nw passage cruise

Northwest Passage Arctic Cruises & Tours

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Northwest Passage Travel Tips & Guide

• 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

Top 10 northwest passage cruise ports, northwest passage cruise: when to go, wildlife guide to polar regions, the mystery of franklin's lost ships.

• Le Soleal  
• Le Boreal  
• L'Austral
• 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.

Northwest Passage Travel FAQs

Northwest passage travel reviews & stories, newfoundland and wild labrador, mary explores the arctic, top northwest passage travel destinations, northwest passage trips by departure date.

• 2024 Northwest Passage trips (16)
• 2025 Northwest Passage trips (11)
• August 2024 (11)
• August 2025 (7)

Top Experiences in Northwest Passage

• Northwest Passage Cruises (22)
• Northwest Passage Wildlife & Safari Exploration (14)
• Northwest Passage Luxury (13)

Northwest Passage Trips by Activity

• Northwest Passage wildlife viewing (22)
• Northwest Passage small ship cruises (18)
• Northwest Passage hiking (12)
• Northwest Passage kayaking (9)
• Northwest Passage village visits (8)
• Northwest Passage whale watching (8)
• Northwest Passage land & sea exploration (4)
• Northwest Passage adventure options (4)
• Northwest Passage helicopter tours (4)
• Northwest Passage fly cruises (3)

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NEW! Into the Northwest Passage

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NEW! Into the Northwest Passage Map

Majestic scenery of the Arctic

Discover the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring nature of the Arctic Circle. Immerse yourself in Inuit customs and traditions while exploring towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. Witness the towering peaks of Greenland and the blue-tinged glaciers of the Canadian High Arctic, as you kayak pristine fjords, or partake in a thrilling Zodiac landing. Join Viking on a once-in-life-time voyage to remote territories beneath the skies of the midnight sun.

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Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

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Northwest Passage

Onboard silver wind.

Polar Bears are the largest land carnivores in the world, feeding primarily on the fat of ice-dependent Ringed Seals and Bearded Seals. © Elliott Neep

Walruses use their powerful tusks to haul themselves onto ice floes where they gather in herds to sunbathe and sleep. © Richard Sidey

Cruise the coast of Cape Bathurst and admire the colorful steaming cliffs called Smoking Hills.

Wend your way past the fjords and icebergs of Greenland’s west coast and through the Canadian High Arctic.

Sisimiut, a former whaling port, is a charming village with 18th-century wooden and turf buildings. © Richard Sidey

Muskoxen - Aside from Polar Bears, Muskoxen are the largest animals to roam the Arctic tundra, and can weigh up to 800 pounds. © Gary Krosin

The Silver Wind is one of the most adaptable ships available, with a strengthened ice-class hull and equipped for cruising in remote regions.

Northwest Passage Cruise

The lore of Northwest Passage exploration is beloved by adventure travelers and armchair historians alike. On this 26-day Northwest Passage cruise with Apex, you have the exceedingly rare opportunity to retrace the steps of the most intrepid Arctic explorers as you wend your way past the fjords and icebergs of Greenland’s west coast and through the Canadian High Arctic. Visit the spots where famed explorers met their demise, small and hardy Inuit communities and the ruins left by their predecessors, research stations abandoned and active, and near-mythical Arctic wildlife including Narwhals, Belugas, Muskoxen and the elusive Polar Bear. End the journey in Alaska, achieving what John Franklin never did, a complete traversing of the legendary Northwest Passage.

Destinations

• Travel by Air
• Travel by Road
• Travel by Boat
• Travel by Bullet Train
• Travel by Rail
• Travel by Dog Sled
• Days 22 & 23

Sunday, August 20: Arrive New York City, USA

Arrive in New York City, the convenient starting point for this epic adventure. Overnight at our group hotel with a welcome dinner to meet your fellow travelers and Apex expedition leaders.

Monday, August 21: New York / Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Embark Silver Wind

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the airport for a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, where the scenery is sure to astound before you even touch down: from the air, the Greenland Ice Cap stretches as far as the eye can see, covering about 80 percent of the country’s land mass. A former U.S. military base, Kangerlussuaq is located just above the Arctic Circle. Surrounding the settlement is some of Greenland’s most diverse fauna, including shaggy Muskoxen, Gyrfalcons and Caribou. Head to the harbor to board the Silver Wind, your expedition vessel for the next 24 nights. Toast to the adventure to come as the ship heads down the 100-mile-long Kangerlussuaq Fjord under the midnight sun. Keep an eye out for Peregrine Falcons, as this fjord hosts 130 of their nesting sites.

Tuesday, August 22: Sisimiut

Further up the Greenland coast stands Sisimiut, a former whaling port and the second largest town in Greenland, with a population just over 5,500.  Sisimiut’s main trade is fishing, and the town accommodates a large fleet of trawlers and a modern shrimp-shelling factory. It is the southernmost town on Greenland’s west coast in which sled dogs are used. Pass under a large arch made of Bowhead Whale bones to visit the town’s historic district and museum housed in a charming jumble of 18th-century wooden and turf buildings. Stop in at one of the local handicraft workshops to see a sampling of the beautiful stonework and sealskin garments. You may choose to go on one of several hikes to surrounding lakes and islands, or purchase a flightseeing tour over Sisimiut and the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq and the Aqqutikitsoq Glacier, towering 4,500 feet over the town.

Wednesday, August 23: Ilulissat

Spend the day visiting Ilulissat, whose name means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town sits beside the Ilulissat Icefjord, a magnificent waterway whose towering glacier calves up to 20 million tons of ice per day—one of the fastest and most productive glaciers in the world. In town, see a demonstration of ancient fishing methods. Visit the small museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen. Embark a fishing boat to navigate amongst the brilliant and massive white and turquoise icebergs. You may choose to hike to a beautiful lookout point over the Icefjord.

Thursday, August 24: Itilleq

On an island off the west coast of Greenland, located about 1 mile above the Arctic Circle, is the tiny settlement of Itilleq with its population of roughly 100 residents. Founded in 1847 as a ramshackle fishing community, it has grown to include a collection of brightly colored houses, a shop, post office and school, all built around a soccer field that also serves as a helipad. A fish processing plant is the principal employer, but the community also relies on fishing, hunting and selling their wares to curious visitors. Spend time with the charming locals as you explore the village or set off along one of the many seaside walking trails, with amazing views of the mountains and glaciers encompassing much of the island.

Friday, August 25: Kangaamiut / Evighedsfjord

Kangaamiut clings to the shoreline at the mouth of the Evighedsfjord, or Eternity Fjord. Kangaamiut’s brightly-colored wooden houses lie scattered across two small hills, making up a community numbering around 350 friendly locals. A system of staircases and boardwalks leads to the top of the hill for jaw-dropping views over the wilderness surrounding the village. Once ashore, witness various aspects of Inuit culture—a welcome drum dance and possible flensing of a seal (subject to timing of the hunt)—and spend time at the Community Hall at a  Kaffemik , a communal celebration. Time permitting, you can also visit the small museum. This afternoon, navigate down Evighedsfjord toward Qingua Kujatdleq Glacier at its southeastern end. The mountains on either side of the fjord reach up to 6,000 feet. Upon arrival at the glacier, board Zodiacs for a closer look while also keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Saturday, August 26: Nuuk (Godthab)

Established in 1728, Nuuk is Greenland’s first town and current capital, housing nearly 30% of the nation’s population. It’s practically cosmopolitan compared to Greenland’s other towns, possessing the country’s only traffic lights, roundabouts and university. Enjoy a walking tour of this charming town to see Inuit ruins, the home of Nuuk’s missionary founder, Hans Egede, the parliament building, and the Church of our Saviour, whose towering spire provides a noticeable landmark. At the Greenlandic National Museum, see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies and an outstanding collection of traditional dresses. You may choose instead to spend the day hiking in the hills above town.

Sunday & Monday, August 27 & 28: At Sea

Enjoy lectures by onboard experts about the fascinating history of polar exploration, as well as the natural history of the Canadian Arctic, as you make the roughly 900-mile trip across the Davis Strait. Spend time on deck to watch for White-beaked Dolphins, Minke Whales, seals and Walrus. Birders may spot Pomarine Skuas, Little Auks, Brunnich’s Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, and Glaucous Gulls.

Tuesday, August 29: Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

Picturesque Pond Inlet at the northern tip of Baffin Island is considered one of Canada’s ‘jewels of the north.’ Ringed by scenic mountains, it boasts awesome ice caves, hoodoos, and abundant wildlife. Belugas and Orcas, Ringed and Harp Seals, Caribou, Arctic Foxes and Wolves, Gyrfalcons, and Ptarmigans can all be spotted at this time of year. Explore the small, predominantly Inuit community of around 1,500. Pond Inlet is also known as a center of Inuit art, especially the printmaking and stone carving that you will see featured in the town’s galleries. Next, walk along the coast to see archaeological remnants of ancient Dorset and Thule villages.

Wednesday, August 30: Dundas Harbour, Devon Island

Tallurutiup Imanga, or Lancaster Sound, just above Baffin Island, marks the east entrance of the Northwest Passage, and is one of the newest National Marine Conservation Areas in Nunavut, harboring abundant Narwhal, Beluga and Bowhead Whales. On its northern end lies Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth at nearly 20,000 square miles. Remote and rather austere, Devon is the closest thing to Mars on planet Earth. So much so, that a team of NASA researchers conducts research here in the Arctic summer. Hike the tundra to a look-out point above The Mounty Police Camp—the last human habitation on the island was a Canadian Mounted Police post in place until 1951 to monitor illegal whaling.

Thursday, August 31: Radstock Bay / Beechey Island

On the southwest coast of Devon Island lies Radstock Bay. While the British first mapped Devon in 1820, it had long been home to the Thule people, evidenced by their qarmat homes, crafted from rocks, sod and whale bones, with skin roofs. Beautiful fossils of corals, nautiloids and crinoids are strewn about. Keep watch for Atlantic Puffins, Yellow-billed Loons and Snowy Owls. This afternoon, head due west to the last known whereabouts of Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition to find the Northwest Passage—Beechey Island. Franklin’s ships disappeared, and all 129 men were lost somewhere in the Arctic. Three graves of his seamen were uncovered on Beechey, as well as the remains of Northumberland House, built in 1852 as a base for search parties for the missing expedition. Take Zodiacs ashore to hike around the remains of Franklin’s last winter encampment.

Friday, September 1: Peel Sound

Cruise this vast channel between Somerset Island and Prince of Wales Island. Follow the tracks of two famous expeditions of the mid-19th century: Sir James Franklin’s and James Clark Ross’, both of whom were thwarted by sea ice in attempting to navigate the sound. Look for Polar Bears on the ice, and conditions permitting, take Zodiacs to get a closer look.

Saturday, September 2: Gjoa Haven

King William Island’s flat coastal terrain holds only one settlement. Although the area around Gjoa Haven had already been used by the Netsilik Inuit, the Scandinavian name was given to it by Amundsen during his crossing of the Northwest Passage with his ship Gjøa. Today, some 1,500 inhabitants live in Gjoa Haven. After a dry landing onto a floating pontoon, visit the primarily Inuit settlement. Expect a warm welcome by the locals before roaming the village. A path connecting several sites forms the Northwest Passage Territorial Trail, including the Heritage and Hamlet Centers, where you can learn about early Arctic exploration. Artifacts relating to Franklin’s expedition were found outside Gjoa Haven, and the wrecks of his two ships Erebus and Terror have recently been located nearby. Aside from spotting Muskoxen and Caribou, a unique attraction for some is a nine-hole golf course, known to be Nunavut’s most northerly.

Sunday, September 3: Qikiqtaryuaq (Jenny Lind Island)

The petite Qikiqtaryuaq, formerly Jenny Lind Island, named for the Swedish born opera singer, lies in the Queen Maud Gulf just south of massive Victoria Island. It is a Canadian Important Bird Area, whose rocky ridges, low-lying wetlands, sedge meadows and sandy shoreline attract significant numbers of breeding Canada, Ross’ and Lesser Snow Geese. Muskoxen abound. Qikiqtaryuaq is uninhabited, but was the site of a Distant Early Warning Line radar station until the 1990s, and still has an active North Warning System.

Monday, September 4: Cambridge Bay

With a population of nearly 1,800 people, Cambridge Bay, in the southeast of Victoria Island, is the region’s administrative hub and the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage. It was named after Prince Adolphus, the Duke of Cambridge, but the traditional Inuit name for the town is Ikaluktutiak, meaning “good fishing place,” due to the prolific Giant Char found in the nearby Ekalluk River. Cambridge Bay was visited by Amundsen in Gjøa during his successful attempt to cross the Northwest Passage, and later with his second ship Maud , which ultimately sunk there and was recently raised for exhibition in Norway. Today, explore the hamlet on foot. See the incredible handiwork of local carvers around town, and visit the Arctic Coast Visitor Centre to experience interactive displays on the area’s history. Enjoy tea, bannock and other appetizers before returning to the ship.

