Epic Northwest Passage

Transcription

1 LUCKY #7 Epic Northwest Passage THE BEST OF THE ARCTIC August 17-30, 2019 (13 nights including one pre-trip night in Ottawa) Seven years after we first brought the alumni community our Big Idea, we have enhanced and refined this idea and taken it to the next level. Since 2011, we have taken close to 500 alumni association travellers to explore Canada s North in the company of some of the very best minds from Canadian universities. In partnership with B.C.-based One Ocean Expeditions, we have enjoyed the mobile wilderness lodge taking us to the most remote places in our country. Now, we are introducing an expansion and enhancement: a new vessel that takes polar cruising to a whole new level. The RCGS Resolute is joining the One Ocean Expeditions fleet in November, 2018 and we will be the first to offer her for a charter in the Canadian Arctic in August, 2019.

2 What s NEW? Outer decks with 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for wildlife watching, photography, birding and appreciating the expansive Arctic views Forward and aft observation lounges and bars Wellness Centre with massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room, well-equipped gym Well-appointed theatre style presentation room Mobile laboratory All cabins with private bathrooms! Six different cabin categories with expansive panoramic windows What s UNCOMPROMISED? Built in the same shipyard as the Ioffe and Vavilov Lloyds 1AS ice classification Exceptional maneuverability Operational safety Open bridge Experienced crew and staff Same immersive experience 22 square metre cabin size Berths can be configured as two twin beds or one queen size bed High quality cabinetry Spacious bathrooms Two dining rooms bistro for light options and full dining room Outdoor seating Soft drinks, house wine/beer/spirits included + premium options available

3 Forward Observation Lounge Jacuzzi Bistro Dining Room Bistro (exterior) Presentation Room

4 PRIVATE Spacious and well appointed, Twin Private cabins are situated on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flatscreen entertainment system is also included. These cabins provide easy access to the main dining room on the ship as well as the gift shop. SUPERIOR Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These cabins provide easy access to the forward stairs leading up to the bridge on Deck 6 and the forward observation lounge located on Deck 7. SUPERIOR PLUS Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Centrally located on the ship, these cabins provide easy access to the aft observation lounge featuring 180 degree views and the ship s dining areas.

5 SHACKLETON SUITE The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows. These Suites provide easy access to the ship s bridge, the bistro and outdoor observation spaces. The forward panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are also located nearby on Deck 7. ONE OCEAN SUITE The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. These suites provide easy access to the ship s bridge, the bistro and outdoor observation spaces. The panoramic observation lounge and recreation facilities are located nearby on Deck 7.

6 Specifications: Launched: 1993 Shipyard: Rauma, Finland Length: metres Beam: 18 metres Draught: 4.97 metres Gross Tonnage: 8378 Speed (Max): 15 knots Cruise Speed: 14 knots Passengers: 146 Zodiac Boats: 14 Zodiacs onboard Electrical Supply: 220 Volts/European Pin Hull Classification: Ice Strengthened Ice Class: Lloyds 1AS

7 This remarkable voyage explores the stark, icy landscapes and colourful fishing villages of West Greenland before crossing the Davis Strait to the stunning fjords of Baffin Island. From there, we continue into the remote Northwest Passage. We follow in the footsteps of the early Arctic explorers such as Franklin, Amundsen and Larsen, exploring the archipelago of islands and channels that create Canada s High Arctic region. The history of exploration is something we will appreciate as we visit some defining sites, hear stories depicting contemporary life and learn about the consequences of those adventures. John Franklin s ill-fated expedition more than 170 years ago in particular will provide a vivid narrative to our travels. This region is also the home of the polar bear, muskox, bowhead whale and walrus, which form a major draw to this region and which we will search for in earnest. All the while, we will be surrounded by the Earth s own great works, laid bare in the form or fascinating geology and glacial history for us to understand. Some say that Canada s Arctic is our country s best part. Join us to discover these fantastic landscapes and their many layers of meaning, along with a rare chance to visit Greenland too! Expedition Itinerary This trip commences in Ottawa where we spend one night prior before flying by chartered aircraft to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland and embarking on our vessel by zodiac. At the conclusion of the expedition, we fly from Cambridge back to Edmonton (Alberta) via a charter flight. Saturday, August 17: Meet in Ottawa Participants meet at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel for a briefing and welcome dinner. Sunday, August 18: Fly to Kangerlussuaq We depart Ottawa this morning on our charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, situated on the west coast of Greenland. Upon arrival into Kangerlussuaq we enjoy a short tour before boarding the ship in the afternoon. After settling in to our cabins and exploring the vessel, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we cast off and enjoy a welcome cocktail while cruising along Søndre Strømfjord, bound for the fabled Northwest Passage! Monday, August 19: Sisimiut Today we ll discover the fjord behind the town of Sisimiut before going ashore to explore this beautiful location in the afternoon. Characterized by colourful local houses, the town features a towering granite peak as backdrop. We hope to meet a few of the traditional Greenlandic kayakers and to see a demonstration of Eskimo rolling by one of the former Greenland kayak champions. A small museum is another interesting diversion here. Tuesday, August 20: Ilulissat and the Jacobshavn Icefjord If one word could sum up today s experience it would be ice. Truly one of the wonders of the world, the Jacobshavn Icefjord a UNESCO World Heritage site spews gigantic tabular icebergs out into Disko Bay. The glacier that creates these stunning monoliths advances at over 40 metres per day, creating something in the order of 50 km3 of ice annually. Ilulissat was the hometown of Knud Rasmussen, one of Greenland s most famous early explorers. The town is home to a pretty harbour with colourful fishing boats and houses. Sisimiut, Greenland

