North America, Alaska

The Northwest Passage – In the Wake of the Great Explorers with Fridtjof Nansen

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From Iceland to Greenland
Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, before sailing the Denmark Strait to Prins Christian Sund, a spectacular granite maze of channels. You'll then reach the remarkable fjords and settlements of southern Greenland, and its capital, Nuuk.

Into the Northwest Passage
We'll sail across the Davis Strait, exploring the islands that dot this fabled route. Continuing west through the Amundsen Gulf and Beaufort Sea, we'll head for the Pacific Ocean through the Bering Strait. Our final port of call is gold-rich Nome, where Roald Amundsen completed three of his great expeditions.

Highlights

• 27-day Northwest Passage expedition cruise, attempting to follow this epic route from Iceland and Greenland to Nome in Alaska, and onto Vancouver.

• Discover UNESCO-listed sites, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and Inuit settlements – guided by our expert Expedition Team.

• Explore the breathtaking Bering Strait, navigating ice floes and spotting Arctic wildlife like whales, caribou and even polar bears.

DAY 1 Cosmopolitan Reykjavik

Discover Iceland's modern capital Packed full of art, culture and history, Reykjavik is a delight to explore. Take a stroll along Laugavegur shopping street up to the striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, or visit the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum. If you'd like to spend more time here before you set off on your Northwest Passage expedition cruise, you can book a Pre-Programme with us to tour the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands. MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you in Reykjavik Harbour. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, and explore the ship as we set sail on this epic expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage.

DAY 2-3 Across the Denmark Strait

In the wake of Vikings We cruise towards Greenland across the Denmark Strait, the route taken by Erik the Red, generally thought to be the first European to have settled there. It's time to relax and enjoy the comfortable facilities aboard our hybrid-powered ship. You can work out in the gym, soak in our on-deck hot tubs or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our restaurants. Your Expedition Team will share the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects.

DAY 4 Prins Christian Sund

Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife We aim to explore the incredible waters of the 60-mile-long Prins Christian Sund on your included excursion today. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colourful houses in the village of Aappilattoq. Nature is abundant here. You'll see ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soaring down from above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales. If sea ice prevents us entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.

DAY 5 Ivittuut: forgotten town

Ivittuut's fascinating WWII history As you wander around the abandoned ruins of this ghost town, it’s hard to believe that Ivittuut, a former mining outpost, once played a pivotal role in the course of history. During WWII, the US secretly stationed troops here to prevent rare cryolite – used to make aluminium alloys – falling into German hands. Supplies were instead shipped to the UK to manufacture aircraft, used in the Battle of Britain. Enjoy an included guided walk of the area's deserted buildings. Once the last Viking settlement in Greenland, these days, the only inhabitants you'll find are muskoxen.

DAY 6 Nuuk, Greenland's capital

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk After several days exploring remote, idyllic icescapes, you'll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. Compare the old buildings – Hans Egede's House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland's Parliament. Visit Katuaq Cultural Centre, where you'll experience a Greenlandic mask dance, enjoy some local delicacies, and listen to the local choir on an included activity. Visit the National Museum to see six Qilakitsoq mummies, offering a fascinating insight to life here 500 years ago. Join us for an optional nature walk around Mount Lille Malene and explore the pristine nature around Nuuk.

DAY 7-8 Crossing the Labrador Sea

Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics from the wildlife of Northern Labrador to Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration. The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. You can take part in one of our Citizen Science programmes, helping photograph and track whales or contributing to the GLOBE Observer project.

