Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík  

Situated amid amazing nature, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending time discovering before you begin your expedition cruise to the Northwest Passage.  

Perhaps soak in the famed Blue Lagoon hot springs, located close to the city centre, or seek out a view of Reykjavík from above at the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. You’ll be awed by the islands, mountains, seas and parks that surround this surprisingly cosmopolitan city.  

MS Fram awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, it's time to settle into your cabin. Your exciting adventure is just beginning. 

If you’d like to get to know the area better, why not book one of our Pre-Programmes to experience even more of the beautiful Icelandic nature. 

In the wake of Vikings 

We sail to West Greenland across the Denmark Strait, the route taken by Erik the Red, supposedly the first European to have settled there. Take this time to relax and explore the stylish onboard facilities of our ship.  

Get ready to explore the west coast of Greenland. Most Greenlanders live on the west side of their country, and you’ll be exploring some of the towns and settlements scattered along this coast – as well as its awe inspiring fjords, glaciers and mountains.

Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife 

We aim to explore the incredible waters of the 60-mile-long Prince Christian Sound today. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colourful houses in the village of Aappilattoq. 

Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soaring above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales.  

If sea ice prevents us entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland. 

Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords  

Experience your first sight of Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'.  

Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice – pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations.  

Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, or head out in boats to scout for wildlife. 

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk 

After several days exploring remote, varied landscapes, you'll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. 

Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parliament of Greenland building. 

Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene. 

Explore ancient traditions in Arctic Greenland 

We reach Sisimiut, Greenland’s second city. It sits in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years.  

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum.  

If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool. Or why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike. 

The town where you can see and hear the ice flow 

Our expedition cruise reaches Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. You’re in for a unique experience. Nestled in magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ilulissat. Against a backdrop of colourful houses is an ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. With the help of the ship’s photographer, enthusiasts will be able to capture the nuances of these sculptures of nature. 

Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science  

Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.  

The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program. 

Crossing a historical sea corridor through Canada's Arctic archipelago 

Like the pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our state-of-the-art ice-class ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific via this famed sea route. Stops might include Pond Inlet, Dundas Harbour, Fort Ross, Gjoa Haven and Cambridge Bay.

As we explore, we'll land at sites linked to early exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and look out for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, whales, narwhals, seals and seabirds.  

You'll go small expedition boat cruising between ice floes, and go ashore to experience the pristine wilderness first hand. Your Expedition Team will adapt activities to ice and weather conditions, giving you the best experience possible.  

We’ll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island. On Devon Island – the largest uninhabited island on Earth – we'll visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage. We may even pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members on Beechey Island.  

We'll continue west to Fort Ross, a former Hudson Bay Trading post, before sailing to Gjoa Haven, where Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we are able to land here, we'll take a walking tour to learn more.  

Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay 

Our expedition cruise continues into wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay, where you'll disembark. Here, you might see Arctic char, musk oxen and caribou. You'll also find the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, an important centre for climate change research. 

Home to only 2,000 residents, Cambridge Bay is popular with fly-fishers, keen to net giant Arctic char or lake trout. Its local name 'Iqaluktuuttiaq' even means ‘a good fishing place’. 

Walk around and explore before we take our flight to Edmonton.  

Enjoy the city of Edmonton before your flight home or extend your stay with our optional Post-programmes to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.