Northwest Passage – Across the Top of the World - Alaska to Greenland
Sail along the top of the world through the Northwest Passage
Sailing through the Northwest Passage on a state-of-the-art ice-class expedition ship is a captivating journey that blends natural wonders, culture, and history. The passage, once an elusive route for explorers, now offers intrepid travellers a chance to witness breathtaking Arctic landscapes and learn about indigenous communities through first-hand experiences. On this adventure, we’ll attempt to traverse the entire route and beyond, going from Nome in Alaska to Nuuk, Greenland.
Breathtaking beauty of the High Arctic and Greenland
Our 26-day voyage takes us ‘above’ the North American continent to the frozen far north. As we head up from Alaska through the famed Beaufort Sea and Bering Strait, we pass into the Western Arctic Canada where we’ll explore the western section of the Northwest Passage. From here on in, it’s pure expedition as we transit to Eastern Arctic Canada where you’ll experience a pristine and remote wilderness featuring surreal vistas of frozen sea ice. We then emerge into Baffin Bay and sail to West Greenland, where you’ll encounter natural beauty like nowhere else.
Highlights
• Witness incredible beauty and experience the thrill of exploration as we sail through the fabled Northwest Passage from Nome in Alaska to Nuuk, Greenland.
• Discover UNESCO-listed sites, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and Inuit settlements – guided by your expert Expedition Team.
• Sail down the west coast of Greenland with its stunning coastal panoramas and pretty settlements of coloured houses.
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.
Why not arrive early and head to the Seattle Aquarium to see sea otters and a giant Pacific octopus. Or for incredible views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, take a stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park, admiring the work of renowned artists as you go. And 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.
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!
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
Spend eight days exploring the Western section of the fabled Northwest Passage
Our excursions begin on day seven 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:
Herschel Island
Smoking Hills
Ulukhaktok
Coronation Gulf
Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq)
Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuk)
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.
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 are weather and ice dependent 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)
Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science
Leaving Nunavut behind, our expedition cruise continues to Greenland across Baffin Bay. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of the Arctic, Inuit culture and the history of exploration in this region.
Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observing the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program.
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 colourful 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, 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. We'll determine on the day what 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.
End your voyage in colourful Nuuk
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.
Your voyage ends with a flight from Nuuk to Reykjavík, and an overnight stay.
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 140 metres
Passenger Capacity: 530
Built: 2019
MS Roald Amundsen is a modern expedition ship named after the legendary Norwegian polar explorer who first reached the South Pole. Built in 2019 at Kleven Yards in Norway, the vessel is purpose-designed for voyages in polar and remote waters, combining exploration capability with a strong focus on environmental performance. As one of the world’s first hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships, she uses battery-assisted electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20 percent, setting a new standard for more sustainable expedition travel. With a capacity of 490 guests, she serves as a comfortable and efficient base camp at sea for journeys to some of the planet’s most extreme and spectacular regions.
Onboard, Scandinavian design principles define both public spaces and accommodation, using natural materials such as granite, oak, birch, and wool to create a calm, functional, and refined atmosphere. All cabins are outside-facing, with around half featuring private balconies, while selected suites offer private outdoor hot tubs. Key facilities include a two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck, a Science Centre at the core of the expedition experience, multiple dining venues inspired by regional flavours, and comprehensive wellness amenities including a gym, sauna, spa, infinity pool, and hot tubs. Together, these features position MS Roald Amundsen as a technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed vessel, built to support immersive exploration without compromising comfort or environmental responsibility.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• On board lectures
• Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, talks and more
• Full board dining, including breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine and beer
• Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails available across the day and evening
• All-day coffee, tea & soft drinks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Gratuities
• Our interactive science programme, Science Centre and activities both on and off the ships
• Access to sauna, hot tubs, fitness room and more
• Professional photos from the onboard photographer
• Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through Hurtigruten Foundation.
• Take home expedition jacket and reusable water bottle
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
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• Economy class flight from Seattle to Nome before the expedition cruise
• Overnight in Seattle before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Seattle
Exclusions
• Travel Insurance
• Luggage Handling
• International Flights except where included in the Air Package Holiday Price
• Optional Excursions
• Premium Drinks (included for Suites guests)
Expedition
Our Associates Include
