Passengers on a voyage through the Arctic Circle’s Northwest Passage this September could be among the first ever visitors to the wreck site of HMS Erebus, one of the two ships of the ill-fated 1845 Franklin expedition.
Lost to the world for 170 years, the ship was found in 2014. It remains in a protected area, but Adventure Canada has secured the opportunity to visit – should weather and ice conditions allow. Guests may be able to see the Erebus wreck via an underwater remote-controlled camera, as well as the location where the ship went down, and meet those who monitor the wreck sites. This makes the Northwest Passage cruise extra special, due to this new project to get to the bottom of the Franklin expedition mystery.
Last-minute bookings on the ‘Out of the Northwest Passage’ cruise are still available, and Australians can receive two nights’ free accommodation, thanks to a special offer from Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller. Additionally, solo travellers on the 18-night expedition cruise package can book without paying a solo supplement, subject to availability.
Other highlights of the package include the Arctic Circle’s mystical icebergs, fjords, dramatic glaciers, getting a glimpse into the lives of the Innuit who call the region their home, and the chance to see the world-famous Northern Lights – the stunning auroras of purple and green which light up the Arctic sky.
Departing September 1, 2019, the 16-night cruise will sail through the famed Northwest Passage from Canada’s northern shores to Greenland, with its quaint villages, fjords and glaciers. Guests booking through Cruise Traveller will receive a free hotel stay either side of the cruise, in Calgary and Toronto, making the trip a total of 18 nights.
Only navigable by ships for a few weeks a year after the peak of summer, the Northwest Passage links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Many 19th century European explorers tried to traverse the passage, often with journeys ending in disaster. Today, the Northwest Passage is accessible by ice-strengthened expedition ships – but the icy waters still retain their otherworldly charm.
Guests will travel onboard Adventure Canada’s 198-passenger, eco-friendly vessel, the Ocean Endeavour and enjoy many Zodiac shore visits, excursions and activities including hiking, photography, exploring archaeological sites and spotting whales, seals and polar bears. Guests will also have opportunities to meet the people who call the Arctic their home, including small fishing communities, Inuit villages and Canada’s northernmost community. Other memorable moments of the cruise include cruising along the icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord – a world heritage site – and crossing the Arctic Circle.
Beginning in Calgary, Canada, on September 1, 2019, including shore excursions, charter flights between Canada and Greenland and an expedition parka to keep, the 18-night ‘Out of the Northwest Passage’ package is available from US$16,190 per person, twin-share, and for solo travellers, subject to availability and until sold out. A night in Calgary pre-cruise and a night-post-cruise in Toronto are also included for free. Flights from Australia are extra.
Call 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au. Direct link – www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/
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