Northwest Passage – Through the Arctic Labyrinth

AU$150 Onboard Credit per person*

*Terms and conditions apply

Day 1: Cosmopolitan Reykjavík – A Blend of Culture and Nature 

Your Arctic adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík, Iceland’s modern yet charming capital.  

Known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings, Reykjavík is a city worth exploring. Stroll along Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, admire the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, or visit the Reykjavík Art Museum for a taste of local creativity.  

Day 2: Vibrant Nuuk – Greenland’s Capital  

Today, you’ll fly from Reykjavík to Nuuk, the colourful and historic capital of Greenland.  

Home to just 18,000 people, Nuuk is a fascinating blend of old and new. You’ll have the chance to explore landmarks such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral, while also admiring the modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland.  

Your expedition ship awaits in Nuuk’s harbor. After receiving your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, meet the Expedition Team, and familiarise yourself with the ship before setting sail on your epic journey through the Northwest Passage.  

Days 3 to 5: The Wonders of West Greenland  

The next three days are dedicated to exploring West Greenland, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and deep cultural history. Some of the highlights include:  

Evighedsfjord – The ‘Fjord of Eternity’ 
Located near Maniitsoq, this spectacular fjord is fed by an ice cap that births towering icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters. Surrounded by misty mountain peaks and dazzling blue ice caves, it’s a magical place for exploration.  

Sisimiut – A Historic Arctic Town  
Just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city and has been inhabited for over 4,500 years. Visit the local museum to see ancient Saqqaq artifacts, take a scenic hike, or shop for qiviut garments—crafted from the ultra-warm inner wool of the musk ox.  

Ilulissat – Iceberg Capital of Greenland  
Perched on the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming town offers breathtaking views of massive icebergs drifting through the fjord. Walk along scenic trails, explore local shops, and take in one of Greenland’s most iconic landscapes.  

Days 6 & 7: Crossing Baffin Bay – Science and Wildlife Spotting  

As you leave Greenland behind, cross Baffin Bay, heading toward the Canadian Arctic.  

During this time at sea, engage in Citizen Science projects, such as tracking whales or contributing to the GLOBE Program by observing cloud formations to assist climate research. Meanwhile, the Expedition Team will deliver insightful lectures on Arctic wildlife, Inuit culture, and the legendary explorers who charted these remote waters.  

Keep an eye on the horizon—whales, seals, and seabirds are often spotted in this region.  

Days 8 to 11: Entering the Northwest Passage – The Eastern Canadian Arctic 

Reaching the Eastern Canadian Arctic, navigate through Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga)—the eastern gateway to the Northwest Passage.  

These four days are filled with exciting landings and exploration, weather and ice conditions permitting. Possible destinations include:  

- Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) – A picturesque Inuit community known for dramatic mountain views and thriving wildlife.  
- Dundas Harbour – A scenic bay with abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company outposts and rich archaeological history.  
- Croker Bay – A spectacular fjord where towering glaciers meet Arctic waters.  
- Beechey Island (Iluvilik) – A historic site where members of Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition are buried.  
- Prince Leopold Island (Appait) – A critical bird sanctuary, home to thousands of nesting seabirds.  
- Fort Ross – The site of an old Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, marking an important chapter in Arctic history.  

Day 12: Bellot Strait – Navigating a Legendary Passage  

One of the most dramatic stretches of the Northwest Passage, Bellot Strait is a narrow, 15-nautical-mile-long waterway separating mainland North America from Somerset Island.  

With its strong tidal currents and unpredictable sea ice, navigation here is challenging. If conditions allow, you’ll pass through this historic strait, where explorers once struggled to find a route through the Arctic.  

Days 13 to 20: Exploring the Western Northwest Passage 

Over the next eight days, navigate through three regions—Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon—and two Inuit homelands: Inuvialuit and Nunavut.  

Your itinerary remains flexible to maximise exploration, with up to five days of shore excursions and four days of transit. Potential stops include:  

- Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuk) – Once a crucial stop for Roald Amundsen, this community is rich in Inuit culture and history.  
- Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) – A vibrant Arctic town known for wildlife and archaeological sites.  
- Coronation Gulf – A stunning Arctic waterway with glacial-carved landscapes.  
- Ulukhaktok – Home to world-renowned Inuit printmakers and carvers.  
- Smoking Hills – A surreal landscape where subterranean sulfur deposits spontaneously combust.  
- Herschel Island – A historic whaling station with abundant Arctic wildlife.  

Days 21 to 24: Along the Alaskan Coast – Science & Wildlife 

Sailing through the Beaufort Sea and into the Bering Strait, continue your expedition with insightful lectures, wildlife spotting, and scientific observations.  

Expect the unexpected—Arctic sea ice can vary, potentially altering your route. Key highlights of this transit include:  

- The Beaufort Sea – A remote region known for its polar bear and whale populations.  
- The Bering Strait – A narrow passage separating Russia and Alaska, home to migrating seabirds and marine life.  
- The International Date Line – Cross into yesterday or tomorrow as you pass this time zone marker.  

Day 25: Nome, Alaska – Gold Rush & Arctic Legends  

Your final Arctic stop is Nome, a town steeped in Gold Rush history.  

Once a hub for prospectors, Nome is filled with abandoned gold dredges, old steam engines, and remnants of the early 1900s boom. This remote settlement was also the finish line for three of Roald Amundsen’s polar expeditions.  

After exploring Nome, you’ll board a flight to Seattle for an overnight stay.  

Day 26: Seattle – The Emerald City

Your Arctic adventure concludes in Seattle, a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty.  

Before your onward journey, consider visiting:  

- The Seattle Aquarium – Home to sea otters and a giant Pacific octopus.  
- Olympic Sculpture Park – A nine-acre park with stunning views of Puget Sound.  
- Pike Place Market – A historic marketplace bustling with fresh seafood, artisans, and street performers.  

After an unforgettable 26-day Arctic expedition, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve completed—one filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and memories that will last a lifetime.