10 Best Northwest Passage Cruises for 2024-2025

Name: Northwest Passage Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (209 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
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
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
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
Northwest Passage	Savings	$24795	16	Aug 25, 2025	Join this 16-day Northwest Passage Expedition aboard Greg Mortimer and encounter Arctic wildlife, polar foxes, bowhead whales, polar bears, and 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
Northwest Passage	Savings	$24795	16	Sep 7, 2025	Join this 16-day Northwest Passage Expedition aboard Greg Mortimer and encounter Arctic wildlife, polar foxes, bowhead whales, polar bears, and 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

The Northwest Passage remains one of the world’s last true frontiers. Embark on the Ocean Endeavour for a 17-day Arctic cruise to the far reaches of the north. The crown jewel of Arctic expedition travel, a trip through the Northwest Passage leaves one forever changed.

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High Arctic Explorer

Resolute Bay to Kangerlussuaq
12 Days from $9,995

Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, you'll navigate the iconic fjords and rugged islands of the icy north before heading across wildlife-rich Baffin Bay towards Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Enjoy hikes and opportunities to meet local communities.

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Into the Northwest Passage

Kangerlussuaq to Kugluktuk
17 Days from $13,995

Board the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavor expedition ship on this 17-day Arctic cruise from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland through the legendary Northwest Passage. You'll encounter wildlife like polar bears, caribou, walrus, and musk ox, meet Inuit villagers in their coastal fishing towns, navigate around icebergs in zodiacs and trek across glaciers!

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Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

Calgary to Calgary
9 Days from $7,195

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 world and experience the highlights of the Canadian Arctic, including wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes.

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

Calgary to Calgary
12 Days from $12,395

Join a 12-day adventure cruise around the Canadian High Arctic aboard the Ultramarine. See the unique wonders and the breathtaking environment at the top of the world through adventure activities like helicopter flightseeing, wildlife tracking, and trekking.

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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.

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Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

Toronto to Calgary
17 Days from $18,395

Embark on a 17-day cruise from Toronto to Calgary aboard Ultramarine, retracing the Franklin Expedition's path in the Northwest Passage. Explore the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland, discover Inuit communities, hike colorful tundra, and encounter diverse wildlife.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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L'Austral

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

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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.

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All Arctic Videos

Arctic Travel Videos

All Northwest Passage Articles

Northwest Passage Travel Tips & Guide

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

The flora & fauna of the Arctic, including the great migrations of the beluga & narwhals, kittiwakes & other Arctic birds, seals & polar bears. Snowmobiles offer a great way to see this wildlife.
Baffin Island, at the mouth of the Northwest Passage, where you can trek across glaciers and hike the trails at Qikiqtarjuaq.
Karrat Fjord, one of Greenland's most impresive fjords, where stone cliffs highlight the landscape & wildlife abounds.
Somerset Island, in the depths of the Arctic Circle, is home to caribou, musk ox, and thousands of birds.
Beechey Island, where solemn gravemarkers honor Franklin's lost crew of pioneers, and Caswall Tower offers a great lookout for polar bears.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Arctic northern lights on a small ship cruise

The Mystery of Franklin's Lost Ships

An Adventure Life partner, One Ocean Expeditions, was invited by The Canadian Government on the Parks Canada led "Victoria Strait Expedition." The purpose of this was to finally find the fabled ships that were lost during Captain Sir John Franklin's expedition in 1845. Learn about this exciting event and the mysteries that surround it.

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Highlighted Luxury Small Ships to the Norwest Passage

These three sister ships, run by the French Ponant cruise line offer unique itineraries on stylish, ultra-modern cruise ships featuring French-style service and cuisine.

These ships provide a unique, luxurious way to explore the Arctic regions of the planet:

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.

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.