Monday, March 25, 2024

Cruises Through The Northwest Passage

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Northwest Passage Travel Faqs

Crystal Serenity| Massive Cruise Ship Sails Northwest Passage

At the very top of Canada’s Arctic territory, you find the legendary Northwest Passage. It is considerably more isolated than the more developed parts of Canada and therefore some of the expectations you might have for the rest of the country aren’t true here. On the other hand, it is Canadian territory, so many of the general FAQs can be found at the bottom of our Canada page.Do I need a visa to travel to the Northwest Passage?electronic travel authorizationIs tipping customary in the Northwest Passage?What is the internet access like in the Northwest Passage?Can I use my cell phone while in the Northwest Passage?Do I need a power adapter/ converter?What are the toilets like in the Northwest Passage?Can I drink the water in the Northwest Passage?Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?this page

The Complicated Relationship Between Cruise Ships And The Arctic Inuit

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Last summer, the Crystal Serenity, a luxury cruise ship, embarked on a monthlong voyage through the Northwest Passage, the sea route that winds through Canadas Arctic archipelago. The Serenity, which can accommodate more than a thousand passengers, headed through the same waters as had H.M.S. Resolute, which, in August of 1853, set out to rescue a group of British explorers and ended up trapped in the ice for the better part of a year. The Arctic Ocean is warmer than it was a hundred and sixty-three years ago, and the Crystal Serenity, accompanied by a British icebreaking vessel, made the voyage without dire incident. It is the largest cruise ship to sail through the Northwest Passage, and its voyage signalled the economic changes that are coming to the vast region as a result, in part, of climate change.

I spoke to Kublu in March, when he and representatives from some of Nunavuts twenty-five communities had gathered in Iqaluit, Nunavuts capital, to discuss the first-ever land-use plan for the territory. Drafted by the government-funded Nunavut Planning Commission, the plan is nearing completion after having been in negotiation for more than twelve years. The goal is to find a broadly acceptable compromise between protecting Nunavuts pristine land and water, and allowing tourism, mining, and other types of development.

Admire The Fauna In The Aulavik National Park

Created in the north of Banks Island, the Aulavik National Park is considered to be a polar desert. However, its tundra plains and various water points have encouraged a very rich fauna to develop. The park is best known for being home to three-quarters of the world’s population of Muskox, approximately 70,000 of them. Caribou, arctic hares and arctic foxes, wolves and lemmings also are found in the region. No fewer than 43 species of birds traverse the park through the seasons.

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Unique Northwest Passage Experiences

Northwest Passage cruises with Aurora Expeditions include several activities unique to the High Arctic that will ensure you have the trip of a lifetime. Cruise through the Canadian High Arctic in an Aurora Expedition cabin thats made for comfort most have a private balcony. For those willing to explore the Northwest Passage, the adventures and memories will last a lifetime.

On the expedition, you will learn about the history of the legendary route of the Northwest Passage, Inuit art, diverse wildlife and the changeable weather conditions in the Arctic Ocean.

Zodiac cruise trips ashore and walking tours are also led by your Expedition Leader as included activities and offer great opportunities. Visits to places like Baffin Island, Somerset Island, Beechey Island, Hudson Bay, Ellesmere Island and Cambridge Bay will give you a chance to stretch your legs, while others may choose to explore the area from water level in a sea kayak.

Challenges Of Warm Waters

Cruise through the Northwest Passage from Reykjavik

While global warming has created the opportunity to sail through the NW passage, this year it created a new problem ice floes. As ice melts and breaks apart, the ice is blown around by winds creating hazards for cruise ships. This year, several cruises had to modify their itinerary, and a few were canceled, as ice floes impeded cruise routes. But sophisticated cruisers understand this is how nature operates and the cruise lines must adapt. And so too, we must be adaptable. For those that were cancelled, the cruise lines offer generous compensation.

While it is important to understand possible disruptions, the opportunity to see and experience this pristine and ever changing landscape offers a strong attraction to sophisticated cruisers seeking adventure. The best time to cruise the arctic is in the warmer month of August. And dont forget to take your camera.

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Crossing The Labrador Sea

Watch for wildlife and get involved in Citizen Science

Leaving Greenland behind, our expedition cruise continues to Canada across the Labrador Sea. We’ll enter the Davis Strait, named after English explorer John Davis, who led expeditions here in the 16th century. The Expedition Team will continue their onboard lectures on topics such as the wildlife of Northern Labrador, Inuit culture and the history of Arctic exploration.

The strait is known for its abundance of seals, whales and cod. Why not take part in one of our Citizen Science programme projects, helping photograph and track whales, or observe the clouds to help scientists study our climate by contributing to the GLOBE Program.

