Crystal Serenity is right now sailing one of the world’s most dangerous cruises in the Northwest Passage. The ship is 15 days into a 32-day journey, which will conclude in New York City on September 16.
On August 27 the luxury cruise ship successfully entered the historic Northwest Passage and anchored in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, and Cambridge Bay on August 29. The calls mark Crystal Serenity’s official arrival in the Northwest Passage.
Crystal Serenity Master, Captain Birger J. Vorland said:
“The arrival to Ulukhaktok, the first call in the actual Northwest Passage, was truly a memorable affair. Crystal Serenity was met by our escort ship, the RRS Ernest Shackleton, as well as a fleet of Zodiacs and our two helicopters. Everybody on board was outside to marvel at this truly magnificent and sunny day as we sailed in together to the anchorage.”
Crystal Serenity’s visit to Ulukhaktok was a first for everyone, as the residents of the village had never before welcomed a luxury cruise ship to their shores. Traditional dancers boarded the ship for a special performance representative of their culture, then showcased handcrafted goods at the area’s art center. Crystal guests were brought ashore by zodiacs operated by the expedition team, Expedition Voyage Consultants. Travelers experienced a similar kinship with the welcoming residents of Cambridge Bay, Crystal Serenity’s next Arctic call.
View Photos Below:
(Credit-Katie Jackson & Crystal Cruises)
Beyond the itinerary’s historic implications, the visit to the region is also the culmination of more than three years of planning and careful collaboration with the local communities of the Arctic. Following the ship’s first two stop in the Northwest Territories, she continued on through the Victoria Strait headed towards the Bellot Strait.
Due to the tremendous response from travelers regarding the 2016 Northwest Passage sailing, Crystal has announced it will sail the route again in 2017. You can read more about the Crystal Serenity’s historic voyage in our previous post.
