Cruise port Umivik Bay

Umivik Bay in Greenland is not a conventional cruise port with fixed terminals or road access. Instead, it is a remote expedition destination on the King Frederick VI Coast, which is reached exclusively by expedition ship and Zodiac boats. Direct travel by car or train is not possible.

Airplane

Travel from the DACH region primarily takes place by plane to Iceland or Denmark, as there are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland to Greenland. International flights to Greenland mostly depart from Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (KEF/RKV) and lead to the larger Greenlandic airports such as Nuuk (GOH), Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), or Ilulissat (JAV). Air Greenland and Icelandair are the main airlines serving these routes. From there, embarkation onto your expedition ship takes place, which will bring you to Umivik Bay. Due to the demanding Arctic weather conditions and often limited flight capacities, early booking is recommended.

Arrival at the Expedition Ship

Umivik Bay itself is exclusively visited by expedition ships, with landings taking place directly by Zodiac boat from the ship. Most trips to Umivik Bay start from ports in Iceland, such as Reykjavik, or from other larger Greenlandic locations like Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. Your tour operator or the shipping company usually organizes the transfer from the arrival airport to the port of embarkation. Dedicated cruise terminals do not exist in Umivik Bay.

Pre-Cruise Hotel / Planning Notes

For a relaxed journey to your Greenland expedition, it is strongly recommended to arrive at the starting port at least one day before the planned embarkation, whether in Iceland or Greenland. This provides a buffer for possible flight delays, which can occur in the Arctic due to the weather, and allows you a stress-free start to your trip. Many hotels in larger cities like Reykjavik or Nuuk offer comfortable overnight options before the start of your adventure. There are no roads connecting Greenlandic cities and settlements; all transport between locations takes place by plane, helicopter, or ship.

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 accordingly and allow sufficient time for travel to the port, keeping in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.

The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.