Hurtigruten Expeditions The Northwest Passage - In the Wake of Great Explorers (Eastbound)

26-day itinerary

Day 1: Vibrant Vancouver

Your exhilarating expedition cruise will commence in the bustling city of Vancouver. There is something for everyone in one of Canada’s youngest cities. Indulge in the city’s global cuisine as you dine out in Chinatown, Punjabi Market or Little Italy as you immerse yourself in the region’s wonderful atmosphere.

Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, is certainly worth experiencing, with a hike up the Vancouver Lookout uncovering some of the best views of the city, including the picturesque Stanley Park, Granville Street, as well as the beautiful West End beaches.

With an overnight stay in a centrally located hotel being included in your package, enjoy a relaxing night before you head to Nome the following day. Fancy some additional time to explore more of the wonders of Vancouver? Take advantage of one of the pre-programme packages available to travellers, with a multiple day scenic journey into the Canadian wilderness aboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train involved within the programme.

Day 2: No place like Nome

Prior to boarding the state-of-the-art MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship, enjoy a day of exploration discovering the mysteries of Nome. With explorers visiting the region since the late 1800s in search for gold, Nome still displays its Gold-Rush era heritage, with abandoned dredges, steam engines and old railroad tracks, all adding to the sombre and unique atmosphere in the area.

A key strategic point for many explorers, the legendary Roald Amundsen used Nome as the end point for three of his polar expeditions, with arguably the most notable expedition being an aircraft attempt to reach the North Pole in 1926.

Day 3-7: Discoveries at sea

Over the course of the coming days, you will be sailing from Nome to the Northwest Passage and beyond, preparing yourself for the adventures which lie ahead. As you settle into the groove of sea travel, the Expedition Team will be hosting a number of lectures to offer insights into the upcoming landscapes and settings. Some of the  lectures may include topics such as glaciology, tectonic activity, wildlife protection, as well as the guidelines for meeting local communities to respect their different cultures.

During your transition through the Bering Strait, scan for the plethora of seabirds in the area including Black-legged Kittiwakes, auklets and murrelets. After this, the cruise will reach the northernmost point of the United States after arriving at the Beaufort Sea and Point Barrow, and while here, be sure to keep an eye out for the elusive bowhead and grey whales.

Day 8-17: The Northwest Passage exploration

Prepare to enter full adventure mode as the cruise begins its crossing of Canada’s stunning Arctic archipelago. Due to conditions being continually interchangeable, you will get to fully experience the trials and tribulations suffered by pioneering explorers who have previously visited the region. However, your spectacular MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship is completely acclimated to these harsher conditions, with your experienced captain navigating the surroundings to successfully travel from the Atlantic to the Pacific via this iconic sea route.

Some potential destinations on your journey include Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbour, Fort Ross, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay and Smoking Hills. While exploring these sites, be sure to keep a keen eye out for the abundant array of different Arctic wildlife, such as whales, seals, narwhals and even the elusive polar bear.

As ever, ice and sea conditions may change unexpectedly, and the veteran Expedition Team will adapt to conditions to ensure landings are carried out as efficiently as possible.  If weather permits, the team will take you on small expedition boats cruising through ice floes, whilst also heading ashore to witness the idyllic wilderness up close and personal.

The cruise will attempt to reach Pond Inlet and the  Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island. There will also be an effort to visit the world’s largest uninhabited island, Devon Island, to learn about Dundas Harbour’s Thule heritage.

You’ll also head to an historic Hudson Bay Trading Post in Fort Ross, before gaining insights about how the legendary Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit while at Gjoa Haven.

Day 18: Sailing across Baffin Bay

After completing the wondrous adventures in Canada’s Northwest Passage, the cruise expedition will then be sailing towards Greenland via the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay. Spend this time broadening your knowledge of Arctic Canada by attending one of the fascinating lectures held by the onboard Expedition Team, or visit the Science Centre to check out some of the Citizen Science on offer for you to contribute towards.

Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely day making the most of the hot-tub and sauna facilities on the MS Roald Amundsen as you sail serenely past the iceberg-studded waters. The onboard team will also be on hand to carry out wildlife watches so that you can witness more of Greenland’s ecosystem, with the Explorer Lounge and Bar being open to travellers who wish to catch up with their fellow travellers over a refreshing drink.