Tuesday, September 5: Edinburgh Island

Explore Nunavut’s small and uninhabited Edinburgh Island today. With a plethora of thriving native plants, the colors are especially enchanting at this time of year. Join your naturalists to learn more about the wide variety of flowers and berries on display. Photographic opportunities abound as you explore the island’s tundra and sandy beaches. Keep an eye out for Peregrine Falcons that nest on basalt ledges, while Caribou, Arctic Fox and Arctic Hare are common sightings in the tundra. For the more adventurous, a hike to the high point of the island offers 360-degree views.

Wednesday, September 6: Ulukhaktok (Holman), Northwest Territories

Formerly known as Holman, Ulukhaktok is the most eastern Inuvialuit community and still holds strong traditional ties with the Inuit of the central Arctic. The landscape around town is hilly, with steep cliffs and bluffs that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, but Ulukhaktok is best known for its traditional art, throat singing and drumming. Colorful Holman Prints have a distinctive style and are prized by collectors and museums alike.

Thursday, September 7: Smoking Hills

Just south of Sachs Harbour, on Cape Bathurst in mainland Northwest Territories, the hills are alive with sulfurous smoke. Smoking Hills, as the area was named by John Franklin in 1826, are an ancient natural phenomenon: as Franklin observed, the rocks and soil here seem to be on fire, producing acrid white smoke. This is caused by a subsurface exothermic reaction between the shale, sulfur and iron pyrite of the area. The release of heat in the mudstones along the sea cliffs leads to hot sulfurous gas being driven off. Cruise the coast and admire these unique steaming cliffs from a safe distance.

Friday, September 8: Beaufort Sea

Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries, and entirely unexplored until 1914, because of its extreme climatic conditions. Named in honor of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, this part of the Arctic Ocean enjoys an extremely brief summer thaw, during which a myriad of wildlife manages to find its way here. Traverse the sea today with binoculars handy, watching for Arctic Char, King Eider Ducks, Beluga and Bowhead Whales, and, if you’re lucky, Polar Bear.

Saturday, September 9: Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk, Yukon Territory

The low-lying, treeless Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk, located just a mile-and-a-half off Yukon’s north coast, was the province’s first territorial park. Snow-covered from September to June, the island hosts abundant wildlife, with the largest colony of Black Guillemots in the Western Arctic. Caribou, Muskoxen, Polar and Brown Bears can be spotted on land, and Bowhead and Beluga Whales, Ringed and Bearded Seals and occasionally Walrus are seen in its surrounding waters. The island is also an important area for Ice Age fossils. Herschel has been a seasonal hunting ground for the Inuvialuit for hundreds of years. When Franklin arrived in 1826, he saw three of their camps. Remains of their dwellings are still visible near Simpson Point, along with a 19 th -century whaling station. Roam the old whaling station, museum, cemetery, ice houses and remains of the historic sod huts.

Sunday & Monday, September 10 & 11: At Sea

Between onboard lectures, look for whales and seabirds as the ship hugs the coastline of Northern Alaska, headed west toward Point Hope, jutting into the Chukchi Sea.

Tuesday, September 12: Point Hope, Alaska, USA

Tikiġaq, the Inuit name of the settlement, means “finger,” after the shape of the peninsula. Here, you are a mere 160 miles from Siberia. Point Hope peninsula is one of the oldest continuously occupied Inupiat areas in Alaska, and the 700-person Point Hope settlement is the oldest documented continuously-inhabited settlement in North America, at 2,500 years. Abundant artifacts remain to remind visitors of its history: stroll through Old Tigara Village, a prehistoric site with old sod houses built underground for stability and insulation. Whales dominate life in Point Hope. The biggest festival occurs at the end of the whaling season, and the most iconic landmark in town is the dramatic picket fence surrounding the cemetery, constructed entirely of large whale bones.

Wednesday, September 13: Port Clarence

Site of a former Coast Guard navigation site, Port Clarence is a rarity on the Bering Strait—a natural deep-water port. In 2020, history was made here as control of about 2,200 acres of land surrounding the bay was transferred to an Alaskan Native corporation. This Inupiat-owned corporation is responsible for developing the area to support marine safety in the Bering Strait, Arctic research and the preservation of local Indigenous culture. We stop here for clearance purposes before continuing toward Nome. Enjoy final recaps of the voyage this evening and a festive farewell dinner.

Thursday, September 14: Nome / Disembark / Homeward

Nome gained its popularity during the Gold Rush era when “Three Lucky Swedes” were the first to discover gold in nearby Anvil Creek. In 1899, the population of Nome swelled from a handful to 28,000. Much of Nome’s gold rush architecture remains. Perched on the edge of the Bering Sea, on the southwest side of the Seward Peninsula, Nome has a vibrant Inupiaq community. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

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Check out this great article on the joy of traveling from Expedition Leader, Peter Harrison

Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada Cruises

Book early for 2025/2026 sailings to Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada, saving up to 25% with the HX Price Promise*.

Reasons to explore the Northwest Passage with us

Sail through the wild and isolated Northwest Passage and venture into the wild as you journey off the beaten track in Arctic Canada aboard a modern ice-class expedition ship. We’ll probe this fabled route in the same spirit as the pioneers who sought to prove its existence. Using our small expedition boats we’ll land at historic exploration sites, visit remote Inuit communities, and kayak amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

New Years Sale - bonus 10% off

Explore the Northwest Passage on our small, well-equipped, hybrid expedition ships, where safety and sustainability come first. Sail in style and comfort so you’re relaxed, rested, and ready for adventure.

Across selected sailings, we will cover the cost of your flights to the Northwest Passage!

Activities in the NWP and Arctic Canada

Your expedition cruise has included and optional activities so you can make the most of your Arctic adventure. 

The onboard Expedition Team are natural born explorers. They’ll take you on hikes, shore landings and expedition boat cruising, and give talks about wildlife, history, geology and other topics about your destination. 

Wildlife of the Arctic regions

You’ll enjoy seeing incredible Arctic wildlife as you explore the Arctic regions between Alaska and Greenland. Look out for whales such as narwhals, minke, bowhead and beluga – and scan the shores for iconic ‘King of the Arctic’ polar bears. 

A true explorer

Become one of very few people in the world to cross the epic, and often unforgiving, Northwest Passage on board our ice-class expedition ships.

Cruises to the Northwest Passage

In the Wake of the Great Explorers | Westbound

Departure date

Price from $35,634

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Reykjavík to Cambridge Bay

Price from $27,943

Cambridge Bay to Portland

Price from $24,473

Big savings worth up to $13,200 per cabin*

Book early for 2025 / 2026 and save up to 25%

Expedition heroes

Join the Expedition Team on landings at historic sites and learn about the legendary expeditions of Franklin and Amundsen – both the successes and failures.

A plethora of life 

Arctic Canada and the lands surrounding the Northwest Passage are wild and unspoiled places. It’s here that we can find six seal species: harp, hooded, ringed, bearded, spotted and ribbon. And as polar bears hunt these seals in the seas and on the ice, herds of musk oxen and caribou roam the tundra. Birdwatchers might see kittiwakes and auklets in the Bering Strait, guillemots in Prince Christian Sound, and maybe even the elusive Ivory Gull.

Animals of the Arctic

See icons of the Arctic such as polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and narwhal in their natural habitat as you sail through pristine waters.

Your Arctic Expedition Team

The Expedition Team on board your ship are wildlife experts and scientists. As they guide you, they’ll help you spot wildlife and share their knowledge during lectures in the Science Centre as your Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage adventure unfolds.

Arctic Expedition Ships Built for Adventure

State-of-the-art, ice-class expedition ships, combined with the nautical expertise of our captains and crew means we’re able to attempt sailing through the Northwest Passage with confidence. Whether it’s crossing Baffin Bay or sailing through the Bering Strait, our ships can easily handle local conditions.

Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.  With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions. 

MS Roald Amundsen

Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Sail safely and sustainably

Cruise aboard our ice-class expeditions ships best suited to polar waters. Choose from one of our smallest ships or our hybrid–powered ships.

Stories from Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada

Travel guide to the Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada

The Northwest Passage is a series of waterways that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America.

Wildlife in the Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage is an unspoiled oasis across the High Arctic. Its animal life of musk oxen, caribou, seals and polar bears migrate to more comfortable climes or adapt to the icy landscape.

12 reasons to explore with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Discover why HX is the perfect choice for curious adventurers. 

Get closer to nature with our small expedition boats

Our expedition ships venture where many cruise liners can’t. But we want to go further. We want to immerse you in the raw, untamed beauty of the natural world – and that’s where our small expedition boats come in.

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Northwest Passage Cruises

Things to do on a cruise through the northwest passage.

Encounter rare species, explore glaciers and visit remote cities that few ever have. When you sail through the Northwest Passage on a cruise vacation, you'll have the opportunity to experience the expansive beauty of the Arctic and pristine Northwest regions in a way that's never been possible until the last few years. The opportunity to cruise through the icy Northwest Passage might not last long, making each day's experiences that much more precious on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Featured below are a few of the most memorable ways to make the most of your cruise journey through the Northwest Passage:

• Prepare for the thrilling adventure on the waters of Victoria Strait which lies in the Nunavut, off the mainland in the Arctic Ocean. Sail through the entrance of the strait that trapped the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus during John Franklin's expedition in 1848. These were bomb vessels used by the Royal Navy.  
• Seek out musk ox near Cambridge Bay and look out for the fascinating herd of 500,000 caribou in Nunuvut in the Northwest Territories. You can also participate in art tours or take a dog sled trip across the frozen tundra.  

• Keep an eye out for harp seals, bearded seals and polar bears as you cruise the Bellot Strait with chunks of ice floating in the calm channel.  
• Once you arrive at Pond Inlet, the beautifully-performed cultural dances of the locals will warm your heart, while the large pods of narwhals peak your interest. There will be no shortage of scenic fjords, glaciers and icebergs.  

Map of the Northwest Passage:

Top 10 Northwest Passage Cruises

Northwest passage: cruise lines.

Sailing through the Northwest Passage has only recently become available to travelers, and the opportunity may not last forever. The cruise lines listed below currently offer the incredible chance to explore passages once blocked with ice on a discovery cruise like no other! Continue below to view the cruise lines available for your Northwest Passage voyage, and then contact The Cruise Web today to start planning this amazing vacation.

Northwest Passage: Departure Ports

Northwest Passage cruises are unique repositioning voyages that take you across the Northwest Territories and through the Arctic to cities and settlements few have ever heard of, let alone visited. Cruises to the Northwest Passage might depart from Anchorage, for example, if offering a clockwise journey around Alaska and Canada to Greenland and ultimately to New England. Northwest Passage voyages are rare – and they sell out quickly – so review the departure ports below and then contact one of our expert consultants for help planning your journey!

Photo Gallery for Northwest Passage Cruises

Preview the scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Northwest Passage in the photo gallery below. Our Northwest Passage image gallery is just a preview of the remarkable vistas awaiting in the Arctic, Northwest Territories and beyond, but we hope it serves to excite your imagination with the wonders of your upcoming adventure!

Caribou in the Northwest Territories

Polar Bears in the Arctic

Scenery near Anchorage, Alaska

Church in Greenland

Coastline near Bar Harbor, Maine

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Northwest Passage Cruises & Luxury Expeditions

Navigate frozen seaways and explore the untouched wilderness of the canadian arctic on a northwest passage cruise with great chances to encounter wildlife including the arctic big 5, introduction.

Our Northwest Passage Cruises are curated by our in-house team of expedition cruise experts with first-hand polar experience. We offer you the best selection of Northwest Passage cruises, allowing you to explore this spectacular part of the Arctic on a small ship with a team of naturalist guides.  

Northwest Passage expedition cruises offer an unrivalled opportunity to encounter rare wildlife such as Polar Bears, Belugas, Narwhals, Musk Oxen and Walruses from the ship and on Zodiac cruises. Visit sites of historical significance, hear the tales of early expeditions and enjoy the untamed wilderness of the Arctic.   

The Northwest Passage offers a variety of itineraries. Choose from an epic voyage to follow in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen and undertake a complete traverse of the fabled passage, or choose a shorter cruise to explore a section of the Northwest Passage, such as wildlife hotspots in Lancaster Sound and Baffin Island.

Northwest Passage Cruises

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

Resolute - resolute.