8 Wednesday, August 21 Thursday, August 22: Baffin Bay Leaving the rugged coastline of Greenland, we will cross Baffin Bay. Our exact path is highly dependent on the extent of middle ice. We probe northwards seeking out the edges of this ice and plan to follow the line of ice until we reach the coast of Baffin Island. Our time at sea will be determined by the extent of the ice and the wildlife we encounter. As we transit Baffin Bay, we are always on the lookout for fin, sperm, sei and humpback whales as well as the numerous species of Arctic seals and seabirds that inhabit these waters. Our university study leaders and ship staff will deliver fascinating presentations on board focusing on the wildlife, history, geology and culture of the Arctic. Friday, August 23: Pond Inlet Nearing the far north of Baffin Island we enter a broad channel - home to the remote Inuit community of Pond Inlet. A highlight is a visit to the Natinnak Centre, where a fascinating cultural exhibit showcases aspects of daily life, culture and history of the people of the north. Inuit carvings, jewelry and other traditional crafts are on display and purchasing such items from the local artisans is a great way to support the community. We enjoy meeting the children of Pond Inlet and marvelling at their athletic abilities as they demonstrate the challenges of traditional Inuit games. The skills and physical agility developed by such games were often those necessary for everyday survival in the harsh Arctic environment. Saturday, August 24 Sunday, August 25: Lancaster Sound and Devon Island Leaving the wild landscapes of Baffin Island, we cross Lancaster Sound to Devon Island. We are now at almost 75 degrees north of latitude. This broad channel of water has been likened to a wildlife super highway of the Arctic. Massive volumes of water from the Atlantic to the east and Pacific to the west and from the archipelago of islands to the north all mix here, combining to make a rich source of nutrients and food for an abundance of Arctic wildlife, living both above and below the water s surface. We plan to visit the old Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) outpost at Dundas Harbour, situated on the southern shores of Devon Island. Muskoxen and Arctic hare are sometimes sighted in the vicinity and there are some great hiking options in the area. Inuit games Monday, August 26: Beechey Island and Prince Leopold Island Beechey Island holds great historic importance on our journey through the Northwest Passage. It is here that Sir John Franklin s ill-fated expedition spent its last comfortable winter in 1845 before disappearing into the icy vastness, sparking an incredible series of search expeditions that would span almost three decades. A trip ashore at Beechey Island to visit the grave markers on a remote windswept beach is a thrilling opportunity for both the history buffs and the uninitiated, and for many will be the defining moment of our expedition. We cross the Barrow Strait into Prince Regent Inlet, stopping to view the spectacular bird cliffs at Prince Leopold Island. This is an important migratory bird sanctuary, home to thick-billed murres, black guillemots, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. Numbering in the order of several hundred thousand birds, Prince Leopold Island is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the whole of the Canadian Arctic! Given the abundance of food in this vicinity we often sight beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales here, as well as several seal species and polar bears too. Beechey Island

