Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic | Ultramarine
17 Days
Save Up To 33%
WAS From AUD 36,400 Now From AUD 25,665
STYLE: Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQENPEH
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Calgary, Canada
Finish: Toronto, Canada
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Canadian Arctic, Greenland
Accommodation
Cabin
DEPARTURE DATES
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OVERVIEW
Embark on a captivating 17 day voyage to the legendary Northwest Passage. Venture into a fabled route that has enthralled explorers for bound for Arctic adventure. Experience both the highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland as you delve into immense fjords and visit traditional Inuit communities. You will also have the opportunity to see unique wildlife such as whales, walrus and musk oxen.
*Offers & Discounts are correct at the time of publishing and are only available for sale on selected cabins and departures. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. The below prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply,, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
Your Arctic expedition begins in Calgary. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you’ll have a chance to walk around this small arctic town before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your ship.
Named after explorer Frederick William Beechey, of the Royal Navy, Beechey Island is a Canadian National Historic Site. It’s an important stop on our voyage, as this is the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition to find the Northwest Passage.
Before saying goodbye to Canada, we’ll try to cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of Smith Sound, the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Your first stop in Greenland is Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world (there’s a reason ancient philosophers called it Ultima Thule, or “edge of known territory”). Here, local Inuit share their culture and traditions, and the museum sheds more light on what it’s like living near the top of the world.
As we sail south along the west coast of Greenland, presentations by our on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.
With spectacular glaciers, soaring fjords and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you breathless.
Nuussuaq (formerly known as Kraulshavn) is the only mainland community in the Upernavik Archipelago. Founded in 1923 as a trading station, it’s one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.
It’s not surprising that the red-hued, heart-shaped mountain that rises up behind Uummannaq gave the traditional community its name (Uummannaq means “heart-like” in Greenlandic). As your ship approaches the shore, you’ll want to be on deck to take in the incredible view of the twin peaks towering over the vibrantly painted wooden houses dotting the rocky terrain below. The settlement was established as a Danish colony in 1758 on the mainland, but it relocated five years later because seal hunting was more plentiful here.
In the nearby archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq (also known as Qilakitsoq), you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient settlement, where the remains of eight fully dressed mummies were discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by a pair of hunters. The famous Greenlandic mummies, which date back to 1475 A.D., are on view at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.
Cruising farther south rewards with spectacular views of Eqip Sermia. The jagged, blue-tinged glacier soaring out of the crystal-clear water is one of the most beautiful sights in Greenland, and we hope to Zodiac cruise along its massive front from a safe distance. We may also go ashore to explore nearby.
Just south of Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic, is the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. As we Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord, you may be lucky to witness the wonders of calving ice (listen to the loud roars as the ice breaks off). Founded in 1741, the traditional town, which boasts more sled dogs than people, is famous in its own right: it was the birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen, the first to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, in the early 1920s . Hikes here lead out to stunning views of the young icebergs as as they float out the fjord to Disko Bay.
In Sisimiut, you’ll be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration.
The kayak (an Inuit word that the English borrowed) is Greenland’s national symbol and can be traced back to the country’s first immigrants, who used vessels that resemble the narrow one- or two-person boats. The town has several 18th-century colonial buildings, including the oldest surviving church in Greenland, so take time to wander through the historic area. You’ll also have a chance to hike amongst the area’s surrounding mountains.
Situated in a scenic hollow on a small island with no freshwater, the colorful community of Itilleq, which has about 130 inhabitants, is surrounded by sea, mountains and fjords. The final excursion of your Arctic adventure may be a hike around Itilleq Fjord.
Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival in Toronto, we will transfer you to your included hotel.
Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this fascinating city.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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This exploration offers the perfect combination of incredible scenery and unique cultural opportunities.
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Discover the incredible sights of the Illulissat Icefjord a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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You will have the opportunity to encounter unique wildlife including Arctic walrus, musk oxen and whales.
Ultramarine
The newest ship of this expedition fleet; Ultramarine; takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board . Experience the Antarctic in comfort as you sail aboard Ultramarine. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views, flatscreen TV’s and DVD players and spa - inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Pricing per person
 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 3 % off AUD 49,600 AUD 48,150Available Enquire Now
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 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 6 % off AUD 28,300 AUD 26,850Available Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 33 % off AUD 36,400 AUD 25,665Available Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 33 % off AUD 39,300 AUD 27,695Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 42 % off AUD 45,900 AUD 28,270Available Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 42 % off AUD 47,400 AUD 29,170Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 42 % off AUD 49,600 AUD 30,490Available Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 41 % off AUD 62,100 AUD 37,990Available Enquire Now
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 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 41 % off AUD 68,700 AUD 41,950Unavailable Enquire Now
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Important Information
Inclusions
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals whilst on board
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crewExclusions
International flights
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Beverages (other than tea and coffee)Mandatory Transfer Package:
- One night’s pre-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Calgary
- Group transfer from the Calgary hotel to the airport on Day 2
- Charter flight from Calgary to Resolute
- Group transfer from the Resolute airport to the ship on embarkation day
- Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day
- Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto
- One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Toronto
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request
Contact us for more details
Season and availability