Price from per person

Northwest Passage – The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

Kangerlussuaq, greenland - resolute, canada.

Highlights Of Northwest Passage Cruise

Witness the arctic’s big 5 animals.

Wildlife watching from the ship and Zodiacs with a team of onboard naturalist guides is an integral part of a Northwest Passage cruise. Keep an eye out for elusive Narwhals and Beluga whales, and spend time on deck searching for the king of the Arctic, the Polar Bear.

Follow In The Footsteps Of Explorers

A cruise to explore the Northwest Passage evokes a timeless sense of exploration from when it was first transited by ship in 1906 by Roald Amundsen. You can now experience this exhilarating feeling by traversing the Northwest Passage by expedition ship.

Explore Epic Polar Wilderness

Step ashore and explore by Zodiac with an expert guide team in isolated areas seldom seen by humans. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, captivating glaciers and lofty mountains only seen by explorers.

Discover The History

From the sites from Franklin’s ill-fated attempt to traverse the Northwest Passage to the remnants of ancient settlements, explore with guides and historians who will bring the history to life.

Small Ship Expedition Cruise Experience

Experience the Northwest Passage with all the creature comforts of a modern, ice-strengthened expedition ship built for traversing the icy waters with a small group of fellow explorers.

What To See

Polar Bears and Diverse Wildlife

Polar bears, grazing musk ox, tusked narwhals navigating the ice floes, mysterious white Beluga whales, seals, and an array of Arctic bird species are some wildlife highlights of the Northwest Passage. 

Remote Arctic Landscapes

Tranquil fjords, a labyrinth of channels and sparse islands, the Northwest Passage offers a sense of isolation and pristine beauty that is unparalleled in more accessible regions.

Glaciers and Sea ice

Witness breathtaking glaciers, icebergs, and vast ice fields. The Northwest Passage is known for its stunning and dramatic scenery that captivated early explorers.

Remote Inuit Settlements and Culture

Encounter the people that live at the ends of the Earth. Meet local Inuit communities that live throughout the Northwest Passage and gain insights into their traditional lifestyles, art, and customs.

Historical Sites

Discover fascinating history sites throughout the Northwest Passage, including Beechey Island, and see artefacts from Franklin’s expedition, where all souls were lost 170 years ago, to the Davis Strait, where Roald Amundsen passed through on his ship Gjøa.

Getting To Your Northwest Passage Cruise

The Northwest Passage is an incredibly isolated part of the Canadian Arctic made up of captivating wilderness. Due to its remote location, no roads link settlements, and very little infrastructure exists. The only way to experience this region is to fly in or explore it on an expedition cruise. Many places are only accessible by ship, making a Northwest Passage cruise the preferred choice for many travellers seeking to explore the area.

Small expedition ships equipped with Zodiacs used for exploring and a team of expert guides offer the best option for encountering wildlife and sites of outstanding natural beauty. 

The easiest way to get to the Northwest Passage is to fly to the departure port for your expedition cruise. A flight to and from the departure port may also be included depending on your itinerary. If not, our Travel Experience Team can help you with this. 

Standard routes to explore the Northwest Passage is to sail on an expedition cruise from Iceland, Greenland or Alaska, which are all served by international airlines. 

Please see our guide below for all the different ways to get to the Northwest Passage.

Best Time To Go On A Northwest Passage Cruise

Due to the thick sea ice, Northwest Passage cruises only operate for a few months a year during the summertime between July and September. Expedition cruises that traverse the entire Northwest Passage take place during the late summer during August and September, when the sea ice is at its lowest, offering the best chances for passage. 

The best time to explore the Northwest Passage depends on your preferences. July and August offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities during mid-summer, and you can witness the midnight sun. Wildlife begins to migrate south in September, but it is the best month for viewing the Northern lights. 

Please see our detailed guide below to learn what a Northwest Passage cruise offers each month.

Choose Your Year

Northwest Passage Cruises 2024

Northwest Passage Cruises 2025

Northwest Passage Cruises 2026

Types of northwest passage cruises.

Northwest Passage Traverse

Northwest Passage Small Ship Cruises

Northwest Passage and Greenland Cruises

Northwest Passage in Ultra Luxury

Places to explore on a northwest passage cruise.

Lancaster Sound

Dundas Harbour

Beechey Island

Queen Maud Gulf

Best northwest passage cruise ships.

Le Commandant Charcot

Plan your northwest passage cruise.

Book Well in Advance: Northwest Passage cruises often fill up quickly due to their limited capacity and the short season. To secure your cabin, book your cruise well in advance.

Choose Your Itinerary: There are a variety of luxury ships, itineraries, and activities to choose from. Choose a voyage that aligns with your interests, whether it's wildlife viewing or specific activities such as kayaking. Our Travel Experience Team advises and recommends different options based on your preferences.

Reserve Your Cabin With North Pole Cruises: We will ensure you receive the best price from the operator when booking. Our knowledgeable Travel Experience Team will help you choose your trip and answer any questions. Before the voyage, we will provide lots of helpful information, including packing lists, and support you during your journey if you have any issues. We offer peace of mind with our 100% financial protection with every booking.

Travel Insurance: When booking, purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your Arctic cruise that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation from remote locations. Ensure that your policy explicitly covers polar travel.

Visiting the Northwest Passage on an expedition cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we are here to help you plan and prepare for your extraordinary voyage to one of the Arctic's most remote and unspoiled destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The price of a Northwest Passage cruise varies depending on a wide range of factors, including the ship size, the level of luxury, the destination, the number of guests, the time of year, and the length of your chosen itinerary. As a rule of thumb, prices per person start from £1,000 ($1274, €1152) per person per night.

Yes, we offer no single supplement on selected Northwest Passage cruises. Our Travel Experience Team has access to the best offers for solo travellers. We recommend you contact us with your requirements, and we can help you find the best no-single supplement Antarctica cruise for you.

Yes, seeing polar bears on a Northwest Passage cruise is possible. Polar bears are frequent visitors to the area and can be seen hunting on ice flows or searching the coastline for food during the summer. Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed, polar bears are frequently sighted. For the best chances of seeing polar bears, we recommend a more extended expedition, which offers more opportunities to encounter these majestic creatures.

Weather conditions in the Northwest Passage during a cruise can vary, and it’s essential to be prepared for various temperatures and weather patterns. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect during a Northwest Passage cruise in July, August, and September:

Temperature: Daytime temperatures typically range from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). Warmer temperatures are more common later in the month.

Daylight: July experiences long daylight hours, with the possibility of 24-hour daylight, especially in the later part of the month.

Weather: Weather conditions can vary, but you can expect a mix of clear days, overcast skies, and the possibility of fog. Precipitation is relatively low.

Temperature: Similar to July, with daytime temperatures ranging from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). Warmer temperatures are more likely in the earlier part of the month.

Daylight: Days start to become shorter, but there is still a significant amount of daylight. The possibility of 24-hour daylight decreases.

Weather: Conditions can be similar to July, with clear days, overcast skies, and potential fog. Precipitation remains relatively low.

Temperature: Temperatures begin to cool, with daytime highs ranging from 23°F to 41°F (-5°C to 5°C). Nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing.

Daylight: Days continue to shorten, and by the end of September, you may experience a significant reduction in daylight hours.

Weather: Colder temperatures may bring the possibility of snow, especially later in the month. Ice conditions could become more challenging as the season progresses.

Packing appropriate clothing, including insulated and waterproof layers, is essential to stay warm and dry in cold and potentially wet conditions. We will supply you with a complete packing list and what is included during your reservation.  

ach Northwest Passage cruise includes accommodation in well-appointed cabins, meals, expert guides, guest lecturers outlined in the itinerary, Zodiac cruises and excursions, and specified charter flights

Please check the tour page of your chosen itinerary to see a complete list of inclusions.

Financial security is paramount for our clients, so all bookings made through North Pole Cruises include 100% financial protection. We also include supplier failure insurance free of charge for extra peace of mind. This ensures you have the very best protection on your booking. 

When reserving your chosen itinerary, the payment options will be quoted.

Typical payment terms are a 25% deposit when booking to reserve your cabin and the final balance payable 90 days before departure. 

We accept payment via credit card or bank transfer.

Each ship and voyage offers different activities to explore the Northwest Passage. Zodiac excursions and shore landings are standard for all Northwest Passage expedition cruises.

Optional activities such as kayaking and trekking are available on selected departures. 

During the reservation process, please specify which activities you are interested in, and we will assist you in finding the right voyage for you. Depending on the ship, some activities are included in the cost, and others are extra.

Wildlife in the Northwest Passage is spread out over a vast area. For the best wildlife-watching experience, we recommend a small ship and a longer itinerary, such as a traverse of the entire passage. All Northwest Passage cruises have expert guides and naturalists onboard.

For help deciding which Northwest Passage cruise fits your interests, please get in touch with our Travel Experience Team.

Northwest Passage cruises vary between 12 days for an expedition to explore the entrance to the Northwest Passage and 28 days for a traverse of the entire length of the Northwest Passage with a deep exploration. 

We recommend reserving your Northwest Passage cruise a year in advance to ensure you get your preferred choice of ship and cabin. We usually have last-minute availability on select departures for late bookers.

Please contact our Travel Experience Team to find out about last-minute availability.

The first step to booking your Northwest Passage cruise is to contact our Travel Experience Team, who will be happy to help you with your itinerary and provide details about availability and pricing for your selected voyage.

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Home > Expeditions > Traversing the Northwest Passage

Traversing the Northwest Passage

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Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Traversing the Northwest Passage (formerly the Complete Northwest Passage) expedition.

On this epic voyage inspired by Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition, we attempt to sail the full length of the Northwest Passage, carving our way west from Greenland through the labyrinthine maze of waterways that hug the fabled islands of Arctic Canada until we reach the Beaufort Sea. Building on our classic Northwest Passage voyage, we visit historical sites explored by heroic explorers, meet the local Inuit that call this region home, marvel at striking landscapes and search for enigmatic wildlife found in this unique corner of the world. Pack ice may halt our voyage through the passage, so brace yourself for a genuine expedition where adventure awaits at every turn. 

Aurora Expeditions operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control. 

On this voyage, we visit remote Inuit hamlets and settlements, where the local Inuit people still practice traditional hunting methods including whaling that some people may find confronting. If you find yourself feeling upset and disturbed by what you see, please alert a member of the expedition team immediately, who will do their best to address your concerns and take action to mitigate the problem, wherever possible.  

• Stand in awe of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

• Hike on Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, which features stunning geology, fjords and glacial valleys to explore 

• On Beechey Island, visit memorials and graves of explorers from John Franklin’s expedition  

• Keep watch with the hope of spotting iconic Arctic wildlife including ringed seals, musk ox, polar bears and perhaps beluga whales

Officially certified proof of vaccination and booster will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 15 days prior to departure.

Aurora Expeditions does not require passengers to undergo tests for COVID-19 prior to embarkation or during the voyage. We do not conduct routine COVID-19 testing unless required by the relevant authorities. However, passengers who report symptoms of COVID-19 to the medical team during a voyage will be tested.

Zodiac Cruising at Tay Bay, Canada, Richard I'Anson

Ilulissat Icefjord at sunset, Greenland, Richard I'Anson

Kayaking and Zodiac Cruising, Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, Richard I'Anson

Croker Bay, Canada, Richard I'Anson-1

Iceberg Off Baffin Island at Sunset, Canada, Richard I'Anson

Cruise passed jaw-dropping glaciers on your Northwest Passage expedition

Polar Bear, Prince Leopold Island, Canada

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.

Day 1 Toronto

Having made your way to the hotel with the Westin Toronto Airport Hotel complimentary shuttle, check-in at our group hotel located near the airport for an overnight stay. Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and also about the charter flight to Kangerlussuaq tomorrow. You will receive Aurora Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.  

Accommodation: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel

Day 2 Kangerlussuaq

After breakfast at the hotel, board our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where our vessel Sylvia Earle awaits. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. The sailling out of Søndre Strømfjord, with its towering mountains on both sides, is magnificent. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.  

Day 3 Sisimiut

Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut is located approximately 54 kilometres (33.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cosy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.  Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, the majority of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture. 

Day 4 Ilulissat

Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere in the Arctic. Hike past the husky sledge dogs to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and kayak through sea ice and icebergs.

Optional helicopter flight (90 mins): this excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The 10-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport sweeping over hills, lakes and ice fjords. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion. Please note that this excursion requires pre-booking well in advance of the voyage and a minimum of 8 passengers to operate.

Day 5 Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)

This compelling island seems to have more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hot springs and dramatic lava formations. Zodiac cruise in Disko Bay, which features fascinating geology. Keep an eye out for marine life including humpback and minke whales. 

