenland is an iceberg spotter's dream. 

Colourful Remote Settlements

Greenland is home to some of the most isolated settlements of the Indigenous Inuit people, characterised by their vibrant and colourful houses.

whales by an iceberg in Greenland

Wildlife

Greenland offers a great chance to encounter Arctic Animals, including Polar Bears (East Coast), Whales (Disko Bay), Musk Ox, Arctic foxes and hares.

northern lights behind a colourful house in Greenland

Northern Lights

From September onwards, the Aurora Borealis lights up the skies across Greenland. Experiencing this phenomenon in such a natural setting is a sight to behold.

Getting to Your Greenland Cruise

Due to Greenland’s isolated nature, very little infrastructure links towns and settlements, making an expedition cruise with shore landings by Zodiac the perfect way to encounter all Greenland offers. 

With Greenland, there are two main options for joining cruises: 1) to fly to Greenland and join a cruise that departs from there, or 2) join an expedition cruise that sails to Greenland from other destinations in the Arctic, such as Svalbard, Greenland or Iceland. The choice is down to which itinerary best suits your preferences. 

For cruises commencing in Greenland, a charter flight to Greenland is often included as part of the itinerary from Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark, to ensure a seamless journey. 

If cruising to Greenland from another destination, you must reach the departure port first. Many cruises to Greenland depart from Reykjavik, Iceland, which has excellent international connections to the rest of the world. 

Depending on your itinerary, a flight to and from the departure port may also be included. If not, our Travel Experience Team can help you with this. 

For more information, please see our guide below for all the different ways to get to Greenland.

Best Time To Go On A Greenland Cruise

Greenland cruises usually take place in the summer between June and September when the temperature is milder, and there is less sea ice, making navigation easier. However, thanks to new icebreaker cruises, it’s now possible to visit East Greenland much earlier in the season, during April and May, due to its unique icebreaking capabilities.

The best time to explore Greenland on an expedition cruise depends on what you want to see. April to June offer the best chance to undertake a genuine polar expedition deep into the sea ice of East Greenland on an icebreaker cruise. 

June and July offer great months to explore the tranquil fjords of the West Coast of Greenland and the stunning ice formations of Disko Bay, with 24 hours of sunlight above the Arctic Circle and often mild weather. 

August is the best month for expeditions to East Greenland on regular cruise ships and for exploring further afield, from Greenland to the Northwest Passage, as the sea ice extent is at its lowest. 

September offers the best chances to see the Northern lights on your cruise as the darkness returns, and it is an excellent month for photographers with gorgeous hues in the sky. 

Types of Greenland Cruises

Greenland Luxury Cruises

Luxury expedition cruises to explore Greenland offer the chance to encounter this mystical land in style and comfort without compromising the expedition experience.

Greenland Icebreaker Cruises

Icebreaker cruises in Greenland offer opportunities to explore Disko Bay, East Greenland and Scoresby Sund when they are inaccessible to regular ships due to the sea ice.

Greenland and the Northwest Passage and Cruises

Combine an expedition cruise that explores Greenland's majestic icebergs and remote settlements with the Northwest Passage for the ultimate journey.

Iceland and Greenland Cruises

Combine an expedition cruise that explores Greenland's majestic coasts with the land of fire and Ice.

Places To Visit On An Expedition Cruise To Greenland

Disko Bay Greenland Ponant

Disko Bay & Ilulissat Icefjord

The calving Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier fills the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay with some of the planet's most enormous icebergs, making it one of Greenland's must-see sights.
Nuuk capital of Greenland

Nuuk

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is a vibrant cultural centre. Explore museums, cafes, and restaurants, and enjoy a hike with some great views of the Nuuk Fjord beyond.
scoresby sund East Greenland

Scoresby Sund

Scoresby Sund is an unparalleled wilderness above the Arctic Circle on Greenland's remote East Coast—the longest natural fjord system on Earth. Here, you can encounter mountainous fjords and icebergs the size of skyscrapers.
Prins Christian Sound in Greenland Le Commandant Charcot Icebreaker PONANT

