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Northwest Passage: Footsteps of Franklin | Ultramarine

17 Days
Save Up To 33%

WAS From AUD 33,200   Now From AUD 23,807

STYLE: Luxury Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: ACQENPF

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Toronto, Canada

Finish: Calgary, Canada

SHIP: Ultramarine

DestinationDestination

Arctic, Greenland, Canadian Arctic

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship & Hotel



Enquire Now
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OVERVIEW

Retrace the incredible expedition of the Franklin Expedition on this remarkable 17 day voyage into the heart of the Northwest Passage. Discover remote and vast Arctic landscapes, from towering fjords, wild tundra and towering icebergs. Encounter unique Greenlandic villages and have the opportunity to shop for traditional Inuit handicrafts. Undertake a true Arctic expedition from the West of Greenland to Canada's High Arctic.

 

*Current Discounts, promotions and pricing are available until 31 Mar 2024, however discounts may be withdrawn or changed at any time and are subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment discount, which requires the full balance to be paid at the time of booking to apply.  Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Toronto, Canada

Your Arctic expedition begins in Toronto. Explore this vibrant city on your own before spending the night at your well-appointed hotel.

Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Embark

After breakfast, board your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small seaside community that’s your gateway to Greenland. Enjoy your first Zodiac ride as you’re transferred from shore to ship. Out on deck, take in your new surroundings before you set sail on your Arctic adventure.

Exploring West Greenland - Day 3 & 4

Cruising around the remote regions of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic aboard Ultramarine, the newest ship in our fleet, you’ll navigate the same icy inlets, channels and bays that fascinated legendary explorers of long ago. Designed to give polar adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest-to-reach places on the planet this one-of-a-kind ship, in its inaugural year, will take you beyond the familiar in polar exploration. Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will keep an eye toward immersing you in the best the Arctic has to offer at the top of the world. Locals call Maniitsoq the Venice of Greenland, as it’s situated in an archipelago intersected by natural canals. Soaring, snow-capped mountains surround the small, rocky town, whose name means “the uneven place.” Playful humpback whales spend summer in the waters around here.

The Greenlandic capital of Nuuk is a haven for history and culture lovers. Stroll down to the waterfront to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, named for the missionary who established the settlement in 1728. Marvel at the famous remains of 500-year-old fully dressed mummies, discovered under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers out hunting, at the Greenland National Museum. The Nuuk Art Museum and Katuaq Culture Centre are also worth visiting.

At Sea

Say goodbye to Greenland’s shores as you traverse the Davis Strait in pursuit of the Canadian Arctic. Presentations by on-board experts will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead.

Exploring Canada's High Arctic - Days 6 to 15

Visit towering fjords, historical sites and traditional Inuit communities as you follow in the footsteps of famous explorers from long ago in the Canadian High Arctic.

The picturesque Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, nicknamed the Switzerland of the Arctic, is nestled beneath the jagged peaks of Mount Duval. An artist’s hub, Pang is renowned for its traditional Inuit arts and crafts, especially lithographs and intricate tapestries. At the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts, watch craftspeople in the tapestry studio and pick up a limited-edition print. A must for visitors, a colorful Pang hat will keep you warm during the remainder of your Arctic voyage. You’ll also visit nearby Kekerten, an uninhabited island that was a major whaling destination in the 1800s.

At the southern tip of the Cumberland Sound, Cape Mercy was named by British explorer John Davis (yes, he of the Davis Strait), who sailed through it in 1585. The site of an old Distant Early Warning Line installation, it’s an ideal spot to go ashore for a hike.

As icebergs travel down the Davis Strait, they’re naturally trapped at Qikiqtarjuak (formerly known as Broughton Island), the iceberg capital of the world. The icy waters here are sometimes also home to narwhals, beluga and right whales, and ring and harp seals. A hike up to the hilltop inukshuk (a stone figure made by the Inuit) rewards with spectacular views of the community.

Cruising farther north along the east coast of Baffin Island, we’ll approach Isabella Bay, an important summer and fall feeding area for a large population of bowhead whales.

Stacked side by side, the dozens of soaring cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord make for a majestic site as you sail by. One of the most isolated places on the planet, the big-wall playground attracts climbers eager to scale the sheer rock faces that shoot straight out of the sea.

At the northern tip of Baffin Island, near the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, is the picturesque hamlet of Pond Inlet. Spend some time exploring this traditional Inuit community that’s surrounded by scenic mountains, fjords, glaciers and icebergs.

The area around Lancaster Sound affords several hiking opportunities. At Dundas Harbour, on Devon Island, you’ll visit an abandoned beachside outpost of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. At nearby Croker Bay, cruise in a Zodiac (at a safe distance) along the face of an actively calving glacier. Your Expedition Team will also keep its eyes peeled for the muskoxen and walrus that are known to visit the bay. A hike to a nearby archaeological site is another possible excursion. Farther west, some of the best ancient Thule remains in the Arctic are at Radstock Bay, beside the soaring Caswell Towers, a polar bear observation site. Exploring the area, you’ll gain insight into how these pre-Inuit people lived.

At the western end of Devon Island, the windswept Beechey Island might be small, but it’s steeped in history. Named after famed British explorer Frederick William Beechey, it’s a Canadian National Historic Site. You’ll visit the small marked graves of three crew members who died during Sir John Franklin’s tragic 1845–46 expedition. Roald Amundsen landed here in 1903, during the first successful voyage by ship through the Northwest Passage.

