Northwest Passage Cruises
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers, including Sir William Edward Parry, Sir John Franklin, and Roald Amundsen
- Explore both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, which together account for the largest landmasses above the Arctic Circle
- Visit historical sites such as the graves of members of the Franklin expedition on Beechey Island, which also includes a memorial and the ruins of the 1850s Northumberland House
- Wildlife-watching opportunities throughout, including at Banks Island’s Aulavik National Park, host to the densest concentration of muskoxen in the world
- Striking High Arctic scenery, including the greatest iceberg graveyard anywhere at Savissivik in Greenland
The Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is the long-sought Far North connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, linking Greenland and Alaska. When you cruise the Northwest Passage, you trace such fraught expeditions as Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 attempt via the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and the remarkable 1903-1906 voyage led by Roald Amundsen, who accomplished the first successful sailing through the corridor.
Northwest Passage cruises often cover a longer distance than other Arctic tours—commonly combining Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic and sometimes Alaska as well—and explicitly navigate many of the same remote and gloriously scenic channels as historical expeditions. Only doable in a relatively narrow summer window and dependent on conditions, luxury Northwest Passage cruises are epic Arctic Ocean odysseys that call to the hearts of history buffs and modern-day adventurers alike.
About Northwest Passage Cruises
The Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is the long-sought Far North connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, linking Greenland and Alaska. When you cruise the Northwest Passage, you trace such fraught expeditions as Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 attempt via the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and the remarkable 1903-1906 voyage led by Roald Amundsen, who accomplished the first successful sailing through the corridor.
Northwest Passage cruises often cover a longer distance than other Arctic tours—commonly combining Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic and sometimes Alaska as well—and explicitly navigate many of the same remote and gloriously scenic channels as historical expeditions. Only doable in a relatively narrow summer window and dependent on conditions, luxury Northwest Passage cruises are epic Arctic Ocean odysseys that call to the hearts of history buffs and modern-day adventurers alike.
Northwest Passage: Greenland To Alaska (Westbound)
Northwest Passage: Greenland To Alaska (Eastbound)
Northwest Passage Map
Northwest Passage Cruise FAQs
Where is the Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage is a historic Arctic sea route through the maze of islands in northern Canada, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Are there cruises sailing the Northwest Passage?
Yes, modern expedition ships now allow adventurous travelers to follow this legendary sea route through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
What can I expect during a Northwest Passage cruise?
Expect raw wilderness, powerful history, visits to remote Inuit communities, and landscapes where few have ventured. These are among the most remote Arctic itineraries available and are moderately challenging, requiring good mobility and a spirit of true adventure.
When is the best time to go on a Northwest Passage cruise?
August and early September offer the most favorable ice conditions for successful navigation.
How long do Northwest Passage cruises typically last?
They typically run 17 to 30 days due to the route’s remote location and logistical complexity.
How much is a cruise to the Northwest Passage?
Prices generally range from $15,000 to $40,000 USD.
The Northwest Passage is a historic Arctic sea route through the maze of islands in northern Canada, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Yes, modern expedition ships now allow adventurous travelers to follow this legendary sea route through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Expect raw wilderness, powerful history, visits to remote Inuit communities, and landscapes where few have ventured. These are among the most remote Arctic itineraries available and are moderately challenging, requiring good mobility and a spirit of true adventure.
August and early September offer the most favorable ice conditions for successful navigation.
They typically run 17 to 30 days due to the route’s remote location and logistical complexity.
Prices generally range from $15,000 to $40,000 USD.
Cruise Ships Sailing The Northwest Passage
Experience this epic journey aboard robust expedition ships designed for icy waters, ensuring a safe and unforgettable voyage.
National Geographic Resolution
Recommended Reading
The Search For The Northwest Passage: An Exploration History
What & Where Is The Northwest Passage? Definition & Location
Franklin’s Lost Expedition & The Search For Erebus & Terror
5 Doomed Polar Expeditions That Failed Fatally