Northwest Passage and Northern Lights cruise

Embark on a captivating luxury cruise tracing the historic Northwest Passage. From Nuuk to the Arctic waters of Nunavut, explore glacial landscapes, remote Inuit communities, and extraordinary wildlife including polar bears and narwhals.


Greenland
© SWA

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights.
Starts: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Ends: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


This luxury cruise traces the historic Northwest Passage, taking travelers from Greenland’s capital to the dramatic Arctic waters of Nunavut, Canada. Throughout the journey, passengers will discover an untamed geography where the colossal icebergs of Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, coexist with vibrant Inuit culture in remote settlements. The expedition offers unique encounters with polar wildlife, allowing for sightings of polar bears, muskoxen, and the elusive narwhal in their natural habitat, while delving into the fascinating history of the explorers who sought this maritime route for centuries.

During the voyage, extreme adventure is combined with the highest onboard comfort. Participants can take part in Zodiac excursions, historical hikes to ancient remains of lost expeditions, and local cultural events. Sea days are an opportunity to learn from experts in educational lectures or enjoy panoramic views from the observation decks. This Arctic odyssey is designed to provide a deep immersion into nature and history, culminating with the possibility of witnessing the mystical Northern Lights in one of the most isolated and beautiful corners of the planet.

Highlights:
Historic navigation through the Northwest Passage visiting iconic sites like Beechey Island.
Arctic wildlife spotting including polar bears, narwhals, and large colonies of beluga whales.
Cultural immersion in remote Inuit communities across Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.
Exploration of the Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expedition activities such as Zodiac cruises and guided hikes through the wild tundra.

Itinerary

© SWA
© SWA
© SWA

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq
Arctic gateway
A former WWII airbase, Kangerlussuaq is now a wildlife haven for muskoxen and arctic foxes. Upon arrival, we embark our boutique ship to begin the journey through the tundra-fringed fjord.

Day 2: Sisimiut
Inuit tradition and adventure sports
Sisimiut is a hub of living culture where dog sledding remains vital. We will take part in local cultural events, tasting authentic delicacies, and have the option of historical hikes to see ancient Dorset and Thule artifacts.

Day 3: Disko Bay
Realm of the icebergs
Home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, this UNESCO site features some of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. We will explore Qeqertarsuaq village, which maintains Inuit traditions amidst monumental ice landscapes.

Day 4: Day at sea
Relaxation and oceanic learning
A day to enjoy the observation decks, the library, or attend expert lectures on Arctic history and geology as we sail towards Canada.

Day 5: Pond Inlet, NU
Canada’s jewel of the north
Arrival at Baffin Island, a prime breeding ground for narwhals. We will go ashore by Zodiac to meet the Mittimatalik community, renowned for stone carving and printmaking, and visit traditional sod houses.

Day 6: Croker Bay
Glacier navigation
Explore by Zodiac this deep inlet on Devon Island, where the huge South Croker Bay Glacier calves into the sea under the watch of seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes.

Day 7: Radstock Bay and Beechey Island, NU
In Franklin’s footsteps
Visit historic sites where Sir John Franklin wintered in 1845. In Radstock Bay, we will seek archaeological secrets beneath Caswall Tower, discovering ancient sledge tracks and camps.

Day 8: Port Leopold and Batty Bay, NU
Isolation and trading posts
Explore a former Hudson’s Bay Company post. Port Leopold offers landscapes of raw beauty where Arctic wildlife inhabits terrain frozen in time.

Day 9: Bellot Strait and Strzelecki Harbor, NU
Narrow passages and beluga whales
Navigate this 2-km wide strait separating Somerset Island from the mainland. In Strzelecki Harbor, nutrient-rich waters attract narwhals and polar bears.

Day 10: Cunningham Inlet, NU
Beluga sanctuary
Witness a unique natural spectacle: up to 2,000 beluga whales gather in the estuary to molt and socialize. We can observe their activities from close-up on the shore.

Day 11: Day at sea
Sailing Arctic waters
A day of rest on board as we cross back eastward. An ideal time to perfect photography skills with the onboard professionals.

Day 12: Buchan Gulf, NU
Cliffs and ancient relics
A remote fjord on Baffin Island crucial for seabird nesting. We will explore Icy Arm, where remains of semi-subterranean Thule homes dot the tundra.

Day 13: Qikiqtarjuaq
Hospitality at the edge of the world
Surrounded by glaciers and mountains, this community welcomes us with pride in its traditions. Look for bowhead whales, ringed seals, and majestic icebergs on their southward path.

