Canada´s Festival City

Your adventure begins in the city of Edmonton. Enjoy the lively and colourful capital of Alberta during an overnight stay before your flight to Cambridge Bay the following day.  

If you have some extra time, add an optional Pre-programme to learn more about this city and the surrounding area.

Wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay

Wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay

A morning flight from Montréal brings you to wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay. It's home to fewer than 2,000 residents, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station – an important centre for climate change research – and wildlife including Arctic char, musk oxen and caribou. 

It's only fitting that the first leg of your grand expedition starts here, where Arctic explorers like Roald Amundsen once sheltered before attempting the legendary Northwest Passage. 

MS Fram will be ready and waiting. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and meet your Expedition Team, who will talk you through guidelines on protecting wildlife habitats and visiting the upcoming Arctic communities in a responsible and respectful way.

The Northwest Passage

Crossing the historical sea corridor in the Arctic

Like pioneering explorers who've come before you, we won't have an exact itinerary as we attempt to sail our ice class ship through the Northwest Passage.  

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

Depending on the conditions, we plan to land at the following sites: 

Gjoa Haven and Fort Ross 

At Gjoa Haven, Roald Amundsen learned polar survival tips from the Netsilik Inuit people. If we can land here, we'll take a walking tour to discover more. We'll continue east to Fort Ross, a former Hudson Bay Trading post. 

Beechey Island and Devon Island 

We may stop at Beechey Island and pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members. On Devon Island – the largest uninhabited island on Earth – we hope to visit Dundas Harbour and learn about its Thule heritage.  

Pond Inlet and Mittimatalik 

On the final stretch, we’ll try to reach Pond Inlet and the Inuit community of Mittimatalik on Baffin Island, rounding off an incredible eight days of exhilarating exploration.

Greenland and Atlantic Canada

Discover dramatic landscapes and iconic wildlife

Leaving Canada behind, we’ll cross Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait on our way to Greenland.

Join your Expedition Team for more insightful lectures on the renowned route we're sailing. Topics may include historic explorers and expeditions, Greenlandic culture, local wildlife and geology. You can also pick up some photography tips on how to best capture the awe-inspiring scenery all around you.

 Weather and sea ice permitting, our time in Greenland will include the following destinations:

Ilulissat

Your Grand Expedition Cruise reaches Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. Nestled in 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. Marvel as they float by in the deep blue waters, taking on different hues of white, grey and blue.

Sisimiut

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second city, situated in a spectacular location just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. This area has history spanning more than 4,500 years, and old traditions are alive and well. Learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum, pick up a souvenir made of qiviut, the inner wool of musk oxen, or stretch your legs on a hike.

Nuuk

Your expedition cruise continues to Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. Admire the contrasting architecture, see Qilakitsoq mummies at the national museum, or join a nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene.

Expedition day

We plan to spend a day on expedition, experiencing Greenland’s west coast fjord region with its sublime scenery carved by ice over millennia. In true expedition style, we won't know exactly what's in store until the day itself as conditions can vary. We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike, or launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything!

Labrador Sea

Leaving Greenland behind, your Grand Expedition Cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We'll enter the Davis Strait, known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod.

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. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate.

Red Bay

Look out for humpback or minke whales as we approach Red Bay – the very creatures that drew whalers to this harbour in the 17th century. The waters around Red Bay hide a number of wrecked chalupas – or small whaling boats – and galleons, making it one of the world’s most important underwater archaeological sites. 

Visit the local museum to see a 26 ft. chalupa, and look for whale bones in the protected Red Bay National Historic Site. Why not search for pirate Captain Kidd's buried treasure around Tracey Hill; you may not find gold doubloons, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic view.

Corner Brook

Following in Captain James Cook’s footsteps, we sail into the Bay of Islands towards the traditional city of Corner Brook. Discover the area’s fascinating history and collection of artifacts at the Corner Brook Museum, take in great views from Crow Hill, or take a guided hike along the Corner Brook Stream trail.  You can also opt for a visit to Gros Morne National Park and the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse, which also features a scenic drive.

Before we depart, we’ll enjoy a performance by local folk music performers and storytellers.

Portland 

Situated on a peninsula jutting into Casco Bay, the small city of Portland has a history stretching back to European settlers in the 17th century. These days, people come here to enjoy a place where you’re just as likley to find art aficionados as you are outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Compact and charming, Portland is very walkable, so take a stroll around the harbour area where you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, cafes and microbreweries – trying Maine lobster is a must if you enjoy seafood. 

From Portland to Colón

Enjoy oceanography and reflection on the Atlantic

During the next seven days, the Expedition Team will help you deepen your knowledge of the oceans and ecology. At the same time, you can relax and unwind as you settle into the ocean’s rhythm and enjoy the ship’s amenities.

Understanding our oceans 

As we sail from Massachusetts to Panama, join lectures, workshops and classes covering topics like marine biology and the history of sea navigation. Continue to learn from the enthusiastic Expedition Team, explore the ocean’s hidden ecosystems using equipment in the ship’s Science Center, and participate in more Citizen Science projects.

