Overview
As we cruise through biologically rich marine environments read more and visit remote communities, you’ll learn about the distinct Inuit cultures found in Greenland and Labrador. This region has a captivating past, situated at a crossroads where migrations from the East and the West met. Uncover the diverse histories of European explorers, Viking settlers, Moravian missionaries and Basque whalers, on a fascinating deep dive into the history and ecology of this pristine and under-explored destination.
HX is a proud member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). To protect the sensitive environments we explore, we carefully follow AECO standards on available landing sites and safe distances from wildlife, while still giving you an unforgettable expedition experience.
18 Days
Copenhagen
St. John's
Expedition
490
150
2019
GLNEE
Itinerary
Start your adventure in Denmark´s wonderful capital
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in Denmark's capital Copenhagen.
Enjoy this stylish and compact city, packed with architectural gems, coffee shops and parks. The colourful canal district of Nyhavn is a great place to people watch and enjoy a Danish pastry.
No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to see the Little Mermaid - getting there by bike or on foot beside the waterfront is easy.
Welcome to the capital of Greenland
You'll have an early start today as we depart Copenhagen and fly 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, look out for the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue for a striking juxtaposition between two cultures.
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 then enjoy your first dinner on board.
Prepare for adventure as we head south
While sailing towards South Greenland, 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 fascinating and important presentations.
You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on topics such as ornithology, geology and culture. You'll also learn about the Citizen Science projects we run on board the ship.
The coast of Greenland is carved by many fjords. Depending on the conditions, in the afternoon we may be able to cruise deep into one of our favourites, Kuannersooq Fjord, as it's known in Greenlandic, or Kvanerfjord in Danish.
Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice cap
South Greenland offers curious travellers an intriguing blend of Norse history, Inuit culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Here you can explore Viking settler ruins, and discover colourful small towns, marvelling at awe-inspiring fjords, mountains, glaciers and icebergs along the way. Combining rich cultural experiences with thrilling outdoor adventures, both history enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enraptured.
Over the next two days, our possible destinations and landing sites include:
- Brattahlíð (Qassiarsuk)
- Hvalsey
- Qaqortoq
Sailing to the gates of the Torngat Mountains
After a few days of exploration, enjoy a day at sea and prepare for what lies ahead as we continue westward along the route of the Vikings, across Baffin Bay to the rugged coast of Labrador.
Why not listen to another fascinating presentation from the Expedition Team, perhaps on biology, ornithology or history of the region. They'll continue to entertain and educate with their series of lectures and demonstrations. There will be storytelling, art and craft workshops and perhaps even some singing. In September at this latitude, there may also be the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. If they appear in the middle of the night, be prepared for a gentle wake-up call!
Witness the immense Torngat Mountains
Welcome to Canada! After clearing customs, we'll be joined by Park Rangers who'll accompany us as we explore the Torngat Mountains National Park over the coming days.
Meaning ‘place of spirits' in Inuktitut, the national park spans some 6,000 miles, extending from Saglek Fjord to Labrador's tip, and from the Atlantic coast to the Québec border. This wilderness is peppered with small glaciers and it's home to polar bears and caribou. It also has rich Inuit heritage of hunting and fishing.
While exploring this magnificent area, we hope to visit:
- Saglek Bay
- Nachvak Fiord
- Ramah
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
Head back in time and delve into the history of Labrador
Over the next five days, we'll cruise south, unearthing the fascinating history of coastal Labrador and discovering its rich cultural heritage.
This area is home to some of Labrador's most important Moravian settlements, and a once busy fishing village that's now a National Historic Site. There are also breathtaking waterways to transit and a whaling past to uncover.
Over the next five days, our potential destinations may include:
- Hebron
- Nain
- Battle Harbour
- Red Bay
Relive the tales of Vikings, pioneers and early explorers
Your cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that's colorful and diverse, Newfoundland is sure to enchant.
As we explore, you can delve into the island's past, from pioneering missionaries and early explorers to as far back as Viking settlers.
Over the next two days, we hope to visit:
- St Anthony
- UNESCO-listed L'Anse aux Meadows & Norstead
- Bonavista
For more detailed information about each of these, along with our explorer's guide to the Northwest Passage and Arctic Canada, see our Travel Guide here.
End your adventure on a colourful note
We say a fond farewell to our ship as we end our expedition in St John's, Newfoundland's capital.
As one of the oldest cities in North America, St John's is nothing but charming. Colourful houses are etched into the steep and rugged hillside along the coast, and Signal Hill with the proud Cabot Tower watches over the city from above. It's well worth exploring the city further if you have time before your onward journey.
Whatever your next steps are, you'll take with you a wealth of memories that will no doubt endure, and experiences that will change the way you see the world.
Tour Inclusions
- Setting out from Nuuk, join us as we sail down the west coast of Greenland and traverse the Labrador Sea, exploring Newfoundland and sub-Arctic Canada.
- Discover the southern fjords of Greenland, the immense Torngat Mountains, quaint settlements in coastal Labrador, and charming Newfoundland.
- Delve into the history of settlers as diverse as the Norse, the Inuit and the Basques at this crossroads of cultures.
- This adventure begins in Copenhagen with a flight to Nuuk. This voyage is also available via Reykjavík and New York (planned airport) gateways.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you'd like to leave something extra, it's always appreciated
- Range of included activities
- Overnight in Copenhagen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Depending on the hotel location, luggage only or bus transfer from the hotel to the airport in Copenhagen before the flight to Nuuk
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nuuk
- Flight in economy class from Copenhagen to Nuuk
- This voyage is also available via Reykjavík and New York (planned airport). Please contact our Expedition Specialists to change gateways.
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of rubber boots, trekking poles and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
Life On Board
Hybrid powered, a warm and informal atmosphere, premium comfort, and state of the art technology. Read more
Passionate. Knowledgeable. Specialists in their field. Your dedicated Expedition Team bring each destination to life. Read more
A dedicated space to enjoy fascinating lectures from the specialist team and get hands on with interactive fun. Read more
Three onboard restaurants serve up delicious international dishes, local cuisine, and traditional Norwegian favourites. Read more
Everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. Read more
Take in the scenery from the comfort of your cabin, the pool, outdoor hot tubs, sauna, or light-filled public spaces. Read more
Ship Reviews (2)
I booked over a year in advance (Antarctica) and had a cancellation from the Hurtigruten end which she managed with ease. It was good to have the same person handle my booking. The trip we did had an extended time (11 days) in Antarctica including going below the Antarctic Circle which most ships do not do. It was a perfect experience of Antarctica. Thank you Global Journeys!!!!
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HX Expeditions Arctic (2026-27)
HX Expeditions invites you to experience the Arctic with the depth and authenticity that come from more than 130 years of exploration at sea. Purpose-built ships with generous space, low guest numbers and specialised equipment let you venture deeper into polar environments while enjoying comfort, flexibility and expert-led discovery.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by HX Expeditions. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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