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ITINERARY
DAY
1: EDMONTON, CANADA
Getting
ready for your adventure
September
2, 2022
Your
epic adventure begins in Edmonton, a city on the North
Saskatchewan River in the province of Alberta and North
America’s
northernmost metropolitan region. Forbes Magazine recently called
Edmonton “one of Canada’s hottest
destinations”. If
you arrange to arrive early, you’ll have time to find out why.
Edmonton
is lively and colorful, with all the features of a modern
metropolis. There’s a thriving food scene, craft breweries
and
distilleries, plenty of independent shopping boutiques, and a
cutting-edge arts scene. In short, it’s the perfect place to
get
ready for the next two months at sea.
Why
not book a few extra days here and go on a Pre-Program to Elk
Island National Park? This will give you the opportunity to experience
the vast wilderness region at Edmonton’s doorstep. Just 35
minutes from the city, you can see free-roaming bison grazing among a
backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks.
DAY
2: EDMONTON / CAMBRIDGE BAY, VICTORIA ISLAND
Canadian
Arctic island
September
3, 2022
In
the morning, you’ll fly from Edmonton to Cambridge Bay, where
your expedition ship MS Fram awaits you.
Cambridge
Bay is a settlement of around 2,000 people on Victoria
Island—one of Arctic Canada’s largest islands. In
the local
language of Inuinnaqtun, Cambridge Bay is called
‘Iqaluktuuttiaq’, meaning a ‘Good Fishing
Place’. It’s aptly named. Visitors flock here for
the
Arctic char fly-fishing in the nearby rivers.
The
abundant wildlife found here is also an attraction for explorers to
this area. Others come to visit the Canadian High Arctic Research
Station, a world-class center for studying climate change and all
things related to the Arctic. It’s only fitting for your
cruise
to start here, where Arctic explorers of old often sheltered while
seeking the Northwest Passage. Now you too can add your name to this
illustrious list, which includes the legendary Norwegian adventurer
Roald Amundsen.
After
check in on the ship and collect your complimentary expedition
jacket, you’ll have some time to settle into your cabin or
walk
around exploring your new home away from home. A mandatory safety
briefing will be held before departure to make sure we are all suitably
prepared for the cruise ahead.
The
evening’s dinner—the first of many on
board—begins with a toast by the captain, wishing everyone an
enjoyable expedition. You’ll then meet?the Expedition Team in
a
separate welcome session, who will also relay some important health and
safety information.??
They
also run you through important guidelines from AECO, the
Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. You’ll
learn
how you can protect wildlife habitats, keep a safe distance from wild
animals, and how to visit Arctic communities in a dignified and
respectful way.
DAY
3-10: NORTHWEST PASSAGE EXPLORATION
Heart
of the Northwest Passage
September
4, 2022 - September 11, 2022
We’ll
set course for the heart of the fabled Northwest Passage.
Since the late 15th century, the search for this fabled seaway through
the Canadian Arctic was a holy grail for hardy sea adventurers.
John
Cabot led the first recorded voyage here in 1497. James Cook
attempted but failed to sail it in 1776, and many may have heard about
the ill-fated Franklin expedition of 1845. The first to conquer the
Northwest Passage by boat was Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, on an
expedition lasting from 1903 to 1906.
Sea
ice varies from year to year, making every expedition here unique.
In this modern era, we’ll chart our own adventure with our
state-of-the-art navigation equipment, setting a course for Eastern
Canada. During the passage, we will land at sites linked to early
exploration history, visit Inuit communities, and watch for Arctic
wildlife such as polar bears, whales, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
There
may be opportunities for small boat (RIB) cruising between ice
floes. In true expedition style, we’ll go ashore and
experience
the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Arctic firsthand.
The
Captain the Expedition Team Leader continuously assess the weather
and sea conditions and will adapt the activities accordingly, adjusting
the itinerary to take the sea ice into account. Like all good
explorers, we must respect and work with nature, never against her.
Along
the way, we hope to show you some of the following places:
Gjoa
Haven honors the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who wintered
here in 1903 on the Gjøa expedition. He called the place
‘the finest little harbor in the world’ and learned
a great
deal from local Netsilik Inuit people about survival and travel in the
polar regions. These skills were instrumental in helping Amundsen
become the first man to reach the South Pole, almost a decade later.
Fort
Ross was established in 1937. The Canadian Coast Guard maintains
two small huts ashore, which are occasionally used by the local Inuit
people for shelter. It was one of Hudson’s Bay
Company’s
few trading posts in the Canadian Arctic.
Beechey
Island is closely linked to the history of exploration of the
Northwest Passage, particularly the voyage led by Sir John Franklin,
whose two ships sailed into the passage in 1845 but never returned. The
Franklin Expedition was known to have spent the winter here in 1845 and
three of his men are buried here.
Radstock
Bay is dominated by the striking rock of Caswell Tower. The
shoreline here is excellent for a short walk to a prehistoric Inuit
site. Caswell Tower itself features a challenging hike to the summit
for great views.
Dundas
Harbour is an abandoned settlement featuring an old Royal
Canadian Mounted Police camp and an old Hudson’s Bay Company
trading post, with several archeological sites from the Thule period.
