Arctic Umiaq Line Cruises in Greenland

If you're looking for a unique and immersive Arctic experience, consider taking an Umiaq Line cruise in Greenland. The Umiaq Line is a Greenlandic shipping company that offers a range of cruises to explore the country's stunning coastline.

Their cruises typically range from 2 to 14 days, offering a flexible and customizable experience for travelers. You can choose from a variety of itineraries that take you to remote villages, picturesque fjords, and breathtaking glaciers.

Umiaq Line cruises often depart from the capital city of Nuuk, which is the largest settlement in Greenland.

The views from on board the Arctic Umiaq Line are truly breathtaking. From the rolling hills of sheep farms in the South to the iconic Sermitsiaq Mountain, you'll be treated to thousands of kilometres of changing landscapes.

Seabirds are your constant companions as you make your way along the coastline. If you're lucky, you may also be joined by seals and whales for parts of the journey. Icebergs, including some quite large ones, are also a feature of this particular sea voyage.

The Arctic Umiaq Line travels from Nuuk to Qaqortoq in the south, stopping at small towns and fishing villages along the way. This gives you a real sense of what life is like along the coast.

The ship is relatively small, which creates a lovely community atmosphere. Most people spend at least 2 days on board, and it doesn't take long before everyone recognizes each other.

On the Arctic Umiaq Line, you can expect to pay DKK 100 for a main course and a salad, which is a great deal considering the quality of the food.

The canteen serves lunch and dinner, and it's a great way to experience the local cuisine.

For £12/$15, you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape.

Their desserts are also pretty tasty, so be sure to save some room for them.

The food is fairly cheap, especially considering where you are - in the middle of nowhere in the Arctic!

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The Arctic Umiaq Line offers a unique and exciting way to experience the Arctic region. The line's ships, such as the MV Nanook, have a capacity for up to 12 passengers.

The itinerary typically starts in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and takes you through the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the chance to see the majestic icebergs up close.

The journey also includes stops at other picturesque towns and villages, such as Sisimiut and Ilulissat, where you can experience the local culture and way of life.

We woke up to icebergs out the window, a breathtaking sight to start the day.

The early wake-up call was at 4:30, and we pulled into Paamiut, a small village along the coast.

Fog shrouded the village at that time of the morning, giving an eerie feel to the place.

However, after strolling around, you couldn't help but notice how peaceful and serene everything was.

We saw a huge herd of reindeer feeding on a rocky outcrop, their antlers clearly silhouetted against the bright blue sky.

The reindeer watched us as we sailed past, almost as if they knew we were foreigners in their land.

We entered a very narrow channel, but fog descended upon us, making it hard to see just a few feet in front of us.

At that point, we had to go inside to avoid freezing to death.

Despite the challenges, the scenery and natural beauty of Greenland left us in awe.

Qaqortoq is a must-visit destination in South Greenland, and with a 3-hour ferry stop, you can get a good taste of the city.

Qaqortoq is the primary city of South Greenland and the logistical hub of the region. You'll have the opportunity to explore the history of the Norse settlement of Greenland.

From Qaqortoq, you can take excursions to many of the Norse ruins in the area. These ruins offer a glimpse into the past and are a fascinating part of Greenland's history.

One of the unique attractions in the area is the opportunity to visit one of Greenland's few hot springs!

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Narsaq is a must-see stop, even if it's just for a short 30 minutes. It's located northbound only, so make sure to plan accordingly.

The stop in Narsaq can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially since it's late in the day. You'll want to make the most of your time on the outer decks to take in the breathtaking views.

The location of Narsaq is truly spectacular, and watching the ship approach and depart from the outer decks is an experience you won't want to miss.

Qeqertarsuaq (15 Min) is a brief stop on the Sarfaq Ittuk, but it's enough time to catch a glimpse of the largest settlement on Disko Island.

The ship docks for just 15 minutes, which is a shame because Qeqertarsuaq has plenty of hiking trails and unique landscapes to explore.

You can use this short time to take in the scenery from the deck of the ship, and it's likely to leave you wanting to return to Qeqertarsuaq in the future.

Sarfaq Ittuk's limited schedule means it doesn't stop in Qeqertarsuaq during the peak of summer, so make the most of this brief visit.

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The Arctic Umiaq Line has a rich history that dates back to 1977, when it was founded as a joint venture between the Danish shipping company DFDS and the Greenland Home Rule Government.

