Northwest Passage

Sea Day, and Sisimiut, Greenland September 27 and 28, 2026 Our certificate acknowledging that we crossed the arctic circle! This blog covers two days - our at-sea day, the 27th, while we crossed the Arctic Ocean heading back to Greenland, and our visit to Sisimiut, Greenland on the 28th. At Sea: The pictures below should give you a good idea of what we did during our at-sea day! Breakfast at Mamsen's (Norwegian Food) Lunchtime Cake Extravaganza!! Wine Tasting: Karen and Rico

Exploring the Canadian High Arctic at Beechey Island and Dundas Harbour September 25 and 26, 2026 Fun Facts for the Canadian High Arctic Scientists found fossil fragments on Ellesmere Island showing that a 3.5-million-year-old ancestor of the modern camel once lived in the region when it was a warm, forested landscape. Sixty percent of the world’s polar bear population is found here, and 75% of the narwhal population. Beluga whales have a natural ability to mimic sounds, incl

Explore the Canadian High Arctic September 24, 2026 A Polar Bear staring at our ship. Mountains, glaciers and icebergs: The colors were incredible! The sky, the water, the layers in the sedimentary rocks, and the colors in the icebergs created an absolutely beautiful vista all around. We are taking a poll. Does this iceberg look like a turtle or a frog??? Animals: Ring Seal And of course - the Polar Bear!! Awesome Day!

Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada September 23, 2026 After crossing the Arctic Ocean yesterday we are now in Northern Canada. Our first stop is in Pond Inlet, a Hamlet that is predominantly populated by Inuit people. Pond Inlet is located on the northern part of Baffin Island. Fun Facts About Baffin Island It is named after English navigator William Baffin, who explored the region in 1616. People have lived around Baffin Bay for a very long time, starting around 500 BC. About 20,0

Sailing Baffin Bay September 22, 2026 Viking Polaris Today is a sea day, as we travel from Greenland to Arctic Canada. Usually sea days are days to relax and enjoy the many amenities on the Expedition Ships. There are two Viking Expedition ships, the Octantis and the Polaris. This trip we are cruising on the Polaris. (Polaris refers to the North Star, which has guided mariners in their travels since ancient times.) One of the reasons they are called Expedition Ships is beca

Uummannaq, Greenland September 21, 2026 Uummannaq means heart-shaped, referring to the granite mountain near town with twin peaks. So far on this trip we have been very fortunate to have good weather. I hope I didn't jinx that by mentioning it! The crew on board says this has been the best weather of the season (this is their last cruise here this year). Just to clarify - good weather means sun and not too windy. It definitely doesn't mean warm! It was actually 30 degre

Ilulissat, Greenland September 20, 2026 The actual city is near the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An icefjord is an inlet that is filled with pieces of ice that have broken off from a fast moving glacier. The Ilulissat Icefjord is known for its enormous icebergs. Fun Facts: The city is home to almost as many sled dogs as people! Ilulissat is sometimes referred to as the Iceberg Capital of the World. The area is a favorite feeding ground for mig

At Sea, Greenland September 19, 2026

Itilleq, Greenland September 19, 2026 Itilleq We are now north of the Arctic Circle! The tiny town of Itilleq (pronounced E-teeth-La) is on an island at the mouth of the Itilleq Fjord. It has approximately 100 people and is about 1.2 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The city does not have a natural source of fresh water, so they use a facility to convert seawater into drinking water. The Fjord is known for the dramatic mountain landscapes and local wildlife. Fun Facts Most

Nuuk, Greenland September 18, 2026 Colorful houses around Nuuk Harbor Nuuk is the capital of Greenland; so, here is some information about the country of Greenland. Greenland is the world’s largest island, about three times the size of Texas. It is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark; therefore, citizens of Greenland are citizens of Denmark. Greenland shares a 1.2 km border with Canada on Hans Island. Over 85% of the residents of Greenland are Inuit. And, the

Baltimore, Maryland September 16, 2026 Mr. Trash Wheel! Isn't he cute? More information below. On Our Way! So far, our trip to the arctic has started off very appropriately. Everywhere we have been has been very cold! The San Diego Airport, our flight to Chicago, the Chicago Ohare Airport /Lounge were all really cold! Walking from one terminal to another at Ohare was a beautiful (and cold) experience. The terminals were connected by a architecturally impressive walkway