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PONANT’s Greenland Cruises deserve a place on your bucket list, offering an unforgettable opportunity to explore Greenland, one of the world’s last truly wild frontiers. Towering glaciers, immense icebergs, remote Inuit settlements and spectacular Arctic wildlife combine to create one of the world's most extraordinary expedition cruise destinations.
Travelling aboard Ponant's luxury expedition ships allows you to venture deep into Greenland's magnificent fjords and isolated coastal communities that are inaccessible by road. Each voyage combines genuine adventure with French luxury, expert expedition guides and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Whether sailing through the breathtaking Scoresby Sound, exploring the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord or watching whales beneath towering cliffs, Greenland delivers an expedition unlike anywhere else on Earth. Cruise season generally runs from June to September, when long daylight hours and calmer seas provide ideal conditions for exploration.
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| Best For | Luxury Arctic Expedition Cruises |
|---|---|
| Cruise Season | June – September |
| Typical Duration | 8–18 Days |
| Departure Ports | Reykjavik, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk & Longyearbyen |
| Ships | Ponant Expedition Fleet & Le Commandant Charcot |
| Wildlife | Whales, Polar Bears (selected voyages), Musk Oxen, Arctic Foxes, Seals & Seabirds |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Zodiac Excursions | Included on most expeditions |
| Photography | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury Rating | ★★★★★ |
SPECTACULAR ICEBERG
Witness enormous icebergs calving from some of the world's fastest-moving glaciers. Cruise through breathtaking fjords where ancient ice creates ever-changing landscapes that are unlike anywhere else on Earth.
EXCEPTIONAL ARCTIC WILDLIFE
Encounter humpback, fin and minke whales, seals, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and vast seabird colonies. Selected northern itineraries may also provide opportunities to spot the elusive polar bear.
EPIC FJORDS AND GLACIERS
Explore dramatic waterways including the magnificent Scoresby Sound—the world's largest fjord system—and sail among towering cliffs, floating ice and pristine Arctic wilderness.
INUIT CULTURE ICON
Visit colourful coastal communities where traditional Inuit culture, fascinating history and modern Greenlandic life come together in one of the world's most remote inhabited regions.
EXCEPTIONAL ARCTIC WILDLIFE
Step ashore by Zodiac to hike Arctic tundra, photograph giant icebergs, discover hidden coves and experience destinations beyond the reach of conventional cruise ships. Experience true adventure.
LUXURY WITH PURPOSE
Enjoy PONANT's signature French elegance while exploring one of the world's last great wildernesses. Expert expedition leaders, gourmet dining and top-quality, personalised service make every journey extraordinary.
Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO)
One of Greenland's most famous natural wonders, Ilulissat Icefjord produces millions of tonnes of ice each year from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier. Gigantic icebergs drift slowly into Disko Bay creating one of the world's most spectacular polar landscapes.
Scoresby Sound
The largest fjord system on Earth stretches over 350 kilometres inland and features towering mountains, immense glaciers and exceptional opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes and polar wildlife.
Disko Bay
Famous for whales, icebergs and colourful Greenlandic communities including Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq.
Nuuk
Greenland's colourful capital combines modern Nordic culture with traditional Inuit heritage.
East Greenland
One of the most remote regions of the Arctic featuring dramatic mountain scenery, glaciers and isolated settlements.
Wildlife sightings are a huge part of any PONANT Greenland cruise and whilst they may not be guaranteed, visitors may encounter these wonderful animals:
❖ Humpback Whales
❖ Fin Whales
❖ Minke Whales
❖ Musk Oxen
❖ Polar Bears (northern itineraries)
❖ Arctic Foxes
❖ Ringed Seals
❖ Walrus (selected voyages)
❖ Puffins
❖ Guillemots
❖ White-tailed Eagles
Greenland's expedition cruise season is relatively short, typically running from June to September when sea ice retreats, wildlife becomes more active and long daylight hours allow expedition ships to reach remote fjords and coastal settlements. While every month offers something unique, the best time to visit depends on what you hope to experience. June brings the magic of the Midnight Sun and freshly calved icebergs, July and August deliver peak wildlife viewing and ideal expedition conditions, while September offers spectacular autumn colours, quieter waterways and the first opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
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| Month | Weather | Wildlife | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | Cool (2–8°C) | ★★★★☆ | Midnight Sun, huge icebergs, nesting seabirds, fresh Arctic landscapes | ★★★★☆ |
| July | Mild (5–12°C) | ★★★★★ | Peak whale season, excellent fjord access, wildflowers | ★★★★★ |
| August | Mild (5–12°C) | ★★★★★ | Outstanding expedition conditions, photography, whales | ★★★★★ |
| September | Cool (0–8°C) | ★★★★☆ | Autumn colours, fewer ships, possible Northern Lights | ★★★★☆ |
June – Giant Icebergs & Midnight Sun
June marks the beginning of Greenland's expedition season. Vast icebergs fill the fjords, the Arctic tundra begins to bloom and almost endless daylight provides exceptional opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Wildlife becomes increasingly active, while seabird colonies return to coastal cliffs for nesting. Early-season voyages often feel particularly adventurous as expedition ships navigate among spectacular sea ice.
