On August 28th, 2023, a significant event unfolded on the Northwest Passage route as Hurtigruten Expeditions' ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen crossed paths for the first time. This bow-to-bow meeting occurred in Cambridge Bay (Victoria Island, Canada) where guests and crew commemorated the occasion with flags and warm beverages on the ships' decks.
Hurtigruten Expeditions' Group CEO, Daniel Skjeldam, remarked that the gathering served as a moment to celebrate their legacy. As the founders of expedition cruising in 1896, they were born explorers, taking generations of travelers into the unknown.
The two ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, crossed during their respective Northwest Passage sailings to Nome Alaska, and Halifax NS Canada. Captain Terje Willassen and Captain Raymond Martinsen guided the vessels, both committed to navigating this historic route.
The Northwest Passage, a legendary ice-covered route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Arctic, has captured imaginations for centuries. Roald Amundsen's successful 1906 crossing inspired present-day explorations. Captain Terje, hailing from the same Norwegian town as Amundsen, felt a personal connection to this voyage.
Hurtigruten Expeditions' commitment to the region extends beyond exploration. Guests on these voyages participate in Citizen Science projects, contributing to research while sailing. The company's involvement in local initiatives, such as supporting disadvantaged youth and promoting local business growth, underscores their dedication to Arctic communities.