Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

Experience Overview

The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage has gripped imaginations for centuries. On this captivating voyage, we invite you aboard our game-changing new vessel, Ocean Explorer, to discover this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of on-board comforts and off-ship adventures no other vessel can offer. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, you journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, while visiting areas that Inuit people have made their home for thousands of years. Marvel at highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s stunning west coast, stopping at Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord, whose Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves off enormous icebergs. And keep your eyes peeled for the elusive and majestic creatures who make their home in these harsh, remote landscapes, such as whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears.
Profile
— 14 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Calgary, 1 night hotel in Reykjavik — Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
At a Glance
— 14 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Calgary, 1 night hotel in Reykjavik — Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
Trip For You
Travelling conditions: The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts, on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world. The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable with a wet/mud room in which to hang gear and store boots ready for the next adventure. On the Zodiac cruises, you are sitting still for most of the time with the potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind – if you are not dressed appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, most landings are wet, which means the Zodiacs beach and you are helped to slide into the ankle-deep shore break before walking up onto dry land (wellington boots are issued to all passengers). There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each adventure, you can have a sauna and/or a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot chocolate or something stronger from the bar. Adventure options: Sea kayaking: Glide across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our sea kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the paddling excursion.Paddling excursion: If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than sea kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on-top kayaks − perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Rotating groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help connect you with the Polar sea. Polar itineraries: All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only – it is possible that, among other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing regulations or the expert opinion of the crew may lead to adjustments to the route published. Booking conditions: Please note that, as with all Polar holidays and voyages, the booking conditions for this trip differ from our standard conditions. The required deposit is 25% per person of your selected travel arrangements (minimum £1,000 per person or equivalent in booking currency) and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is non-refundable, and at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation penalties are 100% of the holiday cost.
Group Description
The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction with our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally, some of these may be younger than 12 years old, Exodus’ stated minimum age for this trip. We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew have many years of experience in Polar regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin is serviced by the housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.
Eating Drinking
All meals while on the ship included. Typical meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style: unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three-course set meal, or the occasional buffet or barbecue. Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Transportation
During the expedition, you visit remote and isolated sites accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
Joining Instructions
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Calgary in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions – sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Weather Information
Greenland has an Arctic climate with average temperatures that do not exceed 10C (50F) in the warmest summer months. However, the conditions in the coastal regions of the Arctic during the northern summer are both mild and changeable. Enjoyable sunny days can swiftly change to cold, windy storms with snow flurries and rolling seas. Average daily temperatures in mid-season are between -4C (25F) and 2C (36F); however, wind conditions can make it seem colder. It is common that you will experience daytime temperatures below freezing.
Spending Money
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. At the conclusion of your voyage, you are presented with an account. This includes any drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for which you have signed. You may pay for this in US dollars cash, credit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY) or US dollars travellers cheques. Please note: on the last evening, once your ship account has been settled, credit card payments are no longer accepted. It is therefore advisable to bring at least some US dollars cash if you wish to purchase drinks from the bar or any items from the on board shop at this time.
Tipping
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter, but it is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide approximately US$15-US$20 per day per passenger would be appreciated for the crew and the same amount for the expedition staff).

Highlights