Arctic Holidays | Greenland Cruises | Arctic Circle Cruises

The fabled Northwest Passage explored in style

Sublime beauty of Karrat Fjord | © Dennis Minty

A polar bear at close range in the Arctic | Sue Josephsen

Spectacular scenery in the Canadian Arctic on the Northwest Passage East to West trip. | ©Dennis Minty

The vast landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord in Greenland | Rachel Imber

Local crafts in West Greenland | Michelle Valberg

A curious Beared Seal | © Danny Catt

Sublime beauty of Karrat Fjord | © Dennis Minty

A polar bear at close range in the Arctic | Sue Josephsen

Spectacular scenery in the Canadian Arctic on the Northwest Passage East to West trip. | ©Dennis Minty

The vast landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord in Greenland | Rachel Imber

Local crafts in West Greenland | Michelle Valberg

A curious Beared Seal | © Danny Catt

17 Days$23995USD

View Inclusions

Activities

16 days expedition cruising with optional kayaking

Accommodation

16 nights aboard Exploris One

Meals

16 Dinners
15 Lunches
16 Breakfasts

Trip highlights

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord
Make the most of excellent opportunities to encounter whales and polar bears
Enjoy visits to vibrant Inuit communities
Cruise the Northwest Passage
Visit the historic graves of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition
Visit Gjoa Haven
Sail along the dramatically beautiful west Greenland coastline

Commencing our cruise in Kugluktuk (Coppermine), we journey west to east through the spectacular Northwest Passage. This voyage offers abundant wildlife viewing interspersed with rich cultural experiences. Visit Gjoa Haven before heading into serious polar bear country in Peel Sound and Perry Channel. We will visit Beechey Island, and pay our respects at the graves of sailors from the lost Franklin expedition. Continuing west, we visit areas of significant geological, historical and biological importance. Daily expeditions will allow us to stretch our legs and enjoy the landscape. Sailing down the beautiful Greenlandic coast, we stop to explore the rugged coastline and immense fjords that define the landscape. Our final visit brings us to Ilulissat, the largest town in Disko Bay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before concluding our journey in Kangerlussuaq.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Kugluktuk (Coppermine River), Canada

Our trip commences today in the town of Kugluktuk. Located at the mouth of the Coppermine river to southwest of Victoria Island on the Coronation Gulf, Kugluktuk is the western most community in Nunavut. Originally named Coppermine, it was renamed Kugluktuk according to its Inuinnaqtun name meaning "place of moving waters", on January 1st, 1996. Our charter flight will land in Kugluktuk and we will embark the ship by Zodiac. Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, is an alternate embarkation point, and may be used based on sea, ice, and weather conditions. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) in the early morning so we suggest you book one night pre-trip accommodation to ensure you do not miss the flight.

Meals: D

Day 2-5
Kitikmeot region

Experience the glory of the subarctic tundra in the fall and perhaps discover a geological wonder at Port Epworth. Here, intriguing rock formations known as stromatolites stand as evidence of some of Earth's earliest life forms. These fossilized structures, created by cyanobacteria billions of years ago, played a crucial role in producing oxygen, forming an essential link in creating Earth's atmosphere and allowing other life forms to evolve. Sail onward into the storied waters of the Coronation Gulf, where the legendary Roald Amundsen navigated with his six-man crew to complete the Northwest Passage in 1905. Learn more about the vital role that Inuit knowledge played in Arctic exploration, including Amundsen's expedition. Visit an Inuit community in this least populated region of Nunavut and feel the excitement and warm hospitality as you listen to stories of resilience, adaptation, and a deep love for the land. Join a Zodiac cruise at Conningham Bay, where the stark beauty of the Arctic tells a timeless story of survival and adaptation. Here, the paths of polar bears intersect with the watery journeys of belugas—one the hunter, the other the prey. With luck, you'll witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable moment etched onto the stark Arctic landscape. Each stop along the way feels like stepping into a living museum, where geology, landscape, wildlife, and culture weave together into a story only this iconically northern place can tell.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait)