Day 6 At sea, enter Canada

Our team of experts entertain us with informative talks about wildlife, geology and epic tales of early explorers such as Franklin and Amundsen. As we cross Baffin Bay, keep watch for various species of whale and some of Greenland’s famous icebergs.

Days 7-10 Baffin Island

The east coast of Baffin Island features hidden bays that are feeding grounds for bowhead whales and where glaciers calve into the sea. Sail along inlets and fjords surrounded by towering mountains that feature impressive geology. Conditions permitting, we hope to go ashore at Pond Inlet-Mittimatalik and be treated to a warm welcome from the local community.

Days 11-12 Devon Island, Lancaster Sound

At a latitude of almost 75° degrees north, we are now truly in the High Arctic. Lancaster Sound - located between Devon Island and Baffin Island - forms the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage. It also forms part of the newly formed Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, where nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife. 

Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving it its unique character. We hope to visit Dundas Harbour to enjoy offers walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. Other possible places that we might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay. 

At the western end of Devon Island lies Beechey Island, where we plan to land. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is one of Canada’s most important arctic sites and is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results – three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Days 13–15 Expedition cruising

Note: In true expeditionary style, our itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on unpredictable sea ice and weather conditions. The following places are where we hope to visit.

Prince Leopold Island, Port Leopold 

On the southern side of Lancaster Sound opposite Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island— the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting pairs here in summer. 

 Nearby Port Leopold is a historic site where British explorer James Clark Ross wintered in 1848 while searching for the missing Franklin expedition. The ruin of a century old Hudson’s Bay trading post can be found there, and ringed seals are sometime spotted on ice floes within the bay.  

Cunningham Inlet 

On the north coast of Somerset Island, the local scenery makes for excellent guided walks, where waterway trails lead to waterfalls and higher ground. 

Bellot Strait

A deep and windy waterway bordered by steep slopes, Bellot Strait is characterised by strong, swirling, tidal currents that require navigation to be undertaken close to times of slack water (four times a day). Point Zenith, the most northern continental point of the Americas is located in the strait.

Note: Due to swirling currents up to 10 knots, Bellot Strait is better transited during eastbound voyages because if it is blocked, there is the alternative to continue north through Peel Sound. On a westbound voyage, it would be necessary to make a long detour back north through Prince Regent Inlet.

Coningham Bay 

Across from Victoria Strait, Coningham Bay lies on the shores of Prince of Wales Island. This is a polar bear hotspot where the majestic creatures come to feast on beluga whales who enter the bay each summer to shed their skin on shallow sandy banks. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and very healthy-looking polar bears! 

King William Island 

Remains attributed to the Franklin expedition have been found at 35 different locations on King William Island and on nearby Adelaide Peninsula. South of Cape Felix, in Victoria Strait, we hope to get close to where the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were abandoned in 1848.

Days 16-22 Coronation and Amundsen gulfs

Your experienced expedition team will create your day-by-day itineraries based on sea ice and weather conditions. We hope to meet the resilient locals who make the extreme far north their home. 

In our Zodiacs, we plan to explore the coastlines, bays and hidden estuaries of the region, and delight in the show of autumn colours during this season of change. Where it’s possible to land, we stretch our legs on hikes to explore the dramatic landscapes of hills, valleys, cliffs and canyons of the region. 

Below are some of the places in the area that we may visit: 

Cambridge Bay- Iqaluktuuttiaq

The administrative and transportation hub of the region, Cambridge Bay- Iqaluktuuttiaq is the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage and unofficially marks the midpoint for voyages of the Northwest Passage. Zodiac ashore for an exploration of this Inuit settlement located in the high arctic. Enjoy a walk through the village, where you can visit the local church, visitor centre and support the local community by purchasing some locally made handicrafts. 

Edinburgh Island

Edinburgh Island is a small and uninhabited island in Canada’s Nunavut region. The scenery consists of colourful flowering shrubs, beaches tinged in stunning ochres, while the surrounding cliffs shaded in rich, deep tones. A possible walk to a lookout offers spectacular views over surrounding lakes, sea and mountains.

Johansen Bay

At Victoria Island, we hope to enjoy a Zodiac excursion within an estuary of at the northeast end of Johansen Bay and up the river towards the lake. 

Port Epworth/Tree River

The Tree River area on the mainland – also known a Port Epworth – provides a spectacular backdrop our possible exploration, with its river and shallow lakes, striking sedimentary rock outcrops and bright autumnal colours of tundra.

Smoking Hills, Franklin Bay

The Smoking Hills in Canada’s Northwest Territories have been smouldering, sending plumes of gas across the landscape, for centuries. Technically sea cliffs, you would be forgiven for thinking that the multicoloured fiery natural phenomenon is the set to an apocalyptic movie depicting the end of the world. The smoke is caused by layers of combustible, sulphur-rich lignite (brown coal) that ignites and emit sulphurous gas into the air, when exposed to erosion and landslides, which also creates a dazzling colouration of the rocks. 

Days 23-28 At Sea: Farewell Canada; Enter the United States

Excitement builds as we sail the Beaufort Sea. Whether you are out on deck or in the comfort of one the observation lounges, watch as the captain navigates our state-of-the-art vessel through these waterways, which is frozen for most of the year. 

We farewell Canada and enter the United States. 

As we sail westwards to Nome, along the northern coast of Alaska to where the USA and Russia are only 100 km (60 miles) apart, separated by the Bering Sea, there is ample time to reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life. Share, edit and submit pictures in our photo competition and attend final lectures from our team of onboard experts. We hope to get permission to ship cruise close by Little Diomede and King islands in Alaska.

Day 29 Disembark in Nome, fly to Anchorage

In Nome, farewell your expedition team and crew after sharing a once-in-a-lifetime voyage together. After disembarking, we transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Anchorage for an overnight stay. 

Accommodation: Hilton Hotel Anchorage (or similar)

Day 30 Depart Anchorage

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Toronto on Day 1.
• Charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2.
• Charter flight from Nome to Anchorage on Day 29.
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Anchorage on Day 29.
• Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service. 
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage. 
• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner. 
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages. 
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises. 
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by our expedition team. 
• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation). 
• One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket. 
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage. 
• Comprehensive pre-departure information. 
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
• Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable. 
• International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary. 
• Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary. 
• Airport arrival or departure taxes.
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges. 
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges. 
• Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary. 
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges. 
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges. 

Included Activities

Bird watching

Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations

Near shore cruises

Photography

Polar plunge

Trips ashore

Whale and mammal spotting

Zodiac cruises

Add-on Activities

Sea kayaking.

From USD $ 1,660.00 /pp

Sea Kayaking Vacations One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in …

Sea Kayaking Vacations

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience antarctica, the arctic and beyond..

Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of  Antarctica , the Arctic , and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.

This Kayaking Program was created by kayakers for kayakers! Our program style offers the chance to develop and enhance your skills and to connect with our expert guides and your fellow Expeditioners. Participating with the small group through your voyage will minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts and maximise time on the water.

All of our  Expert Guides  are professional kayak guides, who have led trips around the world, specialise in the Polar Regions and have been chosen for their passion for the sport.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and make the most of your time in the wild and remote  destinations we visit .

You have the option to discuss with the guides what you want out of your trip and they will help with recommendations on when to paddle, when to go ashore and when it’s possible to do both in one outing.

Our  purpose-built ships  have been designed with the activities in mind, each equipped with dedicated space for our high-end equipment, including Kokatat dry suits, Seals sprayskirts, PFD’s from Astral and paddles from Werner and Aqua Bound.

Please note:

• Kayakers must be 14 years or over. A Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
• There is upper size limit in the drysuits we provide onboard. If you cannot find a suitable size within our range and you would like to bring your own, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss in more detail.
• Travel Insurance  is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage for including this activity.

Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of  Antarctica , the Arctic , and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and make the most of your time in the wild and remote  destinations we visit .  You have the option to discuss with the guides what you want out of your trip and they will help with recommendations on when to paddle, when to go ashore and when it’s possible to do both in one outing.

Our  purpose-built ships  have been designed with the activities in mind, each equipr with dedicated space for our high-end equipment, including Kokatat dry suits, Seals sprayskirts, PFD’s from Astral and paddles from Werner and Aqua Bound.

‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often offering a combination of both kayaking and onshore landings so you won’t miss out.

Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, we also make time for your own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.

The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that the weather can impact our kayaking time.

The level of experience required differs slightly depending on the region you are visiting. For all trips, a basic level of sea kayak experience is required, equivalent to that gained in a half day Paddle Australia “Intro Sea Skills” course. You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll; however, it is encouraged that you are comfortable in a sea kayak in the ocean, and are required to be able to swim, have a moderate level of physical fitness, and no medical conditions that prevent you from safely participating. We are happy to assist you with any preparation you may need or want prior to your voyage.

Our guides do not offer instructional classes for beginners. Therefore, the sea kayaking option is unsuitable for complete novices. If your experience is limited, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart.

Your guide will assess your ability on the initial paddle, and if you have insufficient experience, he or she reserves the right to restrict your participation in rougher conditions.

You should be fit enough to paddle for 15 minutes without stopping at a moderate pace, for up to three hours at a time with breaks. We encourage a moderate level of fitness and recent kayaking experience as much as possible.

Polar regions

During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, Greenland and Spitsbergen are generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. Scotland, Iceland, Norwegian coasts are warmer with water temperatures of around 12°C / 53.6°F. In the Antarctic Peninsula, and Svalbard we often paddle in sheltered locations with generally calm conditions. In exposed locations places like South Georgia, we often encounter stronger wind and more challenging paddling conditions. Your guides will be constantly searching for a way to get you out safely and enjoyably.

Temperate regions

The northern waters in Scotland, Faroes, Iceland and Norway are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day. Surf landings are not likely, but you must be capable of paddling in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 20 knots. With that being said, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.

Tropical regions

In Costa Rica and Panama, April is the end of the dry season. The shoulder season begins in May, bringing increased humidity. Afternoon rain showers are possible in May with temperatures ranging from 26-36 °C (80- 96 °F). Winds are generally light at this time of year. The water temperature ranges from 27 -29 °C. Surf landings are not likely, but be prepared to paddle in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 15 knots. Again, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.

The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment. Fares for this activity start from US$900, AU$1,250, £460 or €550. 

Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.

Aurora Expeditions will be providing kayak booties and dry suits. Below is the measurement chart for the sizes we provide. If you prefer to bring your own dry suit for this activity, please contact our Activity Specialist to discuss the suitability of your equipment.

If you cannot find a suitable size from the options available and you do not have your own custom dry suit, unfortunately we will be unable to accommodate you for this activity.

Top reasons to choose Sea Kayaking

See wildlife unobtrusively.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from penguins to puffins.

Better access

Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach.​

Knowledgeable guides

Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.

Become an expert

Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!

Make friends

Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.

Stay fit on your holiday

Being active every day on your holiday means you don't have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!

Enhance your experience

Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.

Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.

Sea Kayaking in Scotland

Sea Kayaking in Antarctica

Sea Kayaking in Norway

Sea Kayaking in Greenland

Sea Kayaking in the Arctic

Sea Kayaking in Tasmania

Sea kayaking faqs.

There are 20 paces available and our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac.

Kayakers must be 14 or over. Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.

Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.

We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.

If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.

The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.

Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.

Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.

The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in th e astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.

In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.

No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. We value a program style that maintains participants through trip to maximise skill progression, group bonding and dynamics, and minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts.

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*Terms & Conditions apply. Valid on select ship voyages only. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the  Greg Mortimer  or  Sylvia Earle which must be booked and deposited by June 30, 2024. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see full terms and conditions .

^Terms & Conditions apply. Additional 5% discount valid on both voyages but two voyages must connect back to back in terms of dates to be eligible. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the  Greg Mortimer  or  Sylvia Earle . Promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with early bird voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The offer can be withdrawn at any time and are not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. Please see full  terms and conditions .

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Small-Ship Expedition Cruise

The Northwest Passage

©Dennis Minty

Itineraries

Small-ship expedition cruise into the northwest passage.

August 27 to September 12, 2024

From $13,995 to $28,495 USD

per person based on double occupancy

Applies to berth cost only

Small-Ship Expedition Cruise Out of the Northwest Passage

September 12 to September 28, 2024

Applies to berth cost only.

August 16 to September 1, 2025

From $14,495 to $28,995 USD

©Scott Forsyth

September 1 to September 17, 2025

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Into the Northwest Passage

Out of the Northwest Passage

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Travel through Inuit Nunangat alongside Inuit

Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit.

