Northwest Passage
Snapshot
- 21 days
- Aboard the MS Fram
- Cruising Collection
- Cambridge Bay to Boston
- Hosted by Christa Kinnear
- Departs 08 September 2024
From
$40,399*
per solo traveller
BOOK NOW
Overview
Explore Greenland's incredible wildlife, history and culture, including stunning UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord and the capital, Nuuk. Then we sail onto Newfoundland and Labrador, visiting the UNESCO-listed former whaling station in Red Bay and charming Corner Brook.
Solo cabin from $40,399 per person SAVE $12,536!
Twin Share from $22,275 per person SAVE $6,598pp!
*Advertised price is per solo traveller, inclusive of savings amount and is correct as of 2 May 2024 based on 8 September 2024 departure in a Polar Outside Cabin.
Inclusions
Flights
- Economy class flight from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay
Hotel
- Overnight in Edmonton before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
Transfers
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Edmonton before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Cambridge Bay before the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune
- 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, library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
- Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscapes and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, sauna and indoor gym
- 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
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Explore Edmonton
Enjoy the lively and colourful city of Edmonton during an overnight stay. Add an optional Pre-programme to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.
DAY 2 - Wildlife of Cambridge Bay
Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay
A morning flight from Montréal brings you to wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay. It's home to fewer than 2,000 residents, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station – an important centre for climate change research – and Arctic char, musk oxen and caribou.
It's only fitting that your expedition starts here, where Arctic explorers like Roald Amundsen once sheltered before attempting the legendary Northwest Passage.
MS Fram will be ready and waiting. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and meet your Expedition Team, who will talk you through guidelines on protecting wildlife habitats and visiting Arctic communities in a responsible and respectful way.
DAY 3-10 - The Northwest Passage
Crossing a historical sea corridor through Canada's Arctic archipelago
Like pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our ice class ship through the Northwest Passage. We plan to land at sites such as Gjoa Haven, Fort Ross, Dundas Harbour and Pond Inlet, if conditions are favourable.
DAY 11 - Sailing across Baffin Bay
Relax and learn as we sail towards Greenland
Leaving Canada behind, we'll cross the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay to Greenland. Join the Expedition Team for more insightful lectures on your adventures ahead. Topics may include local wildlife, geology, culture, and historic explorers. You can also pick up some photography tips on how to best capture the awe-inspiring scenery all around you.
Get your pulse up in the gym or relax in the sauna or one of the outdoor hot tubs. Or just sit back and enjoy the seascape pass you by from the panoramic windows of the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
DAY 12 - UNESCO-listed Ilulissat
The town where you can see and hear the ice flow
Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. You’re in for a unique experience. Nestled in magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Against a backdrop of colourful houses is an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs.
Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters, as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. With the help of the ship’s photographer, even amateur photographers will be able to capture the nuances of these sculptures of nature.
DAY 13 - Spectacular Sisimiut
Explore ancient traditions in Arctic Greenland
We reach Sisimiut, Greenland’s second city. It sits in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years.
Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum.
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. Or why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike.
DAY 14 - Colourful Nuuk
Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk
Your Northwest Passage expedition cruise continues on to Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings.
Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland building.
Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene.
DAY 15 - Expedition day
Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords
We plan to spend the day experiencing Greenland’s west coast fjords region and its sublime scenery. These fjord landscapes have been carved by ice over millennia. Since conditions can vary, we won't know exactly what's in store until the day itself.
Your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure. We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike or launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything!
DAY 16 - Crossing the Labrador Sea
Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science
Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.
The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program.
DAY 17 - The history of Red Bay
Explore this extraordinary former whaling settlement
Look out for humpback or minke whales as we approach Red Bay – the very creatures that drew whalers to this harbour in the 17th century.
The ice-cold waters around Red Bay hide a number of wrecked chalupas – or small whaling boats – and galleons, making it one of the world's most important underwater archaeological sites.
Visit the local museum to see a 26 ft. chalupa and look for whale bones in the protected Red Bay National Historic Site. Why not search for pirate captain Kidd's buried treasure around Tracey Hill; you may not find gold doubloons, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic view.
DAY 18 - Classic Corner Brook
Step back in time in this charming Newfoundland city
We'll follow in Captain James Cook's footsteps as we sail into the Bay of Islands towards the traditional city of Corner Brook. Discover the area's fascinating history and collection of artifacts at the Corner Brook Museum.
Take in great views from Crow Hill or take a guided hike along the Corner Brook Stream trail. You can also opt for a visit to Gros Morne National Park and the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, which also features a scenic drive.
Before we depart, we'll enjoy a performance by local folk music performers and storytellers.
DAY 19-20 - Days at sea
Reflecting on your epic expedition
As your Northwest Passage expedition cruise draws to a close, take time to unwind aboard your comfortable ship and imagine the challenges the great explorers before you would have faced.
Soak in the hot tub, work out in the gym, make use of the Science Center, or just relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Join the Expedition Team to recap the highlights of this incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Spend time in the Science Center wrapping up your Citizen Science observations or pick out your favourite images with our onboard photographer.
DAY 21 - Arriving in Boston
Disembark in the cosmopolitan capital of New England
Your expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage ends in Boston. One of the major cities of the east coast, this thriving and European-looking city is a fitting place to end your Northwest Passage experience.
Boston’s rich history is infused into its many districts, with grand Colonial era buildings intermixing with a thoroughly modern city centre. Discover Colonial era and revolutionary history in abundance or visit the campuses of some of the world’s most respected and influential universities. Or simply relax in bar or restaurant and go over your recent adventure with some of your new-found friends!
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.