Virgin Voyages Greenland Review: Reykjavik to New York on Valiant Lady
I personally sailed from Reykjavik to New York aboard Valiant Lady, travelling through Ísafjörður, Prince Christian Sound, Qaqortoq, Nuuk, St John’s and Halifax. This is my honest review of the scenery, weather, wildlife, excursions, Sea Terrace 10026A, dining and onboard experience.
First-hand review by Daniel Griese. Reviewed 24 September 2026.
Is a Virgin Voyages Greenland cruise worth it?
Yes. My Virgin Voyages Greenland review is based on personally sailing Valiant Lady from Reykjavik to New York. Prince Christian Sound, close iceberg encounters and two Northern Lights sightings made it the most spectacular cruise I have experienced. The main compromises were cold weather, occasional rough seas, quieter nightlife and two excursions that did not fully match my expectations. I would still book the itinerary again.
The most breathtaking cruise I have experienced
This Virgin Voyages Greenland review covers the most spectacular sailing I have completed. From seeing the Northern Lights to passing through Prince Christian Sound beneath a cloud-free sky, the overall experience is difficult to put into words. The weather was cold, and at times windy or rough, but the visibility during the most important scenic moments was close to perfect.
This felt different from my previous Virgin Voyages sailings. It was destination-led rather than party-led, with Greenland, wildlife and scenic cruising shaping each day. The longer duration and higher fare attracted an older overall clientele, though a younger crowd remained and people of different ages mixed well.
The voyage was not flawless. The whale-watching commentary was minimal, Nuuk’s boat excursion did not travel as deeply into the fjords as I expected, and some fresh produce ran low. Those honest criticisms did not change my conclusion. If Virgin Voyages offered a comparable itinerary again, I would book it.
Jump directly to each stage of the crossing
Ship
Valiant Lady
Route
Reykjavik to New York
My cabin
Sea Terrace 10026A
Companion cabin
Mega RockStar Gorgeous Suite 15315A
From the relaxed turnaround to our first Aurora
A calm back-to-back changeover
We had arrived on the preceding Portsmouth to Reykjavik voyage. The onboard back-to-back process made changeover day calm and relaxed. We did not have to manage local immigration, so I could work while the ship was quieter before enjoying sail-away, dinner at Extra Virgin and the PJ Party.
That smooth start mattered after a full previous itinerary. Instead of beginning with queues, transfers and another embarkation process, we could settle into the second leg at our own pace.
At around 23:30, I stepped onto the balcony of Sea Terrace 10026A and saw a faint Northern Lights display. Aurora is never guaranteed because cloud, darkness and solar activity all need to cooperate. The cloud-free sky gave us the opportunity, and even that first subtle sighting felt important.
Many whales, limited interpretation and a stronger Aurora
Our whale-watching Shore Thing delivered many whale sightings, which was the main reason we had booked it. The weakness was the crew interaction. Commentary was minimal, so I saw the wildlife but did not leave with the understanding I would expect from an interpreted wildlife experience.
Back in town, I returned to the bakery for another strawberry cinnamon roll. We later ate cashew nut butter chicken in The Galley and watched a guest comedy act before the night produced a far stronger Aurora Borealis display. The intensity and scale were completely different from my faint first-night sighting.
The red wooden house shown below was photographed in Ísafjörður. Its rocky, green setting suited this port section and helps show that our memories of the day extended beyond the whale trip.
Prince Christian Sound went far beyond my expectations
The captain announced shortly before Valiant Lady entered the fjord system, and a schedule indicated when we were likely to pass points of interest. That preparation created a sense of occasion and gave us time to choose where to watch.
As Greenland first appeared, excitement built quickly. We began seeing icebergs, mountains and the coastline ahead. Once inside the system, the scenery seemed to continue without interruption: glacier after glacier, fjord after fjord, waterfalls, narrow channels and a small settlement as we passed.
The absence of cloud transformed the experience. Mountain tops remained visible, visibility stretched across the fjords and we could spend meaningful time outside. On an overcast day, low cloud could have hidden much of what made this particular transit so breathtaking.
I spent most of the day at The Dock on Deck 7, wearing a coat, and also viewed the passage from Deck 16 and inside Richard’s Rooftop. Moving between these areas gave different heights and perspectives without losing too much time indoors.
The bridge announcements were unusually valuable. Virgin Voyages normally keeps public-address interruptions limited, but here they told us what was approaching and allowed people inside to reach a viewing position. The information enhanced the day rather than disturbing it.
This was not an ordinary sea day. The water was calm, the pace was relaxing and Valiant Lady passed between narrow fjords with extraordinary scenery on both sides. I had expected Prince Christian Sound to be attractive, but I did not expect the sustained scale of what we saw or such favourable weather.
My first Greenland port and a close iceberg encounter
Reaching Qaqortoq by tender reinforced how remote the settlement felt. The colourful buildings stood against rock and low vegetation, creating a landscape unlike anything I had previously experienced.
Historically, building colours in Greenland helped indicate functions where street signs were limited. The tradition continues, with colours associated with different uses, such as yellow buildings serving medical purposes. That background gave the bright settlement more meaning than simple decoration.
Our Iceberg Discovery Shore Thing used a semi-enclosed boat. The covers protected us from ocean spray during the transit and could be removed when we reached the ice. From a smaller boat, the detail and scale became much more apparent than when viewing an iceberg from Valiant Lady.
I found this excursion worthwhile. The ability to approach safely, see the texture of the ice and appreciate its size made it one of the stronger Greenland activities.
An early arrival, a changed expectation and more icebergs
The captain announced over the public-address system that Valiant Lady would approach Nuuk ahead of schedule because a weather system was following us. We entered the bay, reached the berth around midnight and remained onboard until the authorised disembarkation time of 07:00.
Arriving early did not mean we could go ashore early. The local clearance remained for the scheduled morning, but moving ahead of the severe waves behind us showed that the bridge team was considering comfort as well as safety. That decision increased my confidence in how the crossing was being managed.
I booked the Arctic Landscapes Fjord Boat Tour expecting to travel inside the fjords. The actual experience remained more around the bay and outer approaches. Much of the wider scenery could also be appreciated from Valiant Lady, so the trip differed from the picture I had formed.
The close iceberg views still made the outing enjoyable. That was the element which added value beyond watching from the ship. Afterwards, we moved from the cold outdoor experience to lunch at Café Esmeralda. The food was very good, though expensive.
Nuuk Greenland sunset and mountains from The Dock. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
Nuuk Greenland iceberg and ocean. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
Why the time at sea never felt like empty time
The sea days were well spaced, usually no more than two together. That rhythm made this my preferred style of transatlantic because each stretch at sea led towards another port or scenic milestone.
I continued working so I could keep up with clients. My friends used the spa and jacuzzi, watched films, relaxed around the ship, listened to live music and socialised with people we met onboard. Late starts gave us time to reset rather than treating every day as a timetable to complete.
The repeated time changes did not affect me greatly because they happened gradually, often by an hour or 30 minutes every few days. This felt like a gentle way to cross time zones without the sudden disruption of flying.
Cold, wind and rough weather occasionally closed outside areas. The interior naturally felt busier than it would on a Caribbean sailing, and finding a seat in The Galley could become more difficult. Opening Gunbae for breakfast and lunch provided valuable overflow seating.
The app notifications helped because operational changes could be communicated without repeated public-address announcements. That allowed the ship to remain calm while still keeping Sailors informed. When decks were closed, indoor lounges, live music and comfortable seating became more important.
Valiant Lady handled the conditions well. I noticed motion and more swaying than usual, but the route and stabilisation kept the sailing comfortable enough for me. I would happily make another crossing aboard her.
A cold-weather sea-day treat with a useful Mega RockStar option
After a well-deserved lie-in, I had buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, cream and strawberries, plus fried eggs on toast. Later, afternoon tea in Sip offered a slower experience with a friend.
During my September 2026 sailing, it cost $19 per person with JoJo tea or $35 with a glass of Moët. The charge could come from Bar Tab. Prices and inclusions may change, so they should always be checked onboard.
For Mega RockStars, I would order the standard tea option with the pot of tea. Eligible alcoholic drinks are included up to $25 per glass, so the Moët can then be requested separately under the applicable allowance. Subject to the current onboard terms, that can keep the experience within the included benefit.
My Behind the Scenes Tour aboard Valiant Lady
During my September 2026 sailing, the Behind the Scenes Tour cost $150, was bookable through the Virgin Voyages app once onboard and allowed me to use Sailor Loot towards the cost. Availability and price can change.
My route included The Red Room, its dressing room and stage, the kitchens, storage rooms and cold-storage spaces, the waste room and the bridge. We were told that food for The Galley comes from the Deck 6 kitchens, while storage and cold storage occupy areas on Decks 3 and 4.
The bridge was especially relevant during a Greenland crossing. Seeing the controls and iceberg warning information connected our scenic experience with the practical decisions required to navigate in northern waters.
