Vikingfjord
Courtesy of a recent investment and makeover, Vikingfjord’s contemporary Scandinavian-styling, spacious and welcoming public spaces, capability in the ice, and superb …
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Tips on choosing your Greenland ship
Choosing the right ship on which to travel is a key decision when planning your Greenland adventure. To help you get started, here are a few key tips:
- A ship’s capabilities in the ice is a key attribute in an ice-dense region like Greenland, so choose a ship with a high ice class rating capable of safely cutting through any thick ice
- Generous outer decks are crucial as they ensure everyone has ample space, particularly when wildlife is sighted, as well as acting as a general viewing platform
- The skill, knowledge and size of the expedition staff makes all the difference, so paying close attention to the expedition staff to guest ratio is important, as it differs widely
- For active travellers keen to experience the opportunity for longer treks in east Greenland, as ships vary markedly on this point, as Swoop to point out the right ships
- Kayaking is a fantastic optional add-on which consecutively receives rave reviews, however it isn’t offered by all Greenland ships, so choose carefully if you’re keen
Swoop says
Whether you're voyaging north to catch of glimpse of the ice bear, be awed by giant icebergs or experience the Inuit culture, there's a wide enough choice of ship to suit every type of traveller.
Karl ONeill Arctic Sales Specialist
Our favourite Greenland ships
Ultramarine
Elegant lines, contemporary styling, onboard helicopters, spacious balconied cabins and a wide range of adventure activities; this ship is Ultra by name and ultra by nature. …
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Ocean Victory
With exceptional onboard technology and superior-quality accommodation, Ocean Victory is one of the most modern small ships for the polar regions.
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National Geographic Resolution
Purpose-built for polar exploration, this slick European-designed ship combines an ice-strengthened hull with cutting-edge X-Bow technology.
Discover MoreWhat our customers think of Greenland
Our most popular Greenland voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
This might be a short trip but it packs a huge amount in. Sail among the ice of Disko Bay and spot humpbacks hunting herring; trek to the look out over Jakobshavn Glacier; explore the settlements of Sisimiut and Itilleq…
- 8 Days
- $8,836
Sailing in August or September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements. Late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of…
- 10 Days
- $4,700
Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters all…
- 15 Days
- $23,595
The big ice and small towns of West Greenland provide a stunning start to this trip before you sail across the Davis Straight to Baffin Island and enter the Northwest Passage. Blend history, scenery and wildlife; pay your respects at…
- 17 Days
- $13,297
There are few wilder, more remote places on the planet than East Greenland. Travelling by a small, very comfortable custom-built expedition ship, this voyage aims to showcase the best of Greenland’s eye-popping scenery, vast ice and exotic wildlife. Walk the…
- 12 Days
- $19,769
Beginning deep inside the High Arctic and finishing in subarctic Iceland, we like this voyage for its diversity, sense of journey and extended time exploring East Greenland. Zodiac cruising among towering icebergs, glimpsing the Northern Lights and tracking musk oxen…
- 20 Days
- $10,000
Combining all of the jewels in West Greenland’s crown in a single trip, we know firsthand that this epic voyage is a real cracker. Explore the iconic sites of Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia and Uummannaq, alongside the remoteness of Eternity and…
- 11 Days
- $12,931
We love this voyage for its breathtaking variety – landscape, wildlife, habitat and culture – as you journey south from the icy home of the Inuit, through the boreal forest belt, to finish in Newfoundland, with its Viking and Celtic…
- 14 Days
- $13,551
Embark on this epic, sweeping Arctic odyssey spanning Svalbard's rich wildlife, remote Jan Mayen, Greenland's rugged east coast, and Iceland's stunning western fjords. Explore isolated settlements, hike the tundra, kayak among glowing icebergs, and search for polar bears, walrus, fox,…
- 16 Days
- $33,000
Embark on this epic fly and cruise 11- or 12-day expedition into the wildest, least visited corner of Greenland, which combines the labyrinthine Scoresbysund fjord system with the vast Northeast Greenland National Park. By day, navigate spectacular fjords and pass…
- 11-12 Days
- $21,995
In two weeks and over 2,200 nautical miles, sail from Newfoundland, along Canada’s dramatic Labrador coast, to West Greenland. Prepare to be wowed by the variety with everything from Inuit culture to caribou, UNESCO World Heritage sites to polar bears,…
- 15 Days
- $10,497
As if a voyage to the North Pole isn’t special enough, this extended version includes exploring both east Greenland and Svalbard as well, thereby ticking off three very distinct and contrasting parts of The Arctic in a single thrilling voyage.…
- 17 Days
- $51,781
East Greenland is little-travelled in the summer months, so an extended trip in May when this coastline is still gripped by ice is even rarer. Travelling onboard the world’s most advanced icebreaker ship allows you to cut through the ice…
- 15 Days
- $37,830
Greenland Micro ships
These hardy vessels, often former research ships, are built for reaching the most remote corners of the map. Life on board often prioritises function, with a no-nonsense style that gives the vessel plenty of character. Yet the real highlight are the landings – that’s where expeditions on these ships truly come to life.
