Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Remote settlements and beautiful nature
Set out from Iceland and explore places along the south and west coasts of Greenland, from peaceful villages to bustling towns and cities. Meet the local people and have unforgettable experiences with them, perhaps including a traditional kaffemik social gathering.
Phenomenal fjords under the Midnight Sun
See some of the country’s most picturesque fjords and inlets, including Evighed Fjord and Prince Christian Sound. In true adventure style, your capable Expedition Team will find the best places to land, whether we’re scouting for wildlife at Kvanefjord or approaching a glacier at Vaigat Sound.
- Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
- South Greenland
- Arctic Circle
- North Greenland and Disko Bay
- Nuuk, Greenland's capital
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1 Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík
Packed full of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth exploring either before or after your cruise to Greenland.
Take a stroll along Laugavegur and browse the boutiques and outdoor shops. Head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, or visit fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Book a Pre-Programme with us and discover the stunning waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and national parks nearby.
MS Maud awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin. Your adventure has begun.
DAY 2-3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
In the wake of Vikings
We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. This is the route taken by Erik the Red, thought to be the first European to have settled there. It’s time to relax and explore the stylish onboard facilities of your ship.
Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and local communities. In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects.
If you’re feeling active, you can hit the gym, or perhaps you’d rather just enjoy a delicious meal in one of the three onboard restaurants.
DAY 4-6 South Greenland
A historic region of natural beauty
For the next three days, you’ll be exploring the south of Greenland. Enter a land of dramatic mountains, crystalline icebergs, and green rolling fields. Experience the history of the area through Viking Age ruins, and immerse yourself in the culture by spending time with the local people. You may even have the chance to join in a traditional Greenlandic social gathering, a Kaffemik, with a local family.
With our Expedition Team choosing the best places to land, your adventure is in safe hands. Perhaps you’ll discover Inuit artifacts among the colourful houses of Qaqortoq, or scout for wildlife in a boat at Kvanefjord. You may get to see the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hvalsey Church, the site of the last documented event to ever take place during the Norse settlement of Greenland.
You can rest assured that whichever places you get to visit in South Greenland, you’ll be treated to exhilarating activities in some of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations.
DAY 7-8 Arctic Circle
Under the Midnight Sun
As we head north, you’ll notice the days getting longer and longer. Once we cross the Arctic Circle, we’ll be sailing under the light of the Midnight Sun, which means 24 hours of daylight. This is great for summer activities, and it’s also great for photography — get your camera ready to capture glistening icebergs and glaciers bathed in a golden glow.
During these two days, you might get to visit Sisimiut, the second largest city in Greenland. There are great hiking trails to follow, and ancient Saqqaq artefacts to be found in the local museum. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or pair of mittens made of qiviut. This local fabric is made from muskox wool, and is said to be ten times warmer than sheep wool.
Another place you might see is Maniitsoq, known half-jokingly as the 'Venice of Greenland' for its natural canals. The surrounding mountains deliver awe-inspiring views, and you might even spot pods of humpback whales from the shore.
DAY 9-12 North Greenland and Disko Bay
Glaciers, wildlife, and a volcanic isle
Continuing north, we’ll explore parts of North Greenland, including Disko Island, an island just off the west coast of the mainland. This island is a haven for walruses, whales and seals, and the jagged basalt mountains reveal its volcanic origin.
On the south coast of Disko Island, we may get to land in Qeqertarsuaq, where you might have the opportunity to hike to nearby glacier, Lyngmarksbræen. Another possible destination is the town of Uummannaq, the northernmost point of our journey. Here, you can visit the “summer home of Santa Claus”. This turf hut is a beloved relic of Danish pop culture, having been built for a TV show that aired during the late 80’s and 90’s.
We might also get to sail in Vaigat Sound. Depending on local conditions, we could visit Camp Frieda, where you’ll trek across tundra, getting up close to a glacier to learn how it moves. If possible, we'll take the expedition boats out on shore landings, or on optional kayaking trips between icebergs.
You will get to see the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the ice fjord, and see the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut.
DAY 13 Beguiling Evighed fjord
Witness the eternal beauty of the spotless fjord
The ship is now heading back south. You'll enjoy an exploration day in the magical and pristine Evighed fjord near Maniitsoq. We'll determine on the day what exciting adventures we can partake in.
