HIGHLIGHTS
- Outstanding
wildlife observation on shore, on zodiac cruises and from the ship
- Historic
locations of early Arctic exploration
- Cultural
interaction and understanding through visits to remote Inuit communities
- Spectacular
glacial landscapes and colorful Greenlandic villages
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Main Deck Triple | Twin Private | Superior | Superior Plus | Shackleton Suite | One Ocean Suite |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Main Deck Triple | (Mid-range) Superior Plus | (High-end) One Ocean Suite |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Flight
Package
Cost: USD 1,995 per person
ITINERARY
Day
1: Edmonton (Alberta) to Cambridge Bay (Nunavut)
We
depart Edmonton this morning on our special charter flight to Cambridge
Bay. Today it is a center for hunting, trapping and fishing. Upon
arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the town and board our expedition ship
in the afternoon. After settling in to our cabins and exploring the
ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is
in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail and cast off, bound for the
fabled Northwest Passage.
Day
2: Victory Point, King William Island
As
we chart a course into the Northwest Passage, our onboard presentation
series begins, and the legend of Sir John Franklin and his
‘lost expedition’ is beginning to unravel. The
mystery of what happened to Franklin was partially solved in September
2014, when a joint Parks Canada and Royal Canadian Geographical Society
expedition, found the long lost Franklin shipwreck, HMS Erebus in the
Victoria Strait. One Ocean Expeditions played a pivotal role in the
search by carrying underwater search equipment on our ship as well as
scientists, historians, researchers, dignitaries and sponsors of this
history defining mission. We aim to visit Victory Point, travelling
very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, all the while
learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the
Arctic. Just two years later, in 2016, the wreck of Franklin's second
ship, HMS Terror was located less than fifty miles from HMS Erebus - so
ending one of marine archaeologies’ most enduring mysteries.
Yet the discovery of the two ships leaves us with many unanswered
questions as to the fate of Franklin and his men. The story continues
to unravel.
Day
3: Coningham Bay
This
morning we arrive at Coningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales
Island. Here, in the heart of the Northwest Passage we hope to
encounter one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the Arctic. This
is a known hotspot for polar bears who come here to feast on beluga
whales, often caught in the rocky shallows at the entrance to the bay
during low tide. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with
whale skeletons – and very healthy looking polar bears!
Day
4: Bellot Strait and Fort Ross
Today
we transit the narrow passage of Bellot Strait – a channel
separating northerly Somerset Island from continental North America.
The aim is to enter at slack tide if possible, in order to avoid a
current that roars through the passage at more than seven knots during
the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this strait provides an abundant
food source for marine mammals and we keep our eyes peeled for harp
seals, bearded seals and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain,
Officers and capabilities of the ship becomes apparent during this
exciting day of Arctic navigation. The historic site of Fort Ross,
located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former
Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading outpost. Fascinating
archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years
of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors.
Day
5: Beechey Island
Beechey
Island holds great historic importance on our journey through the
Northwest Passage. It is here that Sir John Franklin’s
ill-fated expedition spent its last ‘comfortable’
winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an
incredible series of search expeditions that lasted almost three
decades. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on
a remote windswept beach, gives one pause to wonder on the bravery (or
foolhardiness) of these pioneering explorers, as they sought a way
through the barren, frozen landscape. This is a thrilling location for
history buffs and for many it will be the defining moment of our
expedition.
Day
6: Lancaster Sound and Dundas Harbor
We
are now at almost 75° degrees north of latitude. Cruising the
coastline of Devon Island, we are now in the waters of Lancaster Sound
– a rich, bio-diverse region often referred to as the
wildlife ‘super highway’ of the Arctic. These
massive volumes of water from Baffin Bay to the east, Beaufort Sea to
the west, and from the archipelago of islands to the north, combine to
make a rich cocktail of nutrients supporting an abundance of Arctic
wildlife. We plan on visiting the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbor, situated on the southern shores of
Devon Island.
Day
7: Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet)
We
sight the wild north coast of Baffin Island and navigate through Navy
Board Inlet. The vast landscapes of Sirmilik National Park surround us
as we approach the remote Inuit community of Mittimatalik. We are
welcomed ashore and a highlight will be a visit to the Natinnak Centre,
where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases aspects of daily life,
culture and history of the people of the North. Inuit carvings, jewelry
and other traditional craft is on display and purchasing such items
from the local artisans is a great way to support the community.
Day
8: Gibbs Fjord
This
morning we enter the spectacular Gibbs Fjord with towering cliffs all
around us. Our expedition ship will seem dwarfed by the giant peaks and
snowy glaciers as we cruise slowly along the dark waters. One recent
guest was heard to comment that Gibbs Fjord 'was like something out of
Lord of the Rings' – and we think you’ll agree!
Day
9: At Sea in Baffin Bay
Leaving
the rugged coastline of Baffin Island, our crossing of Baffin Bay
allows us time to slow down and reflect on the beauty and experiences
we have shared. Our team of onboard experts will continue to educate us
on the history and wildlife of the region while our naturalists keep
watch looking for fulmars and dovekies, pilot whales and perhaps even
orca. As we approach Greenland, we also increase our likelihood of
spotting some of the big baleen whales like the fin and sei whales.
Day
10: Ilulissat, Greenland and the Jacobshavn Icefjord
For
many, today is a highlight of the voyage. Truly one of the wonders of
the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage
site - spews gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier
that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 meters per
day, creating around 50 cubic
kilometers
of ice annually. Our approach to Ilulissat is always dependent on the
amount of ice in and around the mouth of the fjord. Our Captain and
Officers are skilled ice navigators and our ship has one of the highest
ice ratings of any vessel exploring Arctic waters.
Day
11: Sismiut, Greenland
We
will explore the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore
to explore this beautiful location in the afternoon. Characterized by
colorful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as a
backdrop. We hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers
and to see a demonstration of ‘Eskimo rolling’ by
one of the former Greenland kayak champions. A small museum is another
interesting diversion.
Day
12: Sondre Stromfjord
One
of the world's longest fjords, Sondre Stromfjord towers above the ship
on either side as we sail up it. Our goal is not the end of the fjord,
but rather some of the small side fjords along it that we can zodiac
into and explore on foot or by kayak. Major geological and
geomorphological features will surround us and for those looking for
living and breathing excitement, we will hope to find muskox along the
shores of the fjord as well. Soaring high above us will be the
white-tailed sea eagle, majestic as always while riding the thermals
off the ridges. We expect some fantastic hiking opportunities with
hikes geared to all fitness levels. On this, our last night of the
expedition, we enjoy a celebratory dinner, attended by the Captain of
the ship and reflect on our epic voyage.
Day
13: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Our
journey through the Arctic is all but complete as we disembark the ship
and make our way to the airport. A charter flight returns us to
Canada’s capital city of Ottawa. On arrival we bid farewell
to our fellow passengers and our voyage comes to an end. A transfer is
provided from the airport to a central location downtown.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip to Canada's High Arctic
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport or
local hotel on disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes that open on
each deck
- High
quality, eco-friendly, Canadian made natural amenities in every cabin
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar lounge plus in-cabin tea, coffee, hot
chocolate replenished daily
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and community visits
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (ie. marine
biologists, naturalists, Historians, etc). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests
- Access
to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up
and management
- An
emergency-trained medical physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure
- Concierge
staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, jacuzzi and fitness center including personal
trainer and massage options (charge applies for massage and spa
treatments)
- Access
to well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- End
of voyage video, photos and take home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
Kayaking:
USD 695