Delve into a dynamic culture as you learn about the language, arts, cuisine, music, and traditions. Each facet is thoughtfully integrated into our on-board and onshore educational program, creating moments of authentic learning throughout your voyage.

As honoured guests in the Inuit homeland, you’ll gain unique insights into the kinship between Inuit and the nuna (land). Connect with Inuit—artists, cultural educators, academics and more—who graciously share their knowledge and expertise.

Try your hand at Inuit games, sample country food, visit a local hamlet, or simply walk the tundra with Inuit expedition team members who share Inuit Nunangat, their homeland, with you.

Enjoy an Inuit cultural welcome in a Nunavut community

Enjoy the warmth of an Inuit welcome as drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors share their stories, songs, and connections to the land.

Explore the beautiful surroundings of an Arctic hamlet, get to know local residents and learn about their ways of life, and have the opportunity to purchase carvings and handicrafts to bring back home.

© Scott Forsyth

Marvel at enormous icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit the fastest-calving glacier in the world, which spills thousands of enormous icebergs into the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay, Greenland every year.

View the icebergs from the shore on a hike along the boardwalk.

Cruise pristine natural areas to spot amazing Arctic wildlife

Seek seabirds, marine mammals, and polar bears in this unique, protected habitat.

Tallurutiup Imanga , the entrance to the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, is home to Canada’s newest National Marine Protected Area.

See the glacier-fed waters, mountain landscapes, and rugged coastlines that define this vast and beautiful place—and the plentiful marine wildlife.

Visit unique cultural historical sites from the Thule period and the European explorer era that dot the region’s coasts.

Visit Beechey Island National Historic Site

Pay your respects at one of the most notorious sites in the Arctic: Beechey Island.

Learn about the famed site where the ill-fated Franklin Expedition overwintered from 1845–1846.

See the graves of three of Franklin’s men (along with one of a fourth man from a later Northwest Passage expedition) that are a haunting memorial to the heyday of European Arctic exploration.

© Michelle Valberg

Sail the infamous Northwest Passage at the top of the world

Traverse one of the world’s most mythical and celebrated ocean routes in the comfort of an ice-class expedition vessel.

Hear the compelling stories of European explorers who attempted the challenge and of Inuit who have travelled the waterway for centuries.

Ocean Endeavour

Our spacious, ice-strengthened vessel features twenty Zodiacs, and advanced navigation equipment. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.

Travellers’ Testimonials

“I cannot speak highly enough about the staff.”

Kathleen Henry-Parisi

“I cannot begin to tell you how impressed we were with the staff. They were all so approachable and so giving of their time and knowledge. And they all had a great sense of humour!”

Joyce McAlpine

“I came home feeling like I had a college education! So much knowledge presented in a fun and easily understandable way.”

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The Northwest Passage evokes both immaculate landscapes and the great explorers who have attempted the adventure of the Great North to find this now iconic route. Taking this labyrinth of waterways beyond the Arctic Circle is the ultimate journey for adventurers looking for thrills. 

All about cruises Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage, in the wake of Roald Amundsen

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

1 888 400 1082 or contact your travel advisor

Must-dos - Northwest Passage

Reaching the North Pole: a dream for many travellers passionate about exploration. But what can you see during a cruise through the Northwest Passage , the entry point into the Great North, that is still so rarely visited?

All about the the Northwest Passage

Today, the Northwest Passage is within reach for certain modern, privileged explorers, who adventure in higher latitudes. Here is a summary of this iconic place, which has always been the subject of fantasies and was only discovered fairly recently.

Meet the Inuit populations

Whether in the south of Greenland or in the entrance to the Fury and Hecla Strait, the Inuits have preserved their centuries old traditions. Skilled sled dog handlers, outstanding hunters and meticulous craftspeople, they have managed to embrace the modern world while still preserving their culture. Visiting the village of Igloolik , in the Nunavut, discovered in 1822, or that of Kullorsuaq , in the west of Greenland, provides precious encounters with the inhabitants who are happy to share their history and their skills.

Experience the iconic route taken by the great explorers

Sir John Franklin, William Edward Parry, Roald Amundsen… There were many explorers who, from the 16th century, tried to discover the iconic Northwest Passage . Many failed, many concluded that the route did not exist. It was finally the Norwegian, Roald Amundsen who first crossed this region, completely unexplored to that point, during his 1903-1906 expedition. Sailing through the Northwest Passage today is to go beyond your wildest exploration dreams, experiencing the continually-moving ice floe and snowy landscapes as far as the eye can see.

Admire the fauna in the Aulavik National Park

Created in the north of Banks Island, the Aulavik National Park is considered to be a polar desert. However, its tundra plains and various water points have encouraged a very rich fauna to develop. The park is best known for being home to three-quarters of the world's population of Muskox, approximately 70,000 of them. Caribou, arctic hares and arctic foxes, wolves and lemmings also are found in the region. No fewer than 43 species of birds traverse the park through the seasons.

Experience the Savissivik iceberg cemetery

In the Northwest Passage, Savissivik is an unmissable stopping point. It is the largest iceberg cemetery in the world. With an average depth of 40 metres, in reality the bay has trapped a great number of these ice giants. Of varying sizes, with changing colours, the icebergs float like spectres abandoned to their fate. The scene is hypnotic.

Make a pilgrimage to Beechey Island

Snow everywhere and in the middle a memorial, and three wooden commemorations. And then, it snows again. It is a surrealist scene that awaits travellers on Beechey Island . The silence that reigns there is appropriate to contemplation and emotion. It is here that Sir John Franklin found refuge for two years while waiting for the ice floe to melt so he could go searching for the Northwest Passage. Several men, including Franklin, lost their lives. The wrecks of his two boats, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were only discovered in 2014 and 2016 in Canada.

An historic and international epic

1497 : a Venetian sailor under the English flag, Jean Cabot first put forward the hypothesis of a route to the East via the far north of Europe. King Henry VII charged him with discovering it. 1539 : Hernán Cortés, a prominent figure in the Spanish Conquest of Central and Latin America, sent the explorer Francisco de Ullua to the western coast of the US. De Ullua concluded that there was a 'California island', which marked the beginning of a waterway that would go even further north. 1576-1747 : several sailors, including Martin Frobisher, Jacques Cartier, Henry Hudson and Henry Hellis tried different ways to discover the route. Going up Saint Lawrence River to confirm that it didn't cut the American continent in two and searching for the Greenland coast didn't help these adventurers find the destination they sought. 1775 : the merchant ship Octavius was found adrift near Greenland, with bodies of the crew frozen on the bridge. They had disappeared 13 years earlier, near to the Arctic ice. It was the first vessel to have crossed the infamous passage. 1776 : It was British explorer James Cook's turn to try the expedition, but beyond 70°N, finding only icebergs, he abandoned the trip. 1845-1846 : John Franklin and Robert McClure's expeditions launched by the British ended in failure, due to forced wintering and numerous human losses. Traces of these expeditions were found on King William Island especially, in the middle of the Passage. 1903-1906 : It was finally the Norwegian Roald Amundsen who traversed the Passage first, from east to west, during his expedition in the Arctic.

The North-West Passage Facts and Figures

According to the International Hydrographic Organisation, the Northwest Passage is located between latitudes 60 and 74°N , between Cape Chidley in Ellesmere Island, passing Baffin Island, Coburg Island or Banks Island. The length of the shortest maritime route in the Passage, from east to west, is 1,400 kilometres . The Northwest Passage shortens the current maritime route between Europe and the Far East via the Suez Canal by 4,000 kilometres . The Northwest Passage is located around 800 kilometres to the north of the Arctic Circle and at least 1,900 kilometres from the North Pole.

• Akulleq (Greenland)
• At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
• Beechey Island, Nunavut (Canada)
• Bellot Strait (Canada)
• Coningham Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
• Devon Island, Nunavut (Canada)
• Disko Bay (Greenland)
• Edinburgh Island, Nunavut (Canada)
• Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea
• Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage
• Fury Beach, Nunavut (Canada)
• Gjoa Haven, Nunavut (Canada)
• Holman (Ulukhaktok)  (Canada)
• Ikka Fjord (Greenland)
• Jesse Harbour (Canada)
• Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)
• King Island, Alaska (United States)
• King Point, Yukon (Canada)
• Kujalleq Glacier (Greenland)
• Kullorsuaq (Greenland)
• Mercy Bay, Banks Island (Canada)
• Nome, Alaska (United States)
• Nuuk (Greenland)
• Pond Inlet, Nunavut (Canada)
• Port Leopold, Nunavut (Canada)
• Prins Christian Sund (Greenland)
• Qaqortoq (Greenland)
• Reykjavík (Iceland)
• Sachs Harbour (Canada)
• Sailing in Beaufort Sea
• Sailing in the Lancaster Sound (Canada)
• Savissivik (Greenland)
• Sisimiut (Greenland)
• Smoking Hills (Canada)

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Complete Northwest Passage Expedition

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On this epic Northwest Passage cruise inspired by Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition, attempt to sail the full length of the Northwest Passage, carving west through the labyrinthine maze of waterways that hug the fabled islands of Arctic Canada until you reach the Beaufort Sea. Visit historical sites explored by heroic explorers, meet the incredible folk that call this region home and search for enigmatic wildlife found in this unique corner of the world. Pack ice may halt the voyage through the passage, so brace yourself for a genuine expedition where adventure awaits at every turn.

Highlights of this Traversing the Northwest Passage cruise include: Standing in awe of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking on Devon Island, the world’s largest uninhabited island, which features stunning geology, fjords and glacial valleys to explore. Visiting memorials and graves of explorers from John Franklin’s expedition, on Beechey Island. Keeping watch with the hope of spotting iconic Arctic wildlife including musk ox, polar bears, beluga whales, walrus and perhaps narwhal. And savoring every moment of adventure.

Cruise aboard the adventure-ready polar expedition ship  Sylvia Earle  for her state-of-the-art design and technology, plus excursion-minded preparation rooms and multiple boarding platforms for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. Averaging 132 guests, this small ship offers a generous guest-to-guide ratio, with an educational and engaged team of expedition guides providing programming aimed at immersion into the surrounding polar wilds.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s other Greenland small ship cruises , Canada small ship cruises and Alaska small ship cruises or other Arctic cruises and  Arctic trips .

2024 Traversing the Northwest Passage Itinerary

Follow the path of Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition over 30 days on this epic expedition where adventure awaits at every turn. In 2024 embark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Having made your way to Toronto Airport, check-in at the group hotel located near the airport for an overnight stay. Please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation procedures and also about the charter flight to Kangerlussuaq tomorrow. You will receive cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.

Westin Toronto Airport Hotel (or similar)

This morning, ensure any cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags and take it down to hotel reception. Luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of embarkation. Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

After breakfast at the hotel, board a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where the ship awaits. Lunch is on the plane. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. The sailing out of Søndre Strømfjord, with its towering mountains on both sides, is magnificent. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the captain’s welcome dinner.

Sylvia Earle

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut, is located approximately 33.5 miles north of the Arctic Circle, meaning that during summer, you can experience the midnight sun here. The town is famous for the old blue church with the gate made of whale bone. In the cozy museum next door to the church, you will find an excellent reconstruction of an Inuit turf house as well as exhibits of local history and early life in Greenland.

Sisimiut offers hiking trails with various degrees of difficulty. The easier trails take you through the town itself, its outskirts and into the mountains, where you will find spectacular vantage points.

Approximately 4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, after which they mysteriously disappeared from the area. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 CE and stayed until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and today, the majority of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule culture.

Known as the “birthplace of icebergs,” this region produces some of the most dazzling icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the most productive glacier – not only in Greenland but the entire Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and kayak through sea ice and icebergs.

An optional, added-cost 90-minute helicopter flight over the icefjord is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience here. This excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The 12-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport and sweeps over hills, lakes and ice fjords. Land on the mountain at Kangia, in the middle of the preserved area, where you can revel in the incredible surroundings. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion.

The compelling Disko Island seems to have more in common with Iceland than Greenland. While most of the interior is mountainous and glaciated, its beautiful shorelines boast black sandy beaches, unusual basalt columns, hot springs and dramatic lava formations. On a guided hike, enjoy a diversity of arctic flora. Zodiac cruise in Disko Bay, a hotspot for marine life including humpback, fin, minke and bowhead whales.

The ship’s team of experts entertain with informative talks about wildlife, geology and epic tales of early explorers such as Franklin and Amundsen. Reaching the coast of Baffin Island, you may encounter Greenland’s famous icebergs. Keep watch for humpback, sei, sperm and fin whales, as well as various species of seals such as ring and harp seal.