Day 14: Day at sea
Final crossing to Greenland
Reflect on the expedition with fellow travelers. Attend the Captain’s Farewell cocktail party as the ship crosses back toward Kangerlussuaq.

Day 15: Kangerlussuaq
End of the Arctic expedition
Return to Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After a final breakfast on board, disembark to start the journey home, carrying memories of one of the planet's most pristine regions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kangerlussuaq
Arctic gateway
A former WWII airbase, Kangerlussuaq is now a wildlife haven for muskoxen and arctic foxes. Upon arrival, we embark our boutique ship to begin the journey through the tundra-fringed fjord.

Day 2: Sisimiut
Inuit tradition and adventure sports
Sisimiut is a hub of living culture where dog sledding remains vital. We will take part in local cultural events, tasting authentic delicacies, and have the option of historical hikes to see ancient Dorset and Thule artifacts.

Day 3: Disko Bay
Realm of the icebergs
Home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, this UNESCO site features some of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. We will explore Qeqertarsuaq village, which maintains Inuit traditions amidst monumental ice landscapes.

Day 4: Day at sea
Relaxation and oceanic learning
A day to enjoy the observation decks, the library, or attend expert lectures on Arctic history and geology as we sail towards Canada.

Day 5: Pond Inlet, NU
Canada’s jewel of the north
Arrival at Baffin Island, a prime breeding ground for narwhals. We will go ashore by Zodiac to meet the Mittimatalik community, renowned for stone carving and printmaking, and visit traditional sod houses.

Day 6: Croker Bay
Glacier navigation
Explore by Zodiac this deep inlet on Devon Island, where the huge South Croker Bay Glacier calves into the sea under the watch of seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes.

Day 7: Radstock Bay and Beechey Island, NU
In Franklin’s footsteps
Visit historic sites where Sir John Franklin wintered in 1845. In Radstock Bay, we will seek archaeological secrets beneath Caswall Tower, discovering ancient sledge tracks and camps.

Day 8: Port Leopold and Batty Bay, NU
Isolation and trading posts
Explore a former Hudson’s Bay Company post. Port Leopold offers landscapes of raw beauty where Arctic wildlife inhabits terrain frozen in time.

Day 9: Bellot Strait and Strzelecki Harbor, NU
Narrow passages and beluga whales
Navigate this 2-km wide strait separating Somerset Island from the mainland. In Strzelecki Harbor, nutrient-rich waters attract narwhals and polar bears.

Day 10: Cunningham Inlet, NU
Beluga sanctuary
Witness a unique natural spectacle: up to 2,000 beluga whales gather in the estuary to molt and socialize. We can observe their activities from close-up on the shore.

Day 11: Day at sea
Sailing Arctic waters
A day of rest on board as we cross back eastward. An ideal time to perfect photography skills with the onboard professionals.

Day 12: Buchan Gulf, NU
Cliffs and ancient relics
A remote fjord on Baffin Island crucial for seabird nesting. We will explore Icy Arm, where remains of semi-subterranean Thule homes dot the tundra.

Day 13: Qikiqtarjuaq
Hospitality at the edge of the world
Surrounded by glaciers and mountains, this community welcomes us with pride in its traditions. Look for bowhead whales, ringed seals, and majestic icebergs on their southward path.

Day 14: Day at sea
Final crossing to Greenland
Reflect on the expedition with fellow travelers. Attend the Captain’s Farewell cocktail party as the ship crosses back toward Kangerlussuaq.

Day 15: Kangerlussuaq
End of the Arctic expedition
Return to Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After a final breakfast on board, disembark to start the journey home, carrying memories of one of the planet's most pristine regions.


© SWA
© SWA
© SWA


INCLUSIONS

Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Honiara, Jayapura and Sorong).
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included).
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply).
Your selected stateroom.
All meals onboard.
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise.
24-hour room service.
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers.
One selected shore excursion per port of call.
All expedition landings.
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available).
Gym, sauna, pool.
24/7 self service laundry.
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep.
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boots.
Memory Package.
Onboard gratuities & port taxes.

EXCLUSIONS

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: SH Vega | Date: 03 Sept 2026 - 17 Sept 2026 (3849)
Balcony
$18,500
Suite
$24,900
Premium Suite
$28,450
Oceanview M4
$13,450
Balcony D6
$16,650

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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