DAY 9-21 The Northwest Passage

Crossing a historical sea corridor through Canada's Arctic archipelago Like pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our state-of-the-art, ice class ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the famed sea route, the Northwest Passage. Stops might include Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbour, Fort Ross, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay and Smoking Hills. As we explore, we'll land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and look out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, narwhals, seals and seabirds. You'll go expedition boat cruising between ice floes, and go ashore to experience the pristine wilderness first hand. Your Expedition Team will adapt activities to ice and weather conditions, giving you the best experience possible. We’ll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island. On Devon Island - the largest uninhabited island on Earth – we'll visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage. We may pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members on Beechey Island. We'll continue west to Fort Ross, a former Hudson Bay Trading post before sailing to Gjoa Haven, where Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit. If we are able, we'll take a walking tour to learn more. From here, we'll then sail onto wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay where you might see Arctic char, muskoxen, and caribou. Pick up some prints, tapestries, and other crafts made by local artists in Ulukhaktok, before we arrive in the Amundsen Gulf. Here we hope to see the remarkable Smoking Hills, where lignite – eroded shale mixed with pyrite – spontaneously ignites when exposed to air, creating a photogenic phenomenon of smoke billowing from the cliffs.

DAY 22-25 Along the Alaskan coast

Science and wildlife watching at sea Having successfully traversed the Northwest Passage, our expedition cruise continues towards Nome. Join your Expedition Team for more insightful lectures. Topics may include wildlife, tectonic activity, glaciology or local history. Wildlife lovers and birdwatchers are in for a treat. You may spot bowhead and grey whales as we cross the Beaufort Sea to Point Barrow, the northernmost point of the USA, before crossing the international date line – with 'tomorrow' on your right and 'today' on your left. As we sail through the Bering Strait, look out for over 30 species of seabirds, including Black-legged Kittiwakes, auklets and murrelets.

DAY 26 No place like Nome

Fascinating history of gold prospectors and explorers Prospectors first came to Nome in 1898, and people still hunt for gold here today. You'll see evidence of the gold rush all around, including abandoned dredges, turn-of-the century steam engines and old railroad tracks, lending the town a unique 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, making it a fitting place to end your own great expedition, before flying on to bustling Vancouver.

DAY 27 Vibrant Vancouver

Enjoy British Columbia’s largest city Our Northwest Passage expedition cruise ends in the beautiful city of Vancouver at the foot of the Rockies, where you'll spend the night before returning home. Vancouver's neighbourhoods buzz with restaurants offering delicious international cuisine. Don’t miss Gastown, Vancouver’s Victorian neighbourhood. Here you'll find Vancouver Lookout, offering 360º panoramic views over the city. While you're here, why not join our Post-Programme to the beautiful mountain resort of Whistler. What better way to end your adventure.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

08 August, 2024 to 03 September, 2024
Fridtjof Nansen

Book now

Polar Outside. From

$35,633 AUD pp

The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Arctic Superior. From

$39,212 AUD pp

Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Expedition Suite. From

$49,298 AUD pp

These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accomodate up to four people. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.

Fridtjof Nansen

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 140 m

Passenger Capacity: 530

Built: 2020

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel.

Cabins and public areas

The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

Science Center

The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team.

Restaurants

MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations.

After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights.

Everything you need for an expedition cruise

Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas.

In the footsteps of a great explorer

The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Inclusions

HX Expedition voyages include
• 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

Coastal Voyages include
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from Norway's Coastal Kitchen
• Norwegian- and English-speaking Coastal Experience Team on board
• Engaging onboard activities and lectures:
• Onboard lectures and presentations on Norway’s history, biology, geography, geology, and culture
• Introductory photo presentation, camera adjustment and tips and tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage
• A welcome event, and daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
• Presentations about the ports we visit
• Presentation of excursion programmes
• Point of interest presentations out on deck
• Captain’s dinner and a farewell event
• Hotels
• Overnight in Vancouver after the expedition cruise including breakfast
• Flights
• Economy flight from Nome to Vancouver
• Transfers
• Transfer from the ship in Nome to the airport in Nome
• Transfer from the airport in Vancouver to the hotel

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Transfers unless otherwise stated
• Optional Excursions
• Pre and Post voyage accommodation
• Beverages on board unless otherwise stated (Premium drinks (top shelf spirits, vintage wines, champagne, etc.)
• Meals while ashore
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
• Some specialist excursions and experiences with limited capacity
• Fine dining in our Lindstrøm restaurant
• For those who want to set sail in style for a little bit extra, our Expedition Suites offer a complimentary bottle of champagne, unlimited access to our Lindstrøm fine dining restaurant, laundry and turn-down service and more.

Notes
• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet your entry and boarding requirements