Sailing down the east coast of Somerset Island, you may be fortunate to spot beluga whales and narwhals, as they feed on the large numbers of Arctic char that enter Creswell Bay in late summer. An Important Bird Area, the bay also attracts such species as black-bellied plovers, king eiders and whit

Disembark in Resolute, Canada & fly to Calgary

After disembarking in Resolute, you’ll be transferred to your charter flight to Calgary, where you’ll spend the night at your well-appointed hotel.

Depart Calgary

Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend the day exploring this fascinating city.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • You will have the opportunity to encounter unique Arctic wildlife including whales, walrus and musk oxen. 

  • Experience the highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. 

  • Embark on unique zodiac adventures to get up to glaciers, fjords and icebergs. 

Ultramarine

Ultramarine

Step onboard the Ultramarine! This premium expedition vessel takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably.  It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board .The vessel is one of the few to offer a suite of flight-seeing activities, travelling in one of the two twin-engine helicopters. This really opens up the possibilities to go further and see more. 

The Expedition Ship  can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views and spa-inspired bathrooms.

Ultramarine offers breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range, four embarkation points to load and embark zodiacs and get you to shore faster. The ship has a water level Zodiac hangar, which allows for more spontaneous off-ship adventures where the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get off the ship in less than half the time of some other vessels. 

Ice Class: Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:
199

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.

Kayaking

Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.

Learn More

Pricing per person

Solo Panorama

Features:-

  • single bed
  • floor-to-ceiling window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

30 % off

AUD 53,350 AUD 38,290

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)

Explorer Triple

Features:-

  • three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed)
  • sitting area
  • picture window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

30 % off

AUD 30,150 AUD 22,050

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Triple (3 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Explorer Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • picture window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

30 % off

AUD 39,050 AUD 28,280

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Balcony Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

30 % off

AUD 42,650 AUD 30,800

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

30 % off

AUD 49,850 AUD 35,840

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Terrace Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private extra-wide balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

30 % off

AUD 51,750 AUD 37,170

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Penthouse Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

30 % off

AUD 53,350 AUD 38,290

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Owner's Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet
  • sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee
  • binoculars on loan. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals
  • included spa package
  • upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable
  • included arrival transfers where applicable. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

30 % off

AUD 67,850 AUD 48,440

Unavailable

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Ultra Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet
  • sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee
  • binoculars on loan. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals
  • included spa package
  • upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable
  • included arrival transfers where applicable. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

30 % off

AUD 74,950 AUD 53,410

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Solo Panorama

Features:-

  • single bed
  • floor-to-ceiling window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

33 % off

AUD 58,200 AUD 40,682

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)

Explorer Triple

Features:-

  • three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed)
  • sitting area
  • picture window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

33 % off

AUD 33,200 AUD 23,807

Available

Enquire Now
  • Triple (3 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Explorer Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • picture window
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

33 % off

AUD 42,800 AUD 30,287

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Balcony Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

33 % off

AUD 46,600 AUD 32,852

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Share, Male (1 berth)
  • Share, Female (1 berth)

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle.

33 % off

AUD 54,400 AUD 38,117

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Terrace Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private extra-wide balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

33 % off

AUD 56,300 AUD 39,400

Available

Enquire Now
  • Single (1 berth)
  • Double (2 berths)

Penthouse Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds
  • sitting area with sofa bed
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

33 % off

AUD 58,200 AUD 40,682

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Owner's Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet
  • sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee
  • binoculars on loan. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals
  • included spa package
  • upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable
  • included arrival transfers where applicable. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

33 % off

AUD 73,600 AUD 51,077

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Ultra Suite

Features:-

  • one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet
  • sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
  • private balcony
  • desk
  • refrigerator
  • TV
  • private bathroom with shower
  • bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room. Standard Amenities: hair dryer
  • bathrobe
  • slippers
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • shower gel
  • complimentary water bottle. Premium Amenities: upgraded bedding
  • in suite coffee
  • binoculars on loan. Services: onboard WiFi credit*
  • included laundry**
  • in suite dining during scheduled meals
  • included spa package
  • upgraded hotel accommodation pre-/post-expedition where applicable
  • included arrival transfers where applicable. *terms & conditions apply
  • WiFi may be limited in duration or data **terms & conditions apply
  • limited number of laundry loads per voyage

33 % off

AUD 81,100 AUD 56,140

Available

Enquire Now
  • Double (2 berths)
  • Single (1 berth)

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS 
    Cabin accommodation on board ship
    All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. 
    Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
    All scheduled landings and excursions
    Guiding and leadership by expert exploration team and crew
    A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
    An Expedition parka (yours to keep)
    Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
    One 10 to 15 minute helicopter flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting) 

    MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE (INCLUDED) 
    Includes one night pre expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto & one night post expedition in Calgary 
    Group transfers from Toronto Hotel to airport on day 2 and Calgary Airport to Hotel post expedition 
    Charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq and Resolute to Calgary 
    Return group transfers between Kangerlussuaq Airport and the ship and the ship and Resolute Airport 

     

    EXCLUSIONS

    International flights
    Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above
    Passport and visa expenses
    Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or U.S. visa-exempt passengers
    Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
    Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
    Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
    Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
    Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
    Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
    Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
    Optional Adventure Activities 

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, quad, triple, and twin cabins.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
    Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.

    Includes charter flights from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq and Calgary to Resolute

  • Departure date, seasonality, currency fluctuation and availability.