HUDSON STRAIT EXPEDITION CRUISE - HIGH ARCTIC

Day 1 - Montreal to Kuujjuaq
Today you will depart Montreal by air and travel to Kuujjuaq, a name that means "Great River" in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit. After a brief tour of the town and buffet lunch, transfer to the Expedition ship Orlova and prepare for the high tide that will carry you down the river to the vast expanse of Arctic tundra and open sea.

Your home away from home for the journey is designed to operate in ice covered waters. Fitted with sophisticated navigational equipment, the ship can enter remote areas and traverse the open ocean with speed and comfort. Cabins include beds, a desk, ample storage space and personal facilities. Other amenities include a library, dining room, conference room, observation lounge and bar as well as several observation decks and a small gift shop. Chefs will serve three meals a day offering delicious locally harvested country foods. Various itineraries allow for dramatic sightings of nesting thick-billed murres, beluga whales, seals, walrus and polar bears in their natural habitats.

Moderate: Overnight onboard Expedition Ship Orlova

Day 2 to 9 - Arctic Exploring
During this amazing voyage you will cross the Arctic Circle and experience breathtaking wilderness, narrow fjords and the cliffs of Bylot Island. Ship to shore excursions via zodiac include Auyuittuq National Park, Pond Inlet, Bylot Island, Lancaster Sound and Arctic Bay. Wildlife sightings may include walrus, bowhead and beluga whales, polar bears and murres, with troves of amazing experiences to cherish. Spend next eight days exploring the Arctic land and seascape. Among the places you may visit are:

Akpatok Island - Sanctuary for nesting migratory seabirds, also summer home to walrus and a traditional hunting ground for Inuit. Polar bear sightings are common in this area.

Qikiqtarjuaq - Near an iceberg driftway, the south-facing landscape is mountainous. Area is home to sea mammals including seal, narwhal and walrus.

Auyuittuq National Park - Rough-edged mountain peaks, treeless valleys and flowing glacial rivers. The park is home to the Penny Ice Cap, a remnant of the last Ice Age. Walk on shore and interact with naturalist guides.

Baffin Island - Brilliant glacial landforms including a few that reach the sea. Planned remote landing in a narrow fiord in hopes on spotting bowhead whales.

Pond Inlet - Thule and Dorset archaeological sites abound. Planned hikes to the Thule historic site at Salmon River.

Bylot Island - Designated Migratory Bird Sanctuary and nesting place for rare peregrine falcons, ivory gulls, murres, kittiwakes and snow goose.

Milne Inlet - Breeding ground for the narwhal, normally found in small pods close to floating ice.

Lancaster Sound - Summer home to many arctic species such as the thick-billed murre, bearded and harp seals, walrus, beluga whales and narwhal.

Note: As with all expeditions, weather, ice, tides and other conditions will dictate the itinerary and shore excursions. Unusually strong tides and currents combined with drifting sea ice means the route and landing sites will vary from one expedition to the next. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions.

Moderate: Overnight onboard Expedition Ship Orlova

Day 10 - Fly back to Montreal
The last day of our adventure will be in Resolute Bay. Prepare for the journey home, enriched by the many wonderful memories of our northern adventure. Breakfast on board, disembark. Fly to Montreal where your tour concludes.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 9 nights aboard the Expedition Ship Orlova including onboard lectures and access to all public areas

• All shipboard meals (certain meals during land portions)

• Shore Excursions and Zodiac cruises

• Sightseeing with an English speaking guide

• Group transfers and baggage handling throughout

• All port dues

• A comprehensive trip handbook

• Round-trip flights from Montreal

• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Air taxes and surcharges (approx $330 USD per person - subject to change)

• Applicable sales taxes

• Personal items such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and excess luggage charges

• Pre & Post accommodation

• Meals not listed as included

• Optional tours

• Gratuities for ship staff

• Goods and Services tax (GST)

• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)
  

2008 Package Prices Per Person – USD $ *

*Triple rates available upon request.

CABIN DESCRIPTIONS:
Lower Deck - 1 window (not to be opened), 2 lower berths 1.9 x 0.75 m (6.2 x 2.5 ft)
Main Deck - 1 window(not to be opened), 2 lower berths 1.9 x 0.75 m (6.2 x 2.5 ft)
Captain's Deck & Baffin Suite - 2 windows, 2 lower berths 1.9 x 0.75 m (6.2 x 2.5 ft) and private facilities with shower, TV and safe
Hudson Suite - Separate sitting room with couch, 3 windows, 2 lower berths 1.9 x 1.0 m (6.2 x 3.4 ft) and private facilities with shower, TV, VCR and safe