Overview
Our 25-day voyage takes us “above” the North American continent to the frozen far north. In Eastern Arctic Canada, specifically the waterways read more around Lancaster Sound, you’ll experience a pristine and remote wilderness featuring surreal vistas of sea ice. As we pass into the Western Arctic, the region is marked by its proximity to Alaska. Look out for wildlife as we sail through the famed Beaufort Sea and Bering Strait, before ending our transit in Alaska. US Pacific Northwest.
HX is a proud member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). To protect the sensitive environments we explore, we carefully follow AECO standards on available landing sites and safe distances from wildlife, while still giving you an unforgettable expedition experience.
Expedition
490
150
2020
2025
NPTAL-NA
Itinerary
Welcome to the capital of Greenland
Today begins with a flight from New York to Nuuk, Greenland's colourful capital. It has a population of 18,000, and features a striking mix of old and new buildings.
Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.
The Wonders of West Greenland
The first chapter of our journey encompasses the majestic coast of West Greenland.
Over the next three days you'll experience some of the most iconic sites in all of Greenland. Our objectives include:
Evighedsfjord
As we head north, we plan to offer an exploration day in the magical and pristine Evighedsfjord near Maniitsoq. We'll determine on the day what adventures we can take part in.
The 'Fjord of Eternity' is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep waters. It's surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves.
Sisimiut
Sisimiut is Greenland's second city, situated in a spectacular location just above the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years, and old traditions are alive and well.
Learn more about ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum or stretch your legs on a hike. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of the musk ox that's said to be 10 times warmer than sheep's wool.
Ilulissat
Nestled at the edge of the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Here you'll find an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs set against a backdrop of colourful houses. In town you can visit a multitude of shops selling local crafts, and on the outskirts walking trails take you along the epic icefjord.
Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science
Leaving Greenland behind, we spend two days at sea crossing Baffin Bay towards Nunavut.
Gain authentic insight into Inuit culture and heritage with our onboard Cultural Ambassadors. Their stories reveal the Inuit people's profound connection to the land, shaped by generations of tradition and resilience.
Meanwhile, your Expedition Team leads lectures on topics such as Arctic wildlife and the history of exploration in the region. You can also take part in Citizen Science, such as the GLOBE Program, where you'll observe clouds to help scientists study our climate.
Entering into the Northwest Passage
Following our crossing of Baffin Bay, we find ourselves in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. The main waterway of this area is Lancaster Sound (Tallurutiup Imanga), the eastern gates to the Northwest Passage.
This chapter of our exploration is likely to be action-packed, with excursions planned on each of the four days we hope to spend in and around this area. Remember: all our excursion plans depend on the weather and ice but, conditions permitting, our days will be filled with excitement and discovery.
Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to share with you include:
- Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik)
- Dundas Harbour
- Croker Bay
- Beechey Island (Iluvilik)
- Prince Leopold Island (Appait)
Navigate the dividing line between east and west
The “Rubicon” of the Canadian Arctic, dividing east from west, is the infamous Bellot Strait. This narrow body of water separates the northernmost part of mainland North America from Somerset Island, one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic archipelago.
Bellot Strait is approximately 15 nautical miles long and just over half a mile wide at its narrowest point. Our ability to navigate this passage will be determined by ice and weather conditions.
Spend eight days exploring the western section of the fabled Northwest Passage
Over the next eight days, in this section of our voyage we'll transit through three distinct regions—Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon—and two traditional Inuit Territories—Inuvialuit and Nunavut.
During our time here, we anticipate up to five days of shore excursions and four transit days.
Excursion stops and local highlights we hope to be able to visit include:
- Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuk)
- Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktuuttiaq)
- Coronation Gulf
- Ulukhaktok
- Smoking Hills
- Herschel Island
Science and wildlife watching at sea
As we navigate the Beaufort Sea and Bering Strait, these days at sea provide the perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey and make the most of your ship's facilities.
Immerse yourself in the onboard Science and Education programme and contribute to real-world research through Citizen Science. Or simply take time to relax – enjoy a drink with fellow explorers, watch the world drift by from the hot tub, or soothe your body and mind in the sauna.
Keep an eye out for bowhead and grey whales as we cross the Beaufort Sea to Point Barrow, the northernmost point of the United States. If sea ice is present, we may also see congregations of pacific walrus on the ice floes.
In the Beaufort Sea, seasonal sea ice can fluctuate. If the sea ice levels are greater than the seasonal average, it will likely affect the speed we can sail through. Expecting the unexpected is all part of the expedition experience.
The highlights of this transit include:
- The Beaufort Sea
- The Bering Strait
- The International Date Line
- Wildlife watching
Learn about Alaska's “golden” past
Prospectors first came to Nome in 1898, and people still hunt for gold here today. You'll see evidence of the Gold Rush era all around, including abandoned dredges, turn-of-the century steam engines and old railroad tracks, lending the town a unique and intriguing atmosphere.
Wyatt Earp, the famous sheriff, opened a saloon here. Nome was also the end point of three of Roald Amundsen's great polar expeditions.
From here, you'll take a flight to Seattle for an overnight stay.
End your adventure in the Emerald City
Waking up in your hotel in Seattle marks the end of your adventure through the Arctic labyrinth. After breakfast, and if you have time before your onward journey, why not explore the Emerald City and see what it has to offer?
Why not take a stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park for incredible views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, admiring the work of renowned artists as you go. For a feast of the senses, visit the famous Pike Place Market. Operating for over a century, this lively farmer's market boasts everything from buskers and bars to salmon-throwing fishmongers.
Tour Inclusions
- Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers as you set out from awe-inspiring Greenland and attempt to sail through the fabled Northwest Passage towards Alaska.
- Discover UNESCO-listed sites, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and Inuit settlements, all while guided by your expert Expedition Team.
- Explore the breathtaking Bering Strait and see epic Alaskan scenery.
- This voyage begins in Nuuk with a flight from New York (planned airport). An option to fly via Copenhagen or Reykjavik is also available.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you'd like to leave something extra, it's always appreciated
- Range of included activities
- Overnight in Reykjavík before the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Overnight stay in Seattle after the expedition cruise, including breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Reykjavík before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the ship in Nuuk before the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Nome after the expedition cruise
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Seattle after the expedition cruise
- Economy class flight from New York (planned airport) to Nuuk before the expedition cruise*
- Economy class flight from Nome to Seattle after the expedition cruise
- *This voyage is also available via Reykjavík and Copenhagen gateways. Please contact our Expedition Specialists to change gateways.
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of rubber boots, trekking poles and other necessary equipment for activities. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
Life On Board
Step aboard this hybrid-powered expedition ship to explore remote corners of the globe in complete comfort. Read more
Your dedicated team deliver an educational onboard program and exciting shore excursions to enrich your expedition. Read more
Step into the Expedition Team's headquarters and enjoy specialist lectures and interactive workshops. Read more
Dine on international dishes and menus inspired by Hurtigruten's Norwegian heritage in the three onboard restaurants. Read more
Everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. Read more
MS Fridtjof Nansen takes the scenic route, and is equipped with viewing spaces to enjoy the views in any weather. Read more
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HX Expeditions (2025-26)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by HX Expeditions. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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