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A Luxury Cruise Ship, Stuck Off Greenland’s Coast for 3 Days, Is Pulled Free

The Ocean Explorer had been traveling toward Northeast Greenland National Park when it ran aground on Monday, officials said. The ship was pulled free on Thursday.

The Ocean Explorer ship floats on blue waters near a frosted mountain.

By Eduardo Medina

A luxury cruise ship that had been stuck for three days after running aground off the coast of Greenland was pulled free on Thursday morning, the authorities said.

The ship, the Ocean Explorer, had been carrying 206 passengers and crew members and was headed toward Alpefjord, in a remote corner of Greenland. The ship’s destination was the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s northernmost national park, which is home to icebergs, glaciers and high mountains.

The Joint Arctic Command, which is part of Denmark’s defense forces, and SunStone Maritime Group , the coordinators of the rescue operation, said in statements on Thursday that the ship had been pulled free by a vessel named Tarajoq.

There were no reported injuries on board the ship, and there was no threat to the environment. The ship’s operator, Aurora Expeditions, a cruise company based in Australia, said in a statement on Thursday that “all onboard are safe” and that it appreciated “the patience and understanding of our passengers during this process.”

“We are waiting on the relevant authorities for advice regarding our next steps,” the company said.

The rescue came after an unsuccessful attempt on Wednesday, in which a fishing research vessel owned by the government of Greenland tried and failed to pull free the Ocean Explorer at high tide. Bad weather also slowed the government’s rescue operations, officials said.

Before the ship was freed, the Joint Arctic Command had said that “the crew and passengers are in a difficult situation, but after the circumstances, the atmosphere on the ship is good and everyone on board is fine.”

It was unclear what caused the ship to run aground near Greenland, which is part of Denmark but has autonomy over most domestic affairs. Officials said there were no indications that the ship had suffered serious damage to its foundation.

Cruises around Greenland have become increasingly popular with tourists seeking adventure and comfort aboard ships packed with amenities.The Ocean Explorer, built in 2021, was made to “travel to the world’s most remote destinations,” according to Aurora Expeditions’ website .

Prices for a 17-day expedition that tours Greenland start at more than $15,000 per person. The ship has a gym, a Jacuzzi and spacious suites that are 640 square feet, offering guests two large master bathrooms, one master bedroom and expansive views of the sea .

Photos of the stuck Ocean Explorer on Wednesday showed a blue-and-white ship floating in waters with frosted mountain peaks in the distance.

Extreme cold did not appear to be a major issue for stranded passengers on Wednesday: The temperature in the area was around 2.2 degrees Celsius, or about 36 degrees Fahrenheit, that night.

Jenny Gross contributed reporting.

Eduardo Medina is a reporter covering breaking news. More about Eduardo Medina

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A luxury cruise ship is pulled free 3 days after running aground in Greenland

The Associated Press

cruise ship in greenland

The Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which had run aground in northwestern Greenland, is pictured on Tuesday SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command/AP hide caption

The Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which had run aground in northwestern Greenland, is pictured on Tuesday

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer was successfully pulled free on Thursday, three days after running aground in Greenland with 206 people on board, authorities and the ship's owner said.

The ship was freed by a fisheries research vessel at high tide, said the cruise ship's owner, Copenhagen-based SunStone Ships, and the Joint Arctic Command, which coordinated the operation.

"There have not been any injuries to anybody onboard, no pollution of the environment and no breach of the hull," SunStone Ships said in a statement. The research vessel which pulled the cruise ship belongs to the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, a government agency, it said.

It said the cruise ship and its passengers will now travel to a port where the damage to the vessel's bottom can be assessed, and the passengers will be taken to a location from where they can be flown home. There was no immediate comment from the tour company that organized the trip, Australia-based Aurora Expeditions.

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The cruise ship ran aground Monday above the Arctic Circle in Alpefjord in Northeast Greenland National Park, the world's northernmost national park. The park is nearly the size of France and Spain combined, and approximately 80% is covered by an ice sheet. Alpefjord is about 240 kilometers (150 miles) from the closest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit, which is nearly 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from the country's capital, Nuuk.

The Bahamas-flagged cruise ship has passengers from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. It has an inverted bow, shaped like the one on a submarine, 77 cabins, 151 passenger beds and 99 beds for crew, and several restaurants.

Earlier Thursday, Aurora Expeditions said three passengers had COVID-19.

"These passengers are currently in isolation. They are looked after by our onboard doctor, medical team and crew, and they are doing well," it said in a statement. Others on the MV Ocean Explorer are "safe and healthy," it said.

Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald quoted a retiree from Australia who is on the ship, Steven Fraser, as saying: "Everyone's in good spirits. It's a little bit frustrating, but we are in a beautiful part of the world."

Fraser told the newspaper that he had come down with COVID-19 on the ship.

Cmdr. Brian Jensen of the Joint Arctic Command told Greenland broadcaster KNR that the ship is likely to go to Iceland, the closest place with large ports.

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"Now it is exciting to find out what the condition of the ship is," Jensen was quoted as saying by KNR. "They are in the process of investigating whether the ship is intact and seaworthy and ready to sail on."

The ship's owner said several other vessels had rushed to the scene "and offered their assistance, which however, was not needed." It said it had also "arranged additional tug assistance in case it was needed, however, this has now been canceled."

Dozens of cruise ships sail along Greenland's coast every year so passengers can admire the picturesque mountainous landscape, waterways packed with icebergs of different sizes and glaciers jutting out into the sea.

Danish broadcaster DR said there were 400 cruises in Greenland in 2022 and 600 cruises in 2023.

