Through the Arctic Labyrinth

Embark on one of the most legendary Arctic voyages with HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions as you traverse the historic Northwest Passage—a fabled route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans once sought by explorers for centuries. This immersive 26‑day expedition begins in Greenland and makes its way through the icy labyrinth of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago toward Alaska, offering unparalleled views of sweeping sea ice, dramatic fjords, and remote landscapes rarely seen by travelers.

Along the way, you’ll discover vibrant Inuit settlements, UNESCO‑listed wilderness, and the breathtaking beauty of the Beaufort Sea and Bering Strait. Keep your eyes peeled for Arctic wildlife—from polar bears and walrus to beluga and bowhead whales—while expert Expedition Team members provide insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural history. Cruising aboard a state‑of‑the‑art ice‑class vessel, this once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey blends rugged adventure with thoughtful exploration and deepens your appreciation for one of the world’s most remote frontiers.

What’s Included:

Full Inclusion List

Starting from $22,430

per person

Northwest Passage—Through the Arctic Labyrinth

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What’s Included:
All Inclusive
Cabin Included
Daily Excursions
Domestic Airfare Included
Expedition Gear
Gratuities Included
Hotel Included

Departure Dates & Pricing:

August 15 – September 8, 2026:

Expires: 2/28/2026 • Supplier Code: HX

*Pricing and availability subject to change until booked. Pricing, unless noted otherwise, is based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply.

Itinerary:

We’ll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay.
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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.

Included Programs:

It’s a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages.

Through The Arctic Labyrinth (9)

Evighed Fjord – Evighet Fjord Exploration Day

Experience a day of pioneer-style exploration and discover beautiful scenery and wildlife.

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Sisimiut – Sisimiut Discovery Walk

Join us on a captivating walk through Sisimiut and delve into the town’s rich history and modern spirit.
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Ilulissat – Walk to the Icefjords

Experience the breathtaking view of floating ice sculptures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord.
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Cambridge Bay Community Visit

Discover the culture, art and traditions of Cambridge Bay on this guided community visit.
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Sisimiut – Arctic Sounds Concert

Experience Greenland’s rich musical heritage through live performance and immersive storytelling.
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Ulukhaktok community visit

Arctic Traditions and Adventure: A Journey Through Culture and Community
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Qikiqtarjuaq Community Visit

Enjoy an authentic Arctic experience with the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.
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Discover Red Bay on Foot

Experience Red Bay’s whaling history, wild coastlines, and scenic hikes with a taste of Labrador.
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Pond Inlet community visit

Explore Pond Inlet’s culture, history, and traditions with local guides and live performances.
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Qaanaaq – Community Visit

Discover Greenland’s northernmost town, meet the community, and learn about life on the edge of the world.
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Gjoa Haven Community Visit

Experience Inuit culture in Gjoa Haven, through dance, art, heritage, and warm community hospitality.
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Viking Experience – St Anthony

Walk in the footsteps of Vikings at North America’s only authenticated Norse settlement.
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Exploration of Battle Harbor

Discover a remote settlement where culture, nature, and history still shape daily life.

Ships:

Set sail on one of the world’s most legendary voyages through the Northwest Passage with Hurtigruten Expeditions. Traveling from Greenland to Alaska aboard an ice‑class, eco‑conscious expedition ship, you’ll experience the ultimate blend of comfort and true Arctic exploration—navigating remote channels, vast sea ice, and historic Inuit communities deep within the Arctic Archipelago. Below are the ships that make this once‑in‑a‑lifetime polar journey possible.

  • Antarctica Port Lockroy Ms Fridtjof Nansen Hx 43402 Photo Ted Gatlin
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Why Hurtigruten Expeditions?

HX offers over 130 years of adventure travel expertise, combining eco-friendly ships with immersive exploration of remote destinations. When booking through LaMacchia Travel, you’ll enjoy personalized service at no extra cost, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

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