Arctic travel experts will help the cruise line develop onboard activities and shore excursions
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Cruises has teamed up with Arctic travel expert Arctic Kingdom to plan onboard activities and shore excursions for Crystal Serenity’s 2017 Northwest Passage sailing.
Arctic Kingdom’s team of local Inuit and Canadian guides, marine biologists, archaeologists, expert divers, conservationists, photographers and wildlife experts will sail onboard Crystal Serenity. In addition to hosting talks, onboard activities and wildlife-spotting opportunities, the team will lead onshore discovery expeditions. They will share their knowledge about the region’s culture, wildlife and geography.
“The Arctic is like nowhere else on the planet,” said Graham Dickson, president and CEO of Arctic Kingdom. “As the top land-based operator in the Arctic, we are excited to be providing exceptional opportunities for Crystal Serenity guests to authentically experience the Arctic – unlike ever before.”
Crystal Serenity’s captain will also work with Arctic Kingdom to take guests on impromptu excursions, which will include zodiac outings to glaciers, kayaking in protected bays, guided treks and helicopter flights. These Unexpected Adventures will depend on weather conditions.
“Partnering with Arctic Kingdom, the leading travel operator in this unique region, further raises the bar on the experience for our guests by offering them expertise from local adventurers,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO and president. “Planning and collaboration with top experts and authorities is a must to ensure the safety of our guests and crew. We continue to work closely with the US and Canadian Coast Guards, Transport Canada, and a myriad of federal, state, provincial, territorial and local government agencies.”
Crystal Serenity will embark on her 32-day voyage from Anchorage/Seward, Alaska in August and sail through some of the most remote areas of the previously unpassable polar region.
An escort vessel will accompany Crystal Serenity through the Canadian Arctic, carrying additional safety and environmental protection equipment, and personnel specifically trained in its use. The vessel will serve as a platform for two helicopters for ice reconnaissance and flight seeing, and zodiacs for landings in areas without a port facility.
Both vessels will be manned by highly trained crew members and Canadian ice-pilots experienced in all aspects of operating safely in the Canadian Arctic. They will also use low-sulphur marine gas oil fuel, exceeding environmental requirements.