The partnership between DFDS and the Greenland Home Rule Government played a crucial role in the development of the Arctic Umiaq Line, allowing it to provide a reliable and efficient ferry service to the people of Greenland.

In 2006, the Arctic Umiaq Line was privatized, but it continued to operate under the same name and with a strong focus on serving the communities of Greenland.

Hurtigruten Norway has partnered with Arctic Umiaq Line (AUL) to drive sustainable tourism in Greenland.

This partnership is a significant step towards promoting responsible travel and tourism in the region. The two brands will work together to develop a product that appeals to global travelers, offering a range of onboard experiences and excursion offerings.

AUL has been serving the Greenlandic west coast for over 200 years, making it a well-established and trusted operator. Their single ship serves 12 communities in Greenland, providing a unique and intimate way to experience the region.

Guests can choose from three immersive sailings, each offering a distinct experience of Greenland's west coast treasures. These itineraries include excursions such as glamping, whale and iceberg safaris, guided walks, and culinary experiences in local restaurants.

Here are the three Greenland itineraries offered by Hurtigruten:

Each itinerary provides a unique perspective on Greenland's coastal culture and community life, with an English-speaking guide to enhance the experience.

Arctic Umiaq Line was founded in 2006, but its roots go back further to the Royal Greenland Trade Department.

The company has been operating at a deficit since 2007, with the CEO Søren Grønhøj Andersen being sued for mismanagement.

Loss guarantees have been provided by the Greenland Home Rule Government to the joint owners, with DKK 8.1 million being used in fiscal 2011.

These loss guarantees have been secured through 2016, with Royal Arctic Line announcing the continuation of support.

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The Arctic Umiaq Line offers a unique way to explore Greenland's vast wilderness.

You can travel with the company from April to October, when the weather is relatively calm.

The line operates a fleet of 12 ships, ranging in size from 150 to 300 passengers.

The cost of traveling with the Arctic Umiaq Line can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

A couchette aboard the Arctic Umiaq Line from Nuuk to Qaqortoq costs DKK 2,225 during peak season.

The peak season runs from 1st June till the 31st August, which is the busiest time of the year.

The common areas on the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry are a great place to relax and socialize. You'll find three main areas to hang out.

The Café Sarfaq is the ship's social hub, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, or you can purchase snacks and drinks throughout the day. It's a fantastic place to meet people during your voyage.

You'll often find people playing cards or other games, reading, writing, or just hanging out in the Café. Note that you can only consume food and drink purchased on board in the Café.

The aft lounge is a quieter space with booth-like seats, offering a wonderful view of the area through which you've just traveled. There's even a massage chair to help you unwind.

The aft lounge also provides access to the on-board cinema, which has a small number of movies available. The plush seats and darkened room are designed to give a real movie experience.

You can also connect your personal device to the entertainment system from the aft common room and Sarfaq Café, allowing you to watch a different film or at a different time.

The outside decks offer the best views of Greenland's incredible natural beauty, but be sure to rug up as the breeze can be chilly. Don't forget the sunscreen, as the arctic sun can be quite strong despite the brisk air.

Venturing out onto the decks from time to time is worthwhile, even if the weather is not sunny, to get some fresh air and take in the surroundings.

The key to a comfortable journey on the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry is dressing in layers that can be added or removed as the weather changes.

Pack warm and windproof layers for outdoor time on the deck, even in summer. Don't forget a light jacket and long sleeves for indoor comfort.

Your camera is a must-have for capturing the stunning Greenland landscape from the ocean. Bring one or two spares or a power bank to avoid drained batteries in cold temperatures.

Power points and charging lockers are available on the ship, but it's a good idea to bring a spare battery or power bank to be safe.

Binoculars are a great addition to your packing list, useful for exploring the coastline, birdwatching, and spotting whales and seals.

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The Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry makes several stops along its coastal journey, offering a unique opportunity to experience Greenland's rugged coastline.

The ferry stops in various towns, with some stops being longer than others. Until 2008, the service had been extended to Narsarsuaq during summer.

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You can leave the ship for a short exploration at Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, with Maniitsoq being a quick stop for a 30-minute sprint around town.

Traveling by ferry is often less costly than flying and provides a chance to see areas of Greenland that are hard to access by air.