The Danish Maritime Authority asked police in Greenland to investigate why the ship ran aground and whether any laws had been violated, a police statement said, adding that no one has been charged or arrested. An officer has been on board the ship to carry out "initial investigative steps, which, among other things, involve questioning the crew and other relevant persons on board," it said.

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The cruise liner began its current trip on Sept. 2 in Kirkenes in Arctic Norway and was due to return to Bergen, Norway, on Sept. 22, according to SunStone Ships.

The primary mission of the Joint Arctic Command is to ensure Danish sovereignty by monitoring the area around the Faeroe Islands and Greenland, including the Arctic Ocean in the north. Greenland is a semi-independent territory that is part of the Danish realm, as are the Faeroe Islands.

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A fishing vessel in Greenland will try to free a cruise ship that ran aground with 206 people

A view of the Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which has run aground in northwestern Greenland, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. The 104.4-meter (343-foot) long and 18-meter (60 foot) wide Ocean Explorer ran aground on Monday in Alpefjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park. It's the world’s largest and most northerly national park and is known for icebergs and the musk oxen that roam the coast. According to authorities no one on board was in danger and no damage has been reported. (SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP)

A view of the Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which has run aground in northwestern Greenland, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. The 104.4-meter (343-foot) long and 18-meter (60 foot) wide Ocean Explorer ran aground on Monday in Alpefjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park. It’s the world’s largest and most northerly national park and is known for icebergs and the musk oxen that roam the coast. According to authorities no one on board was in danger and no damage has been reported. (SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command via AP)

An aerial photo shows the Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which has run aground in northwestern Greenland, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. The 104.4-meter (343-foot) long and 18-meter (60 foot) wide Ocean Explorer ran aground on Monday in Alpefjord in the Northeast Greenland National Park. It’s the world’s largest and most northerly national park and is known for icebergs and the musk oxen that roam the coast. According to authorities no one on board was in danger and no damage has been reported. (Danish Air Force/Joint Arctic Command via AP)

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A fishing vessel owned by Greenland’s government will attempt to use a high tide to pull free a Bahamas-flagged luxury cruise ship carrying 206 people that ran aground in the world’s northernmost national park, authorities said.

Capt. Flemming Madsen of the Danish Joint Arctic Command told The Associated Press that the passengers and crew on the ship stranded in northwestern Greenland were doing fine and ”all I can say is that they got a lifetime experience.”

The scientific fishing vessel was scheduled to arrive later Wednesday and would attempt when the conditions were right to pull the 104.4-meter- (343-foot) long and 18-meter- (60-foot) wide MV Ocean Explorer free.

The cruise ship ran aground above the Arctic Circle Monday in Alpefjord, which is in the Northeast Greenland National Park. The park covers 972,000 square kilometers (603,973 square miles), almost as much land as France and Spain combined, and approximately 80% is permanently covered by an ice sheet , according to the Visit Greenland tourism board.

Alpefjord sits in a remote corner of Greenland, some 240 kilometers (149 miles) away from the closest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit, which itself is nearly 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from the country’s capital, Nuuk.

The Ocean Explorer’s crew made two failed attempts to get the ship to float free on its own during high tide.

In a statement, Australia-based Aurora Expeditions, which operates the ship, said the passengers and crew members were safe and well and that there was “no immediate danger to themselves, the vessel, or the surrounding environment.”

“We are actively engaged in efforts to free the MV Ocean Explorer from its grounding. Our foremost commitment is to ensure the vessel’s recovery without compromising safety,” the statement said.

Dozens of cruise ships sail along Greenland’s coast every year so passengers can admire the picturesque mountainous landscape with fjords, musk oxen, and the waterways packed with icebergs of different sizes and glaciers jutting out into the sea.

Madsen, of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, said the passengers on the Ocean Explorer were “a mix” of tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, the United States and South Korea. Greenland is a semi-independent territory that is part of the Danish realm, as are the Faeroe Islands.

The people onboard “are in a difficult situation, but given the circumstances, the atmosphere on the ship is good, and everyone on board is doing well. There are no signs that the ship was seriously damaged by the grounding,” the Joint Arctic Command said Wednesday.

The weather in the region Wednesday featured sun, a clear blue sky and a temperature around 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Danish Meteorological Institute.

The Ocean Explorer was built in 2021 and is owned by Copenhagen SunStone Ships, which is part of Denmark’s SunStone Group. It has an inverted bow, shaped like the one on a submarine. It has 77 cabins, 151 passenger beds and 99 beds for crew, and several restaurants, according to the Sunstone Group website.

The Joint Arctic Command said there were other ships in the vicinity of the stranded cruise liner and “if the need arises, personnel from the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol can be at the accident site within an hour and a half.”

On Tuesday, members of the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, a Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, visited the passengers and explained the situation, “which calmed them down as some were anxious,” Madsen, who was the on-duty officer for the Joint Arctic Command, said.

The command, which was coordinating the operation to free the cruise ship, said the nearest Danish navy ship was about 1,200 nautical miles (more than 2,000 kilometers or 1,380 miles) away. It was heading to the site and could be expected to reach the grounded ship as soon as Friday.

The primary mission of the Joint Arctic Command is to ensure Danish sovereignty by monitoring the area around the Faeroe Islands and Greenland, including the Arctic Ocean in the north.

This version has been corrected to show the cruise ship is owned by a Danish group, not Norwegian.

cruise ship in greenland

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A coastal view of Nuuk, Greenland

Cruise to Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in nuuk.

A panoramic view of Nuuk, Greenland

Step Back in Time

A panoramic view of Nuuk, Greenland

The spacious Greenland National Museum, located in colonial buildings at the old harbor, houses well-presented exhibitions, with pieces dating back 4,500 years. You won't want to miss the bronze sculpture depicting the Greenlandic tale of the Mother of the Sea, the geological room with the world's oldest rocks and the mummy room with three mummified 15th-century women and a child. This museum will have you never wanting to leave the past.

