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My daughter finds a caribou antler as we hike the terrain

Northwest Passage: Iceland & Greenland

Example 24 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Following in the footsteps of dauntless explorers who came before, accompanied by a veteran expedition team, and captained by Ice Master Leif Skog, National Geographic Explorer will — for the first time ever — set an east-west course through the Northwest Passage. A navigational highlight will be seeing the captain and his officers use the ‘mud maps’ made by Lars-Eric’s team, as they navigate the James Ross Strait, and re-confirm the soundings they took in 1984. Don't miss this inaugural voyage tracing the legendary Northwest Passage on this epic Arctic cruise.
Walrus and her pupElk feeding on the lush grass.Colin and Eugene Hiking in GreenlandLooking for polar bears in the zodiacMy daughter finds a caribou antler as we hike the terrain
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland / Embark

Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark National Geographic Explorer.

Day 2: Explore the West Coast of Iceland

National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here.

Day 3: Crossing the Denmark Strait

Follow the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator as you cross to Greenland. Watch for blue whales.

Day 4: Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik, Greenland

Prins Christian Sund is a major fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town by the water’s edge.

Day 5: At Sea

Spend a day at sea enjoying the ship's spa, library, and observation deck.

Day 6: Nuuk

Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq, and the subject of a National Geographic cover story.

Day 7: Greenland's West Coast & Sisimiut

Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice cap that covers 80% of the country. Trace this ragged coastline, and search for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings.

Day 8: Disko Bay & Ilulissat

Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore the Ilulissat Glacier, a tongue of the Greenland ice cap and a UNESCO site. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs. Explore the historic Inuit fishing village of Sermermiut, and view the Ilulissat Icefjord and its immense, calving glacier.

Day 9: At Sea

Head up to the Bridge to keep watch for marine life.

Day 10-12: Exploring East Baffin Island

Working with the most up-to-date ice charts and knowledge of the wildlife, travel north along this wild coast, ever on the look out for Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales, and the elusive Narwhal. Your ship also visits the small Inuit community of Clyde River as you officially enter into Canada.

Day 13-22: Exploring the Northwest Passage

Your ultimate ice ship, National Geographic Explorer, navigates through the quintessential Northwest Passage—following nature’s path, dependent on ice and weather conditions. Explore the ice-choked channels and glacier-carved islands that stretch for hundreds of miles—a stunning display of raw geology.

Take your cues from nature: following wildlife, stopping for hikes on the tundra, and dropping anchor in a beautiful fjord or an iceberg-strewn bay to kayak or explore by Zodiac. You may encounter ringed seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales, and perhaps even the rare narwhal. Learn about the Inuit peoples who have hunted and fished here for thousands of years and hear heroic stories of the early explorers: Roald Amundsen, John Ross, William Edward Parry, and James Clark Ross among others.

Day 23: Disembark in Kugluktuk / Fly to Edmonton

After breakfast, disembark in Kugluktuk and fly to Edmonton to overnight at an included hotel.

Day 24: Edmonton / Return Home

This morning after breakfast transfer to the airport for your independent flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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