Greenland Explorer

Explore Nature’s Playground, Greenland: discover natural wonder, wildlife and Viking history.

Reykjavik, 23 August 2024 - Copenhagen, 6 September 2024

Reykjavik, Dynjandi (Fjallfoss), At Sea, Fridtjof Nansen Halvo, Skjoldungen Fjord, Cruising Prince Christianssund, Qaqortoq, Paamiut (Frederikshab), Nuuk (Godthab), Evighed Fjord, Ilulissat, Upernavik, Disko Bay, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Copenhagen

Your Ship: Scenic Eclipse

Experience the extraordinary in every way on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™. Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, Scenic Eclipse has set the benchmark in ultra-luxury ocean cruising.

Designed to deliver the ultimate 6-star ultra-luxury cruise experience of a lifetime for up to 228 guests, with only 200 guests in the Polar regions. Scenic Eclipse’s state-of-the-art technology allows for smooth navigation through all waters due to its Polar Class 6 rating, electronic Azipod propulsion system and oversized stabilisers.

Its GPS Dynamic Positioning also allows the Discovery Yacht to maintain location without dropping anchors onto sensitive sea beds. This dedication to your safety, environmental protection and world-class innovation has allowed us to design the most inspiring and exciting itineraries possible.

Explore above, below and beyond the horizon by helicopter^, submarine^, Zodiac or kayak. From nature to cultural encounters, and historic cities to ancient monuments, a Scenic Eclipse voyage is sure to leave with you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Reykjavík where you board Scenic Eclipse to start your discovery of the world’s largest island – Greenland. 

Day 2

Weather depending, today we visit the jewel of the Westfjords. Stand back and admire the cascading bridal veil and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Made up of seven waterfalls, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

Day 3

Cruise from Iceland across the Denmark Strait to the east coast of Greenland. The Discovery Team will enthrall you with their knowledge and passion for this region. From your suite's verandah, scan the horizon through your included binoculars to look for whales.

Day 4

Unlike the rest of Greenland, the Sermersooq municipality where the  Fridtjof Nansen peninsula is located, is smooth and unbroken, with the magnificent Greenland Ice Sheet flowing right to the shore. Umivik Bay is the location where Fridtjof Nansen launched his pioneering Greenland venture, the expedition that confirmed that Greenland was completely covered in ice.

Day 5

Glaciers calving, rivers flowing, towering rock walls and colourful forests, the Skjoldungen Fjord is spectacular.  Weave through the numerous icebergs on board Scenic Eclipse, and learn of the archaeological remains that have been found in this region, indicating to people living here over 4,000 years ago.

Day 6

Carving a breathtaking, naturally formed path separating the mainland from the islands of Cape Farewell, Prins Christianssund is one of Greenland's most scenic waterways. Over a hundred kilometres in length, and flanked by magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs, this narrow passage is only accessible during summer, when the largest ice blockades melt away. Scenic Eclipse brings you close to the towering glaciers, huge icebergs and imposing peaks for unmissable photo opportunities.

Day 7

Qaqortoq is a town in southern Greenland, situated on the country's southwestern coast. It serves as the administrative center of the Kujalleq municipality. With its picturesque surroundings, including fjords, mountains, and the nearby Hvalsey Church ruins, Qaqortoq is known for its natural beauty. The town has a population that fluctuates, as many residents are engaged in fishing, hunting, and other traditional activities. Qaqortoq features colorful houses, a harbor, and is one of the larger settlements in Greenland, providing essential services and amenities for the local population. The town also has cultural attractions such as sculptures and art installations, making it an interesting destination for visitors exploring Greenland's unique landscapes and Inuit culture.

Day 8

Wildlife lovers will delight, with 20 species of whales frequenting the area, and an abundance of falcons. Keep look out for the white-tale eagle, known as Nattoralik, said to bring good luck to anyone who spots it. Wander through the township past the wooded Friedenskirche, a charming Norwegian style church, and admire the multitude of brightly coloured buildings. 

Discovery: Join your guide for a hike towards the Blue Mountains to get a view of the entire town from above, or hike towards the Sermilik Fjord.

Day 9

Nuuk means ‘headland’ or ‘cape’ in Greenlandic. The capital and largest city in Greenland, Nuuk has been inhabited by many settlers over the centuries, but the present town was only established in 1728. A guided tour through the picturesque Old Harbour reveals history and traditions that still remain strong.

Freechoice: Explore Nuuk by bus or on a guided walking tour or meet a local family and hear stories of past and present. Choose to taste some Greenlandic specialties or try the local Greenlandic beer at Greenland’s largest microbrewery.

Day 10

Meander through the Evighed Fjord or “Eternity Fjord”, listening as chunks from the ice cap break away and collapse into the water. Gaze up at the highest mountains in West Greenland, watching as the mist swirls around them. 

Day 11

Ilulissat is named from the Inuit word for ‘icebergs’. Formerly called Jakobshavn, the town is best known for large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, into which one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers calves 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance of icebergs calving from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier.

Discovery: Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak or go onshore for landings.

Day 12

The Upernavik archipelago the known as the bay of islands and ice. A town of only 1,100 inhabitants, Upernavik, is located on the picturesque Archipelago consisting of over 100 rocky islands. Officially founded in 1772, this area had been explored by Inuit hunters much earlier. A Viking runestone was also found in 1824 atop Kingittorsuag, an island some 20km to the north of Upernavik, and has been dated to around the mid-13th century.

Day 13

Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Renowned for its pristine icebergs and glorious glaciers, stand on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah and listen for the remarkable sound of a calving glacier echoing across the fjord.

Discovery: Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak or go onshore for landings.

Day 14

Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland, and means ‘the people living in a place where the fox dens’. Stroll past the brightly coloured houses to explore one of the most widespread and beautiful backcountry areas in Greenland.

Day 15

Your cruise ends this morning in Kangerlussuaq as you bid farewell to the crew and fly to Copenhagen. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Copenhagen after 08:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

All fares are displayed in Australian Dollars and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.