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Peregrine Travel Centre

Grand Greenland – Farthest North to Thule and Kane Basin – Flights from Reykjavik

Grand Greenland – Farthest North to Thule and Kane Basin – Flights from Reykjavik

From AUD $20,909

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Description

The icy waters of Disko Bay and beyond  
We set out north from Nuuk along the rugged and breathtaking coast of west Greenland. See immense icebergs from tidewater glaciers in Disko Bay, including Sermeq Kujalleq, the gigantic glacier at the head of UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. As we sail, we’ll be on the lookout for whales.  
Hit the North – adventure beyond the ordinary
We’ll explore as far north as we can get, taking in the Kane Basin and the region known in legend as Thule. It’s a pure expedition voyage to the northern limit of the world. The only constraints will be the weather conditions, the sea ice and the time available. Expect Arctic uncertainties, cold adapted wildlife, ice choked waters and the coolest summer on Earth..

Trip Name
Grand Greenland - Farthest North to Thule and Kane Basin - Flights from Reykjavik
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
 Explore the world’s northernmost capitalYour adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.  A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja  Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Embarkation day in Nuuk
 Welcome to the capital of GreenlandYou'll have an early start today as we depart Reykjavík 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, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue – a striking juxtaposition between the two. 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 enjoy your first dinner aboard.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Sailing towards Disko Bay
 Getting ready for adventureSailing towards the Arctic Circle 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 mandatory presentations if you want to join planned landings as we head north. You will also have time to settle on board, enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on Greenland related topics, including the Citizen Science projects run on board the ship. At some point during the sailing, we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.
Day 4 - DAY 4 UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord
 See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworksToday we reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway to the breathtaking ice fjord.  Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to drink in the incredible views.
Day 5 - DAY 5-6 Exploring Uummannaq Fjord
 Entering through the gateway to the northBeyond the Nuussuaq peninsula, distances start to mean everything, because it’s here that Greenland’s ‘Far North’ begins. At this latitude life proceeds at a slower pace. Weather and ice conditions run the show, and any successful landing that we attempt depends on the ability of the Captain to safely navigate waterways – especially when a summer fog descends. All in all, it’s the perfect setting for our expedition. The beauty of the land and the relative productivity of the environment here have attracted people since the first settlers came down the coast more than 4,000 years ago. Intriguing archaeological sites are mute witness of the ability of Arctic people to thrive in such a harsh environment. It is from this area that the famed Qilakitsoq mummies were discovered.  Potential activities around here include calls at small communities such as Uummannaq – a beautiful island town with a heart-shaped mountain – or Ukkusissat. We may visit the archaeological site of Qilakitsok, go on nature landings, or attempt ice cruising in the inner fjords with our small expedition boats.
Day 6 - DAY 7 Melville Bay
 Relax and learn at seaWe’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ’The Great Dog Sledding Place‘, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount of Melville in the mid-19th century. Enjoy your day as we sail well beyond 70 degrees north. Relax on board, join in with wildlife watches out on deck with the Expedition Team, and learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures on topics such as nature, geology and mythology.
Day 7 - DAY 8-14 Farthest North
 Exploring Thule and the Kane BasinFrom now on, we’ll be exploring as far north as we can get, taking in the Thule and Kane Basin regions.  The ‘farthest north’ has been a magnet for polar explorers ever since the North Pole became known to Arctic travellers. For decades, this abstract latitudinal concept became the measure of success for many northbound expeditions. High latitude records were achieved elsewhere until Captain Nares sailed past Thule and opened the path to the pole itself. Explorers like Elisha Kane, Adolphus Greely, Robert Peary, and Frederik Cook also came that way and guaranteed for themselves a name in polar history and on Arctic maps. During the next week we will be sailing in their wake. Ice and weather permitting we will explore the Thule region of northwest Greenland, cross the Smith Sound into Kane Basin, and make our way towards the Nares Strait between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. How far north we will get is entirely dependent on the ice conditions we encounter.  You’ll witness the raw beauty of the High Arctic well beyond the human inhabitable world. With a year-round extreme climate, changeable sea ice conditions, and poorly charted waters, we’re guaranteed to face challenging sailing conditions that are only within the reach of modern expedition vessels like MS Fridtjof Nansen. On our way north we aim to visit local communities, go on nature landings in our expedition boats, sail through icy channels, and – with a bit of luck – spot some of the giants of the Arctic, including walruses, orcas, narwhals, belugas, and perhaps even polar bears.
Day 8 - DAY 15-16 Crossing Baffin Bay
 Relax as we sail south againWe are now sailing south again, our adventures in the north completed. Days at sea are the perfect time to relax on board, perhaps chatting with new friends in the Expedition Lounge & Bar, catching up on any lectures you may have missed and enjoying leisurely lunches. If you haven’t tried the hot tubs yet, now’s your chance. There’s something magical about bathing in warm water as icebergs drift past! Out on deck, the Expedition Team will keep their wildlife watch every day, and guest lecturers will continue to reveal new and interesting information about Greenland, the Arctic and other topics related to our voyage. Feel free to join in with any of the Citizen Science projects that are running – they’re engaging and fun, and you’ll be contributing something useful to global research.
Day 9 - DAY 17-19 Landscapes and communities of west Greenland
 Visit modern towns on the edge of the wildernessThe central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely-populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.    On our journey south we’ll visit communities where traditions are still alive, including Sisimiut, which lies 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The modern town has grown up alongside very ancient remains that date back to more than 4,000 years. If you want to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, make sure to visit the interesting local museum. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.
Day 10 - DAY 20 End of expedition in Nuuk
 A small capital in a grandiose settingToday, 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 metropolis 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 Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.
Day 11 - DAY 21 Back to Reykjavík
 See more of Iceland’s capitalYour adventure concludes in Reykjavík, giving you another chance to explore Iceland's stylish capital.  If you want to discover more, you can join our optional Post-Programme before heading home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-07-202518-08-2025AUD $20,909Polar Outside. From
29-07-202518-08-2025AUD $22,800Arctic Superior. From
29-07-202518-08-2025AUD $28,129Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Join an expedition cruise to northwest Greenland on an epic ‘farthest north’ attempt to explore the seldom-visited Kane Basin region.
    • Visit the northernmost communities on Earth and sail beyond the human habitable world.
    • Discover amazing scenery and arctic wildlife, and enjoy the chance to spot walruses, narwhals, belugas, and polar bears.

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