Northwest Passage Cruises

The Northwest Passage, the fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through Canada's Arctic archipelago, is one of the most legendary and challenging cruise destinations on Earth. For centuries, explorers from Martin Frobisher to Sir John Franklin attempted to navigate these ice-choked waters — often with tragic results.

Today, modern ice-strengthened expedition ships successfully transit the passage during the brief Arctic summer (August–September), when sea ice retreats enough to allow navigation through the narrow channels between Canada's northernmost islands. A full transit typically takes 20–25 days, sailing between Greenland and Alaska.

The voyage passes through breathtaking Arctic landscapes — towering icebergs, fog-shrouded channels, and vast tundra plains inhabited by muskoxen, caribou, and Arctic foxes. Inuit communities along the route welcome visitors with cultural demonstrations, throat singing, and traditional drum dancing. The voyage also visits historic sites associated with the Franklin expedition, including Beechey Island where three crew members are buried.