The expansion of the airport in Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, is having a significant impact on the cruise industry, with Viking, Silversea, and HX Expeditions all planning new expedition itineraries for 2025. Viking, in particular, is set to launch several new cruises from Nuuk next year, with the Viking Octantis serving as the vessel for these exciting adventures. These itineraries will range from 13 to 27 days, focusing on exploring the polar regions of Greenland and Canada.
One of the key highlights of Viking’s new expedition itineraries is the “Into the Northwest Passage” cruise, a 13-day journey that will have departures from late July through early September, all sailing roundtrip from Nuuk. This route will take passengers along the coast of Greenland into the Arctic Circle before crossing Baffin Bay to Canada’s Nunavut territory, allowing for exploration of Pond Inlet and Beechey Island before returning to Greenland with a stop in Sisimiut.
In addition to the shorter cruises, Viking will also offer longer voyages between Nuuk and Toronto. The Canada and Greenland Explorer is a 15-day journey that includes stops in Greenland and Newfoundland and Labrador before reaching Toronto. Similarly, the Canada and Northwest Passage route spans 27 days and takes passengers deeper into the Canadian High Arctic. These extended cruises provide travelers with a more comprehensive exploration of the region, offering unique experiences along the way.
Viking’s most expansive itinerary from Nuuk is an 87-day cruise that will take passengers on a journey to Antarctica, following a repositioning route that includes stops in Toronto, the east coast of the U.S., and South America before reaching the southern continent. This ambitious itinerary showcases the versatility of the new airport expansion in Nuuk, enabling travelers to embark on epic expeditions across multiple regions.
HX’s Greenland Expedition Plans
HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, is gearing up for its largest Greenland season yet, with plans to offer nine Greenland itineraries in 2025. Three of these itineraries are new Grand Greenland sailings that will both start and end in Nuuk, providing travelers with a seamless expedition experience. The Fridtjof Nansen will be the vessel for these new voyages, adding to the excitement of exploring the pristine Arctic landscapes.
The new HX itineraries include visits to iconic Greenlandic sites such as the Ilulissat Icefjord and Uummannaq Fjord, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. With routes that vary from Disko Bay to Thule and Kane Basin, travelers will have the opportunity to delve into different aspects of Greenland’s stunning landscapes and communities, offering a well-rounded expedition experience.
Silversea Cruises is also capitalizing on the airport expansion in Nuuk, introducing a new 15-day cruise aboard the Silver Endeavour that will depart from Churchill, Manitoba, on July 25. This route will take passengers through Hudson Bay to explore Canada’s northern territories and Greenland, with stops at key points of interest such as Walrus Island, Marble Island, and Cape Dorset before reaching Nuuk. The inclusion of air travel from Montreal to Churchill adds convenience to the itinerary, making it easier for travelers to embark on this unforgettable expedition.
The expansion of Nuuk’s airport is shaping the future of Arctic expeditions, with cruise lines like Viking, Silversea, and HX creating innovative itineraries that highlight the natural beauty and cultural richness of Greenland and beyond. These new routes offer travelers the opportunity to embark on unforgettable journeys through some of the most pristine and remote regions of the Arctic, setting the stage for an exciting era of exploration in 2025 and beyond.