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Small boat landing in Dundas Harbor
We aim to visit several sites with traces of earlier expeditions. We will call at some of the world’s northernmost communities, explore legendary inlets and channels, and take you on exciting small boat cruising and landings. When conditions allow we will launch our kayaks or take you on hikes. Photo: Andrea Klaussner Photo

What to pack for your cruise to the Northwest Passage

In addition to your ordinary packing list, we recommend a few items for your expedition to the high Arctic.

Climate in the Northwest Passage

Climate and temperatures

We travel through the Northwest Passage in summer. The High Arctic summer can have temperatures as low as 5° C (41° F), but can also reach mid to high 20° C (68° F).

High Arctic summer days

Being this far north in summer means days are long. Daylight lasts from about 20 hours per day at the beginning of August to 12 hours by the end of September.

How should you dress?

Wearing clothes in layers is the best way to dress. We advise bringing light jumpers, a woollen jumper, warm socks, a scarf, mountain/winter boots, warm and waterproof trousers, a jacket, a woollen hat, and gloves. When going ashore, mosquito repellent might also be handy.

Packing list for the Northwest Passage

A group of items on a table

In addition to your “ordinary” packing list (toiletries and necessary basic clothes), we recommend these items for your expedition:

  1. A pair of casual shoes for use onboard
  2. Camera equipment and a memory card with a large capacity. Check if you need an adapter. The power plugs and sockets on board are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  3. The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual, and you are not expected to dress formally for meals
  4. A pair of good binoculars (or rent a high-quality pair from the shop)
  5. A small waterproof backpack to carry essentials during landings
  6. Please remember to bring your passport and a copy of it
  7. Sun protection (factor 30 +) and insect repellent for landings
  8. Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
  9. Lip salve with UV protection
  10. Remember to bring sufficient medication to last through any unforeseen delays
  11. Wind and water-resistant trousers
  12. Warm cap or headband
  13. Swimwear for use in our on-deck pool and hot tubs
  14. Scarf or fleece tube
  15. Warm woollen jumper and fleece jumper/jacket. Remember layers are essential
  16. Gloves and/or mittens
  17. Warm socks
  18. Shoes with good soles are recom­mended for use on the outside deck and for excursions ashore. Make sure that they are worn-in walking boots

Related cruises

  • Multiple offers
    MS Fram
    19 days 17 August 2022

    The Northwest Passage - In the Wake of Great Explorers (Itinerary 1)

    • New Season
    • Experience Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic in the Northwest Passage
    • Discover UNESCO-listed sites, Inuit settlements, and Arctic wildlife
    Price from
    £ 10124
  • Book with confidence
    MS Roald Amundsen
    26 days 23 August 2022

    The Northwest Passage - In the Wake of the Great Explorers

    • New Season
    • Experience a rare Northwest Passage attempt from the Pacific to the Atlantic
    • Discover UNESCO-listed sites, Inuit settlements,and a range of Arctic wildlife
  • Multiple offers
    MS Fram
    20 days 2 September 2022

    The Northwest Passage - In the Wake of Great Explorers (Itinerary 2)

    • New Season
    • Experience the Canadian High Arctic in the Northwest Passage and also Greenland
    • Discover UNESCO-listed sites, Inuit settlements, and Arctic wildlife
    Price from
    £ 11869

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The leopard seal is named for its spotted fur coat. Famous for their fierce nature, these animals are one of the primary predators in Antarctica, using their powerful jaws and long teeth to hunt fish, squid, penguins and even other seals. Fascinatingly, leopard seals have no ear flaps, but rather hear from the inside. 
📷: Gian-Rico Willy / Hurtigruten Expeditions
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#hurtigrutenexpeditions #weexplore #antarctica #wildlife #seal #leopardseal #cruise #travel #adventuretravel #expeditioncruise The Lemaire Channel is a narrow strait surrounded by cliffs and glaciers that runs seven miles in length and just under a mile wide. This scenic route is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Antarctica, and has even been dubbed the 'Kodak Gap.' Grab your camera and get ready for some amazing photos and breathtaking landscapes. 
📷: @glr.photo / Hurtigruten 
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#hurtigrutenexpeditions #weexplore #antarctica #lemairechannel #naturephotography #sunset #travel A curious chinstrap penguin stopping by to say hello😄
📷: Ken Louie / Hurtigruten
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#hurtigrutenexpeditions #weexplore #antarctica #penguin #chinstrappenguin #wildlife #cruise #travel #adventuretravel

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