E-mail a friendShip: MV Orlova
Itinerary: Northwest Passage
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Be on the lookout for fantastic Arctic wildlife, such as shaggy muskoxen, while on your polar explorationPhoto by: B. Schram
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Resolute |
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| Days 2-8 : | Exploring the Coast |
| Day 9 : | Resolute Bay / Montreal / Return Home |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Triple | Lower Deck Twin | Main Deck Twin | Captain | Superior | Amundsen Suite | ||
| 9 | Aug 28, 2009 | $4,895 | $5,895 | $6,195 | $6,545 | $7,295 | $8,395 |
| Add 5% GST tax per person. Add $1795 for charter flight from Montreal. |
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| Destinations : Arctic, Baffin Island, Canada, Greenland Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Whale Watching |
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In this land of true polar desert, we find mountainous coastlines capped by shining glaciers, impassive icebergs and a rich archaeological record of Inuit habitation.
Day 1 : Resolute
We fly from Montreal to Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island, situated at the approximate centre of the Arctic archipelago, west of Lancaster Sound. Considered by some as “The Serengheti of the Arctic” this Sound is rich in exotic wildlife. Narwhal, beluga, bowheads, walrus, polar bears and all sorts of birds occupy the area, feeding off the 30,000 tons of Arctic cod known to exist there.
Days 2-8 : Exploring the Coast
We spend a week exploring the lands and inlets throughout this historic waterway. Among the places we may visit are:
Beechey Island
During his pursuit for a quick route to Asia, it was here Sir John Franklin remained trapped for two long years (1845-47) waiting for the ice to clear. We explore remnants of his camp and the headstones of those not lucky enough to survive the ordeal.
Victory Point
Here, the mystery surrounding the notorious Franklin expedition still prevails. On the point itself the first evidence of the cursed expedition was discovered buried in a cairn, but no trace of the ship has ever been found.
Cambridge Bay
The Inuktitut name for Cambridge Bay is Iqaluktuuttiaq, which translates to “a good place with lots of fish.” But this hub of the Western Arctic also features the Arctic Coast Visitor Centre, a fantastic place to explore the history of the quest for the Northwest Passage. Cambridge Bay is also well-known for its musk-oxen and if you get lucky, you may be able to see a few of these ancient-looking animals yourself!
Gjoa Haven
This tiny community in the centre of the historic waterway attracts history buffs from around the world. Named after the famous adventurer Roald Amundsen’s boat “The Gjoa,” Gjoa Haven is rich in history. Amundsen, who is known as the first person to traverse the Passage, as well as reach the north and south poles, spent two years here in 1903 gaining information about the magnetic north pole and living with the Inuit of the area.
Bellot Strait
This passage of water separates Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, which is the northernmost part of mainland North America. The strait is often filled with icebergs, and the current can sometimes run quickly and frequently changes direction, making this part of the journey a potentially wild ride!
Prince Leopold Island
An important migratory bird sanctuary, the spectacular sandstone cliffs that characterize this island are the summer nesting home to thousands of thick-billed murres, northern fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes.
Day 9 : Resolute Bay / Montreal / Return Home
From Resolute Bay we fly back to Montreal, saying goodbye to the Arctic . . . for now!
- Additional fuel surcharge of $58/night on ship, per person, for Antarctic departures between Oct 2008 - Mar 2009.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabinmate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the shared price
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: MV Orlova
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Voyage on expedition cruise ship MV Orlova for a fantastic polar adventure
Built in Yugoslavia in 1976 and refurbished in 2006, the M/V Orlova is a 90 meter ice-strengthened passenger ship. Ship features include a fully equipped lecture hall and theatre, attractive bar and lounge, and also a well stocked Antarctic library. There is an excercise room, and there is a medical infirmary and physician on board.
Accommodation onboard ranges from triple and twin cabins to superiors and suites. All cabins have two lower berths and private facilities with either a porthole or window. They also feature a writing desk, sitting space and ample storage.
Our European chefs serve delicious international cuisine and the comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine and spirits. The ship is crewed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in polar navigation. Our team of naturalists and lecturers from all over the world will offer a unique educational program for passengers during their Antarctica travel, covering subjects such as natural history, ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment.
We maintain an 'open bridge' policy which means that you are almost always welcome to visit the Bridge with its sophisticated communication and navigation equipment at any time (subject to weather conditions). Passengers can use the ship's sophisticated communication equipment for satellite phone and email service.
Triple7 cabins (400-405, 416) with private baths with shower. 180 sq ft. Each has 2 chairs, 3 wardrobes, cupboard, telephone, window (doesn\'t open), two lower twin beds, and one upper bed |
Lower Deck Twin14 cabins (300-312, 315) with private baths with shower. 159 sq ft. Each has 2 chairs, 2 wardrobes, cupboard, telephone, 2 storage boxes, window (doesn\'t open), and two lower twin beds |
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Main Deck Twin 23 cabins (407-412, 414,415, 417-429, 431) with private baths with shower. 127 sq ft. Each has a chair, 2 wardrobes, cupboard, telephone, window (can be opened), and two lower twin beds |
CaptainEight cabins (600-607) with private baths with shower. 110 sq ft. Each has a TV, safe, chair, wardrobe, cupboard, telephone, two windows (one window can be opened), and two lower twin beds |
SuperiorThree cabins (503, 505, 506) with private baths with shower. 128 sq ft. Each has a TV, safe, two chairs, locker, telephone, two windows (one window can be opened), and two lower full beds |
Amundsen SuiteTwo cabins (501 and 502) with private baths with shower. 334 sq ft. Each has a TV, sofa, safe, refrigerator, table/desk, 2 armchairs, wardrobe, locker, cupboard, telephone, 4 windows (some windows can be opened), and two full beds |