Discover the famed Ikirahaq (Bellot Strait), a narrow passage separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula. As we sail through this two-kilometre-wide waterway, get the unique opportunity to reach the northernmost part of mainland North America. Keep watch for an array of enchanting marine mammals from beluga whales to narwhals and seals. Delve into the region's fascinating history and learn about Joseph René Bellot, French naval officer and Arctic explorer who joined an 1850s expedition in search for Sir John Franklin, who inspired the strait's namesake.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Beechey Island

In 1845, Sir John Franklin set out from England with HMS Erebus and Terror, attempting to sail through the Northwest Passage. Franklin’s party overwintered at Beechey Island where three of his men died. Numerous search parties later used Beechey as a depot and rendezvous. Amundsen, Bernier, and Larsen visited Beechey. Thomas Morgan of HMS Investigator was buried there in 1854 alongside Franklin’s men. The graves and the ruins of Northumberland House are a haunting memorial.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound)

We will spend ample time exploring Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), one of Canada's newest National Marine Conservation Areas. Large populations of marine mammals, including narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales, transit and feed in this area. There is a great selection of landing sites available to choose from, depending on weather, wildlife, and sea conditions. On the northern border of Tallurutiup Imanga lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at over 50,000 square kilometres. Flat-topped mountains, glacial valleys, and a substantial ice cap give Devon Island its unique character. We will hike the tundra, cruise a glacier face, and seek wildlife from the ship and onshore.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Aujuittuq (Grise Fiord)

Meaning 'place that never thaws,' and at 1,150km above the Arctic Circle, the town of Aujuittuq is Canada's northernmost civilian community. We’ll be welcomed into the hamlet, where we will have a chance to meet members of the community, learn about their way of life, and hear their poignant stories.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10
Smith Sound

Smith Sound, an ancient Inuit travel route, divides Ellesmere Island from Greenland, and served as the main route for explorers and adventurers searching for the North Pole. Adolphus Greely, Sir George Nares, and Elisha Kent Kane all travelled these waters with varying degrees of success.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11
At sea

On this exploration day, we’ll be making the most of what the wind, weather and wildlife have to offer. Our expedition staff will scan for polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, and seabirds as we go.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12-13
Northwest Greenland

We will explore stunning fjords that line the coast. Glaciers and icebergs abound here. In true expedition style, we will seek opportunities to hike, explore, and view wildlife as conditions allow.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 14
Ilulissat Icefjord

Located some 250km north of the Arctic Circle is the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat. Translating literally into 'iceberg, Ilulissat could not be more appropriately named. We will include time in the colourful town and a have an opportunity to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where we can observe the great fields of ice. We will also cruise in our fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where we find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19m per day and calving more than 35 square kilometers of ice annually. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and, because of its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 15-16
Sisimiut Region

Explore West Greenland’s complex coastal waterways that includes glaciers, islands, and fjords against a towering mountain backdrop, with plentiful opportunities for hiking and Zodiac cruising. Learn about the Saqqaq, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit cultures that have called the Sisimiut region home for the past 4,500 years. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 17
Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), Greenland

Our trip concludes today in Kangerlussuaq. Meaning 'The Big Fjord' in Greenlandic, the town is appropriately named, with the fjord covering 168km in length. It lies at the head of the longest fjord in western Greenland, and has one of the most stable climates in the region though temperatures can range from -50C in the winter to as high as 28C in summer. If you choose to take the optional charter flights the flight departs Kangerlussuaq bound for Toronto (Ontario) in the afternoon. Overnight accommodation in Toronto is available on request.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners
All Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Services of expedition leaders
Complimentary expedition jacket
All sightseeing and shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
Service charges and port fees
Basic Wi-Fi (subject to reception)

What's not included

Optional charter flights necessary to get to/from start and end point
Travel to and from start /end point of trip
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Visa, passport and vaccination charges, and airport departure taxes
Mandatory medical / evacuation insurance
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses and items of a personal nature such
Customary end of voyage tips for ship's crew (approximately US$10 - 15 per passenger per day)

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.

Vessel

Exploris One

Wake up aboard the Exploris One, where breathtaking ocean views from your cabin spark your inner poet. The suites even have balconies. This intimate ship, hosting 144 explorers, pairs comfort with bold exploration. Indulge in panoramic views, live music, hands-on workshops, and welcoming spaces perfect for relaxation. Weary at the end of the day? Jump in a jacuzzi or restore yourself in the sauna or steam room. You can even get a full-on massage from a professional masseuse!

