7 Key Insights Before Embarking on a Greenland Cruise

The opportunity to kayak among floating electric-blue icebergs, immerse yourself in traditional Greenlandic culture, witness the northern lights, trek along dramatic fjords, and look out for whales—these are just a few reasons why travel to Greenland has been on the rise over the past twenty years (excluding the pandemic period).

However, navigating this vast country isn’t straightforward. Since most communities in Greenland aren’t linked by roads (locals typically travel by boat, bush plane, or sled dog team), one of the most efficient ways to explore is through an expedition cruise.

Having recently traveled with Scenic Cruises to Greenland, I’ve received countless questions from eager travelers, such as “Is it really covered in ice?” and “What activities can you enjoy on a cruise to Greenland?” With these questions in mind, here are some essential insights to consider before booking your Greenland cruise.

Get Familiar with the Essentials

Greenland ranks as one of the least populated areas globally. It spans 836,330 square miles—surpassing the combined size of Texas, California, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Maine. Yet, only about 57,000 people reside there, with nearly 90 percent being Indigenous, and most inhabitants live in a few cities along the western coastline.

The cruising season in Greenland is relatively brief—most sailings occur in July, August, and September, when icebergs are more abundant. Although around 80 percent of Greenland is blanketed by an ice sheet (the largest outside of Antarctica), summer transforms the fjords into vibrant landscapes of green moss and grasses, adorned with wildflowers like fireweed and buttercups.

Select the right operator (and itinerary) for your journey

In recent years, several cruise companies have begun offering voyages to Greenland. Most of these are small expedition lines, accommodating between 100 and 300 guests onboard, including brands like Lindblad, Hurtigruten, Adventure Canada, Quark, and Scenic. Occasionally, larger cruise lines such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer sailings here.

Factors such as embarkation and disembarkation ports, sailing duration, and the ship’s icebreaking abilities will influence the destinations available to travelers. Some itineraries concentrate on the more populated western coast, allowing visitors to engage with local communities, interact with residents, and shop for crafts. Others focus on the rugged, wild eastern coast, where daily activities involve outdoor adventures and navigating scenic ice formations. Longer trips may cover both areas.

On a cruise that emphasizes the western coast, you’ll typically dock in port towns in the morning, giving you the option to join an organized excursion or explore independently. Here are some highlights you might experience on a western voyage:

• Nuuk: This is the largest city in Greenland, home to about a third of the population. It’s a popular stop due to its selection of museums, a performing arts center, restaurants, bars, handicraft shops, and supermarkets.
• Narsaq: Close to Nuuk, this small community is known for sheep herding and fishing.
• Ilulissat: Passengers can visit a UNESCO-protected ice fjord, which hosts one of the world's most active glaciers.

Cruises along the eastern coast of Greenland typically do not dock at ports. Instead, passengers use 10-person inflatable boats called Zodiacs to navigate around floating icebergs or to reach land for hikes. Wildlife sightings, including foxes, Arctic hares, seals, and shorebirds, are more common on this side. With flexible itineraries, ships can linger longer to observe natural events, such as glaciers calving or humpback whales engaging in bubble-net feeding (where they create bubbles to trap fish for their companions). Consider which type of itinerary resonates most with you and choose a sailing that aligns with your preferences.

Select the ideal ship to match your preferences

Ship size is another important factor to think about. Smaller vessels can access remote locations and provide a more personal experience both onboard and ashore. In contrast, larger ships tend to offer more amenities, such as spas, multiple dining options, and exciting features like helicopters and submarines that can reveal a different aspect of the destination. Identifying your must-have amenities can help narrow down your choices.

Set realistic expectations for wildlife viewing

While you might catch glimpses of breathtaking sights like polar bears and the northern lights during your Greenland cruise, there are no guarantees. Polar bears are primarily found in the northern and eastern parts of Greenland, usually in regions accessible only to ice-capable vessels. If the prospect of missing polar bears would be disappointing, you might want to consider a trip to Svalbard, where their population is denser. Additionally, due to the midnight sun in Greenland, the conditions for viewing the aurora borealis are often too bright until late in the season (generally September, but possibly August). However, there are cruises, mainly in Norway, specifically designed for travelers hoping to witness this natural phenomenon.

Be prepared: know what to bring

Even though many cruise operators stress the importance of polar gear, you may be surprised to find that Greenland can be milder than expected. From July to September, the average minimum temperature hovers around the low 40s, while the highs can reach the mid to upper 50s. As a Coloradan, I managed well with just hiking pants and a flannel shirt for most excursions during our early August trip, though my travel companion from Georgia opted for long underwear and a puffy jacket.

While your choice of base and mid-layers is a matter of personal preference, there are a few essential items that are non-negotiable. Here’s a brief list of must-pack items:

• A windproof and waterproof jacket and pants: essential for Zodiac rides to shield against sea spray.
• Sturdy, tall waterproof boots: necessary for wet landings when you go ashore in remote areas (you might get splashed as the Zodiac reaches the beach) and for walking in snow. Some operators provide boots, so check in advance. If not, consider brands like Xtratuf or Hunter.
• Sunglasses: crucial in snowy or icy areas due to the sun's reflection.
• Sunscreen: the days can be long and sunny.

Prepare for variable ice conditions and weather

Although Greenland has experienced significant transformations due to climate change in recent years, such as shrinking glaciers and rising temperatures, there is still plenty of ice that can dramatically impact your sailing experience.

If there’s an abundance of ice near the shore, it might hinder landings. This can also disrupt Zodiac rides and kayaking adventures. As ice melts, it shifts and rolls, with much of its mass submerged, making it unsafe to approach closely; consequently, some expedition leaders may cancel water activities altogether in the presence of excessive ice.

Furthermore, the combination of coastal breezes and ice often leads to thick fog in Greenland. Given the potential presence of polar bears (the only bears known to actively hunt humans), cruise lines will refrain from making landings during foggy conditions (or when heavy rain impacts visibility). As a result, you might find yourself on board for several days if you’re on the eastern coast. The same goes for instances where the wind creates rough waters that prevent safe navigation for Zodiacs. Any weather situation that poses a risk to guests—whether from environmental factors or polar bears—could lead to extended time on the ship.

Approach your journey with flexibility

Cruise lines typically partner with local tour operators to provide cultural experiences with the Greenlandic people for their passengers. This might include a traditional kaffeemik (an afternoon gathering for coffee and cake), historical walking tours, craft beer tastings with local brewers, and more. Guests may also have the chance to enjoy local cuisine, which can feature dishes common in parts of the USA, such as halibut, snow crab, herring, or lamb. Additionally, it may include more unique proteins like polar bear, narwhal, and whale, which some visitors might find unsettling.

In Greenland, Indigenous communities are permitted to harvest a specified number of these animals annually for subsistence, which holds significant cultural importance.

Given Greenland's harsh climate, where most foods struggle to grow, locals have historically relied on available resources for survival. It’s worth noting that the Greenlandic Inuit adhere to the principle of minimizing waste by utilizing every part of the animals they harvest and taking only what is necessary. If this aspect of the experience makes you uncomfortable, you might want to reconsider this cruise.