Cruise Overview
Emulate great explorers as we attempt to cross the Northwest Passage
This expedition cruise sails from Iceland to Greenland’s southern coast before making an attempt to sail to the heart of the Northwest Passage at Cambridge Bay.
Epic 19-day expedition cruise from Reykjavík, Iceland, along Greenland’s south coast and through the Northwest Passage to Cambridge Bay
Following a legendary route
From Reykjavík, we cruise to Greenland, taking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord. We’ll then attempt to navigate the icy channels of the Northwest Passage to Cambridge Bay, like the great explorers before us. We’ll explore the famous waterways of Prince Christian Sound, Baffin Bay, and the Davis Strait, all the way to Cambridge Bay, before finishing off in Edmonton.
Extraordinary scenery and wildlife
One highlight of this cruise is the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes we pass and the wildlife they support. Spot Arctic animals and birdlife in their natural habitat, such as polar bears, musk oxen, caribou, ringed seals, and maybe even minke and humpback whales in the seas. Don’t forget to scan the skies above for birds, such as glaucous gulls and black guillemots.
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Practical information you need to know
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Itinerary
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Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Day 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík
Reykjavík is delightful, well worth exploring, and situated amid amazing nature. Spend time discovering it before you begin your expedition cruise to the Northwest Passage.
Soak in the famed Blue Lagoon hot springs, located close to the city center, or seek out a view of Reykjavík from above at the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. You’ll be awed by the islands, mountains, seas, and parks that surround this surprisingly cosmopolitan city.
MS Fram awaits you at Reykjavík Harbor. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, take time to settle into your cabin. Your exciting adventure is just beginning.
If you’d like to get to know the area better, consider booking one of our Pre-Programs to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature.
Crossing the Denmark Strait
Day 2-3
Crossing the Denmark Strait
In the wake of the Vikings
We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait, the route taken by Erik the Red, supposedly the first European to have settled there. Take time to relax and explore the stylish onboard facilities of our ship.
Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, learn more about Greenland’s geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Then hit the gym, soak in one of our on-deck hot tubs, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our onboard restaurants.
Prince Christian Sund
Day 4
Prince Christian Sund
Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife
We aim to explore the incredible waters of Prince Christian Sound, stretching 60 miles long. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colorful houses in the village of Aappilattoq.
Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice and glaucous gulls and black guillemots soaring above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales.
If sea ice prevents us from entering the sound, we'll head to the jagged Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.
Explore Kvanefjord
Day 5
Explore Kvanefjord
Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords
Experience the sublime fjords of Greenland’s west coast as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'.
Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice, which is pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations.
Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore, where you will enjoy beautiful scenery on a nature walk. You could also head out in boats to scout for wildlife.
Nuuk, Greenland’s Capital
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 colorful capital. It has a population of 18,000 people and a striking mix of old and new buildings.
Compare the old buildings like the Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland’s parliament building.
Visit the National Museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene.
Spectacular Sisimiut
Day 7
Spectacular Sisimiut
Explore ancient traditions in Arctic Greenland
We reach Sisimiut, Greenland’s second city. It sits in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has a history spanning more than 4,500 years.
Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum.
If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. Why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike?
UNESCO-listed Ilulissat
Day 8
UNESCO-listed Ilulissat
The town where you can see and hear the ice flow
Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay, a haven for whales and seals. You’re in for a unique experience. Nestled in magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. An ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs slides by against a backdrop of colorful houses.
Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters, as they take on different hues of white, gray, and blue. With the help of the ship’s photographer, enthusiasts can capture the nuances of these sculptures of nature.
Crossing the Labrador Sea
Day 9-10
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 such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture, and the history of Arctic exploration.
The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales, and cod. Consider joining one of our Citizen Science projects by helping to photograph and track whales. Or contribute to the GLOBE Program by observing the clouds and helping scientists study our climate.
The Northwest Passage.
Day 11-17
The Northwest Passage.
Cross a historical sea corridor through Canada’s Arctic archipelago.
Like the pioneering explorers 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 this famed sea route. Stops might include Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbor, 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 cruising on small boats (RIBs) 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 hope to visit Dundas Harbor and learn about its Thule heritage. We may stop at Beechey Island and pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members.
We will continue west to Fort Ross, a former Hudson’s Bay Trading post, before sailing to Gjoa Haven, where Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we are able to land here, we’ll take a walking tour to learn more.
Wildlife of Cambridge Bay
Day 18
Wildlife of Cambridge Bay
Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay
Our expedition cruise continues into wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay, where you will disembark. Here, you might see Arctic char, musk oxen, and caribou. You’ll also find the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, an important center for climate change research.
Home to only 2,000 residents, Cambridge Bay is popular with fly-fishers who are pining to net giant Arctic char or lake trout. Even its name, ‘Iqaluktuuttiaq’, means ‘a good fishing place’.
Walk around and explore before we take our evening flight to Montréal.
Explore Edmonton
Day 19
Explore Edmonton
Enjoy the city of Edmonton before your flight home or extend your stay with our optional Post-programmes to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
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.
What's included
Flights
- Economy class flight from Cambridge Bay to Edmonton
Hotel
- Overnight in Edmonton after the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Transfers
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Cambridge Bay after the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Edmonton after the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages