Northwest Passage Cruises
Duration: 16-29 Days
A voyage into the Northwest Passage is a journey into the past to experience one of the most legendary stories of polar exploration and discovery. In addition to the fascinating historical elements and wildlife opportunities, guests may also get to visit local communities to experience Inuit culture. The Northwest Passage is the summer home for a large amount of seabirds and marine mammals.
We offer a variety of Northwest Passage cruises from 16 – 17 day partial transits including West Greenland to longer 24+ day full transits between Greenland and Alaska.
Top Reasons to Book a Northwest Passage Cruise
- Explore unique historical sites such as Beechey Island where three graves from Franklin’s crew reside.
- Experience Inuit culture while visiting some of the world’s most northern communities.
- Chances for wildlife including polar bears, seals, whales, musk oxen, walruses & seabirds.
- Explore both West Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic in one voyage.
- Chances of spotting the northern lights (late August – September departures only)
Highlights
History
Inuit Culture
Wildlife
Top Northwest Passage Cruises in 2026
Into the Northwest Passage
Dates: Aug 26 – Sep 11, 2026 (17 Days)
Ocean Victory – AC, Premium Ship, 186 Guests
Traversing the Northwest Passage
Dates: Aug 20 – Sep 17, 2026 (29 Days)
Greg Mortimer, Premium Ship, 130 Guests
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
Dates: Aug 31 – Sep 16, 2026 (17 Days)
Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Out of the Northwest Passage
Dates: Sep 11 – 27, 2026 (17 Days)
Ocean Victory – AC, Premium Ship, 186 Guests
Top Northwest Passage Cruises in 2027
Northwest Passage: Alaska to Greenland
Dates: July 29 – Aug 21, 2027 (24 Days)
National Geographic Resolution, Luxury Ship, 138 Guests
Out of the Northwest Passage
Dates: Sep 10 – 26, 2027 (17 Days)
Ocean Victory – AC, Premium Ship, 186 Guests
Northwest Passage – Westbound
Dates: Aug 30 – Sep 14, 2027 (16 days)
Sylvia Earle, Premium Ship, 130 Guests
Ellesmere Island and North Greenland
Dates: Aug 19 – 31, 2027
Ocean Nova, Expedition Ship, 75 Guests
Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route
Dates: Aug 16 – Sep 1, 2027 & Aug 30 – Sep 15, 2027 (17 days)
Ship Ultramarine, Premium Ship, 199 Guests
Start Planning your Expedition to the Northwest Passage
Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth. Browse our itineraries and start planning your voyage now!
Start Your Journey Today!
Join us for an extraordinary journey combining history, culture, wildlife and scenery all in one trip.
Photo by Acacia Jonson
Northwest Passage Cruises FAQ’s
When do Northwest Passage voyages operate?
Northwest Passage cruises are typically only offered in August and September. The earlier departures will be better for birds while the September departures have good chances for northern lights.
Where do these voyages begin?
Northwest Passage voyages are accessed by charter flights from Canadian gateway cities or from Reykjavik, Iceland depending on the ship. Many voyages are also combined with West Greenland.
I want sail all the way from Greenland to Alaska, is this an option?
Yes! We do offer complete transits of the Northwest Passage which range from 23 – 30 days in duration. If you are not able to travel for 23+ days, we also offer partial transits from 13 – 17 days.
What type of wildlife will I see?
The Northwest Passage is the summer home for a large amount of seabirds and marine mammals. Common bird sightings include thick billed murres, arctic terns, ivory gulls, northern fulmers, blacked-legged kittiwakes, black guillemonts, gry & peregrine falcons, geese & snow buntings. When out on deck keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, beluga and bowhead whales as well as ringed, harped and bearded seals. On the tundra there are chances for musk oxen, arctic fox and hare sightings. While no specific sightings can be guaranteed in advance, the staff will do their best to spot wildlife.
