Popular cruise destination urges ships to steer clear of scenic fjords after complaints

Cruise operatorsare being asked to scale back trips through certain fjords, or narrow coastal waterways surrounded by steep terrain, after residents of Greenland raised concerns about the impact of ships on local communities and the environment.

The guidance comes after residents cited noise, effects on wildlife and a desire to preservenatural areasused for recreation, hunting and fishing, according to a press release from the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.

Naalakkersuisut is recommending that cruise ships avoid sailing through affected fjord areas when possible or limit their presence in those locations.

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“The purpose of the recommendation is to limit the impact onvulnerable natural areas and wildlife, as well as to meet the local population’s wishes to preserve the recreational values of the areas and the opportunities for catching and fishing,” the government said in the release.

The government also called on cruise lines, ship captains and others in the industry to consider local conditions when planning trips and to follow the recommendation.

Greenland is urging cruise operators to limit voyages through certain fjords.(iStock)

The guidance could eventually be followed by more formal restrictions.

Naalakkersuisut and Greenland’s municipalities are developing zoning rules under the Tourism Act that would establish which areas areopen to cruise tourismand which would face restrictions, according to the release.

The rules are being developed with input from residents, businesses and other stakeholders and would take effect following a public consultation.

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The recommendation comes as Greenland continues to attract both expedition vessels and larger passenger ships during the summer cruise season, according toCruise Industry News.

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The recommendation follows concerns from residents about noise, wildlife disruption and protecting areas used for recreation, hunting and fishing.(iStock)

Qaqortoq and Nanortalik are among the popular destinations, with more than 20 cruise calls scheduled in the coming weeks, the outlet reported.

Carnival, Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn, AIDA, Viking, Windstar, Explora, Holland America, Celebrity and Virgin are among the cruise brands visiting the ports this season, Cruise Industry News noted.

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Travelers have also weighed in online about the benefits anddrawbacks of cruisingin Greenland.

Naalakkersuisut and Greenland’s municipalities are developing zoning rules that would determine where cruise ships can operate and where those limits would apply.(iStock)

“Cruises pollute.No vessel is perfect.It’s just a fact,” one Reddit user said. 

“There is always waste and disruption to wildlife.”

The same user also pointed to the convenience of cruising, writing, “You can see so much in a short period of time.You can see what took me 7 years by land, 20 days by cruise and pay much, much less.”

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Another commenter who talked abouttravelingin Greenland both by land and by expedition cruise offered a similar argument in favor of the option, saying cruises are “accessible and, for many people, the only way they’ll ever see places like Scoresby Sund.”