Freya
Originally a lighthouse-building vessel, we love the Freya’s mixture of working ship roots and enduring capability and cosiness as an expedition ship.
Discover MoreVikingfjord
Courtesy of a recent investment and makeover, Vikingfjord’s contemporary Scandinavian-styling, spacious and welcoming public spaces, capability in the ice, and superb …
Discover MoreGreenland Expedition ships
These spacious expedition vessels offer a wider range of cabin options – with top-tier accommodation often featuring private balconies – and place more emphasis on hotel-style service. You’ll still enjoy daily landings and plenty of adventure along the way.
Sylvia Earle
This state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, she similarly boasts stylish lines …
Discover MoreUltramarine
Elegant lines, contemporary styling, onboard helicopters, spacious balconied cabins and a wide range of adventure activities; this ship is Ultra by name and ultra by nature. …
Discover MoreOcean Explorer
Specially engineered for polar expeditions, this refined 138-passenger ship combines innovative design with state-of-the-art technology.
Discover MorePlancius
A former Dutch Navy research ship, the Plancius is a practical and highly capable expedition ship with a recent full re-fit to take 116 guests.
Discover MoreOrtelius
An outstanding expedition ship with a hard won reputation for navigating some of the Polar region's most challenging waters carrying just 108 guests.
Discover MoreHondius
Hondius is custom-made for polar exploration and carries up to 170 guests in a range of cabins. Large deck space for viewing and comfortable observation loungers plus the …
Discover MoreOcean Albatros
The modern Ocean Albatros offers spacious cabins and inviting communal areas, creating a comfortable home base for your Arctic adventure.
Discover MoreExpedition
Renovated in 2017, this compact and traditionally styled ship offers a cosy home-from-home feel for your Antarctic expedition.
Discover MoreOcean Victory
With exceptional onboard technology and superior-quality accommodation, Ocean Victory is one of the most modern small ships for the polar regions.
Discover MoreOcean Nova
Originally built to navigate Greenland’s ice-choked waters, Ocean Nova is a highly capable and comfortable ship.
Discover MoreSea Spirit
A purpose built expedition ship with elegant style and spacious cabins for her 114 guests to travel in style.
Discover MoreRoald Amundsen
Potential could be this ship's middle name. Few can compete with it's ability to traverse the full Northwest Passage and carry out landings with specialist guides.
Discover MoreFridtjof Nansen
A state-of-the-art, hybrid-powered vessel, equipped to traverse the Northwest Passage. With a science centre, sauna, and restaurants, this isn’t a mere cruiser.
Discover MoreGreenland Luxury ships
Le Commandant Charcot
Travel in luxurious surroundings on board this purpose built ice breaker. Designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel while maximising the expedition approach.
Discover MoreLe Boreal, Le Soleal, L'Austral & Le Lyrial
Purpose built expedition ships with state of the art luxury and five-star service for their 264 guests traveling in serious comfort.
Discover MoreSilver Endeavour
Built in Germany in 2021, Silver Endeavour ushers in a new era of mega-yacht-style expedition cruising.
Discover MoreSilver Wind
A refined choice for travellers seeking comfort and adventure, this 274-passenger ship was carefully refitted for polar exploration in 2021.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Endurance
Constructed in Europe and purpose-designed for polar travel, this modern ship features an advanced X-Bow stabilising design and an ice-strengthened hull.
Discover MoreNational Geographic Resolution
Purpose-built for polar exploration, this slick European-designed ship combines an ice-strengthened hull with cutting-edge X-Bow technology.
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Swoop says
Kayaking is a popular optional add-on only offered by certain ships. If adventure options are your priority, double check your preferred ship offers them.
