HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Northwest Passage - Across the Top of the World (Alaska to Greenland)

26-day itinerary

Day 1: Starting in Seattle

Your adventure kicks off in Seattle, the vibrant Emerald City on the Pacific coast of the United States.

Consider arriving early to explore the Seattle Aquarium, where you can marvel at sea otters and a giant Pacific octopus. For stunning views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, take a leisurely walk through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park, admiring world-class artwork along the way. And no visit to Seattle is complete without a stop at the iconic Pike Place Market. Operating for over a century, this bustling market offers everything from street performers and cosy bars to the famous salmon-throwing fishmongers.

You’ll spend the night in Seattle before catching your connecting flight to Alaska tomorrow.

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 3-6: 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 7-14: Exploration and adventure

Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through the western reaches of the famed Northwest Passage.

Our excursions begin on day seven as we enter the Western Canadian Arctic. Over the course of this leg, we’ll traverse three distinct regions – Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon – as well as two traditional Inuit Territories, Inuvialuit and Nunavut.

We anticipate up to five days of shore excursions and four transit days, with planned stops at several remarkable locations, including:

• Herschel Island
• Smoking Hills
• Ulukhaktok
• Coronation Gulf
• Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq)
• Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuk)

Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and natural wonders of this remote Arctic region.

Day 15: Bellot Strait

The infamous Bellot Strait marks the dividing line between the western and eastern Canadian Arctic. This narrow passage separates the northernmost tip of mainland North America from Somerset Island, one of the largest islands in the Arctic archipelago.

Stretching approximately 15 nautical miles in length and narrowing to just over half a mile at its tightest point, Bellot Strait presents a formidable challenge. The onboard team’s ability to navigate this passage will depend on prevailing ice and weather conditions.

Day 16-20: The Eastern Canadian Arctic

Welcome to Lancaster Sound, also known as Tallurutiup Imanga, and the gateway to the Northwest Passage.

This outstanding region is home to absorbing Arctic wildlife, stunning scenery, and vibrant Inuit communities. The plan for the expedition here is to sail deep into the south, and over the course of the next three days, possible exploration sites include:

Dundas Harbour

Located on the southern shores of Devon Island, this harbour was previously used as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police post (RCMP), as well as a base for scientific research and exploration. Musk oxen can be frequently spotted in the region, so keep a keen eye out for them during one of the planned hiking trips.

Beechey Island (Iluvilik) 

Holding a significant place in the history of Arctic exploration, this spot is known in particular for the ill-fated Franklin expedition back in 19^th century. Home to several well-preserved grave sites of expeditions members, the island also has a distinct monument dedicated to commemorating previous Arctic exploration efforts.

Croker Bay

Possibly the most scenic and idyllic bay on the south coast of Devon island, Croker Bay is home to two large outlet glaciers plunging down from the island’s ice-cap. With the conditions making it an optimal area for small boat cruising, see if you can spot walruses lounging around the calved ice floes.

Coburg Island (Nirjutiqarvik) 

With the island being an officially protected National Wildlife Area, the abundance of wildlife and ecosystems make this a must-see on your journey. Nirjutiqarvik, meaning ‘The Place of Animals’, is widely renowned for its large seabird colonies, with large populations of thick-billed murres and northern fulmars, while also being a critical feeding ground for large mammals such as whales.

Day 21: 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 22-24: Western Greenland

Your journey concludes along the breath-taking coast of West Greenland.

We begin by sailing into Disko Bay, a rich marine habitat teeming with whales and seals. Over the next three days, you’ll experience some of Greenland’s most iconic sites, including:

Ilulissat

Nestled at the edge of the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—this charming town offers a front-row seat to a constantly shifting gallery of icebergs. Stroll through its colourful streets, browse local craft shops, or take a scenic hike along the icefjord’s dramatic trails.

Sisimiut

Located just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest city, with a history spanning over 4,500 years. Here, ancient traditions remain strong. Visit the local museum to see Saqqaq artifacts or explore the area on a hike. If you’re looking for a special keepsake, consider a scarf, hat, or mittens made from qiviut—the incredibly warm inner wool of the musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep’s wool.

Evighedsfjord

As we venture north, we plan a day of exploration in the mystical Evighedsfjord (the ‘Fjord of Eternity’) near Maniitsoq. Activity options will be determined based on conditions that day.

Fed by an ice cap that births massive icebergs into its 2,300-foot-deep waters, Evighedsfjord is a place of otherworldly beauty. Mist-cloaked mountains rise around it, their snow-covered ridges punctuated by striking blue ice caves—an awe-inspiring farewell to our Arctic adventure.

Day 25: Expedition ends in Nuuk

Today, you’ll arrive in Nuuk, the vibrant capital of Greenland. Home to 18,000 residents, the city showcases a striking blend of historic charm and modern innovation.

Discover Nuuk’s past and present – from the historic Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral to the sleek, contemporary design of the Parliament of Greenland.

As your Arctic adventure comes to a close, you’ll board a flight from Nuuk to Copenhagen, where an overnight stay marks the final chapter of your journey.

Day 26: Back to Copenhagen

After breakfast at the hotel, take some time to explore Copenhagen before your onward flight home.

This stylish and compact city is filled with architectural gems, cozy coffee shops, and lush parks. Stroll through the vibrant Nyhavn district, where colourful canal-side buildings provide the perfect backdrop for people-watching and enjoying a classic Danish pastry.

MS Roald Amundsen