Finding inner peace 

Rest and rejuvenation are important too. Take your time to stop, watch the waves, reflect and connect with nature. Increasing our awareness and appreciation of the natural environment around us is important for mental and physical wellbeing. While out on deck, scan for dolphins, flying fish and seabirds, and observe the harmony of their movements and the calming effect this has on you.

Reaching Colón, Panama

Your revitalising few days at sea come to an end in Colón, the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. Enjoy wandering its bustling cosmopolitan centre with hot springs, admire a thriving handicraft scene and find a wonderful local restaurant to feast on local specialities.

From Colón to Valparaíso

Navigate the Panama Canal and explore the Pacific coast

On the next stage of your journey, you’ll navigate through the Panama Canal and visit a range of endearing coastal communities across four Latin American countries: Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as Indigenous communities and cultures, local geology and pre-Columbian history.

As we venture south, here are the remarkable sights we plan to see:

Panama Canal

Stretching 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways, the Panama Canal is a complex network of ingenious locks. We’ll transit the canal’s full length from one great ocean to another. If weather allows, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project.

Halfway through, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, one of the world's largest artificial lakes, surrounded by verdant rainforest. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys and even sloths.

Manta, Ecuador

After seeking Neptune's blessing in a traditional – and somewhat fun – ceremony as we cross the Equator, we’ll then dock at the port of Manta and visit the town of Montecristi. Known for its handicrafts, you can buy a genuine Panama hat here, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa plant.

Wander around this smart town and take a look at the imposing white church or take in the colourful street art and murals. Returning to Manta, we’ll pay a visit to the archaeological museum

Puerto Bolívar, Ecuador

We have a fruitful day ahead exploring Puerto Bolívar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and masses of bananas. Machala itself has all the charm you’d expect from a small coastal city, including friendly locals, cosy plazas and striking monuments. You can try delicious fresh seafood at the harbour restaurants, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. Then explore the local markets, plazas and the Casa de la Cultura museum.

Salaverry, Peru

Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru’s third-largest city, Trujillo. Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world. Nearby, you’ll find the ancient ruins of the Chimú city of Chan Chan dating back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date even that. Back on the ship, there will be a performance of traditional Peruvian dances.

Lima, Peru

Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish-era architecture with colonial churches, monasteries and elegant mansions. Going further back in time, you can learn more about the city’s pre-Hispanic heritage at the ruins of the pyramid Huaca Pucllana.

Lima is also known as the food capital of South America. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli.

Paracas, Peru

Just offshore of Paracas are the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. On a boat tour, you can look out for Humboldt Penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca Terns and humpback whales. Alternatively, you can explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its otherworldly yellow sand dunes and red beaches, or fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – an experience that’s on many people’s bucket list.

Arica, Chile

Arica experiences a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world. On the lively streets of Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi, you try local treats and visit El Agro market. Take a short hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. You can also see mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archaeological museum, trek along Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota.

Iquique, Chile

Iquique is an ocean-side city with palm-treelined promenades. From here, we’ll visit the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the Atacama Desert.

Back in Iquique, you can explore, or relax in a café with a traditional mango sour and chumbeque, a beloved regional sweet. Or pay a visit to La Esmeralda, a 19th century four-masted, corvette that has historical significance.

La Serena, Chile

Chile’s second oldest city, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches and Neo-colonial architecture. There are around 30 carefully restored stone churches to discover, and you can visit the Archaeological Museum to marvel at pre-colonial artifacts.

Take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for handicrafts at La Recova market. Down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda you’ll find relaxed cafés and eateries. Before boarding the ship, leave some time to explore the port of Coquimbo.

Valparaíso, Chile

Colourful Valparaíso is known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific' and is a UNESCO-listed city. Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.

Cruising the Chilean fjords

Discover the wonders and beauty of Patagonia

Starting with two days at sea, you'll learn about the wonders we'll encounter during our sailing of the Patagonia region of Chile.

As we make our way along the Chilean fjords and channels you’ll experience the following highlights:

Castro

Chile’s third-oldest city is set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island. Castro’s waterfront is lined with colourful palafitos, or stilt houses, and the city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.

Bring your binoculars as the island is also an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.

Puerto Edén

The tiny settlement of Puerto Edén, part of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, isonly accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Among its 250 inhabitants are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, and by talking to them you’ll gain insight into their unique culture.

Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour. The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor.

Back in Puerto Natales, you can visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

Chilean fjords

Your journey south takes you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.

Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic Penguins, elephant seals and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coast.

Cape Horn and Drake Passage

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there.

As we then navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica, the Expedition Team will give lectures about the frozen continent’s fauna, history and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution.

Antarctica: another world

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins court while Adélie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.

You’ll spend seven exciting days exploring several potential landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.

Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.

Relax and unwind at sea

The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth

After seven days expedition cruising in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of lasting sights and sounds – and your camera’s memory cards loaded with impressive images as well.

During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy the delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.

You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.

Arrival in Punta Arenas

Onwards from Punta Arenas

We arrive in Punta Arenas in the morning as your epic Between the Poles expedition comes to an end. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime and a deeper connection to our remarkable planet.

If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, why not extend your trip and join our optional Post-Programme.