Crystal Cruises has become the first luxury cruise line to undertake a rare Arctic voyage. On Aug. 16, the ship Crystal Serenity departed on a 32-day expedition through the Northwest Passage — the historic sea route that links the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via waterways across the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. After more than three years of preparation, the expedition welcomes approximately 1,000 guests on board.
Designed as an immersive adventure, the voyage offers close encounters with Arctic wildlife, rugged onshore treks, and navigation through icy waters. Guests will visit remote communities and benefit from the expertise of leading expedition specialists. To address the unique operational challenges of Arctic travel, the ship sails with additional crew, enhanced training, specialized equipment and advanced technology.
Shore excursions are tailored for the region and include glacier viewing flights, kayak trips among floating sea ice, zodiac “wet landings,” and opportunities to spot polar bears and other native species. Crystal Cruises provides expedition parkas, boots and necessary outdoor gear to ensure guests are prepared for polar conditions.
The voyage embarked in Seward, Alaska, and is scheduled to conclude in New York City on Sept. 16. The itinerary includes stops in Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Nome, Alaska; Ulukhaktok in the Northwest Territories; Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet in Nunavut; Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Nuuk in Greenland; and several U.S. ports including Bar Harbor, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, Newport, Rhode Island, and New York, New York.
Strong interest in the 2016 Northwest Passage sailing led the cruise line to open reservations for the same route in 2017. The expedition attracts adventurous travelers from across the globe, with participants representing the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Australia and many other countries.