When is the best time for a cruise to Greenland?
Summer – especially peak summer in July – is a great time to cruise to Greenland. During summer months, temperatures will be warmer (meaning you’ll avoid the extreme cold of winter), allowing you to explore the country properly. You’ll be able to fully appreciate Greenland’s landscapes by taking part in lots of different outdoor activities, such as kayaking through the incredible Ilulissat Icefjord and boat trips around Nuuk’s coast.
Both of those activities are available on our excursions, as are hikes and city walks – more ways to enjoy the outdoors during those warmer and sunnier months.
Greenland holidays in July also mean that you might be able to experience the height of the midnight sun period, which occurs between the end of April until the end of August.
This is why we feel that the best Greenland cruise time period is during summer.
What is the weather like in Greenland?
Greenland is well-known for its landscapes shaped by extreme weather and its Arctic conditions – consider the fact that around 80% of the country is covered by its ice sheet.
During winter, parts of the country’s north (the colder region) can reach around -18°C. Whereas in summer, parts of the south (generally warmer than the north) can hit up to approximately 20°C during July and other summer months, demonstrating that weather in Greenland can and does change, rapidly.
In capital Nuuk, July is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging between 7–8°C, while Ilulissat also sees the warmest temperatures in July, with an average of 8–8.5°C. In Qaqortoq, too, you’ll find the hottest weather in July, with an average of around 8°C. All three destinations can also experience some rain during summer months, and some snowfall, predominantly in the winter.
Summer, then, is a fantastic time for Greenland cruises – particularly the month of July.
Where do cruise ships dock in Greenland?
When you cruise Greenland with us, you can expect to visit several different ports, each with its own character and activities. Nuuk, the capital, offers a thriving cultural scene thanks to various museums and craft stores, as well as access to breathtaking scenery and landmarks, such as Sermitsiaq, a soaring mountain that you can see by boat on an excursion.
Nestled in a pocket in the country’s south, Qaqortoq offers dramatic cliffs, public sculptures and Greenland’s oldest fountain, completed in the 1930s. From here, you can visit the fascinating Hvalsey Church archaeological site on a boat trip and taste traditional Greenlandic foods.
Ilulissat, meanwhile, offers multiple routes to the stupefying Ilulissat Icefjord, which you can experience on the water – by kayaking through part of it – or via a guided hike to supply outstanding views of a natural marvel.
How much is a cruise to Greenland?
For anyone considering booking that magical trip, know that MSC Cruises offers Greenland cruises to fit all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a holiday on a strict financial limit or you're considering something more extravagant, there’ll be an option for you – take a look at our deals and packages to find something that suits, and then simply start planning your Greenland explorations.
What to pack for a cruise to Greenland?
Packing for a cruise to Greenland may seem tricky if you’ve never visited before, but with a little advance planning you’ll be able to set off fully prepared. It’s no secret that Greenland experiences extreme weather, but you’re unlikely to encounter anything particularly intense during summer. However, temperatures may still be chilly at points, so pack for cold weather. Bring lots of layers – including some thermal layers – and some fleeced clothing or similar. A windproof jacket is a must, as is a rain jacket.
Try to bring lots of different, more portable layers that you can easily add and remove – and which serve different functions – rather than just one big, bulky item that you hope will cover all bases. Hats, gloves and scarves are also a huge help if you want to easily add something on to provide a little extra warmth.
Having said all that, don’t assume that you’ll be wrapped up for the whole of your trip. Greenland does warm up in summer and you may even see a little sunshine, depending on where you visit, so make sure some of your lighter layers are suitable for pleasant conditions, too. Bring sunglasses – even if it’s not sunny, these will be useful for dealing with the glare from snow and ice – and also sunscreen.
In terms of footwear, comfortable walking boots are near-essential if you’re embarking on shore excursions, particularly the more active excursions, such as those involving hiking. Do also bring a reusable water bottle, which will help you stay hydrated on excursions, as well as cutting down on single-use plastics.
Finally, if you’re planning to attend some of the more formal events onboard your ship, such as Gala Night, some smarter clothes for dinner and dances will help you dazzle.
What is the currency in Greenland?
As Greenland is a self-governing, autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark and uses the Danish krone (DKK) as its currency. Most locations you’ll visit on your Greenland trip will accept credit cards, but it’s always wise to carry some Danish krone in cash, too, in case you find yourself in a venue where card payments aren’t an option.
What is the time zone in Greenland?
Greenland uses multiple time zones, so the time you operate by will depend on which part of the country you’re in. Luckily, however, the Greenland ports that MSC Cruises sail to – Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq – all operate by the same time: Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) -2, also called Western Greenland Time (WGT).
As UTC is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), this means that Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq can all be said to operate on GMT -2 as well. So, the time in these three ports on your Greenland cruise in summer, during July, will be two hours behind the UK, which uses British Summer Time (BST) during July. Both Greenland and the UK abide by daylight saving time (DST).
What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to Greenland?
MSC Cruises’ itineraries for Greenland voyages include visits to some other fantastic countries. For example, on a Greenland cruise you can also explore Iceland, another Nordic must-visit packed with natural wonders: mysterious volcanic landscapes, hot springs and thermal pools for swimming, glaciers, waterfalls and fjords – just a few of the Icelandic sights you can admire on a cruise to Iceland and Greenland.
You can also soak up a marvellous slice of Scotland’s scenery on a Greenland cruise, with a stop at the Orkney Islands – part of the country’s Highlands and Islands region, Orkney offers a plethora of fascinating Neolithic archaeological sites and monuments, many of which are concentrated in and around Skara Brae, a famous prehistoric village. There are also plenty of hikes to adventure your way through, letting you appreciate the awe-inspiring terrain and views of the area and its wildlife – look out for an array of different bird species.
Do cruise ships go to Greenland?
Cruise ships do indeed sail to Greenland to enjoy all that this incredible country has to offer. With MSC Cruises, you can cruise to Greenland during the summer months, primarily in July, as this time offers optimum weather and conditions for outdoor activities and exploration of Greenland’s towns and villages.
How long is a cruise to Greenland?
The length of cruises to Greenland will vary depending on the itinerary. MSC Cruises offers trips to Greenland that depart from several northern European ports – including Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, and Warnemünde in northern Germany – and which then visit Scotland’s Orkney Islands and Nordic jewel, Iceland. With these destinations added into the mix – making for a well-rounded, exciting trip – a cruise to Greenland usually lasts for a minimum of 20 nights.
