An untamed wilderness like nowhere else
An icy labyrinth of waterways connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage is the ultimate untamed wilderness. With travel only possible for a few weeks of the year, this is a unique adventure for the most intrepid of travellers to join us as we thread our way between Alaska and Greenland. Spanning almost 1,700 nautical miles from Baffin island in the east to the Beaufort Sea in the west, your Northwest Passage cruise will take you through breathtaking landscapes, sweeping panoramas and innumerable rugged islands. You’ll watch as Arctic foxes dart across the tundra and narwhals breach the surface of the water, and those with binoculars will be on the lookout for Polar Bears hunting on fields of pristine white.
You can find out more about this extraordinary voyage in our Northwest Passage Travel Guide.
Once a Canadian outpost, this abandoned settlement is home to the northernmost cemetery in the world, as well as ruins, a stone beach and rambling meadows, all against a backdrop of mountains.
Beechey Island is rich in polar exploration history and home to the Franklin Expedition Cemetery. Here you can pay your respects before exploring Northumberland House, message cairns and plenty of archaeological finds.
If ice and weather allow, you’ll sail ‘the Rubicon of the Canadian Arctic’: a narrow body of water separating mainland North America from Somerset Island – a challenging but exhilarating voyage.
Roald Amundsen called it ‘the finest little harbour in the world’ and you’ll see why as you explore. Here you’ll find a welcoming Inuit community and wildlife such caribou, muskox, and migratory birds.
Also named Qikiqtaruk (‘island’ in the Inuvialuktun language), this national park is home to a unique selection of Arctic plants and animals, including the largest colony of Black Guillemots in the Western Arctic.
A wild adventure
One of the highlights of any Northwest Passage expedition is the opportunity to catch sight of extraordinary wildlife. Some of the world’s most fascinating species are thriving here amidst the ice, snow and mountains. As we sail, keep a lookout for Minke, Bowhead and Beluga Whales and even the near-mythical Narwhal. On land, scan for caribou, Arctic Foxes and the elusive Polar Bear as kittiwakes, auklets and Ivory Gulls soar overhead.
Life on the land
There’s a special kind of exhilaration that comes with spotting animals in the Northwest Passage. As we explore, you’ll watch for the beautiful Arctic Fox (known as Tiriganiarjuk in the Inuktitut language) and colossal Muskox (Umingmak) roaming the tundra, as well as the locally prized Caribou (Tuktu). Of course, those with binoculars will be on the lookout for the elusive Polar Bear (Nanuq), sometimes spotted hunting for seals and even whales.
Underwater wonders
The waters of the Northwest Passage are teeming with life. As we sail, you’ll watch several species of whale as they hunt and play, from curious, chattering Beluga (Qilalugaq in the Inuktitut language) to the massive Bowhead (Arviq) and even the mysterious Narwhal (Tuugaalik). As we set foot on land, you’ll see seals (nattiq) basking, playing and hunting on the shore, along with the mighty Walrus (Aiviq) with their enormous tusks.
A view from the sky
The Northwest Passage plays host to over 100 species of bird, making it the perfect voyage for keen-eyed birders and casual spotters alike. The raven, Snowy Owl and Ptarmigan are in permanent residence, while other species migrate here through the year, including the Tundra swan, Peregrine falcon, Bald eagle, auks, buntings, cranes, sandpipers, terns and many other Arctic species.
The best time to travel
Seals and Walrus
As the sea ice retreats to its lowest point in July and August, walruses and seals make the most of the short Arctic summer. Both are social creatures, gathering in large groups to sunbathe and hunt, so you’ll spot them on the shore from the ship and the land.
Experience the Northwest Passage with HX
Since 1896, we’ve been taking curious travellers on mindful expeditions to the most remote and awe-inspiring places on the planet. An expedition with HX offers the best of both worlds – expedition expertise and luxurious comfort, with the opportunity to change the way you see the world.
Explore in our expedition boats
Our smaller, nimbler expedition boats are perfect for exploring the coastline, spotting seals and whales and landing in remote areas to explore on foot. Then return to your stylish and comfortable expedition ship to relax and refuel before your next adventure.
Discover Inuit culture
You’ll have a unique opportunity to explore not only the history of this extraordinary place, but also its present. You'll be welcomed into dynamic Inuit communities, as well as modern towns, gaining insight into cultures and ways of life in and around the Arctic.
Take to the waters
With its ever-changing maze of water channels, the Northwest Passage is the perfect place to enjoy kayaking, whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your very first time. Paddle along the coastline, stopping at tiny islands along the way, and find the perfect place to hike, take photographs or spot the next animal resident on your list.
Real exploration
While you’ll enjoy an unparallelled view of the region from your ship, the best way to experience the Northwest Passage is on foot. From leisurely walks along the coastline to challenging treks through rocky terrain, you’ll have the chance to spot birds and wildlife, observe flora and fauna up close and breathe the impossibly fresh air of this remote, untouched wilderness.
Adventure is All-Inclusive
A cruise to the Northwest Passage with HX includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
Food
Enjoy daily culinary adventures in our onboard restaurants. Here you’ll be served beautifully prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting with a generous morning buffet and ending with an exquisite dinner, prepared with fresh ingredients by our onboard chefs.
Drinks
Your day begins with freshly brewed coffee and tea, followed by a selection of hot and cold drinks available at all times. After a day on the ice, relax with a glass of wine or beer, or toast your voyage with an expertly mixed cocktail. Drinks are served all day and evening at no additional cost (excluding premium drinks).
Activities
Every day, you’ll be joined by our Expedition Team. Our guides are carefully chosen experts in fields like natural history and climate science, and they’ll lead you on hikes, community visits and small boat trips, offering vital information and insight all the way. They’ll also deliver fascinating talks in our onboard lecture hall, accompany you in our Science Center and brief you on the next day’s schedule.
Life onboard
A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Amundsen or MS Fridtjof Nansen, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other.
Comfort and style
With HX, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.
Culinary exploration
Our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.
Rest and relaxation
After hours of exploring in chilly climes, thawing out in our sauna or relaxing in our spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All our ships include an outdoor hot tub and some have a pool, others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.
A deeper understanding
The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.
Meet our Expedition Team
The Expedition Team on board your ship are wildlife experts and scientists. As they guide you, they’ll help you spot wildlife and share their knowledge during lectures in the Science Centre as your Northwest Passage adventure unfolds.
Feed your curiosity
Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary expedition with HX. As you explore, you’ll find yourself drawn to find out more about the natural wonders you see and explore, and our Science & Education Program is there to enhance your knowledge and understanding. It’s an immersive learning experience, allowing you to find out more about landscapes, plants and wildlife across the land, supported by experts along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to support real-time research and collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.
Active learning
The Science Center is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyze sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.
Expert guidance
Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Center. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.
Get involved
We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities, and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary continent.
The HX Foundation
HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.
