Northwest Passage Cruises

10 Best Northwest Passage Cruises for 2026-2027

Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest Passage Cruises

4 Northwest Passage Cruise Deals

Trip Name	From	Days	Summary
Traversing the Northwest Passage	$50,995	29	Join a 29-day cruise on the Greg Mortimer, starting with a night in Toronto before flying to Nuuk. Explore Greenland's stunning landscapes, interact with local Inuit communities, and visit historic sites, including Franklin expedition remnants and majestic icebergs. 0
Northwest Passage	$25,495	16	Embark on a 16-day cruise through the legendary Northwest Passage aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring Canada’s High Arctic and its historic sites linked to famous explorers. Engage with Inuit communities and observe Arctic wildlife while witnessing the impact of changing sea ice in this captivating region. 0
Northwest Passage - The Northern Lights	$25,495	16	Embark on a 16-day expedition cruise through the historic Northwest Passage aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring Canada’s High Arctic and its Inuit culture. Witness Arctic wildlife and the stunning Northern Lights while navigating through ice-filled waters. 0
Into the Northwest Passage	$18,995	17	Sail from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Kugluktuk, Canada, on a 17-day Arctic voyage aboard Ocean Victory. Experience Ilulissat Icefjord, western Greenland fjords, Tallurutiup Imanga, Devon Island, and Cambridge Bay. Learn from Inuit guides, explore historic sites, and observe whales, seabirds, and Arctic landscapes. 0

Northwest Passage Cruises

Top 1 Luxury Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

17 Days from $21,795

Sail on this 17-day Arctic cruise aboard Ocean Explorer, starting in Calgary, and journey through Canada's High Arctic and Greenland. Explore stunning regions like Beechey Island, Radstock Bay, and Arctic Bay. Cruise through Smith Sound before arriving in Greenland, where you’ll visit Qaanaaq, Uummannaq, and the Ilulissat Icefjord.

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Northwest Passage Cruise Ships

Top-Rated Northwest Passage Expedition & Cruise Ships

National Geographic Resolution

from $12,543

National Geographic Resolution is a polar expedition passenger ship (Polar Code PC5) designed for remote exploration. This 138-guest ship features a patented X-Bow® for a smoother ride, large viewing windows, and a modern Scandinavian interior ideal for polar adventures.

Ultramarine

from $6,495

The Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

Le Commandant Charcot

from $12,160

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

Greg Mortimer

from $12,195

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines Arctic expedition, tropical, and European cruises for the future. Modern, comfortable, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a significant increase in sailing capability.

Silver Wind

from $15,600

Discover Silver Wind's tranquility, sophistication, and genuine elegance. This multi-million dollar refit transforms her into one of the most technologically advanced ships at sea. Admire the stunning beauty of Europe & the Polar regions aboard this 274 passenger ship.

MS Fram

from $10,091

MS Fram features a refreshed look, with upgraded cabins and a modern Science Center that brings you closer to remote destinations. Built for polar travel and hosting 200 guests, it carries on the legacy of Fridtjof Nansen’s historic Arctic exploration vessel.

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Northwest Passage Travel Tips & Guide

Unmissable Highlights of Northwest Passage Cruises

As your ship breaks through the icy waters at the top of the world, you will feel like the explorers of yesteryear, setting forth to connect the two sides of the world via the Northwest Passage. On your cruise, don't miss:

