The brand new in 2010, “Baffin and Greenland Adventure” expeditions spend more time at uninhabited landing sites, including National and Territorial Parks. You will explore this remote and exotic landscape with go-anywhere zodiac landing craft.
These unique expedition takes you far off the beaten path, into remote and isolated wilderness where few have gone before. Traveling along the eastern Arctic seaboard, you will find a range of towering mountains that extend from Labrador north to Baffin Island and Greenland, and far beyond. The landscape here is stunning, with plentiful icebergs and long, dramatic fiords. The culture of the regions is plentiful, and significantly differ between the two countries. Weather and wildlife sightings are not as predictable as elsewhere in the north.
Come and walk the tundra, and let yourself be enveloped by the natural beauty and exotic culture. Let yourself be warmed by the vibrant light of this land of the midnight sun. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Cruise Details
Duration
15 Days/14 Nights
Location
Eastern Arctic, Canada and Greenland
Season
July - August 2010
Cruise Type
Overnight
Nearest City
Montreal, Quebec
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
N/A, Greenland Nunavut, Canada
Guest Capacity
Maximum 122 passengers in double occupancy cabins, including suites. All cabins feature two lower berths, outside views and private facilties.
About the Crew
The shipboard staff is highly trained in all operational and safety functions, and undergo continuous training programs. Cruise North Expeditions are hosted by both local and southern guides and naturalists with expertise on topics such as: natural history, anthropology, zoology and ornithology. They have an incredible enthusiasm for the region, and a love of sharing secrets of the natural world – be it during one of their many engaging presentations, on a walk along the shore, or lingering after dinner in informal conversation. The Inuit staff understands the land like no other people, and shares it with quiet confidence, friendliness, and a proud mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities.
Accommodations
The ship offers a casual setting with all the necessary comforts. All cabins feature two lower beds, outside view, private washroom and ample storage space.
Dining
Cruise North Expeditions knows that enjoying meals is a key part of the expedition experience, so be prepared for wonderful food. The chefs onboard will serve you three delicious meals every day, sometimes with locally harvested country foods, and occasionally a barbecue on deck. Every day, you’ll be served early morning coffee and tea, and mid-afternoon snacks and refreshments by the helpful, cheerful staff who will attend to your every need.
Activities
This itinerary is designed to maximize your time spent ashore taking in Inuit villages, wildlife colonies and the breathtaking landscape. Instead of black-tie dinners, the focus is on providing an outstanding program of informative talks and frequent shore excursions that will enhance immeasurably your experience of the north. By the end of the trip, you will be amazed at how much you have seen and experienced.
What's on Board
Additional features aboard include a library well-stocked with Arctic-related reading, a spacious dining room, comfortable bar/lounge, fully equipped lecture room, a gift shop, and several observation decks. Cruise North Expeditions maintains an “open bridge” policy, which means that unless otherwise noted, you are welcome to visit the Command Bridge at any time of day or night. There you can learn more about the operation of the ship and its navigational equipment, as well as talk with the Captain and officers.
What to Bring
A complete clothing list will be sent with your pre-departure material, but generally, layering of warm clothes will ensure that you are comfortable. For example, a turtleneck, sweater and waterproof jacket will allow you to vary your attire to suit conditions that may change from warm to cool and back again within a short period of time. You will need waterproof pants to wear over your pants and rubber boots that go at least to the middle of your shins, since most landings will involve a brief step into the water. (Don’t worry, there is plenty of help if you need it.)
Rates
$6,095.00 - $6,995.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Included in all expedition fees are accommodations, meals, all lectures, and shore excursions. A trip handbook with detailed information about the Arctic is also included. Single travelers who indicate they are willing to share a cabin are guaranteed the double occupancy rate for that cabin, whether or not a roommate is available. Family rates are available on request.
Not included in the comprehensive expedition fee:
Air, air taxes and surcharges.
Applicable sales taxes.
Visa fees where required.
Personal items such as insurance, laundry, alcoholic beverages and excess baggage charges.
Accommodations, meals and transfers prior to joining and after leaving the group.
Optional tours.
Gratuities for ship staff.
Medical insurance and/or trip cancellation insurance.
Day 1: Kuujjuaq You will depart from Montreal to Kuujjuaq, a name that means “Great River” in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit. After a brief tour of the town and buffet lunch, you'll transfer to the ship and prepare for the high tide that will carry you down the river to the vast expanse of Arctic tundra and open sea.
Days 2-7: Expedition Cruising in the Canadian Arctic You'll spend the next six days exploring the Arctic land and seascape. Among the places you may visit are:
Akpatok Island
A favorite summering ground for polar bears and walrus, the island has been designated by the Canadian Wildlife Service as a special protection site. Cruise the base of 800ft. sheer cliffs where you will marvel at the abundance of wildlife.
Quaqtaq and Diana Island
At the northern tip of a peninsula jutting into Hudson Strait, Quaqtaq lies directly in the path of migrating marine mammals. On nearby Diana Island, herds of muskox roam the island amid fields of wildflowers and thick beds of soft lichen.
Killiniq and the Button Islands
At the northern tip of Labrador you will find a rugged, isolated world and a mecca for marine mammals. Take the zodiacs to explore the coastline, or hike across the stunning tundra landscape.
Kekerten Territorial Historic Park and Auyuittuq National Park
Auyuittuk National Park is an amazing wilderness of mountain peaks, treeless valleys and glacial rivers, crowned by the Penny Ice Cap, a remnant of the last Ice Age. You may spend a short Arctic night anchored by the rocky walls of the Pangnirtung Fiord, lingering under the midnight sun and enjoying a BBQ party on deck.
Pangnirtung
A traditional home of the Inuit for more than 1,000 years where there is still a thriving community of artists.
Day 8: Iqaluit Catch the excitement as you sail up the storied Frobisher Bay to the ship's anchorage just outside Iqaluit. Prepare for the journey home, enriched by the many wonderful memories of your northern adventure.
Reverse itinerary available.
This Package Includes
Ship accommodations, onboard lectures and access to all public areas.
All shipboard meals; certain meals during land portions as described.
Shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide as described.
Group transfers and baggage handling throughout.
All port dues.
A comprehensive trip handbook.
Notes
As with all of the expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other conditions will dictate the itinerary and shore excursions. Unusually strong tides and currents combined with drifting sea ice means the route and landing sites will vary from one expedition to the next. The earlier in the season the departure, the more sea ice you will encounter. This increases the chance of seeing marine mammals at home on the ice, even though it may slow the voyage's progress on some days. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. For a more detailed description of possible landing sites, please contact Cruise North Expeditions Inc.
Your expedition vessel is an ice-strengthened ship designed to operate in ice covered waters. Equipped with the most modern navigational equipment, it is small and maneuverable enough to reach the most remote bays and shores, yet large enough to traverse open ocean with speed and comfort. Cruise North Expeditions operates in accordance with all Canadian and international safety regulations.
Cruise North Expeditions is the price leader in expedition cruising. Their goal is to provide excellent value while providing exceptional quality – exceeding your expectations.
Reservation Policy
A deposit of $500 per person is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the payment is required 120 days prior to your departure date.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of a cancellation you must notify Cruise North immediately and in writing. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. Payments received 120 days or more before the departure date are refundable, less an administration fee of $250 per person. When cancellations are received within 119 days of the departure date, payments are not refundable.
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