Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland - Encounters at the Edge Expedition Cruise
Four iconic regions of the pristine North
Setting out from Greenland’s picturesque capital Nuuk, we’ll traverse the shores of Baffin Bay – the icy sea that links east and west and binds the cultures of Arctic Canada and Greenland. This all-encompassing expedition cruise reveals the exquisite southern fjords of Greenland, the majestic grandeur of the Torngat Mountains, the historic settlements of coastal Labrador, and the charm of Newfoundland. Sailing expedition-style, days will be filled with awe and wonder as we set foot in some of the most out-of-the-way places on the planet.
Exploration at the edge
As we cruise through biologically rich marine environments and visit remote communities, you’ll learn about the distinct Inuit cultures found in Greenland and Labrador. This region has a captivating past, situated at a crossroads where migrations from the East and the West met. Uncover the diverse histories of European explorers, Viking settlers, Moravian missionaries and Basque whalers, on a fascinating deep dive into the history and ecology of this pristine and under-explored destination.
Highlights
• Setting out from Nuuk, join us as we sail down the west coast of Greenland and traverse the Labrador Sea, exploring Newfoundland and sub-Arctic Canada.
• Discover the southern fjords of Greenland, the immense Torngat Mountains, quaint settlements in coastal Labrador, and charming Newfoundland.
• Delve into the history of settlers as diverse as the Norse, the Inuit and the Basques at this crossroads of cultures.
Welcome to the capital of Greenland
Flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk.
Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital with a population of fewer than 20,000. Located just 150 miles from the Arctic Circle, this picturesque city is a striking mix of old and modern buildings, set against a backdrop of the mountainous peaks Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat.
Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and then enjoy your first dinner on board.
Prepare for adventure as we head south
While sailing towards South Greenland, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you attend these fascinating and important presentations.
You can also enjoy the state-of-the-art ship facilities and join the first lectures on topics such as ornithology, geology and culture. You’ll also learn about the Citizen Science projects we run on board the ship.
The coast of Greenland is carved by many fjords. Depending on the conditions, in the afternoon we may be able to cruise deep into one of our favourites, Kuannersooq Fjord, as it’s known in Greenlandic, or Kvanefjord in Danish.
Greenlandic life at the edge of the ice cap
South Greenland offers curious travellers an intriguing blend of Norse history, Inuit culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Here you can explore Viking settler ruins, and discover colourful small towns, marvelling at awe-inspiring fjords, mountains, glaciers and icebergs along the way. Combining rich cultural experiences with thrilling outdoor adventures, both history enthusiasts and nature lovers will be enraptured.
Over the next two days, our possible destinations and landing sites include:
Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site
Qassiarsuk
Brattahlíð (Qassiarsuk)
Hvalsey
Qaqortoq
Sailing to the gates of the Torngat Mountains
After a few days of exploration, enjoy a day at sea and prepare for what lies ahead as we continue westward along the route of the Vikings, across Baffin Bay to the rugged coast of Labrador.
Why not listen to another fascinating presentation from the Expedition Team, perhaps on biology, ornithology or history of the region. They’ll continue to entertain and educate with their series of lectures and demonstrations. There will be storytelling, art and craft workshops and perhaps even some singing. In September at this latitude, there may also be the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. If they appear in the middle of the night, be prepared for a gentle wake-up call!
Witness the immense Torngat Mountains
Welcome to Canada! After clearing customs, we’ll be joined by Park Rangers who’ll accompany us as we explore the Torngat Mountains National Park over the coming days.
Meaning ‘place of spirits’ in Inuktitut, the national park spans some 6,000 miles, extending from Saglek Fjord to Labrador’s tip, and from the Atlantic coast to the Québec border. This wilderness is peppered with small glaciers and it’s home to polar bears and caribou. It also has rich Inuit heritage of hunting and fishing.
While exploring this magnificent area, we hope to visit:
Saglek Bay
Nachvak Fiord
Ramah
Head back in time and delve into the history of Labrador
Over the next five days, we’ll cruise south, unearthing the fascinating history of coastal Labrador and discovering its rich cultural heritage.
This area is home to some of Labrador’s most important Moravian settlements, and a once busy fishing village that’s now a National Historic Site. There are also breathtaking waterways to transit and a whaling past to uncover. Over the next five days, our potential destinations may include:
Hebron
Mugford Tickle
Hopedale
Battle Harbour
Red Bay
Relive the tales of Vikings, pioneers and early explorers
Your cruise continues to the island of Newfoundland. With a coastline of towering mountains, peaceful bays and lush forests, and a heritage that’s colorful and diverse, Newfoundland is sure to enchant.
As we explore, you can delve into the island’s past, from pioneering missionaries and early explorers to as far back as Viking settlers. Over the next two days, we hope to visit:
St Anthony
UNESCO-listed L’Anse aux Meadows & Norstead
Bonavista
End your adventure on a colourful note
We say a fond farewell to our ship as we end our expedition in St John’s, Newfoundland’s capital.
As one of the oldest cities in North America, St John’s is nothing but charming. Colourful houses are etched into the steep and rugged hillside along the coast, and Signal Hill with the proud Cabot Tower watches over the city from above. It’s well worth exploring the city further if you have time before your onward journey.
Whatever your next steps are, you’ll take with you a wealth of memories that will no doubt endure, and experiences that will change the way you see the world.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 140 metres
Passenger Capacity: 530
Built: 2019
MS Roald Amundsen is a modern expedition ship named after the legendary Norwegian polar explorer who first reached the South Pole. Built in 2019 at Kleven Yards in Norway, the vessel is purpose-designed for voyages in polar and remote waters, combining exploration capability with a strong focus on environmental performance. As one of the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, she uses battery-assisted electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20 percent, setting a new standard for more sustainable expedition travel. With a capacity of 490 guests, she serves as a comfortable and efficient base camp at sea for journeys to some of the planet’s most extreme and spectacular regions.
Onboard, Scandinavian design principles define both public spaces and accommodation, using natural materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool to create a calm, functional, and refined atmosphere. All cabins are outside-facing, with around half featuring private balconies, while selected suites offer private outdoor hot tubs. Key facilities include a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck, a Science Centre at the core of the expedition experience, multiple dining venues inspired by regional flavours, and comprehensive wellness amenities including a gym, sauna, spa, infinity pool, and hot tubs. Together, these features position MS Roald Amundsen as a technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed vessel, built to support immersive exploration without compromising comfort or environmental responsibility.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• On board lectures
• Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks and more
• Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer
• Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails available across the day and evening
• All-day coffee, tea & soft drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Our interactive science programme, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships
• Access to sauna, hot tubs, fitness room and more
• Professional photos from the onboard photographer
• Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through Hurtigruten Foundation.
• Take home expedition jacket and reusable water bottle
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
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• Flight in economy class from Reykjavík to Nuuk
• Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nuuk
Exclusions
• Travel Insurance
• Luggage Handling
• International Flights except where included in the Air Package Holiday Price
• Optional Excursions
• Premium Drinks (included for Suites guests)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