Typical architecture in Nuuk, Greenland

Typical architecture in Nuuk, Greenland

The design of the large Katuaq Cultural Centre, the city's architectural highlight, was inspired by icebergs, the waving Northern Lights and the play of light on ice and snow. Head here to check out a Greenlandic art exhibition, to attend a concert or to meet the locals in the pleasant cafe during your cruise to Nuuk. Witness an architectural feat at Katuaq.

The Church of our Saviour in Nuuk, Greenland

Aging Architecture

For a glimpse of Greenland's history, head to the yellow-colored Hans Egede House, built in 1728 and located in old harbor. The oldest house in Greenland, this building is now the venue for government receptions. At the Egede House, you'll find a bit of history, amazing views and incredible, centuries-old architecture.

A traditional fish dish in Greenland

Local Cuisine

Most of the food in Greenland comes from the sea and is often smoked, dried or salted, and served with sauces. Stop into any local restaurant to feast on Greenland's national dish, suaasat, a thick soup made of meat, potatoes, onion and rice. If you're looking to indulge, try some panertut, dried fish or meat with butter and apples.

A women holding a wool sweater

Imaneq Street is the place to go for traditionally made goods when you visit Nuuk with your cruise. Check out Qiviut to shop for garments knitted from muskox wool, an incredibly warm and soft material. You'll find a taste of native Inuit culture with Nuuk Couture, and you'll discover much more variety at the Nuuk Center, the country's first shopping mall, located next to the Katuaq Cultural Centre.

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Visit Greenland

The sea and seafaring has always been vital to us, and for you as a guest it makes for an optimal way to tour large parts of the country.

In premodern times, and especially during the latest wave of immigration from Canada to Greenland, the kayak and the larger umiaq were the most common and efficient means of transportation compared to arduous treks across the rugged Greenlandic mountain terrain.

Explorers, cartographers and adventurers looking to cross the ice cap or conquer the North Pole all came to Greenland from across the sea, and they met the locals and exchanged goods and experiences, while some even settled down and started a new life on the island.

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“We saw a show on television from Compagnie du Ponant. We saw the ice and the nature, and we said that we have to do that!”

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Experience the beautiful Eqi glacier that runs into the fjord north of Ilulissat.

PIONEERS AT SEA

Cruise guests in today’s Greenland might not plant the same explorer flag in their various destinations throughout Greenland, but the sense of being a pioneer in the wake of great adventurers who sailed these shores long ago still prevails. A cruise in Greenland is first and foremost a nature based experience, but on top of that it is an intimate meeting with our culture, society, and history which adds a dimension not often seen in other Polar cruises.

With the exception of the northernmost parts of Greenland, which are still hard to access because of sea ice, just about any inhabited place in Greenland can be reached in the peak season from June to October. It’s important to emphasize the need to respect the environment and local communities when traveling to Greenland.

A VARIETY OF CRUISES FOR ALL TASTES

For a great all round experience of Greenland begin or end your cruise in Kangerlussuaq, at the bottom of a long, narrow fjord close to the Ice Cap which is an essential place to visit from Kangerlussuaq.

When you embark in Kangerlussuaq your cruise will almost certainly involve a trip north to the Disko Bay area, typically arriving in Ilulissat and cruising along the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Ilulissat Icefjord , before heading wither heading south to Kangerlussuaq or across the Davis Strait to Canada or back towards Iceland with further Greenlandic destinations on the itinerary.

You might also be arriving on a larger cruise on your way across the Atlantic and in that case you normally only have one or two stops in Greenland unless you’re traveling aboard a dedicated expedition cruise ship or a schooner, both of which usually travel through fjords and explore nature and wildlife off the beaten path on fairly open itineraries.

Regardless of the ship type and irrespectively of your choice of season, be it early in summer when whales are abundant or on the edge of autumn when the northern lights come out, a cruise in Greenland is the perfect way to experience the country.

Most cruise ships visit Greenland from mid-July to mid-August

Greenland’s coastline is more than 44,000 kilometers or longer than the 40,000 kilometers around the Equator

Most expedition cruises go to East Greenland while a number of actual Greenland cruises begin near the international airport in Kangerlussuaq on the west coast

Nanortalik and Qaqortoq in South Greenland, and at times also the capital Nuuk, are frequented by larger ships on transatlantic crossings

Many Greenlandic stores, hotels, and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard but it is advisable to always carry cash, as some places might not accept your preferred credit card, including Amex, UnionPay, and other less common forms of payment in Greenland.

FROM MIDNIGHT SUN TO NORTHERN LIGHTS

North of the Arctic Circle you can experience the  midnight sun , roughly until the end of July in Ilulissat, while you will find nights with no darkness even after the sun dips below the horizon south of the Arctic Circle. Walk around the upper deck of the ship and breathe in the fresh Arctic air in the magical soft midnight light while you cruise through calm waters sheltered by bays and fjords. This is like a balm for the soul.

On journeys with daily arrivals in towns and settlements you will often have the option of going on local tours both in town and with  smaller boats  in the area. Or you might find that someone local has set up a kayak performance, a show with dancers in the national costume, or a talk with greenlanders who recall life in a land from when the kayak and the umiaq were essential and everyday means of transportion.

HAVE A TASTE OF GREENLAND AND BRING HOME THE MEMORIES

Even with every meal included in your cruise it would be a shame to miss out on a taste Greenland. Larger towns all have restaurants or hotels with lunch menus, and often with a commanding view of the sea. And if you are in the presence of a guide with local knowledge you should consider buying fresh fish or meat from “Brættet”, the local Arctic fresh foods market, to bring back for the onboard chef to prepare.

