Saga cruises return to Greenland

Sailing is a way of life for Greenlanders and there is no better way to see this breath-taking territory than on Saga Cruises' first sailing to the country in more than a decade, exploring away from the tourist trail to see the real Greenland and its people. Saga’s guests will visit picture-book towns - all with tongue-twisting names, investigate Greenland’s Viking heritage and experience the tranquillity of the remote Eternity Fjord, while enjoying the natural wonders of the Arctic Circle and breathtaking wildlife. 

There’s an overnight stay in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, home to more than 14,000 people, before Spirit of Discovery cruises along Prince Christian Sound where clear waters reflect the rugged and imposing mountains. In Uummannaq, guests are serenaded by an ensemble of young musicians, at Narsarsuaq they can venture into the rocky outcrops in search of Viking sites, and discover the story of Norwegian explorer Erik the Red from speaker Sam Hall. 

A call to the small settlement of Kangilinnguit, founded by the US Navy to protect an important mineral quarry at nearby Ivittuut, is also on the itinerary while there is more scenic cruising through Disko Bay at the eastern end is the Jakobshavn Isbræ Glacier - the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. Here the nutrient rich waters attract a variety of fish, which in turn makes it a happy hunting ground for a range of seals. In spring the bay is home to bowhead, humpback, pilot and killer whales as well as narwhal. On the shore, arctic foxes and hares can also be seen. 

Talks from Dr Simon Boxall of the National Oceanography Centre, plus speakers on Inuit culture and history, expert commentators on sights of interest, as well as whale-watching and traditional local entertainment really add to the fascination of the all-inclusive 21-night voyage aboard the all-balcony boutique ship. 

Further ports of call include Reykjavik, in Iceland, and the Irish capital, Dublin, during this unique 21-night voyage which departs from Dover on June 16, 2020.