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    Northwest Passage Across the Top of the World

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    Highlights

    Set out from Alaska on an unforgettable expedition through the legendary Northwest Passage toward Greenland. Cross one of the world’s most remote and fascinating waterways while discovering spectacular Arctic landscapes, Inuit communities, abundant wildlife, and the rich history of this iconic route.

    • Sail from Alaska to Greenland through the legendary Northwest Passage.
    • Visit remote communities across the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.
    • Search for polar bears, whales, musk oxen, seals, and Arctic birds.
    • Explore by Zodiac with the expert Expedition Team.

    Map/Itinerary

    Please note: This is an expedition cruise. Our itinerary serves as a guide and may be adjusted according to weather, sea ice, wildlife sightings, and local conditions. Flexibility is essential in polar regions, allowing the Captain and Expedition Team to make the best decisions to maximize your experience while always prioritizing safety.

    Day 1Setting Out from Scenic Seattle

     

    Enjoy the city before your expedition cruise begins

    The adventure begins in the Emerald City of Seattle, on the Pacific coast of the United States.  

    If you can, why not arrive early and see what the Emerald City has to offer. Take a stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park for incredible views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, admiring the work of renowned artists as you go.

    For a feast of the senses, visit the famous Pike Place Market. Operating for over a century, this lively farmer’s market boasts everything from buskers and bars to salmon-throwing fishmongers!

    You’ll spend the night here in Seattle before your connecting flight to Alaska tomorrow.

    Day 2There's no place like Nome

    Setting off on your adventure

    Today you’ll take an early flight from Seattle to Nome, Alaska, where your state-of-the art expedition ship awaits to take you on a journey through the famed Northwest Passage and beyond. 

    Prospectors first came to Nome in 1898, and people still hunt for gold here today. You’ll see evidence of the Gold Rush era all around, including abandoned dredges, turn-of-the century steam engines and old railroad tracks, lending the town a unique and intriguing atmosphere. 

    You’ll be in good company as you explore the town. Wyatt Earp, the famous sheriff, opened a saloon here. Nome was also the end point of three of Roald Amundsen’s great polar expeditions. 

    Upon boarding the ship and after collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to check out your cabin, meet the Expedition Team and explore your new home-from-home. Your adventure has truly begun! 

    Day 3-6Bering Sea and Beaufort Sea

     

    Science and wildlife watching at sea

    As we navigate the Beaufort Sea towards Amundsen Gulf, which is the gateway to the Northwest Passage, these days at sea provide the perfect opportunity to prepare for the adventures ahead. 

     Immerse yourself in the onboard Science and Education programme and learn about topics such as wildlife, glaciology, and local history with your Expedition Team. You’ll also gain authentic insight into Inuit culture and heritage with our onboard Cultural Ambassadors. Their stories reveal the Inuit people’s profound connection to the land, shaped by generations of tradition and resilience. 

    Keep an eye out for bowhead and grey whales as we cross the Beaufort Sea to Point Barrow, the northernmost point of the United States. If sea ice is present, we may also see congregations of pacific walrus on the ice floes.   

     The highlights of this transit include: 

    • The Bering Strait 

    • International Date Line 

    • Sailing Across the Beaufort Sea 

    • Wildlife Watching 

    Day 7-14Exploration and Adventure

    Spend eight days exploring the Western section of the fabled Northwest Passage

    Our excursions begin on Day 7 as we enter the Western Canadian Arctic. Over the next eight days, in this section of our voyage we’ll transit through three distinct regions—Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon—and two traditional Inuit Territories—Inuvialuit and Nunavut. 

    During our time here, we anticipate up to five days of shore excursions and four transit days. Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to be able to visit include: 

    • Sachs Harbour

    • Smoking Hills 

    • Ulukhaktok 

    • Coronation Gulf 

    • Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq) 

    • Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuk) 

    Day 15Into Bellot Strait

     

    Navigate the dividing line between west and east

    The “Rubicon” of the Canadian Arctic that divides west from east is the infamous Bellot Strait. This narrow body of water separates the northernmost part of mainland North America from Somerset Island, one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic archipelago.  