Having your crew fishing little pieces of ice out of the sea before crushing them down to ice cubes for whiskey or other drinks is usually popular among seafarers looking for that bit of an extra feel good experience. Free floating pieces from ice cap are often more than 4,000 years old and it goes well with Martini and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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Icefjord photography. Photo by Jón Ragnar Jónsson - Visit Greenland

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Explore Greenland, the world’s biggest island, on a Holland America Line cruise. Halfway between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland has been inhabited for more than 4,500 years by Arctic peoples who migrated from Canada, and later by Norsemen. Cruise the scenic Prince William Sound. Take a guided walking tour of Nanortalik (“the Place with Polar Bears”). Delve into Pasmiut’s whaling and fur-trading past. Discover the ruins of Qaqortoq’s 14th-century Hvalsey Church and visit Uunartoq Hot Springs—Greenland’s only heated outdoor spa.

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Luxury cruise ship stranded in Greenland with Covid-positive passengers is finally pulled free

cruise ship in greenland

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer was successfully pulled free on Thursday, three days after running aground in Greenland with 206 people on board, authorities and the ship’s owner said.

The ship was freed by a fisheries research vessel at high tide, said the cruise ship’s owner, Copenhagen-based SunStone Ships, and the Joint Arctic Command, which coordinated the operation.

“There have not been any injuries to anybody onboard, no pollution of the environment and no breach of the hull,” SunStone Ships said in a statement. The research vessel which pulled the cruise ship belongs to the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, a government agency, it said.

It said the cruise ship and its passengers will now travel to a port where the damage to the vessel’s bottom can be assessed, and the passengers will be taken to a location from where they can be flown home. There was no immediate comment from the tour company that organized the trip, Australia-based Aurora Expeditions.

The cruise ship ran aground Monday above the Arctic Circle  in Alpefjord  in Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s northernmost national park. The park is nearly the size of France and Spain combined, and approximately 80% is covered by  an ice sheet . Alpefjord is about 240 kilometers (150 miles) from the closest settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit, which is nearly 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) from the country’s capital, Nuuk.

The Bahamas-flagged cruise ship has passengers from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. It has an inverted bow, shaped like the one on a submarine, 77 cabins, 151 passenger beds and 99 beds for crew, and several restaurants.

The ship was freed later on the same day by the Tarajoq, a fisheries research vessel at high tide, said the cruise ship's owner, Copenhagen-based SunStone Ships, and the Joint Arctic Command, which coordinated the operation.

Earlier Thursday, Aurora Expeditions said three passengers had Covid-19.

“These passengers are currently in isolation. They are looked after by our onboard doctor, medical team and crew, and they are doing well,” it said in a statement. Others on the MV Ocean Explorer are “safe and healthy,” it said.

Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald quoted a retiree from Australia who is on the ship, Steven Fraser, as saying: “Everyone’s in good spirits. It’s a little bit frustrating, but we are in a beautiful part of the world.”

Fraser told the newspaper that he had come down with Covid-19 on the ship.

Cmdr. Brian Jensen of the Joint Arctic Command told Greenland broadcaster KNR that the ship is likely to go to Iceland, the closest place with large ports.

“Now it is exciting to find out what the condition of the ship is,“ Jensen was quoted as saying by KNR. “They are in the process of investigating whether the ship is intact and seaworthy and ready to sail on.”

The ship’s owner said several other vessels had rushed to the scene “and offered their assistance, which however, was not needed.” It said it had also “arranged additional tug assistance in case it was needed, however, this has now been canceled.”

Dozens of cruise ships sail along Greenland’s coast every year so passengers can admire the picturesque mountainous landscape, waterways packed with icebergs of different sizes and glaciers jutting out into the sea.

Danish broadcaster DR said there were 400 cruises in Greenland in 2022 and 600 cruises in 2023.

The Danish Maritime Authority asked police in Greenland to investigate why the ship ran aground and whether any laws had been violated, a police statement said, adding that no one has been charged or arrested. An officer has been on board the ship to carry out “initial investigative steps, which, among other things, involve questioning the crew and other relevant persons on board,” it said.

The cruise liner began its current trip on Sept. 2 in Kirkenes in Arctic Norway and was due to return to Bergen, Norway, on Sept. 22, according to SunStone Ships.

The primary mission of the Joint Arctic Command is to ensure Danish sovereignty by monitoring the area around the Faeroe Islands and Greenland, including the Arctic Ocean in the north. Greenland is a semi-independent territory that is part of the Danish realm, as are the Faeroe Islands.

The Associated Press

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Things to Know Before Taking a Greenland Cruise

T he chance to kayak between bobbing bits of electric-blue icebergs, experience traditional Greenlandic customs, spot the northern lights, hike along rugged fjords, and scan the horizon for whales-these are some of the reasons travel to Greenland has been growing steadily for the past two decades (not including during the pandemic).

Granted, it's not an easy country to get around. Because Greenland is so vast and most of its communities aren't connected by roads (locals get around by boat, bush plane, or sled dog team), one of the most convenient ways to see the country is on an expedition cruise.

Having just sailed with Scenic Cruises to Greenland , I've been asked myriad questions from curious travelers, ranging from "Is it really covered in ice?" to "What do you do on a cruise to Greenland?" With those inquiries (and others) in mind, here are some of the things that are useful to know before booking a cruise to Greenland.

Understand the basics

Greenland is one of the most sparsely populated places in the world. It is an 836,330-square-mile island-larger than Texas, California, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Maine combined. However, only about 57,000 people live there (nearly 90 percent of whom are Indigenous), and most residents are concentrated in a handful of cities along the western coast.

