Filled with exciting activities and memorable experiences, the summer 2017 Arctic cruise season ends on a high note.
With an increased number of visitors, new cruise itineraries and a special Canada 150 program that feature Canada’s culture, history and the beauty of its people, wildlife and wilderness at the forefront, our expedition cruises this summer were a full success.
The Baffin Island, Jewel of the High Arctic voyage was host to Canadian Olympians Kelly Vanderbeek and David Ford, who participated in a remote community visit in Pond Inlet to meet and engage with local youth to share their inspiring experiences of becoming high performance athletes. Vanderbeek and Ford joined our passengers and the community in an Arctic sport demonstration and cultural display. The multifaceted exchange had locals and community elders deeply touched and left a lasting impression on all, particularly the Olympians who are interested in returning in coming years to do further outreach work. Their visit to Northern communities is an integral part of our philosophy and Arctic outreach.
This summer, we launched the new Labrador and Torngats Explorer voyage, July 15th-25th. The cruise itinerary pleased guests with its geographically stunning and historically enriched landings. Battle Harbour and Parks Canada’s Historic Site at l’ance aux Meadows an archeological site of Viking Settlement were amongst the favourites. Visiting the small Inuit community of Hopewell was of great interest and an eye-opening opportunity for travellers with limited knowledge of Canada’s Northern history and the Federal Government’s complex relationship with the Inuit people.
The icy conditions experienced in the Arctic 2017 presented new exploration opportunities. As the “expedition” nature of our cruises, unpredictable options were explored and new landing sites discovered.
The High Arctic Explorer voyage delivered beyond expectations with its visit to Ellsemere Island- the highest latitude point accessible at 500 nautical miles from the North Pole. Passengers were humbled by the experience and rich history of early polar explorers, particularly the ill-fated Franklin Expeditions. “It was a trip of a lifetime. Being interested in history and Canada’s arctic, words fail to describe how I felt standing at the graves of some of the members of the Franklin Expedition. One Ocean Expeditions provided me with an opportunity to fulfill my dream of sailing through the fabled Northwest Passage. There were times when my voyage felt like a dream, every second was enjoyable”, shared Mrs. Laureen Harper when returning from the Pathways to Franklin journey.
On the scientific front, our partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium is deepening. Vice President of Conservation, Research Education, Eric Salomon, joined us in the Northwest Passage to continue the groundbreaking multi-year micro plastic research program involving the collection of oceanographic water samples and analysis of the presence and severity of micro plastics in the ocean, critical insight that can affect worldwide change.
Canada has much to offer to travellers in quest of adventures and knowledge. We are committed to pursuing its commitments and increased travellers’ desire to visit the Nation’s remote regions and making it accessible and affordable for travellers of all ages and various interests.
Looking for more information on our voyages? Our agents have extensive experience and knowledge of the areas we visit. Speak with your travel agent or call our experts to learn more.