A historic street, surprisingly good poutine and a remarkable sail-out
We explored independently, beginning around Water Street, regarded as one of the oldest streets in North America. The colourful residential roads rising away from the harbour gave the city a distinctive character.
We stopped at Smoke’s Poutinerie for poutine. Chips, cheese curds and gravy sounded simple, but it was surprisingly good and gave our port day a memorable Canadian food experience.
The departure ultimately became more memorable than the daytime visit. Leaving the bay felt extremely tight from Valiant Lady, and repeated horn signals accompanied the navigation. The sunset kept changing from orange to purple as we moved through the harbour, combining precise ship handling with extraordinary light.
St John’s Harbour purple sunset. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
St John’s Harbour orange sunset. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
Shopping, Denny’s, tea and an easy waterfront walk
We chose an informal independent day rather than an organised excursion. We visited two shopping centres because the exchange rate between the pound and Canadian dollar created some attractive prices.
Denny’s was not within practical walking distance, so we used Uber. We wanted one final North American visit before spending ten months in Australia, which made it a personal priority rather than a conventional sightseeing stop.
World Tea House felt like a fitting stop on the return journey, with teas from different parts of the world. We then walked along the waterfront towards the ship through signs, stalls and outdoor seating.
The food-stand atmosphere gave parts of the waterfront a theme-park feel. It would have been entirely possible to spend an afternoon there without travelling farther into Halifax.
Back-to-Back Bubbles after 23 days onboard
That evening, Virgin Voyages held Back-to-Back Bubbles in The Manor. It was a new event for us and not something we had encountered on our other consecutive sailings.
The invitation recognised Sailors who had completed both the Portsmouth to Reykjavik cruise and the Reykjavik to New York leg, spending a total of 23 days onboard. The format felt similar to Sailing Club drinks and came across as a genuine thank-you for the extended journey.
The end of 23 days aboard Valiant Lady
On the final sea day, sunshine allowed us to spend time around the pool. Some fresh items had run out, but dining remained varied enough through restaurant specials and alternative breakfast choices.
Disembarkation in Brooklyn was smooth and RockStar fast track helped us leave the ship. Once inside the terminal, we joined the same immigration queue as other Sailors.
We had a private transfer to JFK for a same-day flight and no time to stay in New York. The tight schedule reinforced the importance of allowing a generous margin for immigration, road traffic and airport formalities.
Sea Terrace 10026A compared with Gorgeous Suite 15315A
I chose aft Sea Terrace 10026A because it was closer to The Galley and a lift. We regularly went upstairs for breakfast or drinks, so that position suited how I use the ship. The pool was farther away, but it mattered less on this cold route.
I noticed more swaying than usual in the aft area, but it did not make me unwell. I am prone to motion sickness and took my usual tablets throughout. When I ran out, Sailor Services provided additional tablets. Anyone with medical concerns should seek individual advice before travel.
The terrace was used less than it would be in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, and I did not use the hammock in the same way. It was still important for fresh air, sunsets, unobstructed photographs and the Northern Lights, particularly when public outside areas were closed.
Private access meant I could take photographs without crowds and step outside immediately. The limitation was being fixed to one side of the ship. Much of the ocean activity we noticed was on the opposite side, whereas an open deck makes it easier to move quickly between views.
During sea days, the cabin became a retreat for television, quiet time and unwinding away from busier indoor venues. I would choose either a Sea Terrace or a Sea View for Greenland because both provide scenery access in different ways.
Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Cabin 10026A tour. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
My friend stayed in Mega RockStar Gorgeous Suite 15315A. I visited and filmed the suite but did not sleep there. It was at least around twice the size of my cabin, with a larger bed, shower and balcony.
The Gorgeous Suite was a substantial treat rather than a necessity. A Sea Terrace can suit a wide range of Sailors, while RockStar and Mega RockStar accommodation is for travellers who want to spend more for additional space, service and inclusions.
Virgin Voyages Gorgeous Suite 15315A tour. Video: Daniel's Travel Inspiration.
Flexible choices, comfort food and restaurant specials
The Galley worked well when weather, work or entertainment made fixed dining less convenient. We could choose breakfast, lunch or dinner around the day, and sometimes bring breakfast back to the cabin to relax.
Ariya exceeded my expectations. I initially wanted butter chicken, but each dish arrived with distinct flavours and careful presentation. Chicken 65, steak and chocolate cake were enjoyable enough that we returned, and a butter-chicken special appeared later in the voyage.
