Expedition to Greenland, land of Northern Lights

8 days
Sep 2027 - Sep 2028
SH Vega

2027
2028

from

$6,600

per person

Best Price Promise & Private Fares
from $6,600 per person

Embark on the Greenland and Northern lights cruise, a round trip beginning and concluding in Nuuk, Greenland's vibrant capital located on the island's southwest tip. Over eight days, this extraordinary journey navigates the stunning coastal landscapes, allowing you to witness towering glaciers

Highlights


Itinerary

day 1 | Kangerlussuaq Havn

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.


day 2 | Evighedsfjorden

Evighedsfjorden, also called “Eternity Fjord,” is a dramatic fjord located on the eastern coast of Greenland. It features steep, glaciated cliffs and deep, icy waters, typical of Greenland’s rugged fjord landscapes. The fjord is largely uninhabited and remote, offering pristine scenery and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and occasionally whales. Its isolation and striking natural beauty make it a destination primarily for adventurous explorers and scientific research.


day 3 | Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn)

Qeqertarsuaq (also known as Godhavn) is a small town located on Disko Island off the west coast of Greenland, with a population of around 800–900 people. It is known for its unique volcanic landscape, hot springs, and rich Arctic environment compared to much of Greenland. Founded in 1773 as a Danish trading post, its name “Godhavn” means “Good Harbor.” The town’s economy mainly depends on fishing, hunting, and growing tourism, including whale watching and Arctic exploration.


day 4 | Uummannaq

In the iceberg-laden waters surrounding the remote community of Uummannaq it is common to see whales. This area of Greenland is also known for its huge basalt mountains, and the small hunting and fishing village of Uummannaq rests at the foot of the heart-shaped Uummannaq Mountain, a name that translates to mean “in the shape of a seal’s heart”. The town of over 1200 people has a granite church and the country’s most northerly ferry terminal. The economy of Uummannaq revolves largely around the halibut/fish-processing factory.


day 5 | Eqip Sermia Glacier

Scattering chunks of sea ice like confetti, Eqip Sermia Glacier’s 2-mile-wide wall of ice is alive with thrilling activity. Known as the Calving Glacier, this immense formation towers up to 550 feet above the surface. Cracks and rumbles echo through the air from Eqip Sermia Glacier, one of the most active in the Northern Hemisphere. Enjoy the show, as dramatic collapses send mini-icebergs tumbling across the surface and the ship rolls gently on the ensuing waves. Explore this incredible glacier up close, immersed in pure silence, with only the calls of seabirds and the murmurings of the ice breaking the quiet. Eqip Sermia Glacier is retreating quickly, and this rapid movement drives the frequency of its calving events. Found at the terminus of Eqi Fjord, the compacted flow of ancient ice mass spills down through black and white mountains from its roots in the Greenland Ice Sheet - the second-largest body of ice in the world after Antarctica, covering 80% of the island. The deep blues and turquoise hues are caused by centuries of compression. Icy sculptures from Eqip Sermia Glacier and nearby Jakobshavn Glacier and Kangilerngata Sermia Glacier drift toward Disko Bay, where fin, humpback, and minke whales breach and roll through the lively waters.


day 6 | Ilulissat, Disko Bay

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs


day 7 | Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.


day 8 | Kangerlussuaq Havn

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.


Ships

sh vega

SH Vega

Named in honor of the first vessel to navigate the Arctic Northeast Passage, SH Vega is a 5-star expedition ship crafted for discovery. Accommodating 152 guests across 76 elegant staterooms, the ship seamlessly blends rugged performance with refined Scandinavian luxury. Built at Helsinki’s renowned shipyard, its PC5 ice-strengthened hull and advanced stabilizers ensure stability even in the most remote polar regions. Onboard, you will find a harmonious mix of natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and world-class amenities designed to keep your focus on the breathtaking landscapes just outside. Read about Cruise Norway’s expedition cruise experience on board SH Vega in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.



What's included

Inclusions

  • Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong)

  • Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)

  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)

  • Your selected stateroom

  • All meals onboard

  • Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise

  • 24-hour room service

  • Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers

  • One selected shore excursion per port of call

  • All expedition landings

  • Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)

  • Gym, sauna, pool

  • 24/7 self service laundry

  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep

  • In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots

  • Memory Package

  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes


Practical information

The best time to visit Greenland on a cruise is between June and September, when the ice has melted enough to allow ship access.

  • June – Early Summer: Midnight Sun, calving glaciers, and Arctic wildflowers in bloom.

  • July & August – Peak Season: Warmer temperatures, best time for whale watching, and access to remote fjords.

  • September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, fewer visitors, and increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Greenland is home to incredible Arctic wildlife, including:

  • Whales – Humpback, Fin, Minke, and even Narwhals.

  • Musk Oxen – Large, woolly mammals roaming the tundra.

  • Arctic Foxes & Arctic Hares – Well-adapted to the cold.

  • Seals – Bearded, Harp, and Ringed Seals.

  • Seabirds – Puffins, Kittiwakes, Gannets, and Gyrfalcons.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has a separate immigration policy.

  • Most travelers do NOT need a visa if they have a valid Schengen visa or a passport from a visa-exempt country.

  • Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as national ID cards are not sufficient for entry.

  • Swan Hellenic will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Always check entry requirements before departure.

Greenland’s climate is Arctic but varies by region and season. During the cruise season, expect:

  • June - July: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

  • August - September: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)

Coastal areas are milder than inland. Weather can change rapidly, so layering is key.

acking properly for your Greenland expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable while exploring the Arctic. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

  • Layering is essential – choose wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics over cotton for better insulation.

  • Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).

  • Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.

  • Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.

  • Gloves & Mittens – fleece and wool gloves provide warmth in cold and windy conditions.

  • Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.

  • Scarf or Fleece Tube – extra warmth for your neck and face.

  • Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.

  • Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.

  • Sturdy Hiking Shoes – essential for shore excursions and exploring Greenland’s rugged terrain.

  • Sunglasses with UV Protection – Arctic sunlight reflects off ice and water, making this a must-have.

  • Sleeping Mask – helpful for sleeping under the Midnight Sun in summer.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

  • Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for Zodiac excursions and landings.

  • A Good Pair of Binoculars – ideal for spotting whales, seabirds, and distant icebergs (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).

  • Camera & Extra Memory Cards – Greenland’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife provide stunning photo opportunities.

  • Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures reduce battery life quickly.

  • Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific power requirements.

  • Sea Sickness Medication – Greenland’s waters can be unpredictable, especially in the Denmark Strait.

Personal Care & Essentials

  • Your Passport & a Copy of It

  • Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for onboard payment details.

  • Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against Arctic sun exposure.

  • Moisturizer – the cold, dry Arctic air can dry out your skin quickly.

  • Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unexpected delays.

Meet your expedition cruise experts

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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time

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