ONBOARD ROALD AMUNDSEN — For most travellers, the Northwest Passage is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. 

For travel advisors, it is also an opportunity to offer clients an expedition experience that few will ever have the chance to take.

Recently returned from 23 days onboard MS Roald Amundsen, on HX Expeditions’ ‘Northwest Passage, Across the Top of the World,’ we discovered why this trip is so special – and why advisors should offer it to their adventure-seeking clients. 

RETRACE THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT EXPLORERS

The Northwest Passage was a path coveted by numerous European explorers seeking a trade route to Asia. As early as the mid-16th century, many attempted to sail with wooden ships and rudimentary navigation instruments, only to be defeated by crushing sea ice. 

Finally, in 1906, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen succeeded in finding a way through – so it’s quite fitting to sail this epic voyage on a vessel named in his honour.

Our itinerary, sailing eastbound from Nome, Alaska, to Nuuk, Greenland, also included visits to sites that played a role in the mapping of the Northwest Passage, including Beechey Island, where Sir John Franklin and his ships overwintered in 1845 before disappearing at sea; Fury Beach, named after the sunken vessel whose abandoned provisions later saved the lives of subsequent explorers; and Gjoa Haven, a protected bay named by Roald Amundsen when his ship Gjøa overwintered in 1904 during his voyage. 

The onboard Science Center is well-equipped to educate guests all about the Northwest Passage

ONCE-A-YEAR VOYAGE

This is a rare window of opportunity, as the Northwest Passage can only be attempted in August, when the Arctic sea ice has melted enough for safe passage. 

Due to the voyage length (4,123 nautical miles or 7,635 kilometres) and the uncertainty of ice conditions, HX is one of the very few expedition lines to attempt a full NWP transit. 

Most other brands explore only the eastern part of the passage from Greenland on shorter voyages. Needless to say, the rarity and excitement of this Northwest Passage voyage are strong selling features.  

Aune is one of three dining venues onboard Roald Amundsen, serving breakfast and lunch buffets, and table-service dinners

UNIQUE VESSEL & ONBOARD OFFERINGS

As more clients ask about sustainable travel, here’s a good-to-know: Roald Amundsen is the world’s first hybrid electric vessel, with battery packs that supplement the ship’s diesel generators, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 20%. The advanced technology lessens the environmental impact as the ship sails through the pristine High Arctic. Launched in 2019, the vessel’s interiors marry functional design and contemporary comfort, with well-appointed oceanview cabins and balcony suites. 

Roald Amundsen’s accommodations include comfortable oceanview and balcony cabins and suites

Ideal for this type of voyage, the expedition program includes in-depth lectures by the expedition team, with Arctic-focused topics that ranged from wildlife and geology to ecology and human history. 

We also had three Inuit cultural ambassadors onboard who enlightened us with the history and everyday life of the Inuit, and the challenges they faced during European colonization.    

MS Roald Amundsen also has a robust Citizen Science program, where guests can assist in gathering data to support scientific research. Cloud formations, flora and fauna and water samples – we did it all. Travellers not only learn but can feel good about contributing to ongoing studies.  

Inuit communities organized cultural performances for Roald Amundsen guests that showcased traditional Inuit song, dance, sports and games

BIG WILDLIFE & BIG ICE

A major driver for this type of sailing, in addition to the rarity value, is the opportunity to see marvel at seldom-seen wilderness, and wildlife. 

We were lucky, with sightings of humpback, bowhead, and beluga whales, a variety of seabirds and even three polar bears. 

The Expedition team members were often on deck to spot wildlife, and sightings were announced over the PA. The Northwest Passage route passes through some of the most untouched landscapes in Canada, with awe-inspiring sea cliffs, glacier-carved fjords, and barren tundra landscapes. Sea ice is another prominent feature, with enormous floes drifting by as the ship nimbly navigated through them.

Guided walks and extended hikes are par for the course with HX shore expeditions

LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

The most meaningful aspect of our Northwest Passage voyage was the opportunity to meet Inuit community members of the Canadian High Arctic, with visits to Ulukhaktok in the Northwest Territories, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven and Pond Inlet in Nunavut. 

Residents, eager to show off their hamlets, led us on walks. We watched cultural performances by Inuit elders and youth, and even played bingo with the locals. Others went hiking, fished for Arctic Char and attended story-telling sessions, all facilitated by community members who showed us their way of life. 

We felt deeply moved by these personal encounters, and we applaud HX for connecting their guests with the communities.

Although never guaranteed, spotting wildlife is a highlight of a Northwest Passage expedition, and we were fortunate to see polar bears on several occasions

TIPS FOR THE TRADE

Who’s onboard a sailing like this? North Americans, Brits and Germans were the predominant clientele, with all announcements made in English, and a second language dependent on the demographics (German, on our voyage). The multilingual expedition team members provided translations during lectures and on outings.

Not surprisingly due to the voyage length, retirees made up the bulk of the guests, and 20% were solo travellers. 

Important to note: The Northwest Passage is a long journey that is taxing for the crew, and their workload and stress at times reflected in the level of service. After these concerns were reported, they were addressed and the performance improved.

The ship is completely paperless. All restaurant menus, the daily program, voyage updates and ship-to-guest messages are found on the HX app. 

Although the expedition team presents tomorrow’s plans after dinner every night, guests are responsible for keeping themselves informed through the app – so having a smartphone is essential.

Fares include meals, beverages, including alcohol, Starlink WiFi (excellent throughout our voyage), gratuities and most expedition landings. Room service is not offered. Optional excursions have an extra charge.

Lead image caption: Wilderness landings from HX Expeditions’ MS Roald Amundsen are by Zodiac, ferrying guests to and from the ship (all photos courtesy Ming Tappin)