Extra Virgin suited the first night because it gave the new leg a proper beginning without overcomplicating the evening. The Wake retained its upmarket feel, though our first sitting was slow and the steak was not cooked as requested. Virgin Voyages offered to replace it, which we declined. Service was much faster on our second visit.
On one cold evening, a beef shepherd’s pie special, which I would call cottage pie in Britain, changed our dinner plans. Warm comfort food suited the weather too well to miss. Specials became important on a long voyage because they added variety once the core menus became familiar.
My usual Grounds Club order was Morning After tea, brewed for two minutes because I prefer it less strong. Chocolate-chip muffins were my favourite, but they were not always available, so I ordered one whenever I saw it. I also enjoyed the blueberry banana-bread muffins.
By the final sea day, fresh berries and avocado had run out. I learned during the Behind the Scenes Tour that much of the stock is flown from Miami to joining ports, so remote routes may not allow routine replenishment. Losing avocado forced me to change my breakfast habit, which at least encouraged me to try something different.
A quieter sailing that still felt like Virgin Voyages
Because we had so many nights, we did not feel pressure to see every performance immediately. We spaced out comedy, Rodney Laney, a secret show, Ship Show, karaoke, films and live music, leaving time simply to relax.
Scarlet Night had no pool party. The cold-weather remix moved into The Red Room before continuing in The Manor. Repeat Sailors will notice a completely different atmosphere, while someone new to Virgin Voyages would simply experience the version designed for that route.
The longer, more expensive itinerary attracted an older demographic and some party periods were quieter. That did not make the voyage unsuitable for younger Sailors. One of Virgin Voyages’ strengths is how different age groups can socialise comfortably.
Is this the right Virgin Voyages sailing for you?
Choose it for scenery
Prince Christian Sound, icebergs, wildlife, Northern Lights potential and the contrast between Greenland and Atlantic Canada are the main reasons to book.
Do not expect a pool-led holiday
The pool was drained or unavailable for much of our colder crossing. Sea days remained enjoyable, but in a different way from warm-weather voyages.
Expect weather to shape the experience
Clear skies transformed our fjord transit. Cloud or rough water could significantly change visibility, open decks and excursions.
Balance excursions with ship views
Qaqortoq’s small-boat trip added close detail. Nuuk’s wider scenery could also be appreciated from Valiant Lady, though its icebergs still rewarded the outing.
Choose nightlife or destination
The nightlife remained available, but scenery led the voyage. For a stronger party atmosphere, I would choose a shorter warm-weather sailing.
Allow for a different demographic
The crowd was older overall but not exclusively so. I would not avoid the itinerary because of age range, as the onboard atmosphere remained friendly.
Would I recommend this Valiant Lady Greenland itinerary?
Yes. I would recommend this itinerary to adults who want Greenland scenery, wildlife and a more relaxed style of Virgin Voyages sailing. Prince Christian Sound was the best moment, while the limited interpretation on the whale-watching trip was my clearest disappointment. Sea Terrace 10026A gave me valuable private access to the night sky and scenery, even though the cold reduced how often I used the hammock.
This route is less suitable for someone whose priorities are warm pool days, busy late-night venues or predictable outdoor events. It is particularly well suited to travellers who can accept weather-led changes and value the journey itself as much as the ports.
After more than 17 Virgin Voyages sailings and multiple transatlantic crossings, this remains the most breathtaking voyage I have experienced. If Virgin Voyages offered a comparable Greenland and Canada itinerary again, I would book it.
Virgin Voyages Greenland review FAQs
Is Greenland worth visiting with Virgin Voyages?
Yes. If Virgin Voyages repeats a comparable sailing, I would recommend it. Prince Christian Sound, icebergs, Northern Lights and the variety of ports made this my most spectacular cruise experience.
Would you book this itinerary again?
Yes, without hesitation. The route balanced no more than two sea days at a time with scenery and port calls.
Are the sea days boring?
Not at all. We worked, relaxed, listened to live music, watched films and spaced out the entertainment. The pool was drained or unusable for much of the colder, rougher voyage, but indoor life remained varied.
Did you see the Northern Lights?
Yes. I saw a faint display from my Sea Terrace balcony on the first night and a stronger display after Ísafjörður. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed.
Did you see whales?
Yes. We saw many whales on the Ísafjörður Shore Thing, although the crew provided very little interpretation.
What was Prince Christian Sound like?
It was the defining experience, with clear skies, glaciers, waterfalls, narrow fjords, mountains, icebergs and a small settlement visible from Valiant Lady.
