Northwest Passage Cruises
This labyrinthine waterway was long sought by early adventurers as a sea route linking the Northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Canada's Arctic archipelago is therefore no …
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Things to Consider
The Northwest Passage ships vary considerably in terms of size, comfort level and style, so choosing the right ship is a key decision when planning your trip.
- Ice is a major factor in these waters and a ship with a high ice-class can make a big difference to your experience
- Distances are vast in this part of the world - choosing a ship with a good average speed reduces overall sailing time
- Generous outer decks ensure everyone has ample space, while decent viewing platforms are important too
- For those with an interest in the educational side, the size of the expedition team of experts is worth considering
- With wildlife generally being fairly skittish in the Arctic, a quieter ship can help achieve closer sightings
Swoop says
Choosing a ship for the Northwest Passage is not a straightforward process – the facilities of the ship might not be so important to you compared to the style of the team on board. We've sailed on as many ships as possible, so we can help with those crucial details.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Our most popular Northwest Passage voyages
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
A full transit of the Northwest Passage is a truly epic undertaking, travelling in the footsteps of legendary explorers Amundsen, Franklin and Larsen. This voyage is distinguished by the small, nimble and comfortably appointed expedition ship you'll travel on, with…
- 29 Days
- $50,995
The big ice and small towns of West Greenland provide a stunning start to this trip before you sail across the Davis Straight to Baffin Island and enter the Northwest Passage. Blend history, scenery and wildlife; pay your respects at…
- 17 Days
- $13,872
Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…
- 17 Days
- $20,521
Embark on an epic voyage through the fabled Northwest Passage, sailing from Nome to Nuuk. Alongside your expert Expedition Team, you will encounter spectacular wildlife, UNESCO-listed treasures, and vibrant Inuit settlements. From the thrill of remote exploration to the stunning,…
- 26 Days
- $20,064
Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…
- 17 Days
- $13,872
Set sail on this in-depth, luxury 20-day cruise of west Greenland and the legendary Northwest Passage. Travelling deep into the icy labyrinth of the Northwest Passage, encounter Inuit culture, retrace Franklin’s footsteps and witness Arctic wildlife – musk ox, polar…
- 20 Days
- $25,152
Beginning in Cambridge Bay, this westbound-arching route encapsulates the best that the Northwest Passage and West Greenland have to offer. Thread your way through the icy labyrinth of staggering landscapes, dramatic history, remote Inuit settlements and charismatic Arctic wildlife, with…
- 16 Days
- $25,495
In the labyrinthine icy channels of the legendary Northwest Passage, explore the islands and channels that form Canada’s High Arctic region. Meet local indigenous people, encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife – including walruses, beluga whales, polar bears, musk oxen and the elusive…
- 16 Days
- $25,495
This comprehensive westbound voyage stands out for its compelling combination of West Greenland, the east coast of Baffin Island and the historic Northwest Passage. Jaw-dropping scenery, towering icebergs, thrilling wildlife encounters, Inuit community visits and fascinating history pervade this epic…
- 17 Days
- $20,521
Embark on one of the world’s most iconic journeys – a full transit through the fabled Northwest Passage from Alaska to Greenland, following in the footsteps of the intrepid early explorers. What makes this particular voyage even more special is…
- 23 Days
- $57,728
This is a fabulous introduction to the best of the Canadian High Arctic, incorporating an in-depth exploration of Baffin Island and the mythical Northwest Passage – with time also in West Greenland. From dramatic glacier-carved scenery and wildlife encounters, to…
- 20 Days
- $21,490
Navigating the ice of the Northwest Passage
Zodiac cruising in icy Greenlandic waters
Imposing Arctic cliffs are observed from the ship
Passengers set off in zodiacs in Karrat Fjord
Loading zodiacs in the Northwest Passage
Observing the pack ice from the top deck
Comfort and adventure
Sylvia Earle
- Capacity of 130 passengers
- Constructed in 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- Advanced X-Bow technology
- Optional activities include kayaking and polar snorkelling
- Two jacuzzis and a sauna
- Double-height glass atrium
- Large windows in all cabins
Sylvia Earle
Greg Mortimer
- Capacity of 130 passengers
- Constructed in 2022
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- Advanced X-Bow technology
- Optional activities include kayaking and polar snorkelling
- 80% of cabins have a balcony
- Multiple zodiac boarding bays for quicker embarkation
- Jacuzzis on the deck
Greg Mortimer
Ultramarine
- Capacity of 199 passengers
- Constructed in 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Onboard helicopters
- Every cabin features oversized windows and a balcony
- Multiple zodiac boarding bays for quicker embarkation
- Spa and sauna
- Optional activities include kayaking
Ultramarine in the Arctic
Ocean Explorer
- Capacity of 138 passengers
- Constructed in 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:6
- Advanced X-Bow technology
- Expansive social spaces indoors and outdoors
- Two outdoor jacuzzis
- 95% of cabins have a private balcony
- Double-height windows in the lounge and library
Ocean Explorer
Roald Amundsen
- Capacity of 490 passengers
- Constructed in 2019
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:20
- Icebreaker-strength capability
- Huge range of cabins
- Hybrid-powered ship
- Zero single-use plastic on board
- Optional activities include paddling
MS Roald Amundsen
Fridtjof Nansen
- Capacity of 490 passengers
- Constructed in 2020
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:20
- Icebreaker-strength capability
- Huge range of cabins
- Hybrid-powered ship
- Zero single-use plastic on board
- Optional activities include paddling
Fridjof Nansen in the Arctic
Ocean Victory
- Capacity of 175 passengers
- Constructed in 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
- X-Bow Infinity Class vessel
- 90% of cabins have a private balcony
- New generation low-energy vessel
- Open-deck dining option
- Polar Spa and onboard gym
Ocean Victory's exterior
Swoop says
Kayaking is a popular optional add-on only offered by certain ships. If adventure options are your priority, double check your preferred ship offers them.
Luxury and fine dining
National Geographic Resolution
- Capacity of 138 passengers
- Constructed in 2021
- Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:12
- 76 well-appointed cabins
- Kayaking offered as an optional activity
- Advanced X-Bow technology
- Outdoor sleeping igloos
- Interactive chart room
National Geographic Resolution
Explore the Northwest Passage
Getting to The Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage, a beautiful and sparsely populated labyrinth of islands stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Vast distances and limited transport means joining…
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When to visit the Northwest Passage
There’s very good reason why the Northwest Passage is only open to visitors from July to September: it's the only time average temperatures are above freezing, and the ice has …
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The Northwest Passage
For the explorer, there are few places evocative as the Northwest Passage. For centuries men sought a way through the ice; even today passage is not guaranteed. This is a true …
Discover MoreReady to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
