Cruise port Savissivik
Info for port Savissivik on 22 Aug 2027
Port information & tips for Savissivik
Savissivik is a hidden gem in northwestern Greenland, picturesquely situated on the edge of the ice-filled Melville Bay. The village impresses with its spectacular Arctic scenery of majestic icebergs and a deeply rooted Inuit culture that makes every visit an authentic experience. Highlights include observing the huge colonies of little auks in the surrounding cliffs and the fascinating history of the Cape York meteorites found in this region. Furthermore, the traditional settlement with its bright, colorful houses offers unique photo opportunities. As there is no fixed pier, expedition ships anchor in the bay and guests reach the shore via Zodiac landing directly on the beach, from where the center is within easy walking distance thanks to its compact size.
Savissivik in Greenland is a remote but fascinating port, primarily visited by expedition cruises. Arrival requires careful planning and usually takes place over several flight segments, as Savissivik itself has no international airports or extensive transport infrastructure. Ships often anchor here, and guests are brought ashore by Zodiac or tender boat.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region typically involves international flights to Greenland, for example via Copenhagen (CPH) in Denmark or Keflavík (KEF) in Iceland, to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) or Nuuk (GOH). From there, a onward flight with Air Greenland to smaller regional airports or heliports is necessary. The nearest airport to Savissivik is Pituffik (THU), about 110 kilometers away, from where further specialized transfers are organized. Savissivik itself has a heliport (SVR) with exclusively national connections, primarily to Pituffik. An arrival at least one day before embarkation is strongly recommended due to the complex flight connections and weather conditions in the Arctic.
Transfer & Shuttle
Since Savissivik is a very remote location, transfers from the nearest airport or heliport to the embarkation point (usually an anchorage for tender boats) are generally organized directly by the cruise lines or specialized tour operators. There are no public shuttle services or taxis in the traditional sense for individual travel to the ship. Logistics are coordinated with the arrival times of the expedition ships to ensure a seamless journey for passengers.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the need for several flight segments, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is strongly recommended. This not only allows for a relaxed arrival without time pressure but also provides an important buffer zone for possible flight delays that can occur in Arctic regions. Many expeditions often start from larger Greenlandic towns such as Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk, where suitable hotel options for an overnight stay before the start of your cruise are available.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
