The completion of the airport expansion in Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, is creating new opportunities for expedition cruise lines like Viking, Silversea, and HX. With a longer runway and a new terminal expected to open in late November, the airport will provide more options for airlift into Greenland. This development is set to turn Nuuk into a strategic starting point for roundtrip and open-jaw expeditions, as opposed to originating in nearby Reykjavik. Viking, for example, is planning to offer four new cruises from Nuuk on the Viking Octantis next year, exploring the polar north of Greenland and Canada.
Viking’s cruises from Nuuk include various routes, such as the Into the Northwest Passage, a 13-day cruise that explores Greenland and Canada. Another option is the Canada and Greenland Explorer, a 15-day cruise that visits Ivittuut in Greenland before heading south to Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, Viking offers a 27-day Canada and Northwest Passage sailing that includes additional calls in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic. Additionally, Viking has an 87-day cruise that starts in Nuuk and ends in Antarctica, showcasing the versatility of the destination for expedition cruises.
HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, is also capitalizing on the expanded airport in Nuuk by offering its largest Greenland season ever. With nine Greenland itineraries planned for next year, HX is introducing new Grand Greenland sailings that start and end in Nuuk. These itineraries, sailing on the Fridtjof Nansen ship, allow passengers to experience both Iceland and Greenland through flights to and from Reykjavik. The new routes include visits to iconic locations like Ilulissat Icefjord, Uummannaq Fjord, and Disko Bay, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region.
Silversea Cruises is adding Nuuk to its itinerary as a key point of interest, offering travelers a 15-day cruise aboard the Silver Endeavour. Departing from Churchill, Manitoba, on July 25, the cruise sails through Hudson Bay to explore Canada’s northern territories before reaching Greenland. The ship will make stops at various ports in Canada before heading south to Nuuk, providing passengers with a unique perspective on the Arctic region. The inclusion of Nuuk in Silversea’s itinerary highlights the growing popularity of Greenland as an expedition cruise destination.
The completion of the Nuuk airport expansion is set to transform the expedition cruise landscape in Greenland. With Viking, Silversea, and HX all introducing new itineraries that leverage the airport’s improved infrastructure, travelers can look forward to more diverse and immersive experiences in this remote corner of the world. From exploring the polar north of Greenland to sailing the Northwest Passage, the opportunities for adventure in Greenland are expanding, thanks to the enhanced accessibility provided by the upgraded airport in Nuuk.