Why Cruise The Rivers Of Europe

Viking takes you to the heart of Europe via its grand waterways, providing you with boundless insight into the continents cultural and historic treasures. Immerse yourself in the storybook villages, vibrant cultural centers and picturesque landscapes of The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary and Switzerland, and unlock a whole new world of discovery. Here is a sample of what you will see on one of our European river cruises:

  • Visits to Germanys charming wine-producing villages
  • Culinary delights in Lyon, France
  • Medieval Prague, City of a Thousand Spires
  • The elegant boulevards and grand monuments of Paris
  • Historic Wittenberg, home to Martin Luther
  • Fairytale windmills of The Netherlands
  • Wine tastings in the quintas of Portugals Douro Valley
  • Budapests regal Parliament building and Chain Bridge
  • Viennas inspirational legacy of classical music
  • Frances famed wineries in Beaujolais, Bordeaux and beyond

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Sail The Infamous Northwest Passage At The Top Of The World

Traverse one of the worldâs most mythical and celebrated ocean routes in the comfort of an ice-class expedition vessel.

Hear the compelling stories of European explorers who attempted the challenge and of Inuit who have travelled the waterway for centuries.

Meet the guardians from the community of Uqsuqtuuq , responsible for protecting the wrecks of the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror.

Northwest Passage Cruise Highlights

A Cruise of Canada’s Northwest Passage

Baffin Island

Known as the gateway to the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island is a paradise for wildlife. The frozen island hosts many of the Arctic’s most famed creatures including polar bears, walrus, seals and, of course, millions of seabirds. You will also visit the tiny community of Kimmirut where traditional ways of life still hold sway.

Herschel Island

Captain Franklin was the first European to witness Herschel Island during his fabled 1826 voyage. Located at the northern most point of the Yukon Territory, Herschel Island is one of the best places to see musk oxen. Up until fairly recently, the island was used as a whaling station and the waters around the island are still ideal for whale spotting.

Disko Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Disco Bay is famed or its stunning icebergs – some of the largest in the world. The large bay is also home to Ilulissat Icefjord one of the most spectacular icefjords on earth! You’ll hear carving icebergs cracking as they cleave off and visit the traditional Arctic settlement of Ilulissat.

Somerset Island

Somerset Island is a fantastic place to see beluga whales and narwhal. Both species are not beautiful sites and come to Somerset Island during the summer to feed on the large schools of char. You can also visit Fort Ross where the Hudsons Bay Company established a trading-post in 1937. Although now abandoned, the site is fantastic to walk around.

Beechey Island

Devon Island

Kekerten

Pangnirtung

Davis Strait

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The Lure Of The Nw Passage

The draw of these luxury expedition cruises is the ability to experience the wild and primeval wonder of the Canadian arctic as you traverse the routes taken by great explorers of the past. As you pass the coast of the Russian Far East and head through Canada, youll see polar bears, musk ox, walrus, beluga and narwhal whales searching for food. Youll watch a waddle of penguins play on land. You can visit an Inuit village, learn about their history, and experience their rugged way of life. You will visit parts of the world few have ever seen unspoiled, wild, and majestic.

Kangerlussuaq / Disembark / Reykjavik Iceland / Us

Sail back into Søndre Strømfjord to Kangerlussuaq and disembark the ship. Take an evening charter flight to Reykjavík and transfer to the Marriott Keflavik Airport Hotel. On our final morning, you may choose to enjoy a soak in the Blue Lagoon or take a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula before transferring to the airport for flights home.

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Northwest Passage Expedition Cruise Activities

Visit The Northwest Passage with Aurora Expeditions and our Expedition Team will take you on excursions unique to the High Arctic, fully included in the cost of your expedition. For those interested in a little extra excitement, there are optional activities designed to get you closer to the action. Our Northwest Passage expeditions provide a mix of comfort and adventure for those willing to explore this Arctic archipelago the memories will last a lifetime.

Bird Watching

Northwest Passage Epic High Arctic

Cruise through the Northwest Passage: From Greenland to Alaska ...
Starting From:
Duration:

The fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Northwest Passage continues to grip our collective imagination. On this captivating 17-day voyage, we invite you aboard our game-changing new vessel, Ultramarine, to explore this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of on-board comforts and off-ship adventures no other vessel can offer. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, guests will journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, navigating the waters explored by sailors from different lands and visiting the sites that helped unlock the eventual discovery of this long-coveted route.

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Reykjavk / Kangerlussuaq Greenland / Embark

The morning is at leisure followed by lunch and a tour of the city ending at either the National Museum or the Whale Museum. Transfer to the airport for a chartered flight to Greenland and embark our ship at the head of Kangerlussuaq fjord, a 120-mile-long waterway whose name means large fjord in Greenlandic.

Day 4

Exploring The Queen Elizabeth Islands

We explore the ice-choked channels and glacier carved islands that stretch for hundreds of milesa stunning display of raw geology. Well explore the rocky, Mars-like terrain of uninhabited Devon Island. We take our cues from nature: following wildlife, stopping for hikes on the tundra, dropping anchor in a beautiful fjord or an iceberg-strewn bay to explore and kayak beneath massive ice sculptures and soaring cliffs. Sail past the northernmost part of mainland North America in the Bellot Strait, one of the narrowest and most infamous of the passage. Well learn about the Inuit peoples who have hunted and fished here for thousands of years, as well as be on the lookout for the animals that call this region home such as ringed seals, arctic foxes, musk oxen, walruses, and polar bears, as well as beluga and bowhead whales.

