Discovering West Greenland – Icebergs & Communities of Disko Bay
8-day all-inclusive Greenland expedition cruise with round-trip flights from London
Explore Greenland’s most iconic region with multiple days in Disko Bay, Vaigat Sound, and Ilulissat Icefjord.
Huge landscape variation in a compact route: deep fjords, volcanic Disko Island, and vast open iceberg fields all within days of each other.
Spend time in small, rarely visited settlements like Qeqertarsuaq and gain insight into Inuit culture and Arctic life.
Ethereal beauty
Experience the best of west Greenland in a shorter, more concentrated voyage. Sail through dramatic fjords including Evighedsfjord: the Eternity Fjord, flanked by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. In Disko Bay, cruise alongside vast icebergs in endless shades of blue, then visit the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Dedicated expedition days take you deeper still by small boat, kayak, and on foot.
Community history and culture
Step ashore in small settlements like Qeqertarsuaq and Maniitsoq, where Inuit traditions and centuries-old ways of life shape everyday rhythms. Stroll through these remote communities gaining genuine insight into Greenlandic culture and daily life at the quiet edge of the Arctic, far from the tourist trail.
In line with AECO
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.
Expedition SuitesExploration, Enhanced
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
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, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a big city compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland.
From here, you'll catch a flight back to London, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.
What's included?
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Our Expedition Team will confirm timings once you’re on board. Selected activities can also be booked before departure.
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Greenland ship
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
Expedition Suites
Exploration, Enhanced