Arctic Flora and Fauna: Witness the incredible wildlife of the Arctic, including the great migrations of beluga and narwhal whales, kittiwakes, other Arctic birds, seals, and polar bears. Snowmobiles offer a thrilling way to see this diverse wildlife up close.
Baffin Island: Located at the mouth of the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island offers stunning landscapes where you can trek across glaciers and hike the trails at Qikiqtarjuaq, providing spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Karrat Fjord: One of Greenland's most impressive fjords, Karrat Fjord is characterized by its towering stone cliffs and abundant wildlife, making it a photographer's paradise and a nature lover's dream.
Somerset Island: Deep within the Arctic Circle, Somerset Island is home to caribou, musk oxen, and thousands of birds. This remote location offers pristine landscapes and a true sense of Arctic wilderness.
Beechey Island: Visit the solemn gravesites of Franklin's lost crew, a poignant reminder of the early explorers' hardships. The nearby Caswell Tower provides a great vantage point for spotting polar bears and taking in the breathtaking Arctic scenery.
Lancaster Sound: Known as the wildlife superhighway of the Arctic, Lancaster Sound is rich with marine life, including whales, seals, and various seabirds. It's also a key area for Inuit culture and history.
Pond Inlet: Often referred to as the "jewel of the North," Pond Inlet offers stunning vistas of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. It’s a fantastic spot for cultural encounters with the local Inuit community.
Disko Bay: Located on Greenland's west coast, Disko Bay is famed for its massive icebergs and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord. Witness the awe-inspiring calving glaciers and the serene beauty of the Arctic landscape.
Cambridge Bay: An important stop for historical and cultural experiences, Cambridge Bay is a hub for Arctic research. Explore local Inuit traditions and history through visits to cultural sites and museums.
King William Island: Known for its historical significance, this island was a crucial location during the Franklin expedition. It's a fascinating place for history buffs and those interested in Arctic exploration.

Northwest Passage Geography: Major Ports & Islands

The Northwest Passage is a traditional sea route passing through the Arctic Circle connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean along the northern coasts of Greenland, Canada and Alaska.

Greenland - Kangerlussuaq, a small town known for its airport, is Greenland’s major international transport hub and the start and finish point of many Northwestern Passage cruises and others that cruise to Iceland.

Canada - Resolute is a small Inuit town in the Nunavut Territory and home of the Resolute Bay Airport (YRB) where adventurers can access Baffin Island, Devon Island, Beechey Island, and Ellesmere Islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. On continental Canada, Kugluktuk (Coppermine) and the Kugluktuk Airport (YCO) is another Inuit town used to access the Northwest Passage.

Alaska - Nome is home to the Nome Airport (OME) and port for some excellent Arctic cruises.

Northwest Passage Cruise: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

How to get to the Northwest Passage
Depending on where your itinerary starts, you'll need to book a flight to the closest airport. We can help you arrange flights and trasnportation. Here's a guide to get started:

Greenland – The Kangerlussuaq Airport is one of only two airports in Greenland and the best for our Northwest Passage itineraries.
Nunavut & Edmonton – If you're flying into this far-north territory of Canada, make sure to plan an extra day of travel before in case extreme weather conditions affect your flight.
Ottawa – This international airport offers a good gateway to Passage expeditions.

Cruises through the Northwest Passage often include itineraries that visit Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, and even occasionally go as far as Russia.

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Karilyn Owen, Adventure Life Trip Planner — Karilyn O.

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Northwest Passage Travel FAQs

At the very top of Canada's Arctic territory, you find the legendary Northwest Passage. It is considerably more isolated than the more developed parts of Canada and therefore some of the expectations you might have for the rest of the country aren't true here. On the other hand, it is Canadian territory, so many of the general FAQs can be found at the bottom of our Canada page.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Northwest Passage?
No, but you do need to pay a small fee for an electronic travel authorization.

Is tipping customary in the Northwest Passage?
The crew, captain, and guide will appreciate your tips as a way of thanking them for their friendly and courteous care, but tips are never required. Our Northwest Passage excursions seldom visit places where tipping is expected.

What is the internet access like in the Northwest Passage?
You will probably not have access to the internet in the Northwest Passage because of its extreme isolation from the rest of civilization. It is possible that you will have some internet access when you are in the ports at the beginning and end of your trip.

Can I use my cell phone while in the Northwest Passage?
For most of your journey, other than the beginning and end, you will likely be far out of range of cell towers and therefore will probably not get any cell coverage.

Do I need a power adapter/ converter?
You will find the same 110V, 3-prong sockets throughout all of North America. You will need a Type B adapter and power converter if you have appliances that have a different plug or power rating.

What are the toilets like in the Northwest Passage?
Cruise ships have standard flushing toilets.

Can I drink the water in the Northwest Passage?
You will always have access to clean drinking water on your cruise ship or at your lodge.

Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?
Definitely! We always encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance just in case. Check out this page for more information and exclusive discounts.