Greenland Urges Cruise Ships to Avoid Fjords Over Wildlife Concerns
More than 20 cruise calls are scheduled at Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in the coming weeks; larger ships are also due at Nuuk, Paamiut, Ilulissat and Narsarsuaq.
The Government of Greenland has advised cruise ships to avoid sailing in some fjord areas following concerns from local residents about noise and wildlife disturbance, and about pressure on natural areas. Naalakkersuisut, Greenland’s cabinet and executive authority, issued the recommendation.
The government said the advisory is intended to preserve local access to recreation, hunting and fishing. Residents who raised the issue called for the region’s natural resources and recreational value to be maintained.
“The purpose of this recommendation is to limit the impact on vulnerable natural areas and wildlife and to accommodate the wishes of the local population,” Naalakkersuisut said.
Naalakkersuisut also described growing cruise interest in Greenland as positive for tourism development. It said that development must proceed sustainably and respect residents, nature and wildlife.
Greenland receives dozens of expedition cruise vessels each year. Larger ships also call regularly in summer. More than 20 calls are scheduled at Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in the coming weeks.
Brands visiting those ports this season include Carnival Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Seabourn, Phoenix Reisen, AIDA Cruises, Viking, Windstar Cruises, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages.
Large cruise ships are also scheduled to visit Nuuk, Paamiut, Ilulissat and Narsarsuaq over the next several years.
Compare current Greenland cruise fares on Cruise Lookup.