Day 13-17

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The History Of Red Bay

Explore this extraordinary former whaling settlement

Look out for humpback and minke whales as we approach Red Bay the very creatures that drew whalers to this harbour in the 17th century.

The ice-cold waters around Red Bay hide a number of wrecked chalupas or small whaling boats and galleons, making it one of the world’s most important underwater archaeological sites.

Visit the local museum to see a 26 ft. chalupa and look for whale bones in the protected Red Bay National Historic Site. Why not search for pirate captain Kidd’s buried treasure around Tracey Hill you may not find gold doubloons, but you will be rewarded with a fantastic view.

Arctic Cruises 202: Which Cruise Lines Sail The Arctic Regions

Cruise ship navigates once-impassable Northwest Passage

After Antarctica, an expedition cruise to the remote and rugged Arctic is on the bucket list of many would-be explorers. Better still, the number of cruise lines offering Arctic cruises in 2022 continues to expand, with some cruise lines even increasing their deployment in the Arctic.

One line –Viking — was forced to cancel its Artic cruises aboard the new Viking Polaris due to pandemic-supply chain issues that have delayed the launch of a number of new ships this year.

But there are still a number of opportunities on other expedition lines to catch the Northern Lights, spot polars and take in the majestic landscapes of the far north — including several cruises through the famed Northwest Passage and the lesser sailed Northeast Passage.

Here are some of the cruise lines offering Arctic cruises in 2022:

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What Sets Us Apart

Complimentary & Inclusive

Immerse yourself in our onboard and onshore Columbia & Snake River experiences while cruising to the most fascinating destinations, and we will take care of the rest. Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including breakfast room service, some onshore excursions, all gourmet meals, evening cocktails, and more. All tips and gratuities are included with your cruise reservation.

An American Experience

We build, flag, and crew our ships right here in the United States. Our pride in the All-American experience we provide is the backdrop and ode to the historic destinations we visit, especially the Pacific Northwest where Lewis and Clark took to the region to find the legendary “Northwest Passage.”

Private Balconies

Along with the most spacious staterooms in the industry, you will experience breathtaking views and unobstructed scenery on your private balcony. In the Pacific Northwest, you will see the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, and other incredible scenery on these magnificent rivers up-close.

World Class Cuisine

The Pacific Northwest produces some of the tastiest seafood and exquisite wines. From salmon to pinot noir grapes, our master chefs have curated a custom Columbia & Snake Rivers inspired menu to make your onboard experience even more special and personalized.

Choosing Your Cruise To The Northwest Passage

Most Northwest Passage cruises depart in when late summer ice allows safe passage through the narrow channels. Time of year and the direction of travel are important variables worth considering, as are the planned landings, however, theres no definitive route and ice conditions may cause changes along the way. Look for a ship with a high ice-class rating allowing it to manoeuvre through the channels.

The majority of cruises start or finish in West Greenland, and range from 10 to 17 days to cover the vast distance. The speed of your ship will make a big difference to your experience, and how much you can see. As the demands on vessels are high, cruises are limited, so we recommend booking 12 to 18 months ahead.

A zodiac navigates icebergs in the Northwest Passage

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Enjoy An Inuit Cultural Welcome In A Nunavut Community

Enjoy the warmth of an Inuit welcome as drum dancers, throat singers, and cultural ambassadors share their stories, songs, and connections to the land.

Explore the beautiful surroundings of an Arctic hamlet, get to know local residents and learn about their ways of life, and have the opportunity to purchase carvings and handicrafts to bring back home.

Make A Pilgrimage To Beechey Island

In photos: The world

Snow everywhere and in the middle a memorial, and three wooden commemorations. And then, it snows again. It is a surrealist scene that awaits travellers on Beechey Island. The silence that reigns there is appropriate to contemplation and emotion. It is here that Sir John Franklin found refuge for two years while waiting for the ice floe to melt so he could go searching for the Northwest Passage. Several men, including Franklin, lost their lives. The wrecks of his two boats, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were only discovered in 2014 and 2016 in Canada.

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Northwest Passage Cruise: Things To Do

Hiking

During your epic cruise you’ll make numerous wet landings aboard your zodiacs.

Once ashore you’ll have time to go for hikes and explore the wonderful landscapes that you visit.

Most excursions last several hours, if not more. This will give you time to visit the local people, take pictures and witness magnificent wildlife.

Just make sure to keep an eye out for polar bears!

There will be photography expert on each Northwest Passage cruise and these people will be instrumental in finding you the best locations to shoot. They will even help you with the post-editing of your photos if you wish.

for our tips on shooting in cold, bright conditions, please .

Wildlife Watching

The islands throughout the Canadian archipelago are teeming with wildlife.

Expect to see polar bears, musk ox, arctic foxes, seals and much more as you cruise through the wilderness.

The marine life is just as spectacular with common sightings of humpback, minke and beluga whales.

Kayaking

One of the most popular activities that can be done during your cruise is to sea kayak!

Kayaking allows you to explore inlets and bays that would otherwise be cut off to the ship. You can get close to nature and view icebergs from entirely new angles.

Make sure you book ahead as these extra activities are very popular.

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