The airport expansion in Nuuk, Greenland, set to be completed this year, is expected to drive new expedition itineraries in 2025 for Viking. With the longer runway and new terminal at the airport opening in late November, more options for airlift into Greenland will be available. Along with Icelandair and Air Greenland offering services to Nuuk from Reykjavik and Copenhagen, respectively, officials are also hoping to eventually establish U.S. services.
Viking will sail three new cruises from Nuuk next year, with the Viking Octantis being the vessel for the expeditions. These new cruises will range from 13 to 27 days, exploring the polar north of Greenland and Canada. The town of Nuuk will act as a point for embarkation, debarkation, or both for these journeys, making it a strategic starting place for roundtrip and open-jaw expeditions.
With the longer runway and new terminal at Nuuk airport, Viking has planned four new cruises that vary in duration and destinations. From Nuuk, there will be sailings into the Arctic Circle, across Nunavut territory in Canada, and calls in Sisimiut before returning to Nuuk. Additionally, there will be longer cruises between Nuuk and Toronto, exploring more of Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.
HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, is also planning to offer its largest Greenland season ever next year. With nine Greenland itineraries, including three new Grand Greenland sailings, HX aims to provide a unique exploration experience. These new itineraries will give passengers the opportunity to see both Iceland and Greenland, sailing on the Fridtjof Nansen and visiting iconic sites in west Greenland.
Silversea Cruises is not far behind in taking advantage of the Nuuk airport expansion, offering a 15-day cruise aboard the Silver Endeavour departing from Churchill, Manitoba. This route will sail through Hudson Bay to explore Canada’s northern territories before docking at Nuuk in Greenland. The cruise will include visits to Walrus Island, Marble Island, Cape Dorset, Sisimiut, and more, providing passengers with a unique Arctic exploration experience.
Overall, the airport expansion in Nuuk is poised to reshape expedition itineraries in 2025, making Greenland a focal point for various cruise lines. With more options for airlift into Greenland and the strategic location of Nuuk, both passengers and expedition companies stand to benefit from the increased accessibility and expanded offerings. This shift could lead to a surge in interest in Arctic exploration and an influx of travelers eager to experience the unique beauty of Greenland and Canada’s northern regions.