The cruising season for Greenland is rather short-the bulk of all sailings are in July, August, and September, due to high concentrations of icebergs. And though roughly 80 percent of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet (the world's largest, outside of Antarctica), in the summer, the fjords are awash in green moss and grasses and dotted with wildflowers like fireweed and buttercups.

Choose the right operator (and itinerary) for you

A number of cruise companies have started offering sailings to Greenland in recent years. The majority are small expedition brands, with space enough for 100 to 300 guests onboard, including such lines as Lindblad, Hurtigruten, Adventure Canada, Quark, and Scenic. Some larger cruise lines, like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line, occasionally sail here, as well.

The embarkation and disembarkation ports, the duration of the sailing, and the ship's icebreaking capabilities are among the factors that will dictate where travelers will be able to go. Some itineraries focus on the more populated western coast, where travelers can visit local communities, interact with residents, and shop for handicrafts. Others center around the rugged, wild eastern coast, where daily activities revolve around outdoor pursuits and maneuvering among the scenic ice. Longer journeys may tackle both.

If you're on a sailing that spotlights the western coast, you'll typically pull into port towns in the morning and will have the option to sign up for an organized day trip or to noodle around the area by yourself for the day. These are some of the highlights of a western sailing:

  • Nuuk: The largest city, where roughly a third of all people in Greenland live, is a popular stop, as it offers a small clutch of museums, a performing arts center, restaurants and bars, handicraft stores, and supermarkets.
  • Narsaq: Not far from Nuuk is this tiny sheep-herding and fishing community.
  • Ilulissat: Here passengers can visit a UNESCO-protected ice fjord that is home to one of the most active glaciers in the world.

Sailings on the eastern coast of Greenland don't typically pull into port. Instead, passengers load into 10-person inflatable dinghies known as Zodiacs to putter around floating bits of iceberg or to head to land for a hike. On the eastern side, spotting wildlife, including foxes, Arctic hares, seals, and shore birds, is more common. And because itineraries are more flexible, ships can stay put a little longer to watch nature unfold, like a glacier calving or pod of humpback whales bubble netting (where whales blow bubbles to confuse and trap fish for their podmates to eat). Decide which type of itinerary speaks most to you and opt for a sailing that aims to meet it.

Pick the right ship for your needs and wants

Another thing to consider is ship size. Smaller vessels can visit harder to reach places and offer guests a more intimate experience both on and off the ship. However, larger ships often have more onboard amenities, like spas, multiple dining rooms, and toys like helicopters and submarines that can showcase a different side of the destination. Deciding what are must-have amenities can help narrow your options.

Manage your nature viewing expectations

While it is possible to see showstoppers like polar bears and the northern lights while sailing in Greenland, there's no guarantee. Polar bears, for instance, are mostly concentrated in northern and eastern Greenland, typically in areas only accessible to ships with icebreaking capabilities. So, if missing out on seeing polar bears would disappoint you, perhaps consider a trip to Svalbard instead, where there's a higher concentration of the bears. And because Greenland sees the midnight sun, it's often too bright to see aurora borealis displays until late-season sailings (generally September, but potentially August). However, there are cruises, mostly in Norway , that cater to travelers looking to see a solar show.

Know what to pack

Despite many cruise companies emphasizing the need for polar gear, you might find that Greenland is warmer than you thought. In July through September, the average minimum temperature is in the low 40 degrees, while the average high is in the mid to upper 50s. As a Coloradian, I could get away with wearing hiking trousers and a flannel shirt for most outings on our early August sailing, though my Georgia-based travel companion typically added long underwear and a puffy jacket.

While your base and mid-layers involve personal preferences, there are a couple of non-negotiable items you'll need. Here's a short list of essential packing items:

  • A set of windproof and waterproof coats and pants: important for rides in Zodiacs, to protect from sea spray
  • A good pair of tall, waterproof boots: You'll likely need to do wet landings when going ashore in remote areas (meaning there's a chance of getting splashed by the tide when the Zodiac brings you to the beach) and there's also potential for walking in snow. Some operators provide boots for guests, so be sure to check ahead of time. If not, look into options like Xtratuf or Hunter.
  • Sunglasses: particularly important in snow or ice-covered areas because the sun's rays are reflected
  • Sunscreen: the days can be long and quite sunny

Be prepared for unpredictable ice and weather

While Greenland has seen dramatic changes at the hands of climate change in recent years, with diminishing glaciers and warmer temperatures, there is still ample ice, which can greatly affect what you're able to see and do on your sailing.

If there's too much ice around the shore, there's a chance you won't be able to make landings. It could also affect Zodiac rides and kayaking excursions. Because the ice rolls as it melts and the larger part of the mass is underwater, it's dangerous to get too close, so some expedition leaders may scrap water-based activities entirely, too, if there's excess ice.

Similarly, due to the mixing of coastal breezes and ice, fog is frequent (and thick) in Greenland. Because there's the risk of polar bears (the only type of bear that will actively hunt humans), cruise companies won't make landings if it's foggy (or raining so hard it affects visibility), so depending on the weather, you may end up spending a few days on the ship if you're on the eastern side of the country. Ditto for situations where the wind is making the water too choppy to safely navigate Zodiacs. Really any weather event that could put guests in danger (from the elements or from polar bears) means more time on the ship.

Come with an open mind

Typically, cruise companies will work with local tour operators to arrange for cultural experiences with Greenlandic people for cruise passengers. That could include a traditional kaffeemik (an afternoon coffee and cake meet-up), a historical walking tour, a craft beer tasting with the local brewmaster, and beyond. You might have the opportunity to dine on local food. That can include meals that wouldn't be uncommon in parts of the USA, like halibut, snow crab, herring, or lamb. It may also include proteins that visitors might find upsetting, such as polar bear, narwhal, and whale.