The east coast of Baffin Island features hidden bays that are feeding grounds for bowhead whales and where glaciers calve into the sea. Sail along inlets and fjords surrounded by towering mountains that feature impressive geology. Some of the places you may visit include: Home Bay, Isabella Bay, Sillem Island, John Ford Fjord, Sam Ford Fjord and Scott Inlet. Conditions permitting, hope to go ashore at Pond Inlet and be treated to a warm welcome from the local community.

Covered with mountains, icefields, steep cliffs, snowfields and glaciers, Bylot provides nesting habitat for large numbers of thick-billed murres and black-legged kittiwakes. A total of 74 unique species of arctic bird thrive on this island. Due to the richness of the wildlife and the beauty and diversity of the landscapes in the area, a large portion of the island was also included in the Sirmilik National Park, established in 2001. Hope to sail along the coastline of Bylot Island and enjoy the scenery and outstanding birdlife.

At a latitude almost 75° degrees north, you are now truly in the High Arctic. Here, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of wildlife, giving the area the moniker “wildlife super highway” of the Arctic. Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth and features stunning geology, with flat-topped mountains and glacial valleys giving Devon Island its unique character. Hope to visit Dundas Harbor to enjoy walks on undulating tundra, and perhaps some birdwatching. Other possible places you might visit include Croker Bay and Maxwell Bay. A dilapidated Royal Canadian Mounted Police outpost and remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post can be found here. In the bay, walruses are often present.

Plan to land at Beechey Island, at the western end of Devon Island. Named after Frederick William Beechey, the island is one of Canada’s most important arctic sites and is a designated Canadian National Historic Site. During the Franklin expedition of 1845–46, Franklin attempted to sail through the Northwest Passage with HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, with perilous results–three of his men are buried here. Roald Amundsen landed at Beechey Island in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship to fully transit the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

In true expeditionary style, the itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on unpredictable sea ice. The following places are on the tentative agenda:

Prince Leopold Island 

On the southern side of Lancaster Sound from Beechey Island lie the towering bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island, a historic site where in 1848, English explorer James Clark Ross overwintered during the search for the missing Franklin expedition. Prince Leopold Island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Canadian Arctic, with approximately 500,000 birds nesting here in summer. Ringed seals are often spotted on the sea ice around the island and polar bear often lurk nearby. The shallow gravel beds attract beluga whales, who come to molt in this part of the Arctic each summer.

Cunningham Inlet 

On the north coast of Somerset Island, when factors such as weather and whale behavior align, you might see the amazing spectacle of hundreds of beluga whales shedding their skin on shallow sandy banks. The local scenery makes for excellent guided walks, where waterway trails lead to waterfalls and higher ground.

Coningham Bay 

Across from Victoria Strait, Coningham Bay lies on the shores of Prince of Wales Island. This is a polar bear hotspot where the majestic creatures come to feast on beluga whales that are often trapped in the rocky shallows at the entrance to the bay. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons – and very healthy-looking polar bears!

King William Island 

In 1859, a Franklin expedition tent camp was discovered at Cape Felix. Remains attributed to the Franklin expedition have been found at 35 locations on King William Island and on nearby Adelaide Peninsula. South of Cape Felix, in Victoria Strait, we hope to visit Victory Point and get close to where the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were abandoned in 1848.

Cambridge Bay The administrative and transportation hub of the region, Cambridge Bay is the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage and unofficially marks the midpoint for voyages of the Northwest Passage. Zodiac ashore for an exploration of this Inuit settlement located in the high arctic. Enjoy a walk through the village, where you can visit the local church and visitor center, and support the local community by purchasing some locally made handicrafts. In the old town, plan to visit the ancient archaeological sites of the Pre-Dorset, Dorset and Thule people. Wildlife abounds in this area, and you might see caribou, musk ox and seals. The tundra is ablaze with wildflowers and birds including jaegers, ducks, geese and swans visiting the area in large numbers.

Johansen Bay, Edinburgh Island Edinburgh Island is a small and uninhabited island in Canada’s Nunavut region. The scenery consists of colorful flowering shrubs and beaches tinged in stunning ochres, while the surrounding cliffs are shaded in rich, deep tones. Hope to enjoy a Zodiac excursion within an estuary at the northeast end of Johansen Bay and up the river towards the lake. A possible walk to a lookout overlooking the lake offers spectacular views over lakes, sea and mountains. Wildlife including caribous, reindeer, arctic foxes, hares and peregrine falcons frequent the area.

Jesse Harbor, Banks Island Located in the north of Canada’s Northwest Territories, Banks Island, the fifth largest island in Canada, is home to approximately 60% of the world’s population of Lesser Snow Geese. Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, caribous, musk ox and many birds are also found here. Grizzly bears are occasionally spotted and bowhead whales are often seen offshore. The dramatic cliffs on the southeast coast feature colorful yellow, white and red quartzites, while the west coast is characterized by long, sandy offshore bars. Nelson Head cliffs feature ancient Precambrian rock that is almost 2 billion years old.

Smoking Hills, Franklin Bay The smoking Hills in Canada’s Northwest Territories have been smouldering, sending plumes of gas across the landscape, for centuries. Technically sea cliffs, you would be forgiven for thinking that the multicoloured fiery natural phenomenon is the set to an apocalyptic movie depicting the end of the world. The smoke is caused by layers of combustible, sulphur-rich lignite (brown coal) that ignites and emits sulfurous gas into the air, when exposed to erosion and landslides, which also creates a dazzling coloration of the rocks.

Excitement builds while sailing the Beaufort Sea. Whether you are out on deck or in the comfort of an observation lounge, watch as the captain navigates your state-of-the-art vessel through these waterways, which is frozen for most of the year. Keep a close watch for marine wildlife including beluga whales that are often seen here. At Prudhoe Bay, say farewell to Canada and enter the United States.

While sailing westwards to Nome, along the northern coast of Alaska to where the U.S and Russia are only 60 miles (100 km) apart, separated by the Bering Sea, there is ample time to reflect on your adventures while scanning the water for marine life. Enjoy a massage in the wellness center; share, edit and submit pictures in the photo competition; and attend final lectures from your team of onboard experts. Hope to get permission to cruise close by Point Hope, Little Diomede and King islands in Alaska. Celebrate an unforgettable voyage at the captain’s farewell dinner on board.

In Nome, say farewell to the crew and expedition team after sharing a once-in-a-lifetime voyage together. Disembark and transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Anchorage, where you will stay overnight. A box lunch is provided upon disembarkation, and dinner is on the charter flight.

Hilton Hotel Anchorage (or similar)

Check out of your room and continue your journey home or in Anchorage.

All airport transfers mentioned in itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Toronto on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2; group transfer from the pier to airport on Day 29 ; charter flight from Nome to Anchorage (Economy Class) on Day 29; one night’s hotel accommodation in Anchorage on Day 29 (including breakfast on Day 30); onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; crew gratuities (suite guests only).

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure: 91 days or more – 100% of deposit 90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 2024 Complete Northwest Passage cruise begins in Toronto, Canada (YYZ), and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan flights to arrive to Toronto any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to depart Anchorage any time on Day 30. Airport shuttles are provided by the hotels for your arrival & departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights  resource page.

Internal Flights

Two group charter flights are required on this trip’s itinerary and are included in the listed per-person cabin rates: 1) from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq 2) from Nome to Anchorage. All transfers between the airport and hotels for these charter flights are included. Luggage weight limits for the charter flights are 50lbs for a checked bag, carry-on bags must be under 10 inches by 18 inches by 22 inches (26 cm x 46 cm x 56 cm) with a max weight of 22lbs/10kg.

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Add on kayaking ($1,660 in 2024) to join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. The optional, added-cost, 90-minute helicopter ride in Ilulissiat requires a minimum of 8 people to operate. Please contact AdventureSmith for further details and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits.  Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

2025 Traversing the Northwest Passage Itinerary

Follow the path of Roald Amundsen’s historic expedition over 30 days on this epic expedition where adventure awaits at every turn. In 2025 embark in Nuuk, Greenland and spend one fewer day overall, with notably no visit to Cunningham Inlet for beluga whales.

After breakfast at the hotel, board a charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland, where the ship awaits. Lunch is on the plane. After boarding, there is time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the captain’s welcome dinner.

An optional, added-cost 90-minute helicopter flight over the icefjord is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience here. This excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The 12-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat Airport and sweeps over hills, lakes and ice fjords. Land on the mountain at Kangia, in the middle of the preserved area, where you can revel in the incredible surroundings. On the return flight to Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion. Please note that this excursion requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate.

In true expeditionary style, the itinerary for the following days is heavily dependent on unpredictable sea ice.

In Zodiacs, plan to explore the coastlines, bays and hidden estuaries of the region, and delight in the show of autumn colors during this season of change. Hold your breath as you near the geological wonder evocatively known as the Smoking Hills, where the stench of sulphur rises from below the earth. Where it’s possible to land, stretch your legs on hikes to explore the dramatic landscapes of hills, valleys, cliffs and canyons of the region.

The following places are on the tentative agenda:

Captain Cook Hotel Anchorage (or similar)

Check out of your room and continue your journey in Anchorage or transfer to the airport to head home.

All airport transfers mentioned in itinerary; one night’s hotel accommodation in Toronto on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq on Day 2; group transfer from the pier to airport on Day 28 ; charter flight from Nome to Anchorage (Economy Class) on Day 28; one night’s hotel accommodation in Anchorage on Day 28 (including breakfast on Day 29); onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Add on kayaking ($1,660 in 2025) to join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. The optional, added-cost, 90-minute helicopter ride in Ilulissiat requires a minimum of 8 people to operate. Please contact AdventureSmith for further details and to reserve space with your booking.

Cruise Rates & Dates

Learn all about the small ship on your itinerary.

Sylvia Earle offers a robust menu of adventure activities from kayaking and polar diving to mountaineering and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Cruise responsibly knowing this brand new icebreaker polar expedition ship was built with cutting edge nautical technology including one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world.

Current Deals on This Trip

Solo travelers! Pay no single supplement on select 2024 Arctic expeditions aboard Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.

Save up to 15% and receive $2,500 in air credit per person when you book your 2024 Arctic expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Save up to 25% per person when you book your 2025 Arctic or Northern Europe expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Read a detailed ship review about the identical polar sister ships Greg Mortimer & Sylvia Earle and what they offer travelers. Our expert has been aboard and writes this from his firsthand experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

The Within the Wild luxury Alaska adventure brings travelers into the Alaskan backcountry without sacrificing comfort. Enjoy remarkable helicopter- and floatplane-assisted adventures, hiking, sportfishing and a wellness program with massage and yoga.

This premier Denali National Park base camp, in view of Denali, is located near Wonder Lake at the end of the 92-mile Denali Park Road and offers expert guided explorations and unique hikes.

On this 12-day Alaska wildlife safari, travel farther afield from standard routes, for a genuine Alaskan wilderness adventure. With only 14 or fewer fellow travelers and in the company of top naturalist guides, sample some of Alaska's highlights—with a few by private excursion. Along the way, stay at vetted, authentic Alaskan lodges and hotels.

Trips You Might Also Like

Sail the Northwest Passage in part aboard 132-guest Sylvia Earle or Greg Mortimer. Highlights include visiting Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can add on a helicopter flightsee, and the ease of trip-end charter flights to Calgary, Toronto or Anchorage.

Step aboard hybrid electric icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot to discover the most emblematic and remote sites of the mythical Northwest Passage. Relive the polar adventures of historic explorers in this vast labyrinth of icy channels, exploring one of two routes that allow the Northwest Passage to be crossed.

Complete this epic 22-day voyage from Greenland, along Baffin Island and Canada's northern mainland coast, to Alaska. Board 126-guest National Geographic Resolution, to follow in the footsteps of intrepid Arctic explorers.

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Choose Your Suite Type

Please select your suite type and category from the available options.

Veranda Suite

Approximate total space: 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m.) including veranda of 75 sq. ft. (7 sq. m.)* Suites on Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Penthouse Suite

Approximate total space: 527 sq. ft. (49 sq. m.) including veranda of 97 sq. ft. (9 sq. m.) All Penthouse Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Panorama Penthouse Suite

Suites 513-516, 611-614, 711-714, 802-805; Total space: 417 sq. ft. (39 sq. m.) incl. veranda of 85 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.) All Panorama Veranda Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets. *Some veranda sizes vary.

Owners Suite And Above

Suites 700, 701 Total space 1,023 sq. ft. (95 sq. m.) incl. veranda of 484 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.) Owner's Suites on feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Your Ship: Seabourn Venture

To reach some of the most coveted, remote destinations in the world, Seabourn Venture will be constructed with the hardware and technology necessary to operate capably while delivering a guest experience filled with luxury comforts that leaves travelers wanting for nothing.