Cabins

Exploris One

Category A - Single Stateroom

Cabin Category A - Single Stateroom - Deck 3

Picture window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds Lounge area with a desk, Wardrobe with a safe, Marble bathroom with shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Mini bar, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V sockets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content , 24-hour room service Private air conditioning.

Approximately 190 square feet

Exploris One

Category 9 - Owner's Suite

Cabin Category 9 - Owner's Suite - Deck 7

Two sliding panoramic bay windows, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Living room with a large lounge area equipped with a sofa bed, Large dressing room with a safe, Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower, Bathrobes and slippers., Selection of bath products, Nespresso coffee machine, Mini bar, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 720 square feet including a large 54 square feet private terrace

Exploris One

Category 8 - Grand Suite

Cabin Category 8 - Grand Suite - Deck 7

Sliding panoramic bay window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Living room with a sitting area equipped with a sofa bed, dressing room with a safe, Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower, Bathrobes and slippers., Selection of bath products, Nespresso coffee machine, Mini bar, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 613 square feet including a large 86 square feet private balcony.

Exploris One

Category 7 - Navigator Suite

Cabin Category 7 - Navigator Suite - Deck 7

Sliding panoramic bay window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Lounge area with a desk, dressing room with a safe, Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower, Bathrobes and slippers., Selection of bath products, Nespresso coffee machine, Mini bar, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 398 square feet including a large 86 square feet balcony

Exploris One

Category 6 - Discovery Suite

Cabin Category 6 - Discovery Suite - Deck 5

Two sliding panoramic bay windows, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Living room with a sitting area equipped with a sofa bed, Dressing room with a safe, Marble bathroom with bath and separate shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Coffee machine, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 420 square feet including two 16 square feet (each) French balconies

Exploris One

Category 5 - Balcony Stateroom

Cabin Category 5 - Balcony Stateroom - Deck 5

Sliding panoramic bay window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Lounge area with desk, Wardrobe with a safe, Marble bathroom with shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 215 square feet, including a 16 square feet French-style balcony

Exploris One

Category 4 - Deluxe Stateroom

Cabin Category 4 - Deluxe Stateroom - Deck 4

Large picture window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Lounge area with desk, Wardrobe with a safe, Marble bathroom with shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 190 square feet.

Exploris One

Category 3 - Ocean Stateroom

Cabin Category 3 - Ocean Stateroom - Deck 3

Picture window, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Lounge area with desk, Wardrobe with a safe, Marble bathroom with shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 190 square feet.

Exploris One

Category 2 - Superior Stateroom

Cabin Category 2 - Superior Stateroom - Deck 4

Approximately 182 square feet.

Exploris One

Category 1 - Premium Stateroom

Cabin Category 1 - Premium Stateroom - Deck 3

2 small porthole windows, One queen size bed, with the option to split into two beds, Lounge area with desk, Wardrobe with a safe, Marble bathroom with shower, Bathrobes and slippers, Selection of bath products, Dressing table and hair dryer, Alarm clock with docking station, Desk and stationery, Direct satellite telephone line, 110/220V outlets, Wi-Fi internet access (satellite reception varies depending on navigation and latitude) Flat screen TV, international channels (availability varies depending on navigation area), and on-demand videos with interactive content, 24-hour room service, Private air conditioning.

Approximately 160 square feet

Departure dates

Notes

Kayak

Optional charter flight costs include flights Yellowknife to Kugluktuk and Kangerlussuaq to Toronto and are in addition to the cabin costs

Photography program is available free of charge on this voyage

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$23995USD

Options & Supplements*

Superior StateroomUSD$24695
Ocean StateroomUSD$25395
Deluxe StateroomUSD$26695
Balcony StateroomUSD$28145
Navigator SuiteUSD$30295
Discovery SuiteUSD$30995
Grand SuiteUSD$33145
Single StateroomUSD$34195
Owner's SuiteUSD$35695
Kayaking OptionUSD$950
Optional Charter FlightsUSD$2695

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Journey out of the Northwest Passage trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.