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Couples can save more than US$7000 on expedition cruises into and out of the famed Northwest Passage, giving them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Arctic’s icebergs, dramatic fjords, stunning glaciers, polar bears, seabirds and whales.

For a limited time, Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller have also dropped the single supplement for most categories, meaning solo travellers can save almost US$11,000 per person.

Australians can opt to travel either from Greenland to Canada, or Canada to Greenland on a 17-night expedition cruise, which aims to showcase the Arctic’s natural beauty while also offering a glimpse into the lives of the Inuit people who call it home.

Guests departing from Canada and journeying out of the Northwest Passage will have the added chance of seeing the Northern Lights — the stunning auroras of purple and green which light up the Arctic sky.

Much safer than it was … but the icy waters still retain their mystic charm.

Linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Northwest Passage is only navigable by ships for a few weeks a year after the peak of summer.

Many nineteenth-century explorers tried to traverse the passage as a possible trade route to Asia, often with journeys ending in disaster.

Today, the Northwest Passage is accessible by ice-strengthened expedition ships — but the icy waters still retain their mystic charm.

Ocean Endeavour … Adventure Canada’s 198-passenger, eco-friendly vessel.

Guests will travel on board Adventure Canada’s 198-passenger, eco-friendly vessel, the Ocean Endeavour, and enjoy daily Zodiac shore visits and excursions which will take them close to wildlife and provide an immersive insight into the traditional Inuit culture — including a visit to Canada’s northernmost communities.

During the journey, expedition staff from Adventure Canada will help spot polar bears, walrus, muskox, whales, seals and other wildlife while maintaining passenger safety at all times.

There will also be opportunities for hiking, photography, birding and for exploring archaeological sites.

Ocean Endeavour … highlights of the cruises include crossing the Arctic Circle.

Other highlights of the cruises include crossing the Arctic Circle, cruising along the icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord (a UNESCO World-Heritage site), visiting the historic remnants of the Franklin Expedition, seeing polar bears, walrus, muskox, seabirds, seals and whales in their natural habitats, and visiting Devon Island which, at over 50,000 square kilometres, is the largest uninhabited island on earth, and home to many geological and natural features.

Departing either from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland on August 21 next year, or from Kugluktuk in Canada on September 6 next year, the 18-night expedition cruises are available from US$15,100 per person twin-share.

This includes a saving of US$2190 per person if booked by October 31 this year.

Suite fares are priced from US$22,750 per person — a saving of US$3540 per person.

Supplement-free solo fares start at US$15,100, which is saving of US$10,835 if booked by October 31. Fares and cabins are subject to availability.

Linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans … the Northwest Passage Image: Michelle Valberg.

Prices include shore excursions, charter flights between Canada and Greenland and an expedition parka to keep. Flights from Australia are extra.

Call 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au.

Since its birth as a family-owned expedition cruise line in 1987, Adventure Canada has operated cruises to the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland, Labrador, and Newfoundland, with Iceland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Costa Rica/Panama and the remote corners of Ireland added for 2019.

Written by John Rozentals