In Greenland, it is legal for Indigenous people to harvest a certain number of these animals on a yearly basis for subsistence purposes. It's also an important part of their culture.

Greenland is a harsh environment where it's too cold for most food to grow, so locals have long had to make do with what is available to them as a means of survival. You may find it helpful to remember that Greenlandic Inuit believe in wasting no part of the animals they harvest and taking only what is necessary. However, if you find this aspect of the experience disconcerting, this may not be the right cruise for you.

The ice in and around Greenland is both wonderful and humbling, and it can have a very real impact on itineraries.

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A street in a town in Greenland on a sunny day.

Greenlandic women sue Danish state for contraceptive ‘violation’

Group of 143 allege they were fitted with coils without consent or knowledge between 1966 and 1970, when some were children

Nearly 150 Greenlandic women have sued the Danish state, alleging that they were fitted with the contraceptive coil without their consent or knowledge .

A group of 143 women took legal action on Monday, demanding a collective payment of close to 43m Danish kroner (£4.9m) for what they describe as a violation of their human rights.

Some of the women were as young as 12 when they say they were fitted with an intrauterine device (IUD) by Danish doctors in an attempt to reduce Greenland ’s population. It is believed that 4,500 women and girls were affected between 1966 and 1970.

Last October, 67 women came forward to demand that the state compensate them, or face legal action, but the government did not act. Since then, the number of women – each seeking 300,000 Danish kroner (£34,430) – has more than doubled.

Naja Lyberth

Naja Lyberth, who was the first woman to come forward to say that she had been fitted with a coil during a state medical examination as a young teenager without her consent, has accused the state of concerted sterilisation.

Accusing the government of “dragging out the time”, Lyberth said the women, the oldest of whom is now over 80 years old, cannot wait any longer.

She told the Greenlandic broadcasting corporation, Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR): “As long as we live, we want to regain our self-respect and respect for our wombs. There is no government to decide whether we should have children or not.”

Lyberth said in October that although she had gone on to have a child at 35, after difficulty getting pregnant, many of the women found they were unable to conceive. One woman only found out in 2022 that she had been fitted with a coil.

“It was the same as sterilising the girls from the beginning,” said Lyberth, a psychologist and women’s activist, at the time. Many women were also left with severe pain, internal bleeding and abdominal infections.

Despite Lyberth sharing her story publicly several years ago, it has taken a long time for the scandal to attract widespread attention in Denmark .

Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953, has its own local government but is also part of the realm of Denmark and has two representatives in the Danish parliament.

Last year, the Danish state and Naalakkersuisut, the Greenlandic government, launched an impartial investigation into the coil case and other pregnancy prevention practices carried out in Greenland between 1960 and 1991, when the autonomous territory took back control of its health sector. But the investigation is not due to report until May 2025.

The Danish interior and health ministry said it “looks forward to receiving and reading the subpoena”.

The interior and health minister, Sophie Løhde, said: “It is a tragic matter, and we must get to the bottom of what happened, which is why a team of researchers is currently conducting an independent and impartial investigation.”

  • Reproductive rights

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The Best Cruises Departing From NYC, From Bermuda Getaways to Transatlantic Voyages

By Meena Thiruvengadam

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Tourists and residents alike can take advantage of the many cruises that depart from New York City, offering easy access to warm weather getaways, family vacations, expeditions, and more. After all, nothing screams adventure like sailing away from the Big Apple with the Statue of Liberty and iconic city skyline in your wake.

Plus, New York is home to the oldest cruise terminal in the United States. Nowadays, there are two hubs, one in Manhattan and another in Brooklyn . An additional cruise terminal, in Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, also serves the area.

The Manhattan cruise terminal is located on the edge of Midtown, making it easy to spend port days or pre-cruise time exploring Times Square, Central Park, or the Theater District. The Empire State Building and iconic department stores including Macy’s Herald Square are also within walking distance of the Manhattan cruise port.

The Brooklyn cruise port is a 15-minute drive from Brooklyn Bridge Park , which offers some of the best views of downtown Manhattan. If you're looking to stretch your legs, the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan offers just over a mile of picturesque city viewpoints. While Bayonne, New Jersey may not be a huge tourist destination, sailing from Cape Liberty does provide a postcard-perfect look at the Manhattan skyline and its famous neighbor, the Statue of Liberty.

Jump ahead:

Which cruise lines sail out of New York?

Where do cruises go from new york, best overall cruise itinerary from new york, best transatlantic cruise from new york, best family cruise from new york, best cruise from new york for solo travelers, best caribbean luxury cruise from new york, best bermuda cruise from new york, best fall foliage cruise from new york, best mediterranean cruise from new york.

Both large cruise ships and a few smaller ships cruise from New York , giving you the option to pick a vessel with lots of restaurants and lounges, or one that’s cozier with fewer dining options. A variety of cruise lines—including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Disney, Cunard, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Viking—sail from New York City. This variety caters to all types of traveler budgets, so whether you're looking to cruise from New York for as little as a few hundred dollars or drop thousands on a bucket list vacation, there's something for you.

Cruises from New York sail to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Europe, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and beyond. Several world cruises also stop in New York.

The short version of the story is that whether it’s a short island escape or the unforgettable journey of a lifetime you’re after, a cruise from New York will result in PTO well spent. Ahead, we've pulled some of your best options for cruising from New York City.

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Viking offers ocean cruises between New York and Reykjavik in June, August, and September.

