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DAY 1 Fly from New York to Nuuk
Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue.
Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.
DAY 2 At sea
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 we head north.
You will also 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, we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.
DAY 3 UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord
Today, we 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, will return to the ship with enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn about the ice in this fascinating area. You can also go on a hike to Sermermiut to take in incredible views.
DAYS 4-5 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 that we attempt depends 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. We may visit the archaeological site of Qilakitsok, go on nature landings or attempt ice-cruising in the inner fjords with our small boats (RIBs).
DAYS 6-8 Beautiful ice sculptures of Disko Bay
Grandeur is the key word here. Disko Bay is one of those places that people dream about. And with good reason – the deep blue waters here are scattered with icebergs in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are truly immense, weighing over seven million tons, and the ice fjord pumps out more water in the form of glacial ice in a day than New York City uses in a year.
Traditional communities, massive glaciers, and seemingly endless stretches of wilderness await us during our exploration of the region. Over the next days, we aim to show you the wonders of the bay, including Vaigat Sound, Disko Island, and the eastern fjords. Of course, Mother Nature has the upper hand, so we’ll always be ready to adjust our plans to the local weather and ice conditions.
Get ready for nature landings in our small boats (RIBs), cruising in between floes and icebergs, spotting whales from the deck, and listening to interesting talks by the Expedition Team. On landings, keep your eyes open and maybe you’ll catch sight of a reindeer herd, a fast-moving Arctic fox, or a powerfully built gyrfalcon.
DAYS 9-10 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 our journey south, we’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 11 End of expedition in Nuuk
Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland.
From here, you'll catch a flight back to New York, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.