    Bellot Strait is approximately 15 nautical miles long and just over half a mile wide at its narrowest point. Our ability to navigate this passage will be determined by ice and weather conditions.

    Day 16-20The Eastern Canadian Arctic

    Explore the eastern stretch of the Passage

    On the eastern shores of Somerset Island, we find ourselves in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. The main waterway of this area is Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the eastern gates to the Northwest Passage. 

    This chapter of our exploration is likely to be action-packed, with excursions planned on each of the five days we hope to spend in and around this area. Remember: all our excursion plans depend on the weather and ice but, conditions permitting, our days will be filled with excitement and discovery.  

    Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to share with you include:  

    • Fort Ross 

    • Prince Leopold Island (Appait) 

    • Beechey Island (Iluvilik) 

    • Croker Bay 

    • Dundas Harbour 

    • Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) 

    Day 21Crossing Baffin Bay

    Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science

    Leaving Nunavut behind, our expedition cruise continues to Greenland across Baffin Bay.  

    While at sea, your Expedition Team continues to lead lectures on topics such as Arctic wildlife and the history of exploration in the region, and you can still take part in Citizen Science, such as the GLOBE Program, observing clouds to help scientists study our climate. You’ll also continue to learn about the cultures and traditions of the communities in Greenland with our onboard Cultural Ambassadors. 

    Or if you prefer, simply take time to relax – enjoy a drink with fellow explorers, watch the world drift by from the hot tub, or soothe your body and mind in the sauna. 

     

    Day 22-24The Wonders of West Greenland

    Discover the magical beauty of Greenland

    The final chapter of our journey encompasses the majestic coast of West Greenland.  

    We will begin by sailing into Disko Bay—a haven for whales and seals. Over the next three days, you’ll experience some of the most iconic sites in all of Greenland. Our objectives include: 

     Ilulissat 

    Nestled at the edge of the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Here you’ll find an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs set against a backdrop of colorful houses. In town you can visit a multitude of shops selling local crafts, and on the outskirts walking trails take you along the epic icefjord. 

    Sisimiut 

    Sisimiut is Greenland’s second city and is situated in a spectacular location just above the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years, and old traditions are alive and well.  

    Learn more about ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum, or stretch your legs on a hike.  If you’re looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of the musk ox that’s said to be 10 times warmer than sheep’s wool.   

    Evighedsfjord 

    As we head north, we plan to offer an exploration day in the magical and pristine Evighedsfjord near Maniitsoq. Each day, we’ll determine which adventures we can take part in. 

     The “Fjord of Eternity” is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft-deep waters. It’s surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves.

     

    Day 25Old and new in Nuuk

     

    End your voyage in colourful Nuuk, flight to New York 

    Today we arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. It has a population of 18,000, and boasts a striking mix of old and new buildings.  

    We’ll explore this fascinating city, comparing the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland.  

    From here, you’ll catch a flight back to New York for the end of your expedition, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt stay with you forever. 

    Inclusions/Exclusions

    This itinerary includes:

    • One pre-expedition hotel night in Seattle with breakfast.
    • Flight from Seattle to Nome before embarkation.
    • Transfer from the hotel to Seattle Airport.
    • Transfer from Nome Airport to the ship.
    • Expedition cruise in your selected cabin.
    • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, including beverages during meals.
    • Complimentary tea, coffee and selected soft drinks throughout the day.
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi.
    • Professional Expedition Team with lectures, workshops and guided activities.
    • Guided landings and Zodiac cruises where conditions allow.
    • Access to the onboard Science Center.
    • Citizen Science programme participation.
    • Loan of boots for landings.
    • Wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket.
    • Gratuities included.

    This itinerary excludes:

    • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings  

    • Travel insurance 

    • Luggage handling 

    • Optional shore excursions with our local partners 

    • Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team 

    • Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

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    Start: Aug 8, 2027

    End: Sep 1, 2027

    Departure: Seattle

    Arrival: New York

    MS Roald Amundsen

    Duration: 25 Days

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    From$27,929$24,377

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