July – Peak Expedition Season 
July is widely regarded as one of the best months to cruise Greenland. Temperatures are at their warmest, whale sightings become more frequent and expedition ships can reach many of Greenland's most remote fjords and communities. Long daylight hours maximise opportunities for Zodiac cruises, shore landings and wildlife encounters, making July an excellent choice for first-time Arctic travellers.
August – The Best All-Round Month
If choosing just one month, August offers perhaps the finest balance of weather, wildlife and accessibility. Fjords are generally at their most navigable, humpback whales are commonly sighted and landscapes remain filled with towering icebergs. The slightly softer Arctic light also creates outstanding conditions for photographers, while comfortable daytime temperatures make Zodiac excursions particularly enjoyable.
September – Autumn Beauty & Northern Lights
September brings a different character to Greenland. The summer crowds have largely disappeared, Arctic vegetation takes on golden autumn colours and evenings become dark enough for the first displays of the Aurora Borealis. Wildlife remain
BlueSun Recommendation
If you're looking for the ultimate Greenland expedition experience, we recommend travelling in late July or August. These months typically provide the best combination of comfortable temperatures, spectacular icebergs, excellent wildlife viewing, reliable Zodiac operations and access to Greenland's magnificent fjords.
Travellers hoping to photograph giant icebergs may prefer June, while those wanting fewer visitors and the chance to see the Northern Lights should consider a September departure.
PONANT operates a fleet of luxury expedition ships that regularly explore Greenland's spectacular fjords, glaciers and remote Arctic communities. While itineraries vary from season to season, the following vessels are among those that commonly visit Greenland.
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| Ship | Guests | Ship Class | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Commandant Charcot | 245 | Luxury Polar Exploration | Extreme Arctic expeditions & sea ice navigation |
| Le Boréal | 264 | Sister Ship | Classic Arctic expeditions |
| Le Lyrial | 264 | Sister Ship | Luxury expedition cruising |
| Le Soléal | 264 | Sister Ship | Arctic & Antarctic voyages |
| Le Lapérouse | 184 | Explorer Class | Small-ship luxury expeditions |
| Le Bellot | 184 | Explorer Class | Remote Arctic exploration |
| Le Dumont-d'Urville | 184 | Explorer Class | Luxury expedition cruising |
| Le Jacques Cartier | 184 | Explorer Class | Wildlife & cultural expeditions |
| Le Champlain | 184 | Explorer Class | Boutique luxury cruising |
| Le Bougainville | 184 | Explorer Class | Luxury polar expeditions |
👉 Explore Iceland & Greenland →
👉 Greenland & Canadian Arctic →
👉 Greenland & Svalbard →
👉 East Greenland Expedition →
👉 West Greenland Discovery →
👉 Scoresby Sound Expedition →
👉 Arctic Circle Expedition →
👉 Northwest Passage →
There are many reasons why customers pick PONANT over all other cruise lines when it comes to seeing Greenland. Here are a few of the top reasons:
✓ Luxury expedition experience
✓ Small ships
✓ French cuisine
✓ Expedition leaders
✓ Zodiac excursions
✓ Expert lectures
✓ Sustainable cruising
✓ Complimentary inclusions
Planning an Arctic expedition is very different from booking a conventional cruise. From choosing the right destination and travel season to understanding wildlife encounters, Zodiac excursions, expedition ships and what to pack, there is plenty to consider before travelling north.
Whether you are dreaming of enormous Greenlandic icebergs, searching for polar bears around Svalbard, exploring remote Arctic communities or following the historic Northwest Passage, our Arctic cruise specialists can help you understand your options and choose the right PONANT expedition for you.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions travellers ask about PONANT Arctic cruises.
General Arctic Cruise FAQs
A PONANT Arctic expedition combines the comfort and sophistication of a luxury small ship with the adventure of exploring remote polar destinations. Rather than simply visiting ports, expedition voyages are designed around wildlife, landscapes, local communities and opportunities to explore places that are difficult to reach by conventional cruise ships.
PONANT's expedition programme includes Zodiac outings, shore landings, hikes and expert-led experiences, depending on the destination and itinerary. Naturalist guides and expedition specialists accompany guests and provide insight into the Arctic environment, wildlife, geology and cultures.
