A Taste of Iceland Before the Arctic

We arrived in Iceland, determined to make the most of every minute before our expedition began.

After an early morning flight, we headed straight from the airport to the iconic Blue Lagoon. There really is no better introduction to Iceland than sinking into warm, milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by black lava fields, with steam drifting into the crisp Icelandic air.

The perfect antidote to travelling, it left us relaxed, refreshed and ready to explore.

Over the next few days, we packed in many of Iceland's most famous highlights. We wandered through Reykjavík's colourful streets, sampled local delicacies on a fantastic food tour, watched Geysir erupt dramatically into the sky and stood at Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly pull apart.

One of the most exhilarating experiences was snowmobiling across Langjökull Glacier. Racing across a seemingly endless white wilderness with mountains stretching into the distance felt wonderfully wild and completely unforgettable.

We rounded off our Iceland stay with a whale-watching cruise, where we were lucky enough to spot humpback whales and puffins in the waters just off the coast.

Iceland was everything I'd hoped it would be: dramatic, energetic and endlessly fascinating. Yet it was also the perfect introduction to something even more extraordinary.

The Arctic was waiting.

Stepping Into One of the World's Last Great Wildernesses

The excitement really began to build as we boarded our flight to Nuuk, Greenland.

This wasn't simply another destination. Greenland is one of the least populated and most remote places on Earth, a land of towering icebergs, vast glaciers and isolated communities connected by sea rather than roads.

After arriving in Nuuk, we spent time exploring the colourful capital, visiting the museum and enjoying tea and cake beside a real iceberg floating quietly offshore. It was one of those wonderfully surreal travel moments that makes you stop and think, "Where else in the world could this happen?"

That evening, we boarded our Quark Expeditions ship, completed our safety briefings and prepared to set sail.

The adventure had begun.

Why Expedition Cruising Feels Different

Before this trip, I knew Greenland would be spectacular.

What surprised me was just how immersive expedition cruising feels.

This isn't a holiday where you simply admire the scenery from the comfort of a ship. You're actively stepping into the environment every single day.

One morning, you might be exploring a remote fjord by Zodiac. Next, you're kayaking between icebergs, hiking through untouched wilderness or landing by helicopter in a place few people will ever see.

Every day is shaped by nature, weather and opportunity, meaning no two voyages are ever the same.

That's part of the magic.

Our first full day at sea highlighted exactly that. Alongside fascinating lectures on Arctic wildlife and Greenlandic history, we attended practical briefings covering Zodiac operations, kayaking and helicopter activities.

What struck me was the professionalism of the expedition team. Activities that sound incredibly adventurous felt safe, well-organised and accessible thanks to the expertise of the crew.

Landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet

One of the most extraordinary mornings of the trip began before breakfast.

As the ship sailed through a fjord towards a glacier, we watched the sunrise illuminate the surrounding mountains. Suddenly, we witnessed an iceberg calve and begin to roll over in the water—a powerful reminder that these frozen landscapes are constantly changing and alive.

Soon afterwards, it was time for our first helicopter excursion.

We lifted off from the ship and flew across an endless landscape of glaciers and ice before landing directly on the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Stepping out onto that vast white expanse is difficult to describe.

The silence was unlike anything I have ever experienced. No traffic, no background noise, no distractions. Just ice stretching beyond the horizon and an overwhelming sense of scale.

Standing there made me appreciate how small we are compared to the forces that shape our planet.

It was one of those rare travel moments that genuinely changes your perspective.

Fjords, Icebergs and a Very Special Mother-Daughter Moment

The adventures continued with Zodiac cruises through spectacular glacier-carved fjords and heli-hiking experiences in remote mountain landscapes where there were no roads, no crowds and no signs of civilisation.

Yet one of my favourite memories came during our paddle and kayak excursion near Qassiarsuk.

Louise and I found ourselves quietly gliding between icebergs, surrounded by complete stillness.

In a world that often feels rushed and noisy, it gave us rare, uninterrupted time together. We laughed, took photographs, and simply enjoyed being present in one of the most remarkable settings either of us had ever experienced.

Of all the incredible adventures on the trip, this simple shared experience remains one of my most treasured memories.

Meeting the People Who Call Greenland Home

While Greenland's landscapes are extraordinary, it was the people we met who truly brought the destination to life.

In Qassiarsuk, we explored local historic sites before enjoying homemade soup, coffee and cake prepared by residents.

