10 Best Northwest Passage Cruises for 2024-2025

Name: Northwest Passage Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (254 reviews)

A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

6 Northwest Passage Cruise Deals

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Into the Northwest Passage	Savings	$13995	17	Aug 27, 2024	Board the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavor expedition ship on this 17-day Arctic cruise from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland through the legendary Northwest … 0
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin	Custom Label	$17495	17	Aug 1, 2024	On this compelling 17-day Arctic cruise aboard the game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, passengers retrace the steps of the intrepid Franklin … 0
Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage	Custom Label	$7195	9	Sep 2, 2024	During this 9-day expedition cruise aboard the Ultramarine you will discover the great sea route known as the Northwest Passage at the top of the … 0
Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands	Custom Label	$12395	12	Aug 15, 2024	Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the … 0
Canadian Northwest Passage & Northern Lights	Savings	$21980	18	Sep 8, 2024	Discover the Canadian Arctic on this 18-day expedition cruise roundtrip Kangerlussuaq aboard the SH Vega. This cruise takes you to a region of great … 0
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route	Custom Label	$18395	17	Aug 26, 2025	Embark on a 17-day cruise from Toronto to Calgary aboard Ultramarine, retracing the Franklin Expedition's path in the Northwest Passage. Explore the … 0

Northwest Passage Cruises

Top 8 Luxury Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest Passage Cruises

Out of the Northwest Passage

Kugluktuk to Kangerlussuaq
17 Days from $13,995

High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
13 Days from $9,995

Into the Northwest Passage

Kangerlussuaq to Kugluktuk
17 Days from $13,995

Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Calgary to Calgary
9 Days from $7,195

Canada’s Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

Calgary to Calgary
12 Days from $12,395

Traversing the Northwest Passage

Toronto - Anchorage
29 Days from $44,395

Join this 29-day Northwest Passage expedition aboard Sylvia Earle and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga whale, polar bear, musk ox, and the elusive narwhal.

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

Toronto to Calgary
17 Days from $18,395

Northwest Passage

Calgary - Toronto
16 Days from $24,795

Join this 16-day Northwest Passage Expedition aboard Greg Mortimer and encounter Arctic wildlife, polar foxes, bowhead whales, polar bears, and the elusive narwhal.

Northwest Passage Cruise Ships

Top-Rated Northwest Passage Expedition & Cruise Ships

National Geographic Resolution

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

Ultramarine

New in 2021, 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

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

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.

Ocean Albatros

Featuring a capacity of 175 passengers, the Ocean Albatros offers a unique adventure sailing to exciting destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and more. Experience shore landings, excursions, lectures, and whale safaris on every expedition.

Ocean Endeavour

Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration.

Silver Wind

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.

L'Austral

Experience sophisticated design, innovative sailing technology, and the finest expedition staff from aboard the comfortable and sophisticated 199-passenger L' Austral.

MS Fram

The MS Fram was built in 2007 and offers numerous lounges in which to relax, a well-equipped gym, and several Jacuzzis on deck.

All Northwest Passage Articles

Northwest Passage Travel Tips & Guide

Top 10 Northwest Passage Cruise Activities - Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Embark on a Northwest Passage cruise and discover the top 10 things to do and see on this extraordinary journey!

Top 10 Northwest Passage Cruise Ports

Explore the top 10 cruise ports in the Northwest Passage, including Kangerlussuaq, Iluslissat, Sisimiut, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Upernavik, Pond Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Nome, Utqiagvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Resolute.

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.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

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.

All Arctic Videos

Arctic Travel Videos

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.

Northwest Passage Travel Reviews & Stories

Newfoundland and Wild Labrador

Mary Explores the Arctic!

TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews

TrustScore 4.8 of 5

Based on 254 reviews on

2 days ago

The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.

Liz O

2 days ago

Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!

Kathleen Weller

2 days ago

It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!

Janet Dutton

1 week ago

Excellent travel advice and service This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.

Claire Cordon

1 week ago

Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.

Mary Warren

Northwest Passage Arctic Cruises & Tours