Plan your trip
When to Visit Greenland
Greenland wears very different cloaks depending on when you choose to visit: spring, summer or autumn. Each has its own enchanting characteristics making it tough to decide which …
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Getting to Greenland
Located roughly equidistant between Europe and North America, Greenland - the world’s largest island - is well connected and relatively easy to get to, whether you are arriving …
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Greenland
From Greenland’s vast size and scale to her welcoming people and vibrant capital, it’s a staggering place on so many levels. While many Greenlanders continue to adhere to …
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Help Me Choose
We're all clear on where the Arctic is located and why we want to visit, but its vastness and the sheer variety of experiences on offer can be a real challenge when deciding where …
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Balto at sea
National Geographic Resolution
Plancius in the Arctic
Hondius cruising in the Arctic
MS Roald Amundsen
Silver Wind
The Ocean Albatros in Svalbard
Ocean Explorer
Greenland Ships: FAQs
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Is paying more for a luxury expedition ship worth it?
It's a good question, but ultimately a very personal one, if comfort, service, access to amenities, gourmet food and an all-inclusive price are important to you, and worth paying more for.
Interestingly, when it comes to certain Arctic ships which are considered Luxury, for a relatively modest additional investment you can get a lot for your money.
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Will a smaller ship provide better wildlife viewing and landings?
This is a tricky question to answer as there’s always a slice of luck involved when it comes to wildlife sightings. However, in our experience, smaller ships have a higher chance of better wildlife sightings because:
- The scale of larger ships can make wildlife sightings harder: you're higher up and therefore further from the wildlife (although elevation can also be an advantage, depending on how far away the wildlife is), and it takes longer to access the outer viewing decks.
- Choosing a larger ship doesn’t necessarily come with correspondingly larger outer decks which are capable of accommodating everyone when wildlife is spotted; smaller ships typically give everyone ample space so there’s no jockeying for a good view when that polar bear finally shows.
When it comes to landings, this is where having fewer guests on board carries a distinct advantage as it means:
- Getting everyone off the ship at the beginning of a shore excursion takes much less time, and avoids precious time wasted (and frustrations) waiting to get ashore.
- And less time spent ferrying everyone to and then back from a landing translates into having more time to spend on land, which in our book can mean a more satisfying overall experience by not feeling rushed and having the time you need.
- Fewer people, combined with a high guide-to-guest ratio, also means that the group sizes once you get on land will be smaller, and you’ll have more opportunity for 1-2-1 time with the experts.
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Is it worth paying for a balcony?
As a team, we at Swoop Arctic are big fans of having a balcony, and here’s why:
- It gives you your very own personal and peaceful outside space where you can relax
- The Arctic in summer is warmer than you probably think, and you will use it if you have one (even if you think you won’t!)
- Balconies are the perfect platform for taking in the ever rolling vistas you’re passing through and wildlife spotting (it's universally recognised that smokers typically spot the most wildlife, as they spend the most time outside)
- They're a great place to ‘be outside’ while the warmth of your cabin is only a few steps away if you start to get chilly
- If wildlife is sighted and announced over the ship’s intercom, you’ve got direct and immediate access to see what's going on, without having to scramble onto a public outer deck
- A relaxing sundowner on your balcony – or even breakfast out there, if you’re on a ship which can deliver room service – is a hard one to argue against for most of us
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Should I choose a smaller or larger expedition ship?
This is a key question, and in Greenland there are two ways to think about it:
Firstly, you should consider what's most important to you, as there are trade-offs. A smaller ship typically lends itself to a more intimate experience, where you’ll get to know a greater proportion of your fellow passengers, and getting on and off the ship will be speedier.
However, the anonymity of a larger ship, alongside normally more on-ship amenities and a wider choice of dining locations (particularly on a longer voyage) can be attractive. There’s no right or wrong answer, it's simply down to personal choice.
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Which ship or itinerary offers the best chances of seeing polar bears?
There are three main variables - alongside luck, which none of us can control - to bear in mind when it comes to giving yourself the best chance of seeing polar bears:
1. Length of trip: Put simply, the longer your trip the greater your chances of wildlife encounters
2. The Itinerary: While polar bears are very nomad, there are well-known polar bear ‘hotspots’.
3. Calibre and size of the expedition team: You want a big and very experienced team, as that means there will always be lots of sets of eyes on watch for wildlife. And, secondly, from experience, they’ll also know where to look, which will further improve your chance of successful sightings
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Do any of the ships have a spa, gym, or sauna?
Yes, many of them have all of these, plus in a number of cases some also offer hot tubs.
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Do many of the ships have stabilisers and are they effective?
Some of the ships which operate in Greenland are modern expedition ships and have active stabilisers which through reducing side-to-side ‘roll’ by over 85% can be said to be highly effective.
A number of ships are also X-Bow designed, which allows them to cut through the water in a very efficient and smooth way.
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
