Discovering West Greenland – Icebergs & Communities of Disko Bay

Gateway to the Greenlandic Arctic 

Arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s compact capital, set along a deep fjord system framed by rugged mountains. Despite its small scale, the city is a vibrant centre of modern Greenlandic life.

If time allows, we’ll explore this fascinating city. Nuuk is also where you start to feel the essence of the Arctic: ice, sea, and the mountainous peaks of Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.

Once on board, meet the Expedition Team, settle into your cabin, and enjoy your first dinner on board.

Spectacular fjord-side settlements

Today we head north towards the aptly named Eternity Fjord, where dramatic peaks rise 2,000 metres from the water's edge. On board, join the first lectures from the Expedition Team about what's to come on the voyage ahead. At some point during today's sailing, we'll cross the Arctic Circle, a milestone moment worth marking on deck.

As we approach the fjord mouth, we’ll venture ashore to visit Kangaamiut on Akulleq Island, a small community of around 300 people where daily life is shaped by centuries-old traditions of fishing and hunting, offering your first experience of local life in Greenland.

Spend time with the community and enjoy the calm

Among the ice-filled waters and rugged coastlines of Disko Bay lie a handful of small settlements, some home to fewer than 60 residents. Depending on conditions, we may visit a local community or undertake an expedition landing, exploring this remarkable region alongside our Expedition Team.

Whether stepping ashore in a remote settlement or wandering a wild Arctic shoreline, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Greenland's close connection to the sea, its resilient culture, and the dramatic natural forces that have shaped life here for generations.

Marvel at the UNESCO-listed wonder

The UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord regularly tops the list of things to see in Greenland, and today you'll discover why. Walk the wooden boardwalk to the edge of the ice fjord itself, where giant icebergs drift through deep blue waters in shifting hues of white, grey and blue. It's a scene that rewards every camera, regardless of skill. Back in Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice shaping this extraordinary landscape, or join an optional hike out to Sermermiut for sweeping views across the fjord.

Explore the wild Arctic

Today is dedicated to exploration in Vaigat Sound, a dramatic waterway between Disko Island and the Nuussuaq peninsula. Expect towering cliffs with birdlife and ice‑filled waters.

As always on an expedition voyage, our plans remain flexible. The Expedition Team will choose the best sites for landings, Zodiac cruises, and nature walks, allowing for an immersive Arctic experience that’s guided by the conditions on the day.

Explore the volcanic island landscape

Today we spend more time exploring the inky blue waters of Disko Bay. In our expedition boats, cruise between ice floes and towering glaciers, taking in the sheer scale of this Arctic landscape.

We'll also step ashore on Disko Island, the only major island in Greenland formed by ancient basalt lava flows, giving it a completely different character to the mainland: dramatic columns, red flat-topped peaks, and unusually lush vegetation fed by volcanic soils. Hike through tundra rich with wildflowers and birdlife, and visit the colourful town of Qeqertarsuaq, nestled beneath towering basalt cliffs where a small community lives amid one of the Arctic's most striking geological landscapes.

Modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, where long fjords cut deep into a vast and sparsely populated landscape. Here, distances are great, and the sense of remoteness is part of everyday life.

Today, we aim to visit a coastal community along this rugged shoreline, offering insight into Greenlandic traditions shaped by fishing, hunting, and life close to nature. Explore the settlement, meet locals, and experience daily life at the edge of the Arctic wilderness.

Whether walking ashore or taking in the scenery from the ship, this visit offers a meaningful connection to Greenland’s people and landscapes: a fitting final chapter to your expedition.

Return to Greenland’s capital  

Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, the crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made.

After disembarkation, board a small boat for a scenic journey into the spectacular Nuuk Fjord. Your destination is a remote, abandoned settlement, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes.

Returning to Nuuk in the afternoon, visit Colonial Harbour, known locally as Kolonihavnen. This charming historic district is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including the Hans Egede House, built in 1728 and now preserved as a historic monument.

Later, check in to your hotel, your home for the night, where you’ll enjoy dinner and time to relax.

Farewell to Nuuk

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Nuuk Airport for your flight back to New York, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.