How much can weather affect this route?
A great deal. Clear skies gave us unobstructed mountain views. Cloud, wind or rough water could change visibility, deck access, small-boat routes and arrival timing.
What did you do in Qaqortoq?
We tendered ashore and joined the Iceberg Discovery trip by semi-enclosed boat. The covers protected us from spray during transit and could be removed near the icebergs.
What did you think of the Nuuk fjord trip?
It was pleasant but remained nearer the bay and fjord outskirts than I expected. The close iceberg views were still rewarding.
Why did Valiant Lady reach Nuuk early?
The captain explained that a weather system was following us. We entered the bay, docked around midnight and waited until the authorised 07:00 disembarkation time.
Should you book excursions in both Greenland ports?
That is personal. We treated Greenland as a potentially once-in-a-lifetime destination, so booked in both ports. Qaqortoq gave me the stronger dedicated iceberg-boat experience.
Is a Sea Terrace worthwhile in cold weather?
Yes. I used mine for fresh air, sunsets, photography and the Northern Lights, especially when open decks were unavailable. I did not use the hammock as I would in warmer weather.
What cabin did you stay in?
I stayed in aft Sea Terrace 10026A. My friend stayed in Mega RockStar Gorgeous Suite 15315A, which I visited and filmed.
Would you choose a Sea Terrace again?
Yes. I would choose either a Sea Terrace or Sea View for Greenland. A Sea Terrace provides open-air access, while a Sea View can still offer sheltered scenery watching.
Is the route suitable if you experience seasickness?
It may be if suitable precautions work for you. I am prone to motion sickness, took my usual tablets and remained well. Sailor Services provided more when I ran out. Individual medical advice should come from a qualified professional.
How did Valiant Lady handle the sea?
I was impressed. Conditions were windy and occasionally rough, but the ship remained comfortable enough for me and I would cross again on Valiant Lady.
Was Scarlet Night different?
Yes. There was no pool party. The cold-weather remix took place in The Red Room and The Manor and felt quieter than warmer-weather versions.
Did the older demographic change the cruise?
The longer, more expensive voyage attracted an older overall clientele, but there was still a younger crowd. Everyone mixed well, although late-night venues could be quieter.
Is this voyage better for scenery or nightlife?
Scenery. Nightlife remained available, but the route was led by Greenland, wildlife and the North Atlantic rather than parties.
How much was afternoon tea?
During my September 2026 sailing, it cost $19 with tea or $35 with Moët. Current prices and inclusions should be checked onboard.
What is your Mega RockStar afternoon tea tip?
Order the standard tea option, then request eligible glasses of Moët separately under the current Mega RockStar drinks allowance. During my September 2026 sailing, eligible alcoholic drinks were included up to $25 per glass.
How much was the Behind the Scenes Tour?
During my September 2026 sailing, it was $150 and bookable in the app once onboard. I used Sailor Loot towards the cost.
What areas did the tour include?
My tour covered The Red Room, dressing room, stage, kitchens, storage and cold storage, the waste room and the bridge.
Did food run low?
Fresh berries and avocado ran out towards the end. I learned that remote itineraries can limit restocking, so some fresh stock may reduce over a long voyage.
What did you do in St John’s?
We walked Water Street and the colourful residential roads, ate poutine, then watched an exceptional sunset during a tight harbour departure.
What did you do in Halifax?
We shopped, took an Uber to Denny’s, visited World Tea House and walked the waterfront among the stalls and Salt Yard.
What was Back-to-Back Bubbles?
It was an unusual thank-you event for Sailors who completed both Portsmouth to Reykjavik and Reykjavik to New York, spending 23 days onboard.
Would you choose this over a warm-weather sailing?
For scenery and relaxation, yes. For a stronger pool and party focus, I would choose a warmer route.
Is it still a full Virgin Voyages experience?
Yes. Dining, entertainment, live music and Scarlet Night remained recognisably Virgin Voyages, adapted to the destination and weather.
What should I pack?
Warm layers, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, gloves, a hat and practical footwear. Even with excellent clear weather, it was cold.
Plan with someone who has sailed the route
I am an award-winning Gold Virgin Voyages First Mate with more than 17 Virgin Voyages sailings and multiple transatlantic crossings. I personally completed both legs of this 23-day journey and can help compare routes, cabins and complete packages from experience.
Related Virgin Voyages guides
Ask me what this route is really like
I can help compare itineraries, accommodation and complete Virgin Voyages packages using direct experience of this crossing.