Trade the soaring skyscrapers of New York City for coastal Canada, remote Greenland, and endless Icelandic summer days. This Viking itinerary makes two stops in Canada and two stops in Greenland before circumnavigating Iceland, beginning with the remote Westfjords and ending in Reykjavik. Sail the same seas as legendary Norse explorer Leif Erikkson (on a far more luxurious Viking ship) while learning about the American Revolution and Canadian exploration from the cruise line’s resident historian. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, or look out for whales and puffins. Viking has several nearly identical ocean ships sailing this itinerary from New York—each can accommodate a maximum of 930 passengers, allowing them to dock in ports larger ships cannot access.

It’s impossible to get bored on the MSC Meraviglia . See six Broadway-caliber shows over a 7-night cruise, spend sea days at the thermal spa or lounging by the pool, go bowling, play arcade games, try out an F1 simulator, or work out in a state-of-the-art gym—the opportunities are endless. MSC’s Meraviglia sails from New York to Bermuda, Canada, New England, the Bahamas, and Florida and can accommodate up to 5,642 passengers across 2,214 staterooms. Choose among 23 dining venues and 20 bars and lounges, or try to eat your way through all of them.

cruise ship aft pool

Norwegian Prima is one of the best cruises for solo travelers departing from New York City.

On most cruise lines, traveling solo means paying up to double the fare for a cabin to yourself, but not on the Norwegian Prima . This ship has a special area set aside for solo travelers with 73 studio suites and a private common area for mingling. Each of the Norwegian Prima’s 95-square-foot studio suites comes with a full-size bed, en suite bathroom, and a vanity table. And while space inside these studios are tight, you’ll likely be so busy go-karting, lounging by the pool, taking in shows, and relaxing in hot tubs, it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself spending much time in the room beyond catching some shut eye. The Norwegian Prima sails to Bermuda and the Caribbean from New York and offers a transatlantic repositioning itinerary.Best transatlantic cruise from New York

On Holland America's Volendam , embark on an unforgettable roundtrip journey from New York that includes a stop in the Azores and overnights in Rome, Cairo, and Istanbul. This 45-day journey on Holland America’s Volendam crosses the iconic Strait of Gibraltar and offers several sea days to enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities, which include a spa, swimming pools, and several restaurants. The Volendam accommodates just over 1,400 guests and is designed around grand public spaces. Dive deeper into destinations with regional cooking demonstrations as well as food and wine tastings. There’s no better way to travel in comfort and see the Statue of Liberty, Colosseum, Pyramids of Giza, and Hagia Sophia on a single trip.

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Regent Seven Seas cruises are known for all-inclusive luxury.

Sample the best of the Caribbean in just 15 days on the Seven Seas Grandeur , one of the most luxurious ships at sea. This Regent Seven Seas cruise visits Bermuda, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba en route to Miami. This cruise line is a favorite among retired travelers, and the Seven Seas Grandeur is the line’s most luxurious ship. There are 746 suites, a spa, a teaching kitchen, a casino, and Broadway-caliber entertainment onboard. Regent Seven Seas’ specialty is all-inclusive luxury, and it means it. Shore excursions, alcohol, specialty restaurants, and laundry are included in cruise fares, which start at around $8,400 for this itinerary.

Escape New York City and head straight to the pink beaches and turquoise waters of Bermuda on the Celebrity Eclipse . Spend two full nights in Bermuda and several days at sea—plenty of time to enjoy everything the Celebrity Eclipse has to offer. Play basketball, go shopping or spend your time at the casino, pools or spa. Or eat and drink your way across more than a dozen bars and restaurants, including an interactive Le Petit Chef dining experience. These seven-night roundtrip sailings depart from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, making it especially easy to combine a visit to the Statue of Liberty with your cruise.

Hop on the Seabourn Quest in October for an unforgettable journey through the colors of autumn. Spend a gorgeous fall day in Central Park before setting sail from New York to Montréal by way of Martha's Vineyard, Boston, Halifax, and Prince Edward Island on a 12-day itinerary along the eastern seaboard. This is a small ship that’s especially popular among North Americans, Europeans, and Australians, and a cruise line that’s beloved by foodies. Seabourn is known for its indulgent steaks, endless caviar, and partnership with award-winning chef Thomas Keller, who has a namesake restaurant on board.

In just 16 nights, sail from Manhattan to Bermuda, Portugal, Spain , the south of France, and Italy on the Norwegian Escape , a ship that accommodates just over 4,000 passengers and is sure to offer something for everyone. The Norwegian Escape offers several restaurants and lounges on board as well as Broadway shows, five multistory waterslides, and the largest ropes course at sea. On its Mediterranean sailing, the cruise stops in Lisbon , Malaga, Barcelona, Cannes, and Rome.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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  1. Popular Cruise Ship Itineraries in Greenland

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  2. Cruises in Greenland

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  3. Cruise Destinations

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  4. Popular Cruise Ship Itineraries in Greenland

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  5. Cruise Destination: Østgrønland

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  6. Aappilattoq

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COMMENTS

  1. Cruises to Greenland: What to Know Before You Go

    What you will see, most likely: Whales. Lots and lots of whales. On our August Greenland trip, we were lucky enough to have our ship surrounded by humpback, fin and sei whales, in a large feeding ...

  2. A Luxury Cruise Ship, Stuck Off Greenland's Coast for 3 Days, Is Pulled

    Sept. 14, 2023. A luxury cruise ship that had been stuck for three days after running aground off the coast of Greenland was pulled free on Thursday morning, the authorities said. The ship, the ...

  3. Luxury cruise ship freed after running aground in a Greenland fjord

    CNN —. A luxury cruise ship that ran aground off Greenland's eastern coastline earlier this week has been successfully freed, Denmark's military Joint Arctic Command said on Thursday. The ...

  4. Luxury cruise ship that ran aground in Greenland is freed at high tide

    The Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which had run aground in northwestern Greenland, is pictured on Tuesday SIRIUS/Joint Arctic Command/AP ...