• 557 feet Length
• 78 feet Width

Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

BarsandLounges

The Bow Lounge provides the closest access to water level making it the perfect spot for guests to spend some time watching for marine life.

Located on Deck 6, at the forward-most part of the vessel, the Bow Lounge provides the closest access to water level via the foredeck, making it the perfect spot for guests to spend some time watching for marine life. Within a few steps, guests can be outside, with a vantage point that is ideal to watch the ship’s course, spot wildlife, or take in the beautiful natural scenery.

The Bow Lounge introduces some technological enhancements, providing guests with a first for Seabourn with touch screens showing the ship’s plotted location, as well as navigational charts and scientific information used to help guide the ship on its journey. Large screens project live footage from mounted cameras outside the ship, and from a drone when conditions permit, while the touch screen monitors invite guests to explore on their own with a live map, weather information, and notes detailing upcoming expeditions. Expedition Team members will be available within the Lounge throughout the day to interact with guests, answer questions, provide interpretation and aid in spotting wildlife.

The space provides direct access to the Bow Sprit on Deck 6 forward (when conditions permit) to give guests the sensation of standing in front of the ship and views of waves parting and ice sloughing off the bow at the waterline.

*Only on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit

Constellation Lounge

Featuring stunning 270-degree views the Constellation Lounge offers guests a breathtaking perspective on the remote destinations in the world.

The Constellation Lounge is the highest indoor viewing point on each ship. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering guests stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as their eyes can see, heightening their expeditionary spirit while bringing them closer to wildlife and wonders at sea and in port.

In addition, the expedition team will be in the lounge regularly to help identify points of interest, wildlife and geological wonders. Imagine glimpsing killer whales, waddling penguins, and sea lions in Antarctica; sleepy-eyed sloths, sprightly monkeys, and colorful parrots in the rainforests of South and Central America; and icebergs bobbing in the seas and waterfalls rushing over cliffs in the far reaches of the Arctic and Northern Europe – all from the comfort of the Constellation Lounge.

The Constellation Lounge offers Seabourn’s popular Early Morning Riser continental breakfast, while afternoons features the line’s popular and recently enhanced Afternoon Tea service. Steeped in the tradition of proper English tea service, yet as fresh and memorable as a newly brewed pot, the elegant daily tea service incorporates the finest luxury tea brand TWG Tea. As the sun dips and the night sky lights up, live piano entertainment delights guests as cocktails and tapas are served both before and after dinner. 

*Only on Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit

In-Suite Dining

Around the clock for service in your suite. Dinner from The Restaurant menu is served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

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News    May 9, 2019 – 1:30 pm EDT

Canadian Inuit challenge U.S. stance on Northwest Passage

“The Northwest Passage is part of Inuit Nunangat, our Arctic homeland”

The Inuit Circumpolar Council–Canada is pushing back at U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s assertion that Canada’s claim to the Northwest Passage is “illegitimate.”

“The U.S. has a long-contested feud with Canada over sovereign claims through the Northwest Passage,” Pompeo told reporters May 6, the evening before the Arctic Council’s meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland, which all eight circumpolar foreign ministers attended.

This image shows the Arctic routes which the U.S. maintains are international waterways. (File image)

Pompeo’s statement about the Northwest Passage prompted the ICC to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty over the waterway through High Arctic islands.

Canada’s position has long been that the passage is internal and any country that wants to pass through needs permission, but, more than that, “the Northwest Passage is part of Inuit Nunangat, our Arctic homeland,” said Monica Ell-Kanayuk, President of ICC Canada, in a May 8 news release.

Canadian sovereignty is based on Inuit-Crown land claims agreements as well as more than 4,000 years of Inuit land use and occupancy throughout the region, Ell-Kanayuk said.

The Americans, Russians, and no doubt the Chinese routinely send subs through these waters without Canadian consent as they consider them to be international waterways.

Pompeo is just re-iterating a long-standing American position, which is actually strong, as much as it pains me as a Canadian to say it. The only reason that other nations haven’t pushed the international waterway argument much before was that it was moot because of the ice cover. As that changes, expect to see many nations push shipping through the Canadian arctic without seeking Canadian government clearance. We all remember the American Coast Guard Polar Sea – expect to see more of that sort of thing. The Americans just announced the construction of three or 4 dedicated ice breaker Coast Guard ships, expect to see them transiting the arctic in a few years to reinforce the American claim. The Malacca Straits are a very good analogue for the situation in the Canadian arctic. As a Canadian I don’t like it, but the claim of international waterway is strong.

The ICC opinions or protestations are not appearing on anyone’s radar.

I have to disagree with you, Izzy. I don’t believe the claim that the Northwest Passage is an international waterway is as strong as you think. I don’t believe Canada’s claim is as strong as Canada likes to think, either. I did some reading up on it a little while ago and one of the things I found was an article that explained what defines international waters and what defines internal waters. I wish I could find it again, but right now Google results are full of Pompeo. I’ll have to look again later when I have more time or this news blows over. Anyway, in the end it’s a debatable topic, but seems to lean towards Canada’s position that they do indeed have a legitimate claim to these internal waters.

Yes, it is certainly a topic that will keep the lawyers busy, as it can be parsed a number of ways.

At the end of the day though, we have no way to enforcing our will over the region. Hell, I remember how embarrassed I was when the Polar Sea went through and all that we could do was fly overhead dropping weighted Canadian flags on the deck.

I was tangentially (very very) involved with something related to this at the time, and I remember a colleague saying that he hoped that our government didn’t push it too hard, because it was far from guaranteed that Canada had the law on its side. Fortunately, Ronnie and Brian sat down and hashed it out, and there things have sat for 30 years.

If U.S. recognizes the 200-mile territorial waters of Canada, there is a 2km wide separation between Cornwallis Island ( Where Resolute Bay is ) and the northern shores of Boothia Peninsula across Bellot Strait. I don’t think any U.S. fishing vessels operate within Canada’s territorial waters.

Fishing vessels are of little concern, and the 200 mile territorial waters aren’t really what we’re talking about.

The US has created the precedent and other nations’ commercial interests could choose to use this precedent and the Northwest Passage for the tremendous fuel savings it offers. We’re moving from a very few, highly specialized vessels a year to dozens of far less capable ships – just look at the increase in the last 5 years.

It is very conceivable that in a few years we could have Chinese, or Panamanian or Cypriot flagged cargo ships, without the proper hull reinforcement and necessary training, moving through the passage and shaving about 2-3 weeks off of their journey when compared to the Panama Canal.

We are not ready for this. What happens when the first accident comes?

I’m not super worried as the the Russian side is more economical for the time being, but Canada needs to think ahead on these things.

Fishing vessels are of little concern, and the 200 mile territorial waters isn’t really what we’re looking at, we’d be better to look at the continental shelf issues.

Not to worry. It’s highly unlikely that the Northwest Passage will be a regular commercial route for end to end transits any time soon.

The reason is insurance. The NW Passage is too risky which means the cost of insurance is prohibitive. The global marine insurance industry, as they should, is constantly assessing risk and they have concluded NW Passage is just too risky for Europe to Asia shipping.

Check out this quote:

““As things currently stand, the majority of ships and their crews are not ready, the support service facilities are not in place and the risks involved are not understood at a level to enable underwriters to price insurance for Arctic transit with either clarity or certainty,” the report concluded.”

https://www.joc.com/maritime-news/trade-lanes/arctic-shipping-presents-insurance-challenges_20140827.html

Or this quote:

“In spite of the popular concern and enthusiasm surrounding Arctic shipping, our survey of recent Canadian and international studies and data reaffirms that the much-hyped Northwest Passage routes will remain inhospitable to international shipping for the foreseeable future. Fears that cargo ships will carve a new commercial transshipment route through the Canadian archipelago and, in so doing, undermine Ottawa’s internal waters position, are overblown.”

https://www.cgai.ca/on_uncertain_ice

Yeah, there’s the odd one-off voyage but beyond the seasonal summer sealift for Nunavut, Nunavik, NWT, the NW Passage not viable for end to end commercial traffic.

I hope you’re right, but I’m afraid that I expect to see unprepared freighters moving through the area and having accidents within (what remains of) my lifetime.

We have proven ourselves pretty much incapable of providing the necessary emergency services in the region, so I expect it to be a God-awful mess when it happens.

There a common misunderstanding about the issue. The Americans and others don’t dispute that Canada owns the Passage and its resources, and they don’t care how Canada divides it up internally regarding Indigenous peoples. There’s no risk of Americans suddenly showing up to fish everything, or the Chinese claiming an island. Their argument is that Canada can’t prohibit the movement of shipping, that the Arctic Archipelago is no different from the Indonesian Archipelago, and so if anyone can sail between the islands of Sumatra and Java (which they can), then anyone can sail between Victoria Island and the mainland.

Exactly, if it gets treated like an international strait like the Malaccas and freighters start exercising their right of innocent passage we are completely unprepared.

Its extremely unlikely that any “freighters” will exercise a right of innocent passage through the NW Passage any time soon. Do you have any idea what ice conditions were like in Bellot Strait or the Gulf of Boothia last year?

Marine cargo vessels are owned by private businesses. They carry freight on contract to other private businesses or to governments. Shipping companies are not interested in sovereignty or nationalism, their only interest is getting from point A to point B as quickly and cheaply as they can, unload their cargo, then go home and count their profits. They are not going to risk their assets by using a dangerous and unpredictable route like the NW Passage. Their customers will not stand for it and their customers will refuse to pay the astronomical insurance premiums on their cargo.

The biggest shipping risk is posed by cruise ship tourism. This is the sector that emergency management people are worried about right now, and it is a risk that already manifested itself in some increasingly scary cruise ship groundings.I would worry a lot more about cruise ships than about cargo freighters.

This is the sort of stuff that worries me more than the cruise ships.

https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/canadian-inuit-challenge-u-s-stance-on-northwest-passage/?replytocom=7173#respond

https://www.ttnews.com/articles/china-wants-its-cargo-ships-use-faster-northwest-passage-arctic-ocean

Canada should’ve thought about Coast-Coast-Coast long time ago, not just Coast-Coast. When there are financial gains to be had, Inuit are the least subjects to be discussed about.

Ummm, what? National defence and international relations are played out between states, and the concerns of any ethnic group is subordinate to the needs of the country. If governments want to seek out the input of various ethnic groups within those states that is their prerogative, but it is not required. As for the UNDRIP, it is not in any way binding on anyone.

The first issue is determining if the USA supports UNDRIP or not

“There is a finer point on this discussion that can be made when we note that the US Department of State contemplates the UNDRIP principle of “free, prior and informed consent” as meaning, essentially, that American Indian, Alaskan Natives and Hawaiian Natives have the right of “free, prior and informed consent” unless the United States disagrees with the decision made by the indigenous people.”

Well, that’s an easy one. No. The current US administration has made it clear that it does not consider itself bound by international agreements negotiated by previous administrations; nor will it participate in treaties or agreements that will constrain America’s “right” to act unilaterally according to the President’s interpretation of America’s “best interests”.

The UNDRIP is just a declaration and binds no one, it is purely aspirational. The Americans are well within their rights.

I think Mr. Rudden is correct to a degree, in that the current U.S. administration is generally contemptuous of international law and regards many forms of international cooperation as threats to U.S. power.

However, the 1988 arctic cooperation treaty which was signed by Joe Clark and George Schultz is a binding treaty under international law. This treaty requires that all navigation by U.S. icebreakers in Canadian waters must be undertaken with Canada’s consent.

This treaty between Canada and the U.S. can be terminated by either side on three months notice. Despite all his blowhard blustering, George Pompeo did not give notice of termination of this treaty or even talked about doing so. No U.S. adminstration has ever suggested that they would terminate this treaty. So in spite of all of his rhetoric, the treaty is still binding on the U.S. and the U.S. is still constrained by this treaty obligation.

The other thing to consider is that although George Pompeo is an inexperienced disaster as Secretary of State, the State Department is still staffed by numerous professional diplomats who, I’m sure, are working to undermine his buffoonery even as we speak.

Yes, we’ve already showed that we are woefully unprepared for cruise ships, haven’t we. I agree that they are the most likely to show the largest near-term increase, but I’m somewhat less concerned by them. Those cruises are pricey, and the companies that run them tend to be from the nordic countries, or are otherwise experienced with northern sea conditions.

I fully understand what you say about cargo vessels, but sadly there will be some numpty who doesn’t know what they are doing try.

They should just stick to Panama Canal.

If Inuit have legitimate rights to an area that is contested even under broad interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (which the US has never agreed to), then the obvious solution is this. A bilateral friendship and cooperation treaty between the US and Inuit, similar to what is in place for the Panama Canal, but in this case between a sovereign state and an an intra-national interest group.

