Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Explore the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavík

Reykjavík is delightful, well worth exploring, and situated amid amazing nature. Spend time discovering it before you begin your expedition cruise to the Northwest Passage.

Soak in the famed Blue Lagoon hot springs, located close to the city center, 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 at Reykjavík Harbor. After collecting your complimentary expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, take time to settle into your cabin. Your exciting adventure is just beginning.

If you’d like to get to know the area better, consider booking one of our Pre-Programs to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature.

Crossing the Denmark Strait

In the wake of the Vikings

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

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, learn more about Greenland’s geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Then hit the gym, soak in one of our on-deck hot tubs, or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our onboard restaurants.

Prince Christian Sund

Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife

We aim to explore the incredible waters of Prince Christian Sound, stretching 60 miles long. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colorful 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 from entering the sound, we'll head to the jagged Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland.

Explore Kvanefjord

Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords

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

Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice, which is 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, where you will enjoy beautiful scenery on a nature walk. You could also head out in boats to scout for wildlife.

Nuuk, Greenland’s Capital

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk

After several days exploring remote, idyllic icescapes, you’ll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colorful capital. It has a population of 18,000 people and a striking mix of old and new buildings.

Compare the old buildings like the Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral with the ultra-modern architecture of Greenland’s parliament 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.

Spectacular Sisimiut

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 a 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. Why not explore the area by foot and stretch your legs on a hike?

UNESCO-listed Ilulissat

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. An ever-changing gallery of passing icebergs slides by against a backdrop of colorful houses.

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

Crossing the Labrador Sea

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. Consider joining one of our Citizen Science projects by helping to photograph and track whales. Or contribute to the GLOBE Program by observing the clouds and helping scientists study our climate.

The Northwest Passage.

Cross a historical sea corridor through Canada’s Arctic archipelago.

Like the pioneering explorers 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 Harbor, Fort Ross, Gjoa Haven, Cambridge Bay, and Smoking Hills.

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 cruising on small boats (RIBs) 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 hope to visit Dundas Harbor and learn about its Thule heritage. We may stop at Beechey Island and pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin expedition team members.

We will continue west to Fort Ross, a former Hudson’s 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 of Cambridge Bay

Wildlife and conservation in this fish-rich bay

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

Home to only 2,000 residents, Cambridge Bay is popular with fly-fishers who are pining to net giant Arctic char or lake trout. Even its name, ‘Iqaluktuuttiaq’, means ‘a good fishing place’.

Walk around and explore before we take our evening flight to Montréal.

Explore vibrant Montréal

A blend of Canadian cultures in Québec’s premier city

Your adventure concludes in Montréal, the largest city in the beautiful province of Québec. It’s a hub of Canadian history and culture, with a cosmopolitan feel and a year-round calendar of events.

There’s plenty to see and do, from shopping, cuisine, and culture, to the Basilica of Notre Dame, found among the historic streets of Old Montréal. You’ll find a kaleidoscope of color in the city’s Plateau district, and a lively atmosphere in the downtown social hub of Crescent Street.

If you’d like to explore more, we recommend joining our optional Post-Program on the Montréal Sightseeing & Savoir-Vivre Tour. Get a real taste of this unique city in all its glorious color.