Description
Sail in the wake of the early explorers from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland to Cambridge Bay in Canada. 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.
Cruising from Greenland through the Northwest Passage
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.
Cruising from Greenland
Starting in Kangerlussuaq on board MS Fram, you have a chance to see some of the Greenlandic Inuit settlements and the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, before we cross the Davis Strait and venture into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut, starting our expedition into the heart and history of the Northwest Passage.
A cruise to the true north
We make our way through the icy waters of Arctic Canada, or Nunavut as it is known in Inuit. 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.
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.
Please note: your voyage rates include Economy flight Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq & Economy flight Cambridge Bay to Edmonton.