Journey Across The Northwest Passage Reverse | Venture

Alaska’s largest city lures with wild natural beauty, urban comforts, a rich Native heritage, and a thriving arts community. Set along the Cook Inlet with the Chugach, Kenai, and Talkeetna mountain ranges as a backdrop, Anchorage is the starting point for the annual Iditarod, the iconic dog-sled race that ends in Nome some 1,049 miles away. The city also serves as gateway to Denali National Park via domed railcar, as well as Seabourn expedition voyages in Far East Russia. Even if you’re just here for an overnight or to catch your homebound flight, take time to explore Anchorage’s vibrant downtown packed with interesting shops, public art installations, and homey restaurants where you can sample reindeer sausage and a locally crafted brew. Take a bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or hike in Chugach State Park; anglers can reel in King and silver salmon along Fish Ship Creek. The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a fascinating introduction to the state’s diverse Indigenous cultures.

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Nome. Upon arrival in Nome, you will receive a warm welcome at the airport and be transported to the vessel for embarkation.

As the locals like to say, “There’s no place like Nome.” Set at the southern tip of the Seward Peninsula and only accessible by air or the Bering Sea, this Arctic Alaska town offers a rich mix of gold rush history, Inupiat Eskimo culture, rugged adventure, and abundant wildlife. Gold was first discovered here in 1898; a year later, the population had ballooned to more than 20,000. (Nome has around 3,500 residents today.) Gold mining remained a vital industry well into the 20th century, and the region’s retreating sea ice has brought a new generation of treasure hunters who dredge in converted fishing boats just offshore. You can learn more at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, and snap a selfie next to the “World’s Largest Gold Pan.” During the winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic raged among the area’s Alaska Natives; when fierce blizzard conditions prevented airplanes from leaving Anchorage with the life-saving serum, a rescue effort was organized to deliver it via dog sled. The annual Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race still follows the same path as those heroic mushers.

Get ready for an exciting adventure as you set sail towards the Northwest Passage. Take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the ship and fellow travelers during your first few days at sea.

Sailing through the Northwest Passage is a rare travel experience that has been hundreds of years in the making. The passage — more specifically, a series of channels through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans — extends approximately 900 miles from Baffin Island to the Beaufort Sea above Alaska.

The glacier-carved landscape here is dominated by sea ice, which is used as a platform by marine mammals such as walruses and Arctic ringed seals — as well as the polar bears that hunt them. Yet the region has experienced monumental change since Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen first mapped the Northwest Passage in 1906, and the rapidly shrinking sea ice coverage now allows ships to navigate the route year-round — while also creating existential challenges for the animals that rely upon the ice for survival. Many of the areas you pass through were traditional Indigenous hunting and fishing grounds, and archaeological discoveries show that the Pre-Dorset people occupied this region some 4,000 years ago.

Highlights along the Northwest Passage include:

Devon Island: The world’s largest uninhabited island, located west of Baffin Bay, is known as “Mars on Earth” for its barren, rocky terrain and polar desert climate.

Beechy Island: This tiny island, connected to Devon by a thin isthmus, is the final resting place for four members of the doomed Franklin Expedition of 1845.

Cambridge Bay: A visit to this small Inuit town — the administrative hub for Canada’s Nunavut territory — offers insight into how people survive in such a remote and harsh environment.

Bellot Strait: Steep slopes, strong currents, and thick sea ice make this narrow gap between Somerset Island and mainland Canada a navigational challenge. (Fear not, though: if it proves impassable, your Seabourn captain has other options!)

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:

Zodiac Excursions

Get an up-close perspective of this icy realm on regular Zodiac cruises, navigating huge icebergs and glacier fronts while your Expedition Team members point out marine mammals and wildlife ashore.

Nature Hikes

Set out on foot to explore beautiful, tundra-covered landscapes with your Expedition Team members, who delight in pointing out delicate plants and flowers that thrive in this hostile environment. You can hike to an ancient Thule settlement of stone pit houses on Devon Island, and encounters with arctic foxes, hares, and other wildlife are always possible.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Cambridge Bay Village, a charming Inuit community nestled in the vast wilderness of Canada's Arctic. As you step ashore, you'll be greeted by the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape and the warm hospitality of the locals. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, immersing yourself in its rich culture and heritage. Visit the local shops and markets to discover authentic Inuit crafts and artwork, and perhaps engage in conversation with residents to learn more about their way of life in this remote and resilient community. As you explore, keep an eye out for glimpses of Arctic wildlife and soak in the serene atmosphere of this unique Arctic outpost.

Make the most of this day at sea by indulging in relaxation and taking full advantage of the ship's amenities. Breathe in the crisp, clean air as you soak in the panoramic views of the vast ocean stretching out before you.

Arriving at noon, you'll step ashore in Gjoa Haven, a remote community nestled in the heart of Nunavut. Tendered by zodiac, your journey from ship to shore offers a close-up encounter with the pristine Arctic waters and rugged coastline.

Gjoa Haven, named after Roald Amundsen's ship "Gjøa," which wintered here in 1903-1904 during his historic Northwest Passage expedition, holds a rich history and cultural significance. As you explore this tranquil hamlet, you'll immerse yourself in the traditional Inuit way of life and the warm hospitality of its residents.

Venture further inland to discover the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds Gjoa Haven. Marvel at the vast expanses of tundra, dotted with wildflowers and lichen, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as Arctic foxes and migratory birds.