Prins Christian Sound

A breathtaking natural waterway in southern Greenland, this narrow, picturesque fjord is a passage for ships travelling between East and West Greenland, avoiding the rough waters of Cape Farvel.
Qaqortoq town in Greenland with cruise ship

Qaqortoq

Nestled in the picturesque scenery of Southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is a charming town of colourful houses and the largest town in the country's southern region.
Uppernavik town in Greenland

Upernavik

Upernavik is a town on a small island in northwestern Greenland renowned for its traditional kayak craftsmanship.

Recommended Greenland Cruise Ships

Le Commandant Charcot

245 Guests
PC6
150m
Le Commandant Charcot offers a 5* luxury icebreaker experience offering new opportunities to explore areas of Greenland, including the remote east coast and Disko Bay, early in the season that is off limits to regular ships due to the thick sea ice thanks to its unique icebreaking hull. Prepare for an outstanding experience on board. Enjoy a variety of dining options, spacious suites with room service, and a large outdoor heated lagoon powered by recycled energy. You can also make use of the indoor pool and relax while taking in the breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ocean Explorer

132 Guests
PC6
104
One of the newest ships in Greenland, Ocean Explorer offers small ship expeditions to the East Coast of Greenland. Ideal for travellers seeking comfort and an authentic expedition experience, Ocean Explorer's small group size ensures an intimate encounter with Greenland's majestic nature.

Plan Your Greenland Cruise

Book your Greenland cruise well in advance, as the best itineraries often sell out. If you are a solo traveller, book early to secure your preferred itinerary and cabin, as single spaces are minimal.

When planning your trip, there are many different small cruise ships and activities to choose from. You can choose a cruise that matches your interests, such as hiking or doing specific activities like dog sledging. Don't worry; our super knowledgeable Travel Experience Team will help you choose the best options based on what you like.

Reserve Your Cabin With North Pole Cruises: We will ensure you receive the best price from the operator when booking. Our knowledgeable Travel Experience Team will help you choose your Greenland cruise and answer any questions. We will provide lots of helpful information, including packing lists, before the voyage and support you during your journey if you have any issues. With every booking, we offer peace of mind with our 100% financial protection. 

Take Out Travel Insurance: Before you set off on your amazing cruise to Greenland, make sure to get good travel insurance that will help you if your trip gets canceled, you need medical help, or you have to be taken from a remote place. Your insurance should specifically say it covers trips to cold places like Greenland. We're here to help you get ready for this very special trip to a place that not many people get to see.

Embarking on an expedition cruise to Greenland is a rare and unique opportunity. We are here to assist you in planning and preparing for this extraordinary voyage, where you will have the chance to explore one of the world's most hidden destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When booking a cruise to Greenland, the cost can vary depending on factors such as the size and luxury level of the ship, the specific travel plans, the number of people going, the time of year, and the length of the trip. As a rough estimate, prices usually start at around £1,000 ($1274, €1152) per person per night for an expedition cruise. Icebreaker cruises to Greenland, which are more specialized, tend to be more expensive per person. Often, it is possible to obtain a deal for late bookers looking to travel at the last minute, subject to availability.

If you’re traveling solo to Greenland, we have special deals that don’t require you to pay extra for a single room on certain cruises. Our team can help you find the right cruise for you, so just let us know what you’re looking for!

Seeing polar bears on a cruise in East Greenland is a possibility, but the chances are lower than in Svalbard. It’s important to understand that the presence of sea ice is crucial for polar bear sightings. Therefore, it’s highly unlikely to spot them in Southern Greenland or the Disko Bay area, as these regions are ice-free during the summer.

For the best chances of encountering polar bears, we strongly recommend a Greenland cruise that also includes a visit to Svalbard. This combination offers the most comprehensive experience for polar bear sightings.

