Sail in the wake of the early explorers from Cambridge Bay in Canada to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. Experience the raw and daunting beauty of the terrain that some of history’s greatest explorers had to overcome. Even today, few ships have the capability to navigate this sea passage that cuts through the remote Arctic regions of North America.
15 days


Cruising from the Northwest Passage to Greenland

Connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Northwest Passage is a beautiful and unforgiving route, having claimed the lives of many explorers over the years. Since the late 15th century, the search for this fabled route through the Canadian Arctic was a holy grail for explorers. There are records of almost 40 expeditions that sailed these waters, either to explore this unknown territory or to find the sea route to Asia. The first recorded attempt was the voyage of John Cabot in 1497. The most famous journey here was James Cook’s failed attempt to sail the Passage in 1776, and of course the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1834. The first to conquer the Northwest Passage by ship was Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. His expedition lasted from 1903 to 1906, on the converted herring boat Gjøa. On our Hurtigruten voyage, we sail in the wake of the great explorers to discover these renowned waterways.

Sailing the True North

From Cambridge Bay, we venture into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut, starting our expedition into the heart and history of the Northwest passage. As we make our way through the icy waters you will be amazed by the vast expanses of pristine wilderness seen from the deck. We aim to visit several sites with traces of earlier expeditions. We will call at some of the world’s northernmost communities, explore legendary inlets and channels, and take you on exciting small boat cruising and landings. When conditions allow we will launch our kayaks or take you on hikes.

Then we cross the Davis Strait, as we reach Greenland you have the chance to discover some of the Greenlandic Inuit settlements and the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, before the expedition ends in Kangerlussuaq.

Top of the World

Being at the top of the world means sailing in the midst of ice. On this voyage, like the voyages of the explorers before us, we will go where the ice allows. No matter where we sail or what we will see, we can promise a safe and thrilling expedition.  After all, you will sail into the Northwest Passage, something few ships attempt even today.  




This cruise is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs due to the possibility of using tender boats during embarkation or disembarkation.

Price includes: 

Not included: 

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.