Grand Greenland – Mythical Lands of the North

Departures & Pricing

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Fridtjof Nansen

One of two revolutionary hybrid-powered expedition vessels with battery packs that store electric power. The ship has more efficient engines, lower fuel usage, reduced C02 emissions, and the ability to sail almost silently.

Guests

490

Gross tonnage

20,889

Speed

15 knots

Length

140 m

Launched

2020

Beam

23.6 m

Deck plans

9

MS Fridtjof Nansen · Deck plans

Deck 11

− + Fit

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Itinerary

1. 1

   From New York to Nuuk

   Welcome to the capital of Greenland

   Your adventure with HX begins with a morning flight from New York to Nuuk.

   After landing in Nuuk, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, your home for the night in Greenland´s colourful and compact city.

   Enjoy an exquisite dinner at the hotel´s own restaurant, where classic Danish dishes are combined with local Greenlandic flavours.

   For a late evening walk, why not 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.

2. 2

   Embarkation day at Nuuk

   Explore Nuuk and surroundings

   In the morning, you’ll head to Colonial Harbour, known locally as Kolonihavnen, home to some of the city's oldest buildings, including the Hans Egede House, built in 1728 and now a historic monument.

   From here, we board a small boat for a scenic ride up Nuuk Fjord to a remote, abandoned settlement where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes.

   In the afternoon, the boat will return you to Nuuk, where your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. Settle in, attend the safety briefing, and enjoy a welcome dinner as your voyage begins.

3. 3

   Sailing toward Disko Bay

   Sailing to Disko Bay Getting ready for adventure

   Sailing toward 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 on board, enjoy the state-of-the-art ship 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’ll cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

4. 4

   UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

   See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks

   Today we’ll reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered 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, 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 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 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.

5. 5

   Exploring Uummannaq Fjord

   Entering through the gateway to the north

   Greenland’s Far North begins beyond the Nuussuaq Peninsula. Here, life moves at the rhythm of the Arctic – unhurried and guided by the elements.

   This rugged, beautiful land has drawn people for over 4,000 years. Early settlers navigated its coastline and carved out a life in conditions few could endure. Today, archaeological sites stand as quiet markers of their resilience, including the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in this very region.

   Potential landings may include visits to small, remote communities like Uummannaq, watched over by its striking heart-shaped mountain, or Ukkusissat. Weather and ice permitting, we’ll explore the Qilakitsoq site, cruise into secluded fjords, or step ashore to take in Greenland’s raw Arctic landscapes – always ready to adapt, as nature allows.

6. 6

   At Sea

   Relax and learn at sea

   We’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning “The Great Dog Sledding Place,” the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, in the mid-19th century.

   As we sail well beyond 70 degrees north, relax on board and join wildlife-watches out on deck with the Expedition Team. You could also learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures covering its nature, geology and mythology.

7. 7

   Discovering the Thule region

   Days 7–11

   Explore life at the edge of the world

   “Ultima Thule” was the term used in the 4th century BC by the Greek explorer Pytheas to describe a mythical land in the far north. Nobody knows for sure which land Pytheas had in mind when he coined this name, but for some it has come to refer to the far north in Greenland.

   As we explore here, expect wild beauty at the edge of the inhabitable world. Extreme climatic conditions year-round guarantee isolation and tough living conditions for the inhabitants, and even by Arctic standards the Thule region is harsh and remote. And yet, this was the first region in Greenland ever to be populated by the forerunners of the Inuit, somewhere around 4,500 years ago. How they managed to survive and thrive in that environment still puzzles Arctic archaeologists.

   The abundant bird and animal life provides sustenance, and the traditional hunting culture has survived better here than elsewhere in Greenland. The polar travel know-how of the locals has been highly sought after on European and American expeditions, either as guides or saviors. In fact, thanks to its position, the region has been the natural starting point for many travelers heading toward the North Pole.

   Always adapting our program to the changing weather and ice conditions, we will spend the next few days exploring the region. We aim to visit some of the local communities, land with expedition boats and marvel at the power of nature, sail through icy channels and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas and perhaps even polar bears.

8. 12

   At Sea

   Days 12–13

   Crossing Baffin Bay

   We are now sailing south again, our adventures in the north completed. Days at sea are the perfect time to relax on board, perhaps chatting with new friends in the Expedition Lounge & Bar, catching up on any lectures you may have missed and enjoying leisurely lunches. If you haven’t tried the hot tubs yet, now’s your chance. There’s something magical about bathing in warm water as icebergs drift past!

   Out on deck, the Expedition Team will keep a look out for wildlife. Or they’ll be in the Science Center, revealing new and interesting information to you about Greenland, the Arctic and other topics related to our voyage. Feel free to join in with any of the Citizen Science projects that are running – they’re engaging and fun, and you’ll be contributing something useful to global research.

9. 14

   Landscapes and communities of west Greenland

   Days 14–15

   Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

   The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, 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.

   As we sail south, we’ll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. Possible calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq – a small fishing and hunting village perched just north of the Arctic Circle.

   Further along the coast lies Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. Though modern in appearance, its roots run deep, with archaeological remains dating back over 4,000 years. Visit the local museum to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, or browse for qiviut scarves, hats, and mittens – crafted from the soft inner wool of musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

   Whether hiking ashore, meeting Greenlanders, or scanning the horizon for wildlife, these final days offer a fitting epilogue to your Arctic expedition.

10. 16

    Fly back to New York

    Farewell to 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

    From here, you'll catch a flight back to New York, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.

Accommodation

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

You might also like

Cruise · HX Expeditions · 12 nights

Discovering Greenland – From Reykjavík to Nuuk

• Flights and transfers included from Nuuk to New York
• Hybrid-powered expedition ship with advanced facilities and sustainability features
• Onboard science focus and expert expedition team to enhance your experience

Departs 2 June, 2027

From $12,359 pp twin From $12,359 pp solo

Discover more

Cruise · HX Expeditions · 12 nights

Grand Greenland – The Icy Giants of Disko Bay (Copenhagen package)

• Round-trip flights from Copenhagen included
• Overnight stays in Copenhagen before and after the cruise
• Transfers between the airport and ship in Nuuk arranged

Departs 13 June, 2027 + More Dates

From $14,733 pp twin From $15,112 pp solo

Discover more

Cruise · HX Expeditions · 15 nights

Iconic Antarctica – The Explorer’s Route – MS Fridtjof Nansen

• Round-trip flights from Buenos Aires and overnight stay included
• Expedition team to guide you through the Antarctic experience
• Hybrid-powered ship with eco-friendly features and premium onboard facilities

Departs 21 November, 2027 + More Dates

From $17,439 pp twin From $24,393 pp solo

Discover more