That would leave Ottawa out in the cold. I suspect that ICC Canada probably does not want to bite the hand that feeds, so indignant blustering is the order of the day.

That assumes that the US has any interest or need to deal with the Inuit of any country outside of the US – they don’t.

Also, the Inuit of Canada and Iceland are in no place to strike bi-lateral agreements with any state, without the consent of Canada or Iceland. That isn’t going to happen. International relations are purely the purview of the federal authorities. The ICC can talk until they are blue in the face, but the governments drive the action, and are the final decision makers.

The whole conversation is a nice pipe dream, but is a complete non-starter.

The Inuit of Iceland?

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami have been holding workshops with youth, who will eventually take the lead on this issue, in all three Inuit regions within Canada since 2015/16. They came out with a paper from various Inuit in Canada and Greenland regarding the increased use of the North West Passage. I believe they have been in discussions with the federal government and others regarding the various requirements and concerns of Inuit in the Northwest Passage. I presume negotiations will be ongoing for a long time as it is not an easy route to travel with no charts as some cruise ships have found, the hard way. The arctic is unpredictable which is why insurance companies will not want to insure carriers taking this route. Even companies that have been using this route for years have trouble such as the suppliers to communities last year.

And just like they did to Hawaii, US business and military will seize control of sovereign states assets, despite International treaties and recognition of their sovereignty rights, they will take what they want because that’s what the strong with powerful militaries do. History is just repeating itself.

Comments are closed.

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Explore the mystifying arctic and antarctica with aurora expeditions.

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People are profoundly impacted by visiting the Arctic.

Exploring some of the most isolated corners of the world often leaves an indelible impression on travelers who develop a connection and care for these places, and it’s rare that people return without their perspectives altered. As a part of their journey to the Arctic and Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions , travelers can give back to the area they’re visiting with Aurora’s Citizen Science Program where they can share new discoveries while deepening their connection to the natural world. By taking part, travelers can provide invaluable data to the scientific community, becoming ambassadors of the planet when returning home by sharing what they’ve learned.

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Parliament speaker in Georgia signs into law a bill that critics say curbs media freedom

T BILISI, Georgia (AP) — The speaker of Georgia's parliament said he signed into law Monday a measure that has drawn weeks of protests by critics who say it will curb media freedom and jeopardize the country's chances of joining the European Union.

Speaker Shalva Papuashvili acted after the legislature, controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party, overrode a veto of the bill by President Salome Zourabichvili .

Approved by lawmakers last month, the measure requires media, nongovernmental organizations and other nonprofit groups to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.

Zourabichvili, who is increasingly at odds with the governing party , had opposed the bill, accusing the party of jeopardizing Georgia's future and “hindering the path toward becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.”

Ghia Nodia, a Tbilisi-based political analyst, said the new law marked a “turning point” for Georgia.

“It is leading the country away from democracy in an authoritarian direction,” he said.

The government argues the law is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million. Many journalists and activists say its true goal is to stigmatize them and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

“This law will stop and will kill the future of Georgia, the future of Georgia in the European Union and North Atlantic (Treaty) Organization,” said journalist Keti Tutberidze.

Opponents have denounced it as “the Russian law” because it resembles measures pushed through by the Kremlin to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists. They say the measure may have been driven by Moscow to thwart Georgia’s chances of further integration with the West.

Zurab Japaridze, head of the opposition Girchi -More Freedom party, said the purpose of the law was to "cleanse this country of the nongovernmental sector, critical media, and opposition parties, and bring us to the reality that exists in Russia.”

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the criticism as “unnecessary emotions that had only an artificial basis.”

"Only the ill-wishers of our country have been defeated,” he said, adding that “now the law has already come into force and we all have to act pragmatically, with a cool mind and put aside unnecessary emotions.”

Over the weekend, the opposition United National Movement said a crowd of masked men attacked its central offices in Tbilisi, smashing windows and damaging property. It alleged the attackers were linked to the ruling party. The Interior Ministry has opened an investigation into the property damage.

The legislation is nearly identical to a measure the ruling party was pressured to withdraw last year after massive street protests. Renewed demonstrations again gripped Georgia as the new bill made its way through parliament this time. Demonstrators scuffled with police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

After signing the bill, Papuashvili reaffirmed that its main purpose was to “increase the resistance of the political, economic and social systems of Georgia to external interference.”

“If nongovernmental organizations and mass media want to participate in the decision-making process and influence the life of the Georgian people with funding from foreign governments, they must meet the minimum standard of transparency — the public must know who is behind each actor,” he said.

Papuashvili said that once the new law is published on Tuesday, the Justice Ministry will have 60 days to complete the necessary formalities. After that, those affected by the law must register and declare their finances for the past year.

Georgia’s Civil Society Foundation, a nongovernment group, said Thursday it was preparing to challenge the legislation in Georgia's constitutional court.

The European Union’s foreign policy arm has said adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.”

The EU offered Georgia candidate status in December, while making it clear that Tbilisi needs to implement key policy recommendations for its membership bid to progress.

Following passage of the bill last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that travel sanctions would be imposed on officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” He voiced hope Georgia's government will reverse course and "take steps to move forward with their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”

The United National Movement describes the law as part of efforts by Georgian Dream to drag the country into Russia’s sphere of influence — a claim the ruling party angrily rejects. Georgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire who made his fortune in Russia.

Relations between the two countries have often been rocky since Georgia became independent after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

In 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Moscow then recognized South Ossetia and another separatist province, Abkhazia, as independent states and strengthened its military presence there. Most of the world considers both regions to be parts of Georgia.

Tbilisi cut diplomatic ties with Moscow, and the status of the regions remains a key irritant even as Russia-Georgia relations have improved in recent years.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: French instructors in Ukraine would be 'legitimate target', Lavrov says on visit to West Africa

Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, is on a tour in West Africa as part of a diplomatic push by the isolated Kremlin to forge new ties around the world. Meanwhile, an upcoming summit on Ukraine will reportedly aim to create a pathway for Russian officials to join future talks.

Wednesday 5 June 2024 19:00, UK

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We're pausing our coverage for today but we will be back tomorrow with more updates.

Here is a rundown of the key developments today:

• Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia, according to an unnamed Western source;
• Joe Biden will hold talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Normandy this week during his visit celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day;
• Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has been visiting countries in Africa as part of an ongoing diplomatic offensive from the Kremlin;
• A former British defence attache has warned Russia's disinformation campaigns are "only going to get worse" as EU parliament elections and the Olympics approach.

You can scroll back through the blog to read all our updates from today.

A 26-year-old man of dual Ukrainian-Russian nationality has been arrested in possession of explosives after some of them detonated in a hotel room north of Paris.

The man was treated by fire-fighters after he "suffered significant burns following an explosion," on Monday, according to a source. 

A source at the French anti-terror prosecutor's office said they had taken charge of the case and opened an investigation on suspicion of a terrorist conspiracy. 

A subsequent search of his room led to the discovery of products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices, the source added. 

France's domestic spy agency DGSI is handling the investigation, Reuters reports. 

Ukraine has used American weapons to strike inside Russia in recent days, according to a Western official.

The weapons were used under recently approved guidance from Joe Biden, allowing US arms to be used to strike inside Russia in defence of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second city.

The official spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Mr Biden's directive allows for US-supplied weapons to be used to strike Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack.

It does not change US policy that directs Ukraine not to use American-provided tactical or long-range missiles and other munitions to make offensive strikes inside Russia, US officials said.

Ukrainian officials had stepped up calls on the US to allow Kyiv's forces to defend themselves against attacks originating from Russian territory.

Kharkiv is 12 miles from the Russian border and has recently come under intensified Russian attack.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Qatar for talks with the state's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Ukrainian president said on X that he planned to discuss Qatar's participation in a process of returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as bilateral economic and security issues.

In March, Ukraine and Russia exchanged six children via Qatari mediation.

Earlier this week, Mr Zelenskyy made a surprise trip to the Philippines to thank the country for agreeing to participate in the upcoming peace summit being held in Switzerland.

A Russian-American man has been sentenced by a St Petersburg court to three-and-a-half years in prison on charges of "rehabilitating Nazism". 

Yuri Malev was arrested in December over social media posts in which he was alleged to have denigrated the Saint George's ribbon, a Russian military symbol of valour. 

One post reportedly contained "obscene language" and another other showed a picture of a corpse wearing the ribbon, captioned: "How to wear the Saint George's ribbon correctly". 

The court in St Petersburg said this showed disrespect for society and insulted the memory of the Great Patriotic War (the Russian name for the Second World War). 

Malev admitted guilt, according to the court. 

He was a graduate of the law faculty of St Petersburg University and had lived in the United States since 1991, according to independent Russian language media.

Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russian authorities, said Malev was a resident of Brooklyn, New York. 

He reportedly entered Russia by bus from Estonia two weeks before he was arrested. 

Moscow routinely refers to the government in Kyiv as a "Nazi regime", despite Volodymyr Zelenskyy being Jewish.

Ukraine has been allowed to shoot down Moscow's planes over Russian territory with American weapons since the war broke out, the White House has clarified.

Ukraine "can shoot down Russian aeroplanes that pose an impending threat", national security spokesman John Kirby said. 

"And they have. They have since the beginning of the war."

The clarification was given due to confusion over Washington’s recent decision to relax rules on US-supplied weapons striking military targets on Russian soil.

Joe Biden gave authorisation for the strikes on a limited basis to help Kyiv defend itself against Kremlin forces advances towards Kharkiv.

Mr Kirby said he could not confirm reports that Ukraine had used US-supplied weapons on Russian territory for the first time.

He told reporters: "We're just not in a position on a day-to-day basis of knowing exactly what the Ukrainians are firing at what.

"It's certainly at a tactical level. So, I can't confirm that. I can tell you that they understand the guidance that they've been given."

By Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent 

Sergei Lavrov's trip to Africa is part of an ongoing diplomatic offensive by the Kremlin, running in parallel to its conflict in Ukraine.

Isolated from the West, Russia is trying to forge new ties and has found fertile ground in Africa.

There have been several coups in recent years that have ushered in anti-Western military juntas.

US troops were kicked out of Niger, for example, while the French had to leave Burkina Faso.

In both cases, Moscow was quick to move in as the new security guarantors, and their efforts clearly don't stop there.

This is the veteran foreign minister Lavrov's ninth visit to the continent since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Kenya, Burundi and South Africa were among his stops last year; this week it's Guinea, Congo and Burkina Faso.

In return for military support, Russia gains an ally - they may not support the war, but they won't criticise it either.

The Kremlin portrays this as the formation of a new world order, free from Western imperialism and hegemony.

But others say Russia are the neo-colonialists, painting this as a blatant attempt to expand their sphere of influence.

Ukraine's first deputy foreign minister has held talks with his Chinese counterpart in an effort to increase cooperation between the two countries, the Ukrainian ministry said. 

Ukraine's Andriy Sybiha also told Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong that he hoped China would participate in a Ukraine-led peace summit later in June. 

Mr Sybiha added that it could be "a good opportunity to make a practical contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace", the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

A report earlier today (see 7.40am post) said that June's peace summit opened doors to "limited talks with Russia" - despite Russian officials not being invited.

Earlier we brought you news that Ukraine said it had shot down 22 of the 27 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight (see 8.04am post). 

Now photographs have emerged of the aftermath of one of the strikes. 

Firefighters work to put out the massive blaze in the Poltava region.

As Russia opens a new front on Ukraine's northeastern border, the war has entered an important phase.

Readers have been sending in their questions to our senior correspondents and military experts for their take on the changing battlefield environment.

Today, Trevor Prew asks:

Are there any signs of an underground Russian resistance operating inside Russia, or can Russians openly criticize Putin, as long as they don't protest on the streets or mention the war.

Russia correspondent Ivor Bennett says:

In a word, no.

There wasn't much opposition to speak of in Russia even before the war, but now there's nothing left whatsoever.

All of Putin's political opponents are either exiled, jailed or dead, as are those with any connections to Alexei Navalny.

Those who dare to speak out are silenced.

At one end, are the long-time critics and opposition activists, like Vladimir Kara-Murza, the dual Russian-British national opposition who is serving a 25-year prison sentence for treason.

But at the other end are ordinary Russians, like the former schoolteacher Nikita Tushkanov sentenced to 5.5 years for comments he made online about Putin.

The crackdown on dissent seemingly knows no bounds and it's created a climate in which those who oppose the war are terrified to speak out.

They do exist - as evidenced by the huge turnout for Navalny's funeral. But that was a unique moment and is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

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