Northeast Greenland National Park is a gigantic natural reserve of 375,000 square miles occupying the remote northeastern quarter of Greenland. In the absence of people, wildlife abounds and with some luck you might see iconic Arctic species like musk oxen.
HX read more 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.
Itinerary
Embark in Reykjavík
Your expedition begins in Reykjavik, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city's galleries and museums.
If you have the time, we recommend booking pre-voyage option with us and discovering some of Iceland's natural highlights before your cruise begins.
From here, it's time to board MS Fridtjof Nansen and get ready for departure.
Prepare for Greenland's adventures
As we sail into the Greenland Sea on our way to the world's largest island, it's time to relax, find your sea legs, and enjoy the facilities on board.
The Expedition Team will give talks about your upcoming adventure and will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the lecture hall, you'll find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the stunning fjords of Scoresby Sund.
If you're feeling active, head to the gym and do a workout with a view. On the other hand, you could soak in the sauna, laze in a hot tub, or just find a quiet corner to read a book with a hot drink. Love science? Then why not join one of our onboard Citizen Science projects, a fun and engaging way to contribute to global research.
Expedition days in the wild east
We'll spend the next 10 days exploring Greenland's remote and pristine east coast. Extending for over 1,740 miles from north to south, this long stretch of coast is cold, isolated, and remote even by Greenlandic standards. The south-flowing East Greenland Current brings lots of sea ice directly from the Arctic Ocean, challenging human settlement but creating a heaven for ice-dependant wildlife.
Local weather and ice conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan is to sail first to Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system. You'll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged region, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains. If conditions permit, we'll visit Ittoqqortoormiit: the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere.
Should the sea ice be favourable, we'll continue our journey north to the beautiful Northeast Greenland National Park: the world's largest national park. Visiting this fragile Arctic wilderness is a rare privilege as only a few visitors are permitted here each year.
Apart from old trapper huts, some science research stations, and a military outpost, there are very few traces of human life in this 375,000 square mile park. Be assured that this is one of the quietest places on Earth, and you'll enjoy a feeling of great peace as we explore this beautiful wilderness.
As this is an expedition cruise, the Captain and Expedition Team will guide us to the most favourable spots on a daily basis. Our goal will be to pack in as many shore landings, Zodiac cruises, nature walks, and kayaking adventures as possible.
Heading back to Iceland
After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we'll set our course back to Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with your new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales.
As you reflect on your expedition, from witnessing the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the floating ice, east Greenland's beauty is sure to have left its mark on you.
Disembark in Reykjavík
Your expedition ends in Reykjavik, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city's galleries and museums. If you can, we highly recommend staying an extra night.
This marks the end of your time with us for now, but we hope it won't be the last.
Trip Inclusions
- Ten full expedition days on Greenland's ice-choked east coast, accessible only during a narrow seasonal window.
- Sail the world's largest fjord system at Scoresby Sund, and enter Northeast Greenland National Park, where only a handful of visitors are allowed each year.
- A rare chance to encounter ice-dependent Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, in a vast wilderness with almost no trace of human presence.
- HX Greenland Promise: If global circumstances impact your voyage, you can receive a full refund or change to another expedition.
- 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, 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
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Necessary equipment for activities, such as trekking poles, will be provided on board on loan. In Antarctica and Svalbard muck boots are mandatory for all land activities and will be distributed onboard free of charge.
- 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 stay might be needed (not included)
Life On Board
Purpose built for a pure expedition experience and offering a comfortable base camp for remote exploration. Read more
Enjoy a fascinating onboard program and exciting excursions delivered by your dedicated Expedition Team. Read more
The home of edutainment and scientific learning on board, complete with lecture spaces and specialist equipment. Read more
In each of our onboard restaurants, our skilled chefs create exciting menus using ingredients from the areas we travel. Read more
Everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. Read more
Facilities include a gym, outdoor hot tubs, and a soothing sauna. Because even explorers need a comfortable base camp. Read more
Ship Reviews (1)
The scenery was spectacular and the zodiac trips a real highlight. There is nothing like the experience of the midnight sun, the -14C of the Arctic and the grandeur of glaciers and ice floes. Animal sightings were MUCH fewer than I had expected or hoped - and VERY distant - but still wonderful to see animals in their native habitat. A VERY strong set of binoculars and/or ultra long camera lens are certainly necessary. I would certainly consider another Arctic trip - but probably not with HX ... at least until their systems and communications improve.
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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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