The 'Fjord of Eternity' is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters. It's surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves.
Nature reigns here. The only settlements in this region are tiny fishing hamlets clinging to the shores. As ever, we'll be on the lookout for Arctic flora and wildlife, including whales and seabirds.
DAY 14 Nuuk, Greenland's capital
Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk
After the last few days exploring remote and idyllic icescapes, we'll arrive at Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of just 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings.
Compare the old structures – Hans Egede's House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland's Parliament.
Visit the National Museum to see the six Qilakitsoq mummies, which offer a fascinating insight to life here 500 years ago. Join us for an optional nature walk around Mount Lille Malene and explore the pristine natural beauty around Nuuk.
DAY 15-17 South Greenland
Exploring ancient sites and natural wonders
As we continue back down to the south of Greenland, there’s still plenty more to see. If we land at Ivittuut, you’ll see a ghost town in ruins that bears little resemblance to the mining outpost it once was. Once the last Viking settlement in Greenland, the only inhabitants you'll find now are muskoxen. Enjoy an included guided walk of the area’s deserted buildings, and learn about the pivotal role the town played in WWII.
Another possible landing site is a small farming settlement on the edge of the Tunulliarfik Fjord. Home to around 60 people, Igaliku is a tranquil village, recognisable by its sandstone houses and fields of grazing sheep, which you might be able to visit on an optional excursion to a farm.
If conditions allow, we might spend some time in Prince Christian Sound, where ringed and bearded seals rest on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soar above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales. If sea ice prevents us from entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.
DAY 18-19 Reflections of Greenland
Time to rest, relax and reflect
After exploring the ethereal, rugged beauty of Greenland, we set course for Iceland. You'll enjoy two days at sea recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, studying the delicate ecology of Greenland's fjord system in the Science Center, and relaxing.
Out on deck, you might spot seabirds or whales that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer can share tips to capture them in action. You can even count any whales you see for our Happywhale Citizen Science project.
This might be the time to enjoy the panoramic sauna and our on-deck hot tubs. You can also enjoy the company of fellow explorers over drinks in the Explorer Bar & Lounge.
DAY 20 Return to Reykjavík
Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland
We say a fond farewell to MS Maud as we end where we started, in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. Why not visit the places you may have missed when you arrived. With its stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in this beautiful city.
Post-Programme
If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or, simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey.
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Maud
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, Maud will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021. You will be able to explore Norway like never before, with…
Maud
| Refurbished | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Biodiesel |
| Single use plastic | Banned |
| Maximum passengers | 500 |
Equipped with battery packs and other green technology, Maud will operate year-round expedition cruises along the Norwegian coast from 2021. You will be able to explore Norway like never before, with all the comforts, facilities and expertise you need for creating a perfect adventure. Maud will also be equipped for shore power, to cut emissions to zero when docked in ports with shore power facilities, and she will be fitted with low-emission engines, complying with all known and upcoming regulations.
Cabins and public areas
Norway´s stunning scenery is reflected in the ship´s interior design. Comfortable cabins and suites feature natural Scandinavian materials, such as granite, oak, birch and wool. Our stylish and welcoming public areas create great places to watch the world´s most beautiful coastline pass by.
A specially designed Expedition Launch zone – the tender pit area where guests embark on their on their excursions and off-ship adventures – will be added, complete with tender boats and other expedition equipment.
A new Science Center will be added. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens, science equipment and other interactive features, the edutainment area will also be the on-board HQ for the ship’s Expedition Team.
A wellness-area, complete with gym, lounge and treatment rooms, will be built.
There will be a range of restaurants :
- Restaurant Aune, an expedition cruise main restaurant concept. Aune will be social and informal with the use of natural elements in design and interiors, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner based on a Scandinavian identity.
- Restaurant Lindstrøm, a specialty restaurant named after the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes, will be added. Lindstrøm will be an upper premium fine dining restaurant with strong roots in traditional Norwegian cooking that are contrasted with modern cuisine.
- The informal eatery Fredheim, named after a legendary 1920s hunting station in Svalbard that sheltered adventurers from around the world. In addition, a new outdoor grill venue will be added outdoor on the top decks.
Honouring explorer heritage
MS Maud is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsens “Maud” from 1917. The original “Maud” got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway.