  5. Ocean Explorer luxury cruise ship that ran aground pulled free in

    Stranded luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer is pulled free at high tide in Greenland. A view of the Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which has run aground in northwestern Greenland is pictured on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. The 104.4-meter (343-foot) long and 18-meter (60 foot) wide Ocean ...

  6. Trawler's attempt fails to free grounded cruise ship in Greenland

    A fish trawler's attempt to free a luxury cruise ship that ran aground two days ago in a remote part of Greenland has failed, leaving the vessel and the 206 people on board still stranded, Denmark ...

  7. Greenland cruise ship pulled free after three days stuck in mud

    A luxury cruise ship that has been stuck in the mud in Greenland since Monday has finally been pulled free. The Ocean Explorer and its 206 passengers and crew were rescued on Thursday by a ...

  8. Luxury cruise ship freed after running aground in Greenland

    Reuters. A luxury cruise ship that ran aground in a remote part of Greenland with 206 people onboard has been pulled free by a fishing trawler. The Ocean Explorer cruise vessel had been stuck ...

  9. Luxury cruise ship that ran aground in Greenland freed after 3 days

    The luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer was "successfully" pulled free in Greenland on Thursday, three days after running aground with 206 people on board, authorities and the ship's owner ...

  10. A fishing vessel in Greenland will try to free a cruise ship that ran

    The cruise ship ran aground above the Arctic Circle Monday in Alpefjord, which is in the Northeast Greenland National Park. The park covers 972,000 square kilometers (603,973 square miles), almost as much land as France and Spain combined, and approximately 80% is permanently covered by an ice sheet , according to the Visit Greenland tourism board.

  11. Cruise ship runs aground in Greenland with 206 passengers onboard

    First published on Tue 12 Sep 2023 18.20 EDT. A cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew onboard has run aground in north-west Greenland, and remained stuck even after high tide. Cmdr Brian Jensen ...

  12. Stranded cruise ship rescued after running aground in Greenland

    The luxury cruise ship stranded in Greenland has been pulled free at high tide. The successful rescue operation took place on Thursday, three days after the MV Ocean Explorer ran aground with 206 ...

  13. Cruises to Nuuk, Greenland

    Discover all you need to cruise to Nuuk, Greenland. Visit royalcaribbean.com to get information on Nuuk, Greenland cruises, including things to do, dining, ports of call, cruise ships, shore excursions, offers, and more.

  14. Cruise ship stuck in Greenland with over 200 passengers and crew onboard

    A luxury cruise ship with more than 200 passengers and crew on board is stuck in Greenland in one of the most remote and frigid parts of the world. Authorities say all passengers, the expedition ...

  15. Ocean Explorer cruise ship update: Fishing vessel fails to free ...

    A view of the Ocean Explorer, a Bahamas-flagged Norwegian cruise ship with 206 passengers and crew, which has run aground in northwestern Greenland, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. (SIRIUS/Joint ...

  16. Popular Cruise Ship Itineraries in Greenland

    These cruise ships usually try to sail through Greenland's perhaps most beautiful fjord, Prince Christians Sound in South Greenland - if the mouth of the fjord is not blocked by large icebergs. The ships typically have the cultural town of Qaqortoq in South Greenland as a port of call and sometimes also the country's biggest town and one ...

  17. Cruises in Greenland

    Most cruise ships visit Greenland from mid-July to mid-August. Greenland's coastline is more than 44,000 kilometers or longer than the 40,000 kilometers around the Equator. Most expedition cruises go to East Greenland while a number of actual Greenland cruises begin near the international airport in Kangerlussuaq on the west coast.

  18. 20 BEST Greenland Cruises 2024 (Prices

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of March 1st, 2024. Looking for cruises to Greenland? Get the latest deals for Greenland cruises on Cruise Critic. Find and ...

  19. Greenland

    Explore Greenland, the world's biggest island, on a Holland America Line cruise. Halfway between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland has been inhabited for more than 4,500 years by Arctic peoples who migrated from Canada, and later by Norsemen. Cruise the scenic Prince William Sound. Take a guided walking tour of Nanortalik ("the Place with Polar Bears").

  20. List of Cruise Ships to Greenland

    Lido Café. BlueIguana Tequila Bar. Lip Sync Battle. Exterior Promenade. Compare all cruise ships that sail to Greenland by key info like price, size, and amenities to discover which vessel is the ...

  21. Luxury cruise ship stranded in Greenland with Covid-positive passengers

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The luxury cruise ship MV Ocean Explorer was successfully pulled free on Thursday, three days after running aground in Greenland with 206 people on board, authorities and ...

  22. Top 28 Small Greenland Cruise Ships & Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

    Ocean Endeavour. Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration. Ship Details. $6,595.

  23. Things to Know Before Taking a Greenland Cruise

    Choose the right operator (and itinerary) for you. A number of cruise companies have started offering sailings to Greenland in recent years. The majority are small expedition brands, with space ...

  24. Greenlandic women sue Danish state for contraceptive 'violation'

    Greenland, which was a Danish colony until 1953, has its own local government but is also part of the realm of Denmark and has two representatives in the Danish parliament. ... Luxury cruise ship ...

  25. These Are the 8 Best Cruises Departing From New York City in 2024

    This cruise line is a favorite among retired travelers, and the Seven Seas Grandeur is the line's most luxurious ship. There are 746 suites, a spa, a teaching kitchen, a casino, and Broadway ...

  26. Small Ship Cruising on Instagram: " ️ Hey how about some epic High

    2 likes, 1 comments - quirkycruise on March 12, 2024: " ️ Hey how about some epic High Arctic cruising with a local family-owned company @adv..."