Later, in the tiny settlement of Aappilattoq, home to around 70 people, we were welcomed with incredible warmth.

We learned about traditional hunting life, attended a beautiful choir performance in the local church and spent time chatting with community members over coffee and cake at the local school.

One of the most unexpected highlights was a friendly football match between guests, expedition staff and local residents.

It was simple, fun and wonderfully human—a reminder that meaningful travel is often about connections rather than landmarks.

The Patagonia of the North

Tasermiut Fjord is often referred to as the "Patagonia of the North", and after seeing it for myself, it's easy to understand why.

Towering granite peaks rise dramatically from deep blue water, creating scenery that feels almost cinematic.

We explored the area both on foot and by Zodiac, taking our time to absorb the landscape and appreciate the silence.

Every turn revealed another breathtaking view.

The scale of the fjord, combined with its complete isolation, created a sense of peace that is increasingly rare to find in modern life.

Polar Bears, Arctic Wildlife and an Unforgettable Evening

Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed in the Arctic, which makes every sighting feel incredibly special.

One afternoon, shortly after returning to the ship, excitement spread quickly across the decks.

Two polar bears had appeared onshore.

From a safe and respectful distance, we watched these magnificent animals moving through their natural environment.

Later that same day, during a Zodiac excursion, we were fortunate enough to spot another polar bear.

Seeing them in the wild—not in a zoo, not on television, but in the environment where they belong—was deeply moving.

Throughout the voyage, we also encountered whales, seals, musk oxen, eagles and countless seabirds.

That evening, we enjoyed the optional "Tundra to Table" dining experience hosted by members of the expedition team.

Featuring locally sourced and foraged ingredients, each course told a story about Greenland's landscape, traditions and culture.

It remains one of the finest dining experiences I have ever enjoyed, not only because of the quality of the food but because of the connection it created with the destination itself.

Taking the Polar Plunge

Then came the moment I had both dreaded and looked forward to in equal measure.

The Polar Plunge.

I still remember hearing Quark's President talk about the experience at CLIA and saying to a fellow Travel Counsellor, "If I ever get the chance, I'm doing that."

Eventually, the chance arrived.

Standing alongside Louise, neither of us quite believing what we were about to do, is a memory I'll never forget.

The plunge itself lasted only seconds.

The shock of the icy water was every bit as intense as expected.

The laughter, exhilaration and sense of achievement afterwards lasted much longer.

Sixty-five guests took part, and I'm incredibly glad we were among them.

Why Greenland Stayed With Me

Disembarkation day felt especially bittersweet.

As we returned to Nuuk and prepared for our flights home, it was difficult to leave behind a place that had given us so many unforgettable moments.

Over the course of this expedition, we had:

• Landed by helicopter on the Greenland Ice Sheet
• Heli-hiked through remote Arctic wilderness
• Explored spectacular fjords by Zodiac, kayak and on foot
• Seen polar bears, whales, seals, musk oxen and eagles in the wild
• Visited isolated communities and experienced genuine Greenlandic hospitality
• Completed the Polar Plunge together

Yet when I reflect on the trip, it is not only the landscapes I remember.

It is the people.

The expedition team, whose expertise made every adventure possible.

The local communities who welcomed us into their lives.

The fellow travellers who shared the experience.

And, most importantly, the opportunity to share it all with my daughter.

Long after I unpacked my suitcase, Greenland stayed with me.

The silence of the ice sheet.

The towering fjords.

The sight of polar bears in the distance.

The warmth of tiny communities living in one of the world's most remote regions.

It reminded me why travel matters.

At its very best, travel connects us—to nature, to culture and to one another.

Thinking About Your Own Iceland or Greenland Adventure?

If Greenland, Iceland or expedition cruising has ever been on your wish list, I'd love to help you plan a journey that is every bit as memorable as ours.

Whether you're interested in:

• An Iceland adventure featuring the Blue Lagoon, glaciers and whale watching
• A Greenland expedition cruise with immersive off-ship experiences
• Helicopter adventures, kayaking and wildlife encounters
• Or a seamless Iceland and Greenland itinerary tailored entirely to you

I can help design every detail, from choosing the right expedition ship to arranging flights, hotels, transfers and unforgettable experiences along the way.

If you'd like to explore what's possible, get in touch and let's start planning your own Arctic adventure.