Northwest Passage - Cambridge Bay to Halifax

Details

Transportation

MS Fram, economy class flight

Included

• Flight in coach class from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay
• Overnight in Edmonton including breakfast
• Transfer from Hotel to Edmonton airport
• Transfer from airport to ship in Cambridge Bay
• Full-board expedition voyage aboard MS Fram in a cabin of your choice
• A choice of three onboard restaurants
• All meals include beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water in all onboard restaurants)
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• Complimentary expedition jacket developed for and by explorers & reusable water bottle made from aluminum
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for included and optional activities
• No gratuities expected
• English-speaking Expedition Team organize and accompany activities aboard and ashore
• In-depth lectures on science, culture, wildlife, biology, geology and history
• Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
• Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos, and camera settings
• Use of the ship’s hot tubs, sauna and fitness room with panoramic view
• Port presentations providing destination insight
• A farewell event

Not Included

• Travel insurance
• International flight package to Edmonton and from Halifax
• Optional shore excursions with local partners
• Luggage handling
• Optional small-group adventures such as kayaking with our Expedition Team
• Pre and post-programs

Itinerary

Day 1 - Edmonton

Guest may enjoy the lively city of Edmonton on one of the optional pre-cruise Land Adventures before the expedition begins.

Day 2 - Fly to Cambridge Bay and embark the ship

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for a flight to Cambridge Bay, where MS Fram awaits. Once aboard the ship, guests join a mandatory safety drill and get an opportunity to meet some of the officers, crew and Expedition Team members.

Meals

Days 3 - 10 - In the Northwest Passage

Our goal is to head into the heart of the Northwest Passage on this epic route. Depending on conditions, we hope to explore these historic sights: Gjøa Haven, Fort Ross, Beechey Island and Radstock Bay, Dundas Harbor, Pond Inlet and Sam Ford Fjord. Along this stretch of the journey, we will be sailing in pristine straits that are home to rich wildlife, so we will be on the constant lookout for its inhabitants, such as the regal polar bears.

Optional activities may include:

· Kayaking near icebergs, and possibly seals and whales
· Small boat cruises to explore hard-to-reach areas
· Guided hikes to scenic viewpoints
· Wildlife watching
· Lectures

Meals

Day 11 - Crossing the Davis Strait

There will be plenty to discuss with the Expedition Team from the past week’s adventures. Guests can also listen to their lectures and discover more in the Science Center as you head to Greenland.

Meals

Day 12 - Explore Ilulissat

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. The fjord is full of icebergs originating from the nearby Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the world’s most productive.

Meals

Day 13 - Explore Sisimiut

Guests come ashore and explore the colorful town. They can visit the small museum, hike in the hills and shop for local handicrafts. In addition, enjoy a traditional kayaking demonstration and the museum which features local cultural history and exhibits different periods of the city’s history and its surroundings.

Meals

Day 14 - Explore Nuuk, capital of Greenland

Nuuk is the political and social center of Greenland and the oldest town in the country, founded in 1728. It is situated at the mouth of one of most spectacular fjord systems in the world.

Guests will visit the National Museum of Greenland. Discover exhibitions covering Greenland's history during the past 4,500 years - from the first Arctic Stone Age cultures to the Norse settlements, the arrival of the Thule culture and the gradual transition to modern day Greenland.

Meals

Day 15 - Kvanefjord

Kvanefjord is a 30-mile-long fjord on the west coast of Greenland. You will spend the day here exploring the amazing landscape.

Optional/possible activities:

· Kayaking
· Hiking
· Wildlife watching
· Lectures

Meals

Day 16 - At sea

We leave Greenland and head for open sea. We will cross the southern part of the Labrador Sea, this time sailing towards Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.

Optional activities:

· Wildlife watching
· Lectures

Meals

Day 17 - Red Bay

The Reb Bay Basque Whaling Station is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests can wander around the former whaling town and learn about its interesting history.

Meals

Day 18 - Corner Brook

Corner Brook is located on the west coast of Newfoundland. Guests can explore the charming town center or enjoy its many walking trails.

Optional/possible activities:

· Kayaking
· Hiking
· Wildlife watching
· Lectures

Meals

Day 19 - At sea

Guests can enjoy a day at sea as the expedition team leads a recap of the voyage.

Optional activities:

· Wildlife watching
· Lectures

Meals

Day 20 - Halifax - Disembarkation

Disembark in hip and historic Halifax, Nova Scotia. Guest may choose to spend more time in the town with a post-program.

Meals

Important Information

• Medical questionnaire mandatory
• Visa for Canada (ETA)
• This cruise is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs due to the possibility of using tender boats during embarkation or disembarkation.