Discovering West Greenland – Icebergs & Communities Of Disko Bay

Flight from Newark to Nuuk

Transfer from airport to pier in Nuuk

Gateway to the Greenlandic Arctic  Arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s compact capital, set along a deep fjord system framed by rugged mountains. Despite its small scale, the city is a vibrant centre of modern Greenlandic life.  If time allows, we’ll explore this fascinating city. Nuuk is also where you start to feel the essence of the Arctic: ice, sea, and the mountainous peaks of Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.   Once on board, meet the Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and enjoy your first dinner on board. 

Spectacular fjord-side settlements Today we head north towards the aptly named Eternity Fjord, where dramatic peaks rise 2,000 metres from the water's edge. On board, join the first lectures from the Expedition Team about what's to come on the voyage ahead. At some point during today's sailing, we'll cross the Arctic Circle, a milestone moment worth marking on deck.  As we approach the fjord mouth, we’ll venture ashore to visit Kangaamiut on Akulleq Island, a small community of around 300 people where daily life is shaped by centuries-old traditions of fishing and hunting, offering your first experience of local life in Greenland. 

Spend time with the community and enjoy the calmAmong the ice-filled waters and rugged coastlines of Disko Bay lie a handful of small settlements, some home to fewer than 60 residents. Depending on conditions, we may visit a local community or undertake an expedition landing, exploring this remarkable region alongside our Expedition Team. Whether stepping ashore in a remote settlement or wandering a wild Arctic shoreline, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Greenland's close connection to the sea, its resilient culture, and the dramatic natural forces that have shaped life here for generations. 

Marvel at the UNESCO-listed wonderThis spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden path to the breathtaking ice fjord.Marvel at giant icebergs floating in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey, and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to take in the incredible views. 

Explore the wild ArcticToday is dedicated to exploration in Vaigat Sound, a dramatic waterway between Disko Island and the Nuussuaq peninsula. Expect towering cliffs with birdlife and ice‑filled waters. As always on an expedition voyage, our plans remain flexible. The Expedition Team will choose the best sites for landings, Zodiac cruises, and nature walks, allowing for an immersive Arctic experience that’s guided by the conditions on the day. 

Explore the volcanic island landscapeToday we spend more time exploring the inky blue waters of Disko Bay. In our Zodiacs, cruise between ice floes and towering glaciers, taking in the sheer scale of this Arctic landscape. We'll also step ashore on Disko Island, the only major island in Greenland formed by ancient basalt lava flows, giving it a completely different character to the mainland: dramatic columns, red flat-topped peaks, and unusually lush vegetation fed by volcanic soils. Hike through tundra rich with wildflowers and birdlife, and visit the colourful town of Qeqertarsuaq, nestled beneath towering basalt cliffs where a small community lives amid one of the Arctic's most striking geological landscapes. 

Modern towns on the edge of the wildernessThe central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, where long fjords cut deep into a vast and sparsely populated landscape. Here, distances are great, and the sense of remoteness is part of everyday life.  As we sail south, we'll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. A possible call is Itilleq, a small fishing and hunting village perched near the Arctic Circle, where warm local welcomes, traditional kaffemik gatherings, personal stories, or maybe even a friendly soccer match offer an authentic glimpse into everyday Greenlandic life. 

Return to Greenland’s capital   Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, the crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. After disembarkation, board a small boat for a scenic journey into the spectacular Nuuk Fjord. Your destination is a remote, abandoned settlement, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Returning to Nuuk in the afternoon, visit Colonial Harbour, known locally as Kolonihavnen. This charming historic district is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including the Hans Egede House, built in 1728 and now preserved as a historic monument. Later, check in to your hotel, your home for the night, where you’ll enjoy dinner and time to relax. 

Transfer from pier to hotel, incl. excursion and lunch

At Hotel

Transfer from hotel to airport in Nuuk

Flight from Nuuk to Newark