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ADVENTURES THROUGH THE ARCTIC
With its varying shades of white and blue, this frozen region full of glaciers, rare wildlife and Indigenous culture awaits
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Navigate the iconic Northwest Passage on ice-class ships
Exploring the Arctic, a journey through history and ice
The Arctic is considered one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet. Known as the northern polar region, this frosty territory is made up of parts of seven different countries, including Canada, Finland, Greenland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States’s Alaska. Those who voyage through these glacial waters have the opportunity to follow in the steps of early 20th century explorers, such as Robert Peary and Roald Amundsen, while watching glaciers calve to create icebergs and floes that serve as hunting platforms for the Arctic’s majestic apex predator, the polar bear. Ice-class ships allow access to the Northwest Passage – a badge of honour for adventurous historians – as well as to local, relevant, Indigenous experts throughout this vast region.
These unpredictable experiences provide deeper appreciation of the Arctic’s wildlife
Wildlife encounters meet flexible expedition cruising
“Expedition cruising is all about taking advantage of the conditions,” says Bob Simpson, AVP, Expedition Product Development at Silversea. “We have plans A–D, but we have to go with the flow and be flexible from one itinerary to the next due to weather, ice, wildlife opportunities and so on.”
When it comes to the Arctic’s wildlife, these encounters are different on every voyage and no two experiences – or days – are the same, so highly skilled expedition leaders are versed in everything from seal-spotting to botany to tundra trekking. “This lack of predictability lends a deeper appreciation to these experiences – every moment that’s spent observing these creatures in their natural habitat is an immense privilege,” says Polar Historian and Naturalist Alexandra Hansen.
Whale watching in Svalbard and responsible voyages in the high Canadian Arctic
Seasonality also effects exploration in the High Canadian Arctic, where many areas are not accessible until later in the summer when the temperatures rise. Svalbard – an archipelago that’s part of Norway – on the other hand offers more seasonality from June through September. As the Gulfstream current runs north here, whales and other creatures create nutrient rich waters so the “the whale watching opportunities are outstanding,” says Hansen of the area. “On a recent voyage, we were out with our guests on Zodiacs and they were surrounded by pods of belugas. One of our experts did a census and counted over 100 of the sociable mammals.”
When setting out on any voyage, Silversea is not only equipped with a knowledgeable expedition crew that are representative of the area, it also adheres to the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators’s (AECO) strict “no trace” guidelines that are designed to protect the surrounding land and sea. And when interacting with the Arctic’s precious wildlife, expedition teams always include trained bear guards which allows guests to explore this amazing environment safely. “We always check landing sights first,” says Simpson of the Svalbard region, “as this is definitely not a polar bear safari.”
Greenland's majestic wildlife, a journey through Scoresby Sund and beyond
Another highlight of the Arctic is Greenland, where dramatic fjords framed by snow-capped mountains meet picturesque small towns such as Kangaamiut – meaning the People of the Fjords – where welcoming residents make for lasting memories. Also making a sizeable impression are the wildlife opportunities here: “I had the most incredible panoramic Zodiac cruise of my life in Scoresby Sund, Eastern Greenland,” says Hansen of a recent outing. “Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world and is home to a labyrinth of inlets, islets and icebergs. The mountains are so sheer and steep – the product of being carved by a glacier – that you feel like you're in a maze. You lose all sense of scale.”
Luxurious small ship expeditions and immersive cultural experiences
Now more than ever before, this part of the world is becoming increasingly accessible – and more comfortable – with the arrival of ice-class, luxurious small ships that allow guests to experience nature in its full, up-close glory. “Our guests may have already visited Antarctica and want that next great challenge,” says Bill Davis, VP Expeditions and Operations at Silversea, of the allure of an Arctic itinerary. And it’s these visits to the territory’s small communities that showcase regional Inuit artifacts and cultural activities – such as drum-dancing and throat singing – that allow travellers to be immersed in local life. These traditional visits are always guided by Inuit beneficiaries who are also part of the Silversea crew.
“I think one of the biggest factors in this part of the world is how emotionally moving these trips can be. The Arctic gives visitors a reminder of just how small we are in the scale of the universe,” says Hansen of the sheer enormity of the experience. And as the visitor acclimates, the textures of the icebergs, the sapphire blues of the glaciers, the seabirds’ song and the vibrance of the tundra’s flora all contribute to a deeper appreciation of this stunningly unpredictable region that is unlike any other.
One of the biggest factors in this part of the world is how emotionally moving these trips can be. The Arctic gives visitors a reminder of just how small we are in the scale of the universe.
Stunning wildlife and immersive Inuit culture await
To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to the Arctic click below
