Voyage Overview
Embark on an epic journey across the Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska,
and follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers who searched for centuries for a northwest route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Experience this epic quest aboard National Geographic Resolution and discover the otherworldly icescapes that challenged generations of adventurers.
Trip Details
Duration: 23 Days
Ship: National Geographic Resolution, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Reykjavik, Iceland
End: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Highlights:
- Venture into the fabled Northwest Passage and learn dramatic stories of explorers and adventurers who sought this magnificent, icy frontier
- Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Visit one of Canada’s “jewels of the north”: Pond Inlet, a small Inuit community known for soapstone carvings
- Observe polar bears, walruses, ringed seals, belugas, and bowhead whales—and, with luck, the elusive narwhal
- Meander through the remains of historic dwellings on Herschel Island, a scattered mixture from the Inuvialuit people and the once-booming whaling industry
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Days 1-2: Arrive Reykjavík, Fly to Nuuk & Embark
Day 3: Greenland’s West Coast and Sisimiut
Day 4: Disko Bay / Ilulissat
Days 5-7: Exploring East Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
Days 8-17: Exploring the Northwest Passage
Day 18: At Sea
Day 19: Herschel Island, Yukon Territory
Days 20-22: At Sea
Day 23: Diesmbark Nome, Alaska, U.S.
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavík and enjoy a morning excursion in the Reykjavík region as your first introduction to the land of Fire and Ice. After lunch, check into your centrally located hotel in Reykjavík and enjoy exploring the quaint capital city streets at your leisure. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Reykjavík / Nuuk, Greenland / Embark Ship
Fly from Reykjavík by chartered aircraft to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital thriving capital city. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a scenic sailing out of the Nuuk fjord and into the open water of the Davis Strait, as we navigate north along the coastline. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Greenland’s West Coast and Sisimiut
The massive ice sheet that blankets much of Greenland feeds dozens of fjords and glaciers on the dramatic western coast. Be on the lookout for humpback and minke whales as we trace these rugged shores. During a stop at the former whaling port of Sisimiut, visit the local museum and stroll among the town’s 18th-century wooden buildings. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Disko Bay / Ilulissat
Sail into Disko Bay to explore the World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, a tongue of the Greenland ice sheet that extends to the bay. Here, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves enormous amounts of ice at an astonishing rate, releasing icebergs that can soar up to 300 feet. A cruise among these gigantic sculptures of ice is a highlight of our voyage. Explore the remains of the historic fishing village of Sermermiut and take in spectacular views of the ice-laden mouth of the fjord. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-7: Exploring East Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada
We begin our exploration of the Canadian High Arctic with a visit to the small Inuit community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut. Explore some of the beautiful bays and inlets along Baffin Island’s Lancaster Sound, a favorite Inuit hunting and fishing location for hundreds of years. Carved by Ice Age glaciers, Lancaster Sound is also the eastern gateway to the Arctic Archipelago, where European explorers like William Baffin first ventured in the 17th century to search for the Northwest Passage. Our days here are spent searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales. Visit Devon Island and take a walk with our ship’s archaeologist to learn about the Thule people—ancestors of the modern Inuit—that once inhabited this region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8-17: Exploring the Northwest Passage
Our ice-strengthened ship, National Geographic Resolution, navigates the Northwest Passage following nature’s path—dependent on ice and weather conditions. Taking our cues from nature, we follow wildlife, stop for hikes on the tundra, or drop anchor in a beautiful fjord or an icy bay to explore and kayak beneath massive ice sculptures and soaring cliffs.
Along the way, explore ice-studded channels and glacier-carved islands that stretch for hundreds of miles—a stunning display of raw geology; survey the rocky, “Mars-like” terrain of uninhabited Devon Island; sail past the northernmost part of mainland North America in the Bellot Strait, one of the narrowest and most infamous of the passage; and cross the top of the Northwest Territory of Canada to search for ringed seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales.
History and culture are also on the itinerary. Learn about the Inuit peoples who have hunted and fished here for thousands of years. And hear heroic stories of the early explorers: Roald Amundsen, John Ross, William Edward Parry, and James Clark Ross, among others. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: At Sea
Indulge in National Geographic Resolution’s amenities as we continue along the shores of the Canadian High Arctic. Soak in the ship’s infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, take in panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck, and enjoy talks from our onboard experts. Take time to reflect on the amazing wildlife and geology that have highlighted our journey so far. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Herschel Island, Yukon Territory
Once a thriving whaling village off the coast of the Yukon Territory, Herschel Island is now classified as a Natural Environmental Park. The island protects the wildlife alongside the heritage of the Inuvialuit people and the whaling industry. As we wander through Herschel’s historic dwellings, keep an eye out for the wildlife residents, which include bears, musk oxen and arctic foxes. The area is also home to the largest colony of black guillemots in the Western Arctic. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 20-22: At Sea
As we continue to sail westward along the northern coast of Alaska, reflect on our adventures while scanning the water for marine life and enjoying life on board. Take a yoga class, unwind with a massage in the wellness center, and curl up next to the fireplace in the library. Share images with our Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photography instructor, and marvel at footage captured by the ship’s underwater camera. Our voyage culminates with a farewell dinner on board. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23: Nome, Alaska, U.S. / Disembark Ship / Home
Arrive in the remote city of Nome, Alaska, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board. Disembark to explore the town prior to our flight to Anchorage. In Anchorage, transfer to flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Resolution
Setting sail in 2025, the new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
National Geographic Resolution Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The largest and most luxurious accommodations on the National Geographic Resolution. The suites feature a sitting area with pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk, chair and espresso maker. The private balcony has two chairs and a hammock. There is a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
430 sq. ft. (39.9 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Junior suite featuring a private balcony, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. There is just one Category 6 cabin on the ship so it typically sells out far in advance. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per voyage.
344 sq. ft. (32 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Cabin with private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom. Category 5 cabins are situated high on the ship with quick access to the Observation Deck and bridge.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 4
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Category 4 cabins are on the same deck as the main lounge where most lectures take place. Cabins feature a private balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 3
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
The lowest priced cabins with a private balcony. Cabins feature a private balcony, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The most mid-ship cabins on the Main Deck, where the restaurant is located.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 2
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
Cabin with two large windows, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom. The lowest & most mid-ship cabin location on the ship.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category 1
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
These entry level double occupancy cabins have a forward location on the Fore Deck. Cabins feature two large windows, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
183 sq. ft. (17 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 twin
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
Category B Solo
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Solo occupancy cabin with private balcony that features a writing desk with an office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 twin
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
An expedition cruise to the Polar regions is a fantastic trip for solo travelers. On most ships, there is the option to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender to keep the pricing down. Solo occupancy cabins are also an option for guests who prefer to have their own space. Please reach out for more information and pricing for solo travelers.
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