By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity is to become the first luxury cruise ship to sail a 32-day Arctic expedition from Anchorage/Seward, Alaska, to New York City, US, in summer 2016.
Introducing a new type of expedition-style voyage to its itinerary programme, Crystal Serenity will sail across the Arctic Ocean via the Northwest Passage. The passage, which is located 500 miles north of the Artic Circle, was first completed successfully by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen more than 100 years ago.
“Crystal’s inaugural Northwest Passage offers guests the opportunity to begin a new story of thrilling adventure, all the while indulging in the world’s very best luxury vacation experience,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal president. “The voyage combines intrepid adventure, the great outdoors, and immersive cultural experiences with six-star service as only Crystal can deliver.”
Planned in collaboration with Expedition Voyage Consulting by EYOS Expeditions, the itinerary has been designed to be flexible in terms of scheduling, destination visits and onboard activities.
The cruise line has added ‘surprise days’ to the ship’s schedule to allow for unplanned wildlife sighting opportunities, glacier cruises, helicopter flights and to accommodate the advice of local specialist guides.
Crystal will also offer new ‘Wilderness Adventures’ that enable guests to visit small, remote communities and uninhabited destinations or waterways en route. Designed to showcase modern life and small communities in the Arctic, the shore excursions will include demonstrations of local arts and crafts, Arctic sports, traditional drum dancing and throat singing and food-tasting opportunities.
Although some excursions will be chosen based on circumstances and environment, Crystal will spend the next two years planning a plethora of excursions and ‘Arctic safaris’ involving kayaks, Zodiacs, a helicopter, fishing, hiking, climbing, golfing at the world’s northernmost nine-hole course, and even possible camping or overnighting away from the ship. In addition, guests and crew can take advantage of complimentary voluntourism opportunities that help local communities as part of Crystal’s ‘You Care. We Care’ programme.
The expedition will be supported by a new, 14-person team of experts including a local Arctic guide, scientists and accomplished wildlife and landscape photographers. The team will guide wildlife watching from the ship, accompany excursions where appropriate, provide onboard lectures about the area and offer a series of interactive seminars and workshops for guests.
“From reviewing operations with Canadian officials to meeting with Inuit elders of the Arctic who have provided their backing, our team has spent almost two years diligently gathering the field experts, information, resources and support to ensure an epic experience that is exceptionally rewarding and safe for guests and crew, and respectful of local lands and cultures,” said Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s executive vice president. “During this voyage, speakers will enlighten guests on information regarding climate change, and how it has impacted this passage. With the recent retreat of polar ice, the time is right for us to lead the way within the travel industry, as Crystal has done throughout our 25-year history.”
To ensure the line meets or exceeds environmental and safety regulations, Crsytal Serenity and her escort vessel will use low-sulphur marine gas oil fuel. The escort vessel will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment, as well as personnel specifically trained in its use. In addition, it will serve as a platform for a helicopter and zodiacs and be manned by a crew with extensive experience of operating in the Artic region.
During the month-long voyage, Crystal Serenity will make maiden calls at several ports such as Nome in Alaska; Ulukhaktok in NW Territories; Ilulissat and Sisimiut, Greenland; and Cambridge Bay in Nunavut. Other ports of call include Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Pond Inlet, Nunavut; Nuuk, Greenland; and Bar Harbor, Maine, Newport, Rhode Island and New York, US.
The first call in the Canadian Arctic is planned for the Ulukhaktok, a settlement of just a few hundred people on the shores of the Amundsen Gulf, 1,400 miles from the North Pole.
“The community is very pleased to see the thought that has been given to ensure that the experience for the passengers, as well as the residents, is positive and beneficial,” said William Bennett, senior administrative officer of the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok.