Greenland Summer Explorer - Cruising Under The Midnight Sun

Explore the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavík 

Packed full of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth exploring either before or after your cruise to Greenland. 

Take a stroll along Laugavegur and browse the boutiques and outdoor shops. Head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, or visit fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Book a Pre-Programme with us and discover the stunning waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and national parks nearby. 

MS Maud awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin. Your adventure has begun. 

In the wake of Vikings 

We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. This is the route taken by Erik the Red, thought to be the first European to have settled there. It's time to relax and explore the stylish onboard facilities of your ship. 

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and local communities. In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. 

If you're feeling active, you can hit the gym, or perhaps you'd rather just enjoy a delicious meal in one of the three onboard restaurants. 

A historic region of natural beauty 

For the next three days, you'll be exploring the south of Greenland. Enter a land of dramatic mountains, crystalline icebergs, and green rolling fields. Experience the history of the area through Viking Age ruins, and immerse yourself in the culture by spending time with the local people. You may even have the chance to join in a traditional Greenlandic social gathering, a Kaffemik, with a local family. 

With our Expedition Team choosing the best places to land, your adventure is in safe hands. Perhaps you'll discover Inuit artifacts among the colourful houses of Qaqortoq, or scout for wildlife in a boat at Kvanefjord. You may get to see the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hvalsey Church, the site of the last documented event to ever take place during the Norse settlement of Greenland. 

You can rest assured that whichever places you get to visit in South Greenland, you'll be treated to exhilarating activities in some of the world's most remote and beautiful locations. 

Under the Midnight Sun 

As we head north, you'll notice the days getting longer and longer. Once we cross the Arctic Circle, we'll be sailing under the light of the Midnight Sun, which means 24 hours of daylight. This is great for summer activities, and it's also great for photography — get your camera ready to capture glistening icebergs and glaciers bathed in a golden glow. 

During these two days, you might get to visit Sisimiut, the second largest city in Greenland. There are great hiking trails to follow, and ancient Saqqaq artefacts to be found in the local museum. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or pair of mittens made of qiviut. This local fabric is made from muskox wool, and is said to be ten times warmer than sheep wool. 

Another place you might see is Maniitsoq, known half-jokingly as the 'Venice of Greenland' for its natural canals. The surrounding mountains deliver awe-inspiring views, and you might even spot pods of humpback whales from the shore. 

Glaciers, wildlife, and a volcanic isle 

Continuing north, we'll explore parts of North Greenland, including Disko Island, an island just off the west coast of the mainland. This island is a haven for walruses, whales and seals, and the jagged basalt mountains reveal its volcanic origin. 

On the south coast of Disko Island, we may get to land in Qeqertarsuaq, where you might have the opportunity to hike to nearby glacier, Lyngmarksbræen. Another possible destination is the town of Uummannaq, the northernmost point of our journey. Here, you can visit the “summer home of Santa Claus”. This turf hut is a beloved relic of Danish pop culture, having been built for a TV show that aired during the late 80's and 90's. 

We might also get to sail in Vaigat Sound. Depending on local conditions, we could visit Camp Frieda, where you'll trek across tundra, getting up close to a glacier to learn how it moves. If possible, we'll take the expedition boats out on shore landings, or on optional kayaking trips between icebergs. 

You will get to see the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the ice fjord, and see the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut. 

Witness the eternal beauty of the spotless fjord 

The ship is now heading back south. You'll enjoy an exploration day in the magical and pristine Evighed fjord near Maniitsoq. We'll determine on the day what exciting adventures we can partake in.   

The 'Fjord of Eternity' is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters. It's surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves.  

Nature reigns here. The only settlements in this region are tiny fishing hamlets clinging to the shores. As ever, we'll be on the lookout for Arctic flora and wildlife, including whales and seabirds.   

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk 

After the last few days exploring remote and idyllic icescapes, we'll arrive at Nuuk, Greenland's colourful capital. With a population of just 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. 

Compare the old structures – Hans Egede's House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland's Parliament. 

Visit the National Museum to see the six Qilakitsoq mummies, which offer a fascinating insight to life here 500 years ago. Join us for an optional nature walk around Mount Lille Malene and explore the pristine natural beauty around Nuuk. 

Exploring ancient sites and natural wonders 

As we continue back down to the south of Greenland, there's still plenty more to see. If we land at Ivittuut, you'll see a ghost town in ruins that bears little resemblance to the mining outpost it once was. Once the last Viking settlement in Greenland, the only inhabitants you'll find now are muskoxen. Enjoy an included guided walk of the area's deserted buildings, and learn about the pivotal role the town played in WWII. 

Another possible landing site is a small farming settlement on the edge of the Tunulliarfik Fjord. Home to around 60 people, Igaliku is a tranquil village, recognisable by its sandstone houses and fields of grazing sheep, which you might be able to visit on an optional excursion to a farm. 

If conditions allow, we might spend some time in Prince Christian Sound, where ringed and bearded seals rest on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soar above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales. If sea ice prevents us from entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland. 

Time to rest, relax and reflect 

After exploring the ethereal, rugged beauty of Greenland, we set course for Iceland. You'll enjoy two days at sea recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, studying the delicate ecology of Greenland's fjord system in the Science Center, and relaxing. 

Out on deck, you might spot seabirds or whales that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer can share tips to capture them in action. You can even count any whales you see for our Happywhale Citizen Science project. 

This might be the time to enjoy the panoramic sauna and our on-deck hot tubs. You can also enjoy the company of fellow explorers over drinks in the Explorer Bar & Lounge. 

Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland 

We say a fond farewell to MS Maud as we end where we started, in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. Why not visit the places you may have missed when you arrived. With its stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there's so much to enjoy in this beautiful city. 

Post-Programme 

If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or, simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It's a great place to end an epic journey.