Day 19: UNESCO recognised Ilulissat Icefjord

A modern-day utopia for a wide variety of wildlife, Disko Bay will be the next stop on your adventure. With the waters scattered by icebergs in many shapes and sizes after coming from the Ilulissat Icefjord, this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination on this cruise. Immerse yourself in the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway towards the eye-catching icefjord.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to capture stunning images of the pristine landscape, while marvelling at the giant icebergs floating in the serene blue waters. Once back in Ilulissat, visit the icefjord Centre to learn more about the history of the ice is in this otherworldly area, whilst also taking a hike to Sermermiut to revel in some more of the fascinating views.

Day 20: : Spectacular Sisimiut

Enjoy a warm welcome to the Arctic Greenland as your expedition reaches Sisimiut, located 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. With its location making it an ideal place to witness the unique Midnight Sun at the height of Summer, Sisimiut is a must-see destination while on this journey.

Old traditions are still alive and well here, and you can visit the local museum to gain further insights into the ancient Saqqaq culture.  If you’re looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

Day 21-22: Crossing the Labrador Sea

As the expedition leaves Greenland behind, you will then be continuing to Canada, crossing the Labrador Sea in the process. Upon entering the Davis Strait, named after British explorer John Davis, you will be able to gain more insights from the Expedition Team regarding a range of different topics including, Northern Labrador’s wildlife, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.

Passengers will be offered the unique opportunity to join Citizen Science programmes, contributing towards scientific study. With the strait being rich in wildlife, help photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds in the skies above, to aid research in the GLOBE programme.

Day 23: The history of Red Bay

Look out for humpback and minke whales as the expedition heads to Red Bay. Considered to be one of the world’s most crucial underwater archaeological sites because of its ice-cold waters which conceal a number of wrecked whaling boats, Red Bay also holds a significant historical importance, with it being used as a mooring site for naval vessels during WW2.

Check out the local museum to see a 26 ft chalupa, whaling boat, whilst also visiting the Red Bay National Historic Site to search for whale bones. Why not also take a fun detour to try and find Kidd’s buried treasure around Tracy Hill, with the spectacular viewpoint at the hill’s summit making the journey completely worth it.

Day 24: Classic Corner Brook

Following in the legendary footsteps of Captain James Cook, the cruise will then be sailing into the Bay of Islands towards the historic city of Corner Brook. Immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating culture and traditions, whilst also paying a visit to the Corner Brook Museum to discover a collection of interesting artifacts.

Marvel at the captivating views at the summit of Crow Hill, or take a scenic hike around the Corner Brook Stream trail. Alternatively, the stunning Gros Morne National Park is certainly worth seeing first hand, along with the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, which also features a scenic drive.

Day 25: Final day at sea

During your penultimate day on your unforgettable expedition journey, take this time to unwind and reflect on your amazing experiences aboard the excellent MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship.

Recount your favourite memories with your fellow travellers while in the Explorer lounge and bar, and take advantage of the outstanding spa and wellness facilities onboard. Fancy bolstering your knowledge about Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage? Join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre discuss your final Citizen Science observations, and choose your favourite pictures with the onboard photographer.

Day 26: Halifax arrival

Your exhilarating expedition cruise of the Northwest Passage concludes in the historic Halifax. An intriguing mix of red-brick heritage buildings, landmark Citadel Hill National Historic Site and epic 2.5-mile seafront boardwalk, Halifax is the ideal end poit for your unique adventure.

Halifax Common is home to Canada’s oldest park, dating back to 1763, and is easily accessible for travellers to walk to. Be sure to visit one of the city’s art galleries and museums to immerse yourself in the local culture, and check out the Titanic exhibition at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

With there being so much to experience and with such little time to pack everything in, why not join an optional post-programme package to explore the city in greater depth.

Flights

• Economy class flight from Vancouver to Nome

Hotel

• Overnight in Vancouver before the Expedition cruise, including breakfast

Transfers

• Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Vancouver before the expedition cruise
• Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nome before the expedition cruise

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Centre, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

What’s not included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Ms Roald Amundsen