Spend the next few days at sea making the most of the ship's amenities and getting to know your fellow travelers. Enjoy the tranquility of the open ocean as you relax and unwind aboard the vessel.

Arriving early morning at Philpots Island in Baffin, you'll be greeted by the serene beauty of this remote Arctic locale. Nestled within the rugged landscape of Baffin Bay, Philpots Island offers a captivating blend of untouched wilderness and breathtaking vistas.

As you step ashore, immerse yourself in the tranquility of this pristine environment, where the crisp Arctic air invigorates the senses and the vast expanse of untouched nature stretches before you. Take a leisurely stroll along the rugged coastline, where towering cliffs meet the crystal-clear waters of the bay, creating a stunning backdrop for exploration.

Philpots Island is home to an array of fascinating wildlife, from majestic seabirds soaring overhead to curious seals bobbing in the icy waters. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Arctic foxes, polar bears, and other iconic Arctic species as you explore the island's rugged terrain.

As we approach the Inuit town of Pond Inlet, we transit through ice-speckled scenic Eclipse Sound set against the backdrop of the tall glaciated peaks of distant Bylot Island. The town was named in 1818 by explorer Captain John Ross for John Pond, an English astronomer. With over 1,600 inhabitants, Pond Inlet is one of northern Canada’s most interesting, culturally rich and welcoming communities. A walk through town immerses one into the life of the modern Inuit. Caribou antlers and skulls hang from private homes. The hides of seals, caribou and maybe even a polar bear hang on racks drying in the sun. At the local market can be found, parts of seal, whale, caribou and a huge variety of fish. Wooden sledges known as qamutiqs, now towed by snowmobiles rather than dogs, sit idle in front yards awaiting the first snow. At the local museum and cultural center, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing unique Inuit throat-singing with dancers dressed in traditional sealskin anoraks and mukluks.

Another day at sea to soak in the vastness of the ocean and enjoy the ship's amenities.

Located 24 miles (40 km) north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is “rough, real and remote.” These three words cut to the core of Sisimiut’s reputation as an outdoor adventure-travel hub. It’s the second-largest city in Greenland with 5,600 inhabitants and was founded in 1756 under the leadership of the Danish missionary, Hans Egede. The name is Greenlandic meaning ‘place of fox dens.’ The area has been inhabited for 4,500 years, first by the Inuit peoples of the Saqqaq culture, Dorset culture, and then the Thule people, whose descendants comprise the majority of the current population.

One of the most picturesque towns in Greenland, Sisimiut is set in a tranquil fjord perched on bare outcrops of rock. Mount Nasaasaaq, 2,572’ (784 m) tall, is the backdrop for the town, where colorful houses of bright red, yellow, green and blue stand out in stark contrast to a landscape of gray and white. The Sisimiut Museum hosts a traditional Greenlandic peat house and the remains of an 18th century kayak.

There is no other place on Earth, other than Ilulissat, Greenland that can define itself by the size and volume of its icebergs. The name Ilulissat, in fact, is the Greenlandic word for ‘Iceberg’. This is truly an iceberg paradise! Despite its proximity to huge glaciers, people have lived here in excess of 4,000 years. The modern town of Ilulissat was founded in 1741 by the Danish merchant, Jacob Severin. With a current population of 4,500 it is the third-largest city in Greenland. The narrow inner harbor is lined by a kaleidoscope of colorful houses so typical of Greenlandic villages.

The mass and sheer volume of icebergs from nearby Jakobshavn Glacier has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. Moving at up to 45 meters (150’) per day, when averaged annually, the glacier drains 6.5% of the Greenland ice sheet and produces about 10% of all icebergs. For this reason, Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy your last day at sea, take it as an opportunity to reflect on the adventures of the past days and to cherish quality moments with your loved ones and fellow travelers.

Bid farewell to the crew and your fellow traveller before disembarking in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Reykjavik.

In October, 1941 the United States Army Air Force constructed an airbase at the site of Kangerlussuaq. It served as a refuelling stop for single-engine military aircraft being flown to Britain during World War II. From their last port of call, Goose Bay, Labrador, it was 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to Kangerlussuaq until they could refuel. Kangerlussuaq fjord (‘Big Fjord’), is 170 kilometers (105 miles) long and was often shrouded in fog, providing a serious navigation problem for those aircrews.

Today, with the use of modern technology, navigation is no longer an issue. The landscape was ideal for the site of an airport. A large alluvial plain, deposited by the nearby glacial-outflow river, provided a perfectly flat environment for an airport. Kangerlussuaq is the largest commercial airport in Greenland and supports a population of 500. A little known fact, from 1971 to 1987, 33 missiles from various countries, were fired from Kangerlussuaq for upper atmospheric scientific research.

Reykjavík, established by Viking settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 870 C.E, is the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland. The census of 1703 recorded that Reykjavík had 69 residents and consisted of a farm and a church. The impressive statue of Leif Erikson, in the center of town, reminds all of Iceland’s Viking heritage. Its name translates to ‘smoky bay’, due to the geothermal nature of the surrounding area.

Today about 200.000 people live in the Icelandic capital, roughly 60% of the country’s population. It has evolved into a sophisticated city. The northernmost national capital in the world is also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest on Earth. Walking Reykjavik streets one will find rich culture, history, music, shopping and in the late hours vibrant night-life. Colorful rooftops and the elegant spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church dominate Reykjavik’s skyline. Known for its arts, Reykjavik hosts a number of internationally recognized festivals, notably the Iceland Air music festival, Reykjavik Arts Festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival.

Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.