9 Tuesday, August 27: Fort Ross and Bellot Strait Continuing to navigate the ship south into Prince Regent Inlet, we approach the eastern end of Bellot Strait. The historic site of Fort Ross, located at the southern end of Somerset Island, is a former Hudson s Bay Company fur-trading outpost. Fascinating archaeological sites nearby tell a story of more than a thousand years of habitation by the Inuit and their predecessors. Having explored Fort Ross, we attempt a transit through the narrows of Bellot Strait. The aim is to enter at slack tide if possible, in order to avoid a current that roars through the passage at more than seven knots during the peak flow. The mixing of waters in this Strait provides an abundant food source for marine mammals and we keep close watch for harp seals, bearded seals and even polar bears. The skill of the Captain and Officers and capabilities of the ship becomes apparent during this exciting day of Arctic navigation. Wednesday: August 28: Coningham Bay Emerging from Bellot Strait, we cross the Victoria Strait and arrive at Coningham Bay on the shore of Prince of Wales Island. Here, in the heart of the Northwest Passage, we hope to encounter one of the most remarkable wildlife phenomena in the Arctic; this is a known hotspot for polar bears, which come here to feast on beluga whales often caught in the rocky shallows at the entrance to the bay. It is not unusual to find the shoreline littered with whale skeletons and very healthy looking polar bears! Thursday, August 29: Victory Point, King William Island Heading further into the Northwest Passage, the mystery of Sir John Franklin and his lost expedition begins to unravel. Prior to the recent discovery of the HMS Erebus in September 2014, very little was known of how the Franklin Expedition spent its last months in the frozen Arctic. The vessels, abandoned in the ice of Victoria Strait are just coming to life thanks to the ongoing efforts of Parks Canada s marine archeological team and the recent Victoria Strait Expedition. On Victory Point, a lifeboat left abandoned, bits and pieces of copper and iron, cutlery and buttons and a skeleton here and there all tell a story of a desperate race south in search of a rescue that never came. We hope to visit Victory Point and the Victoria Strait, travelling very near the actual location of the wreck of HMS Erebus, all the while learning about the quest for exploration that eventually opened up the Arctic. On this, our last night of the expedition, we enjoy a celebratory Farewell Dinner and reflect on our epic voyage. Friday: August 30: Cambridge Bay to Edmonton Our journey is all but complete as we approach the community of Cambridge Bay. This remote outpost is a centre for hunting, trapping and fishing. The Inuit have had summer camps in the vicinity for hundreds of years. Amundsen spent two winters in this area, learning how to master dog-sledding from the locals prior to his attempt on the South Pole. We say farewell to our crew and make our way ashore by zodiac. A special charter flight returns us to Edmonton. Harp Seal & Hooded seal Humpback whales feeding Gyrfalcon

10 Group photo, 2015 TOUR DETAILS APPROX. TOUR COST (PER PERSON) Triple Private: C$13495 Private: C$16868 Superior: C$18995 Superior Plus: C$19345 Shackleton Suite: C$21245 One Ocean Suite: C$23595 An early booking bonus will be offered. Group Size: Maximum 100 participants What s Included: Accommodation for one night pre-expedition in Toronto, based on double occupancy Accommodation in selected cabin, based on double occupancy All meals Complimentary soft drinks, house wine/beer/spirits All excursions and landings All community visits All on board activities Full program of on board presentations by our Study Leaders Port dues and taxes Our Preparing for Your Expedition custom booklet Transfers from hotel to airport in Ottawa Complimentary use of All Weather Gear : gumboots, waterproof jacket and pants, dry bag Not Included: Charter flights: Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq and Cambridge Bay to Edmonton (approx. C$2500) Airfare from your home to Ottawa and from Edmonton to your home Items of a personal nature Ship board expenses Gratuities on board (suggested: C$15 C$20 per person per day) Travel insurance Any item not mentioned in included features Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of $2000 person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second deposit of $2000 plus charter airfare is required nine months prior to departure. Final payment is due four months prior to departure.

11 WHAT TO EXPECT Daily Program Briefings to present our activities are provided in the Dining Room at the end of the evening meal and at breakfast every day. Every morning the daily program will also be displayed on the ship s notice board. This will include landings, presentations and any other daily activities. During the briefings, our Expedition Leader will tell you about the locations we plan to visit; what time we plan to land; type of landing (i.e. sandy beach, rocky, etc.); how long we expect to be ashore or on the Zodiacs; walking possibilities and weather conditions. Shore excursions are by Zodiac transportation from the ship to the landing area and we will focus on areas with the greatest promise of wildlife or places of historical significance. At each landing a choice of activities will be offered, from charging hikes, to walks with photographers, historians and naturalists, to contemplative wanders or Zodiac explorations. Guaranteed Single Accommodation If you wish to have guaranteed single accommodation, the single supplement for this trip is 1.5 times the per person cost of twin cabins and 2 times the per person cost for suites. If you are travelling alone and you are willing to share, we will try to match you up with an appropriate roommate. If we can t, the single cost will apply. This will be collected at 90 days prior to departure. Weather The Arctic is cold even in the summer but probably not as cold as you may think. In very general terms, expect temperatures to be as low as -15 to -9 C and temperatures as high as 5 C. Travel Documents You will require a valid passport for this Expedition Cruise. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # ). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and nontransferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. Worldwide Quest Explorers Club We d like to make sure that you know about our Worldwide Explorers Club. Travel twice with us and we ll say a special thank you by taking 5% off on all your subsequent trips! The bonus applies to our brochure trips only and you ll find many there to choose from. TICO#: