Northwest Passage
S.A.L.T.
World Cruise
Exploring the Northwest Passage
Exploring the Northwest Passage
An epic adventure from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean awaits
For centuries, explorers including Captain James Cook and Henry Hudson sought to navigate the Northwest Passage – a 3,500 nautical mile route through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This east-to-west sailing from Greenland to Alaska was first achieved by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen in 1906, and the thrill of the remote journey through dramatic icy channels surrounded by abundant wildlife has never diminished.
23 days aboard the Silver Wind
Considered the ultimate Arctic adventure, this 23-day journey aboard the Silver Wind happens just once a year between late August and early October when ice conditions allow. Starting in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and culminating in Nome, Alaska, passengers aboard the ship will experience countless shore excursions via Zodiac, enlightening lectures and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way.
“This trip appeals to our seasoned expedition guests who see it as a bucket list trip because it offers so much,” explains Conrad Combrink, SVP, Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management for Silversea. “We experience remote communities that are otherwise very difficult to access, and we’re immersed in an ever-changing landscape of high mountain deserts, glaciers and tundra,” he says. “Finally, there is the spectacular, varied wildlife – from whales and marine life to land animals such as musk ox and polar bears – every day reveals something new and unexpected,” says Combrink of the dynamic daily discoveries.
Every day reveals something new and unexpected
Mother Nature is ultimately in charge of this once-in-a-lifetime voyage
While the itinerary is set well in advance, it is Mother Nature who is ultimately in charge of this once-in-a-lifetime voyage – one that begins with the stunning fjords of Greenland and proceeds on to the lakes of Sisimiut and Tele Island where ancient and modern Inuit cultures converge. Onward to Canada, where guests can alight at Pond Inlet on remote Baffin Island, which is long-considered a “jewel of the North” for its awe-inspiring glaciers. For those interested in cultural immersion – including performances, art demonstrations and local tastings – these are on offer throughout, as are the hikes and kayak excursions that are perfect for spotting Atlantic puffin and snowy owls.
The Northwest Passage voyage involves an incredible history of discovery
One of the true voyage highlights is a visit to Beechey Island, where Sir John Franklin – a pioneer of polar exploration – embarked on a quest to find the Northwest Passage in the mid-19th century. Guests can hike the tundra or paddle the pristine surrounding waters to gain a sense of the area’s historical importance before continuing on through Canada and into the Northwest Territories.
“The Northwest Passage voyage involves an incredible history of discovery, one where we get to travel in the footsteps of intrepid explorers,” Combrink shares. Next, cruise the ice-filled Peel Sound where polar bears roam freely before visiting the Arctic community of Cambridge Bay, and onward to the final leg of the journey – one full of vast wilderness, First Nation culture and spectacular Northern Lights sightings.
Although we have a planned itinerary, it is all very flexible. This is the beauty of expedition travel; nature dictates much of what we do.
Education and exploration await guests travelling aboard the Silver Wind
With a seasoned Expedition Leader and a staff of approximately 30 guides who are trained to take advantage of the conditions – from monitoring melting ice to spotting the elusive narwhal – guests aboard the Silver Wind are in for “an education on everything from marine biology to geology to anthropology and archaeology,” says Combrink of the wide-ranging daily offerings.
Refitted in November 2021, the Silver Wind features an enhanced ice-class hull and continues to offer the ultimate in laidback-luxury with expansive suites –with sweeping Vista and Veranda views and unmatched stargazing – as well as four world-class restaurants that are perfect after long days spent exploring.
A truly special, once-in-a-lifetime travelling experience
“The fact that there about 300 ships that have ever done this passage – that it is still a challenge, albeit one we have planned for – means that there is always a sense of excitement and adventure,” says Combrink. “It’s one of the most historically important passages that has ever opened, and to be able to go where so few have gone before as a modern-day traveller, that is truly special.”
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