A cruise expedition is an expedition made by a cruise company. The purpose is typically to generate an income by taking passengers to visit some areas of Greenland beyond the ordinary. However, trips made by, for example, private yachts are also termed ‘Cruise’.

Medical certificate – cruise ships
Until now, no medical certificates have been required, even if activities were carried out outside the ship in uninhabited areas. The activities may have the character of extreme sports, such as kayaking and diving.

In future, medical certificates will be required for activities taking place off the cruise ship for expedition participants who are 66 years of age or older or have a disability or medical condition(s).

For safety reasons the Government of Greenland is currently finalizing a set of terms and conditions for the unique or special circumstances that are not already covered by the Executive Order issued by the Danish Maritime Authority on safe navigation in Greenland. The supplementary terms and conditions are expected to apply to all cruises in the National Park in Northeast Greenland (sailing in the adjoining sea territory to the national park is termed a cruise regardless of vessel size).

These supplementary terms and conditions are expected to be implemented in Q1 of 2025 and more information will follow once the terms and conditions are approved by all relevant authorities.

P&I is insurance on a mutual basis for liability that may arise in connection with the operation of a ship. The most important areas of insurance coverage are liability as a result of damage to cargo, pollution liability and personal injury. Sometimes, the P&I insurance also covers transport in connection with illness. However, P&I does not automatically ensure that the Danish state and the Government of Greenland (’assured persons’) are reimbursed.

In some cases, P&I Clubs accept the Expedition Office’s insurance statement, in other cases the applicant must arrange for additional insurance with another company. Tourist operators who carry out cruise expeditions in or near Greenland often make use of a statement confirming that their P&I insurance covers the insurance events that are the subject of the insurance statements used by the Expedition Office. In such cases, the burden of proof lies with the person making the claim.