PONANT offers Arctic voyages covering a range of destinations, including:
- Greenland
- Svalbard and Spitsbergen
- Iceland
- Canadian Arctic
- Northwest Passage
- Baffin Island and Baffin Bay
- Northeast Greenland
- Greenland–Svalbard combinations
- High Arctic and North Pole expeditions
The exact destinations and routes vary by season and departure. PONANT's Arctic programme currently includes voyages through Greenland, Norway, Iceland and Canada, among other northern regions.
The best time depends on what you want to see and do.
For Greenland, the main expedition season generally runs from June to September. June offers long daylight hours and spectacular ice, July and August are excellent for wildlife and expedition conditions, while September brings autumn colours, fewer visitors and the possibility of Northern Lights.
For Svalbard, summer voyages provide opportunities to explore fjords, sea ice and tundra while searching for Arctic wildlife, including polar bears.
Arctic itineraries can vary considerably. Shorter voyages may focus on one region, while longer expeditions can combine destinations such as Greenland and Svalbard or explore the Northwest Passage.
Your ideal cruise length will depend on how much of the Arctic you want to experience and whether you prefer a focused regional expedition or a more extensive polar journey.
Greenland Cruise FAQs
Greenland is known for its enormous icebergs, spectacular fjords, glaciers, remote settlements and Arctic wildlife.
Popular highlights include Ilulissat Icefjord, Disko Bay, Scoresby Sound, Nuuk and East Greenland. The BlueSun Greenland guide also highlights opportunities to experience Inuit culture and explore remote coastal landscapes by Zodiac.
For an all-round Greenland experience, late July and August are particularly appealing. These months generally offer a strong combination of comfortable temperatures, wildlife activity, iceberg scenery and access to fjords.
June can be especially attractive to photographers interested in icebergs and the Midnight Sun, while September offers autumn colours, fewer visitors and potential Northern Lights viewing.
Polar bears can be encountered in Greenland, particularly on northern and remote Arctic itineraries, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Wildlife encounters depend on location, season, weather, sea-ice conditions and the movements of the animals. The same principle applies to whales, seals, walrus and other Arctic wildlife.
Yes. Greenland waters can provide opportunities to encounter several whale species, including humpback, fin and minke whales. Other species may also be encountered depending on the itinerary and season.
Expedition Experience FAQs
Zodiacs are sturdy inflatable boats used by expedition teams to take passengers from the ship to shore and into areas that larger vessels cannot access.
They are an important part of the expedition experience, allowing guests to explore coastlines, ice-filled waters and remote landing sites more closely. PONANT's expedition cruises feature Zodiac outings and shore landings depending on the itinerary and conditions.
PONANT states that its cruises include an activity at each port of call, selected from available guided activities or excursions, with expedition activities such as Zodiac outings offered depending on the destination. Additional optional activities may incur a fee.
Because the exact programme varies by voyage, it is important to check the individual itinerary before booking.
You do not necessarily need to be an experienced adventurer. However, Arctic expeditions can involve getting into Zodiac boats, walking on uneven terrain, climbing steps and participating in hikes or shore landings.
The activity level varies between itineraries. Travellers should review the specific voyage requirements and consider their own mobility and fitness before booking.
Arctic expedition itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Weather, sea ice, wildlife movements and local conditions can affect where a ship travels and whether a landing is possible.
The expedition team may adjust the programme to maximise safety and provide the best possible experience under the conditions. This flexibility is one of the defining characteristics of expedition cruising.
Booking Your PONANT Arctic Cruise
Zodiacs are sturdy inflatable boats used by expedition teams to take passengers from the ship to shore and into areas that larger vessels cannot access.
They are an important part of the expedition experience, allowing guests to explore coastlines, ice-filled waters and remote landing sites more closely. PONANT's expedition cruises feature Zodiac outings and shore landings depending on the itinerary and conditions.
It depends on what you want to experience.
Choose Greenland for enormous icebergs, glaciers, fjords, Inuit communities and whale encounters.
Choose Svalbard if searching for polar bears and exploring high-Arctic landscapes is a priority.
Choose Iceland & Greenland for a combination of Icelandic scenery and Greenland's remote Arctic wilderness.
Choose the Canadian Arctic or Northwest Passage if you are interested in exploration history, remote communities and one of the world's legendary sea routes.
Choose a Greenland & Svalbard itinerary if you want to combine two of the Arctic's most iconic destinations in one expedition.
Yes. Depending on the itinerary, an Arctic cruise can be combined with additional time in cities such as Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Oslo or other gateway destinations.
Adding pre- or post-cruise accommodation can also provide a useful buffer against travel delays and gives you more time to explore the region.
Yes. Choosing an Arctic expedition involves more than simply selecting a departure date. Our team can help you compare destinations, ships, itineraries, cabin categories, travel dates and current offers to find an expedition that suits your travel style and budget.
Call 1300 799 758 or make an enquiry to start planning your PONANT Arctic adventure.
For more information on our Greenland Cruises and packages or any of our Ponant cruises and other cruise packages,
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