Greenland experiences various weather conditions depending on the time of year you plan to visit due to its Arctic climate. The summer months (June to August) offer the best cruising conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius (32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) above the Arctic Circle. The area to the south experiences milder temperatures, especially in July. The Arctic experiences calm conditions during summer due to predominantly high-pressure weather systems, with longer daylight hours and even the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. Spring (April to May) temperatures are colder, ranging from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius (14 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). Fall (September to October) experiences lower temperatures and the return of snowfall, offering the best chance to see the Northern Lights.

Given the unpredictable nature of Greenland’s weather, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. We recommend packing layers, warm clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. Rest assured, we will provide you with a comprehensive packing list during the reservation process, ensuring you’re fully equipped to handle the weather conditions on your Greenland cruise.

The Greenland cruise package encompasses comfortable cabin accommodations, meals, knowledgeable guides, outlined guest lecturers per the itinerary, Zodiac cruises and excursions, and specific charter flights. Please refer to the detailed tour page for a comprehensive list of inclusions.

At North Pole Cruises, we understand that financial security is a top priority for our clients. That’s why all our bookings come with 100% financial protection. We also provide supplier failure insurance at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind and the best protection for your booking. 

When reserving your chosen itinerary, the payment options will be quoted.

Our typical payment terms are designed with your comfort in mind. You can secure your cabin with a 25% deposit at the time of booking, and the final balance is due 90 days before your departure, giving you ample time to plan and prepare. 

We accept payment via credit card (Mastercard or Visa) or bank transfer.

When you cruise to Greenland, you can choose from various adventurous activities. Exploring with an expert team of guides on Zodiacs is always included as part of the expedition.

You can also try kayaking, dog sledging, walking on ice, camping, flight-seeing helicopters and ice fishing. These activities are available on specific trips and can add a special touch to your Greenland adventure.

When you book your trip, let us know which activities you’re interested in, and we’ll help you find the right trip for you. The cost of some activities is already included in the trip, while others might have an extra fee.

Due to its vast size, wildlife in Greenland is less commonly seen compared to Svalbard, where wildlife is more concentrated. If you are interested in seeing polar bears, cruises to East Greenland provide the best chances, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, Disko Bay is an excellent location for whale-watching.

We suggest considering a cruise that covers both Svalbard and Greenland for a greater chance to see wildlife. This combination will enhance your opportunities for wildlife sightings.

If you need help choosing the most suitable Greenland cruise based on your interests, please contact our Travel Experience Team.

 

Greenland cruises can range from 10 days for an icebreaker cruise exploring East Greenland in the spring to 28 days for a comprehensive cruise covering Greenland and the Northwest Passage. We offer a variety of Greenland cruises and can assist you in finding the one that best suits your preferred duration.

Planning to go on a cruise to Greenland? It’s best to book your trip a year ahead to make sure you get the ship and room you want. But if you’re more of a last-minute planner, don’t worry – we often have spots available on some trips. Just reach out to our Travel Experience Team to find out.

To start planning your trip to Greenland, contact our Travel Experience Team. They’re here to help you figure out your travel plans and give you all the information you need about when the cruise is available and how much it will cost.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

Why Reserve With Us?
TrustPilot black logo

Join Us

Subscribe to be the first to know about new voyages, exclusive offers and insider travel tips.

North Pole Cruises – a brand by the Expedition Collective Limited

© 2024 The Expedition Collective

Book Your Free Polar Consultation

A valuable opportunity to discuss your travel interests, ask questions, and receive impartial guidance on the different ship options and itineraries.

Call Us

UK | EU

9am – 7pm GMT

USA & Canada

9am – 5pm EST

Ask A Question

Do you have a question for our knowledgeable Travel Experience Team? We’re all ears! Just fill out this form, and we will be in touch shortly to answer your question.

Your Guide To Exploring The Polar Regions

Subscribe to be the first to know about new voyages, exclusive offers and insider travel tips.