Experience the Diversity of Earth’s Largest Island on This Thrilling Voyage Through East, South, and West Greenland
Join us on an expedition cruise from Reykjavík, tracing the Norse sea route to Greenland in far more comfort than a Viking longship. Our journey begins on the rugged east coast, where we’ll experience Tunumiit culture in Tasiilaq and Kuummiut, explore haunting military history at Ikateq, and admire the icy majesty of Sermilikfjord. From here we sail southwards into Skjoldungen Fjord’s perfect stillness, navigate glacier-lined Prins Kristiansund, and venture into the green valleys of South Greenland.
Here we’ll visit Brattahlíð at Qassiarsuk, the first European settlement in the Americas, and trek to Igaliku, once the seat of Greenland’s bishops. Continuing north, we explore Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital, where traditional houses stand beside glass towers, and seal hunts meet smartphones. Passing Kangaamiut, steeped in Greenlandic tradition, we’ll end with the soaring cliffs and glaciers of Eternity Fjord.
Join us for a voyage filled with Norse history, Inuit culture, and breathtaking Arctic wilderness.
- East, South, and West Greenland combined in one route, mixing Tunumiit culture, Norse heritage, and remote Arctic wilderness from Tasiilaq to Nuuk.
- High-impact scenic days in Sermilikfjord, Skjoldungen, Prins Christian Sund, and Eternity Fjord, with Zodiac access to glaciers and iceberg fields.
- Cultural depth through village visits, Norse archaeological sites, and Greenlandic traditions, balanced with kayaking and Citizen Science.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Hallgrímskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik, a vibrant city known for Nordic cuisine, unique museums, and lively shopping. After safety briefings, we set sail towards East Greenland.
The Denmark Strait, a narrow passage between Iceland and Greenland, teems with rich marine life. Join your Expedition Team on the outer decks to watch for wildlife. Nearing Greenland, the team shares insights on ecology, geology, and wildlife, as well as briefings preparing guests for Zodiac operations and polar bear safety in the wilderness of Greenland.
Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s largest settlement, sitting on rugged Ammassalik Island. Isolated from European contact until its founding as a trading post in 1894, it preserves the unique culture of the Tunumiit people. Once home to Greenland’s last shamans, Tasiilaq is the origin of the tupilak, a feared magical creature – now a celebrated art form. Visitors can meet sled dogs (with owners’ permission), experience drum dancing, hike tundra meadows, and visit the famous Stunk Artist’s Workshop.
During the morning, we approach Ikateq, also known as Bluie Two East – a haunting remnant of the American military presence on Greenland during the Second World War. Marvel at the remains of this vital airbase, untouched since it was abandoned in 1947.
In the afternoon we reposition to Kuummiit – a small village deep in the calm waters of Ammassalik Fjord. Here we will have a chance to connect with the friendly locals and experience East Greenlandic culture in one of country’s most beautiful and welcoming villages.
Our next stop is the breathtaking Sermilikfjord – a vast ice-choked fjord which drains the colossal Helheim Glacier. Armadas of vast icebergs drift from the Greenland Ice Sheet out into the North Atlantic, creating one of the most spectacular natural sights on Earth. Join your Expedition Team on a Zodiac cruise and marvel at the gigantic icebergs, natural ice sculptures tens of thousands of years in the making!
Today, we explore Skjoldungen, a stunning fjord on Greenland’s southeast coast, known to locals as Saqqisikuik. Once visited by Inuit and briefly settled in the 20th century, it is now remote and uninhabited. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks, highlights include Thryms Glacier and the valley of Dronning Marie Dal. Weather permitting, we may land to explore or cruise by the glacier.
In the morning, we sail through spectacular Prins Christian Sund, a 60 km iceberg-filled strait linking East and West Greenland. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and valleys, it’s one of the world’s most spectacular waterways. By afternoon, we reach Aappilattoq, a small, remote village beneath granite cliffs, known for its traditional lifestyle, scenic hiking, and famous local choir.
Next, we cruise through Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qassiarsuk, a lush village known for sheep farming and its rich Norse history. Founded in 1924, the modern village sits on the site of Erik the Red’s 10th-century farm, Brattahlíð. Legend has it that his wife Thjodhild refused to join her pagan husband’s bed until he built her a church – the first in the Americas. In the afternoon, we hike from nearby Itilleq through lush green fields to Igaliku and the ruins of Garðar, the seat of Norse Greenlandic power.
From South Greenland, we sail north along the rugged coast. Nearly all of Greenland’s settlements lie on the western coast, facing the Davis Strait. Warm Atlantic currents enrich these waters, attracting whales, seals, human hunters, and many seabirds—so keep an eye out during our day at sea!
Home to 20,000 residents, Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, offers culture, history, and stunning natural beauty. Inhabited since 2200 B.C. by Paleo-Inuit and later by Norse settlers, Nuuk is now Greenland’s cultural and political center, featuring the Parliament, National Museum (home of the Qilakitsoq mummies), Katuaq cultural center, local art shops, and cozy cafés. Affectionately known as “Nuuk York” by locals, it stands as a singular blend of the ancient and the contemporary.
On the final full day of our voyage, we arrive in Kangaamiut, a village where traditional hunting, fishing, and weather shape daily life. Guests can hike for panoramic views, and enjoy a warm cultural welcome with local crafts, food, and performance. In the afternoon, we venture into Evighedsfjorden—“The Eternity Fjord”—by Zodiac, cruising past majestic glaciers and dramatic bird cliffs, a thrilling and unforgettable finale to our Arctic voyage.
As our journey concludes, we sail up the 160 km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark by Zodiac. Though Kangerlussuaq is more known for its Cold War-era military roots and role as a transport hub than cultural heritage, its surrounding wilderness offers striking natural beauty. From there, we will depart from Greenland, boarding our chartered flight to Copenhagen, where your journey will end.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Ocean Victory
| Vessel Type | Luxury X-Bow®-Infinity Class Vessel |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2020 |
| Cabins | 93 |
This stylish cruise ship, built specifically for small ship expeditions to the Polar Regions, features cutting edge technology mixed with great comfort.
With a total of 93 comfortable cabins for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Now, for the technical details:
With the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A, Ocean Victory is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to her sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves, and a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.
The vessel is part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels, with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption.
Restaurant & bar
Dinner always starts with delicious hot soups, cold cuts and crisp, fresh salads. Several choices of entrees are offered each evening, to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements; always including a meat choice, fish choice and vegetarian choice.
After dinner, freshly prepared desserts, including ship-made ice cream or cakes are a great way to end a meal and satisfy any sweet tooth.
A selection of wines and beers is available to perfectly compliment your visit to our restaurant… and if you’re interested in relaxing during your time off from activities and landings, delight onboard Ocean Atlantic by raising your glass to the experience of a lifetime!
Our bar is fully equipped with a variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and more, to quench your thirst and reward the explorer in you.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Book before 31 December, 2025 and save 40%
Save 40% on Greenland Exploer Cruise
Offer valid if booked before the 31st December 2025
Only valid on specific cabins
Offer is subject to availability
Offer can be withdrawn at any time