Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) stands apart from other cruise ports with a visceral Arctic theatre of ice and culture. As the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord churns out nearly 20 million tons of ice each day, and the name Ilulissat itself means 'icebergs' in Kalaallisut, a living clue to the town’s signature experiences. Guests glide along a UNESCO-listed icefjord on intimate cruises or zodiac excursions to towering seracs, then trace Disko Bay’s shoreline for whale sightings and dramatic iceberg calvings. In town, calm weather and a close-knit community frame visits to the Knud Rasmussen Museum, a stroll among dogsled teams, and a taste of Greenlandic hospitality after a day on the water. The port’s official status ensures smooth calls for expedition-style ships, whose ice-strengthened hulls, flexible deck layouts, and onboard tenders keep you close to the action, while onboard services—from Nordic-inspired dining and climate-education briefings to cozy lounges and après-sail storytelling—round out a singular itinerary that blends natural grandeur with authentic Greenlandic culture.
Gateway to Greenland's Arctic wilderness and home to the calving Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring massive icebergs from Jakobshavn Glacier.
Cruises that visit Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
- cruises to Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
- Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) sailings
- Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) cruises
- 8-night Silversea cruise
- 10-night Silversea cruise
- 10-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 11-night Adventure Canada cruise
- 12-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 12-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 12-night Adventure Canada cruise
- 12-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 12-night Swan Hellenic cruise
- 12-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 13-night Silversea cruise
- 13-night Adventure Canada cruise
- 13-night Adventure Canada cruise
- 13-night Quark Expeditions cruise
- 13-night Silversea cruise
- 13-night Quark Expeditions cruise
- 14-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night Quark Expeditions cruise
- 14-night HX Expeditions cruise
- 14-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 15-night Quark Expeditions cruise
- 15-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 16-night Adventure Canada cruise
- 16-night HX Expeditions cruise
Build Your Day in Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
Cruise Lines at Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (28 cruises)
- HX Expeditions (24 cruises)
- Seabourn (20 cruises)
- Silversea (13 cruises)
- Swan Hellenic (9 cruises)
- Adventure Canada (8 cruises)
- Quark Expeditions (7 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (5 cruises)
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions (3 cruises)
- Aurora Expeditions (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
Cruises Visiting Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
Ship Schedule at Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) Location
Other Cruise Ports in Greenland
Frequently Asked Questions
What cruise lines sail from Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)?
Nine cruise lines operate from Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), including Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, HX Expeditions, Swan Hellenic, Adventure Canada, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Polar Latitudes Expeditions, and Quark Expeditions. With 80 upcoming cruises scheduled, you'll have multiple options for exploring this Arctic destination.
When is the best time to cruise from Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)?
The peak cruise season for Ilulissat runs from June through October, with August, July, and September being the busiest months. During these months, you'll experience the Arctic summer with extended daylight hours and milder weather, making it ideal for viewing the famous Jakobshavn Glacier and exploring Greenland's landscapes.
How much do cruises from Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) cost?
Cruise prices from Ilulissat range from $4,945 to $139,990 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship size, itinerary length, and cabin type. Expedition cruises with smaller ships and specialized Arctic experiences tend to be at the higher end of the price range, while ocean cruises may offer more affordable options.
What are the top destinations from Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)?
Popular destinations from Ilulissat include Nuuk (Godthaab), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Kangerlussuaq Havn, Reykjavík, and Pond Inlet in Nunavut. Many cruises combine visits to multiple Greenlandic towns with stops in Iceland or Canadian Arctic ports, offering diverse Arctic experiences.
What can I see and do during a day in Ilulissat?
Ilulissat is famous for the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the world's most productive glaciers, which you can view from boat tours or hiking trails. The town itself offers Arctic culture experiences, local museums, traditional Greenlandic cuisine, and opportunities to spot icebergs in the UNESCO World Heritage Disko Bay. Most cruise lines offer organized shore excursions to maximize your time in this remote Arctic settlement.
How do I get from the port to attractions in Ilulissat?
Ilulissat is a small town, and most attractions are accessible on foot or via short walks from the port area. Cruise lines typically offer organized shore excursions including glacier tours, hiking expeditions, and cultural visits. Local taxis and guides are available, though advance booking through your cruise line is recommended for the best experience.
Is Ilulissat a tender port or dock port?
Ilulissat is primarily a port of call where ships anchor offshore, and passengers are typically tendered to shore via small boats. The tender process is a normal part of cruising to this remote Arctic location, and cruise lines provide organized tender operations with experienced staff to ensure safe transfers.