Set
on the picturesque Eclipse Sound with Bylot Island in the distance,
Pond Inlet, called ‘Mittimatalik’ in Inuktitut, is
a
traditional Inuit community on Baffin Island. Pond Inlet is surrounded
by mountain ranges, with glaciers, scenic fjords, ice caves, geological
hoodoos, and drifting icebergs to marvel at.
Throughout
the journey, we’ll sail past spellbinding scenery and
be on a constant lookout for wildlife such as the mighty (but elusive)
polar bear.
DAY
11-19: GREENLAND & ATLANTIC CANADA
Baffin
Bay to Greenland and Atlantic Canada
September
12, 2022 - September 20, 2022
As
we emerge from the Northwest Passage, we leave Canadian territory
behind us (for now) and set course for Greenland. The informative
lectures in the Science Center continue as we sail across Baffin Bay
and the Davis Strait. The topics may include the wildlife you might
see, Greenlandic culture, expedition history, geology, photography, and
lectures on famous historic explorers.
Ilulissat,
Greenland
Ilulissat
(translated simply as ‘Icebergs’) is set in the
stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. This place is picture perfect. It’s also a vibrant hub
for
adventure seekers who head out onto the polar ice sheet. There are
almost as many sled dogs living here as people.
Just
outside the town, you can often see enormous icebergs floating in
the deep blue waters. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, which
calves some 35 billion tons of icebergs each year. These bergs make
their way down the 12-mile fjord before entering Disko Bay. Their
shimmering forms and delicate hues are a nature
photographer’s
dream.
Sisimiut,
Greenland
Greenland’s
second-largest settlement sits 25 miles north of the
Arctic Circle in the central coastal area of the Davis Strait. Its name
translates into ‘The People at the Fox Holes’, a
reference
to the many Arctic fox burrows that lie nearby. Another local animal is
the musk ox, whose wool is used to make a local fabric called
qiviut—said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.
Kvanefjord,
Greenland
The
Kvanefjord is a fjord stretching 30 miles along the west coast of
Greenland in the Sermersooq district, which means ‘Place of
Much
Ice’. The fjord extends over six miles inland before
branching
into three smaller channels, each with a glacier at its head.
We’ll
spend this day exploring this amazing fjord, and the
captain will search for places to drop anchor and head ashore. There
will be plenty of opportunities to watch for wildlife, either from the
deck or on land, or perhaps you’d just like to stretch your
legs
and enjoy the stunning scenery.
After
Kvanefjord, we set out across the Labrador Sea. Relax, get to
know your fellow travelers, and make full use of the onboard
facilities. In the Science Center, the Expedition Team’s
fascinating lecture program focuses on the wildlife and ecosystems of
the Arctic region.
Red
Bay, Canada
Red
Bay is a former Basque whaling settlement on the coast of southern
Labrador in the Strait of Belle Isle. Keep your eyes peeled for
humpback and minke whales as we sail through these waters.
A
fair share of whaling vessels met their doom before reaching the
shores of Red Bay. Wrecked galleons and chalupas—small boats
used
by whalers in the 16th century—are just some of the ships
that
have been found preserved in these icy waters. These discoveries make
Red Bay one of the most important underwater archeological sites in the
world.
Corner
Brook, Canada
As
we sail into the Bay of Islands, surrounded by the jagged slopes and
dense forests of the Long Range Mountains, we’ll chart the
same
course as Captain James Cook over 250 years ago.
Just
like the famed British explorer, we’ll head to Corner Brook,
at the mouth of the Humber River. This is the second-largest city in
the Newfoundland and Labrador province, after St. John’s.
While
St. John’s is trendy and international, Corner Brook is
definitely traditional and local.
DAY
20-27: HALIFAX TO COLÓN
Oceanography
and wellness
September
21, 2022 - September 28, 2022
The
next leg of your journey begins in Halifax, the cosmopolitan
capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. This well-situated
seaport looks out over one of the world’s largest natural
harbors. Halifax has all the allure of a modern Canadian city.
It’s a great place to do a little shopping before we head
south
to the tropics.
Over
the next seven days at sea, the Expedition Team will deepen our
knowledge of the oceans and ecology. At the same time, we’ll
take
advantage of the fantastic onboard facilities to run a program aimed at
focusing on the mind, body, and soul. What does this mean? Read below
to find out ...
Understanding
our oceans
As
we sail from Nova Scotia to Panama, you’ll be able to take
part in an engaging program of hands-on lectures, workshops, and
classes that cover topics such as marine biology and the history of sea
navigation from the Vikings through today. As an added bonus,
you’ll be invited to join the ship’s officers on
the
bridge, giving you a behind-the-scenes insight into what modern
navigation is all about.
Learn
from enthusiastic Expedition Team members that were handpicked
for their expertise, and explore the ocean’s hidden
ecosystems
through microscopes in the ship’s Science Center. You can
also
participate in Citizen Science projects, which contribute to current
scientific research around the world.
Finding
inner peace
It’s
not all experiments and learning though—rest and
rejuvenation on this journey are just as important. Take time to stop,
watch the waves, reflect, and enjoy precious time to rejuvenate
yourself.
Help
reset your body, mind, and soul with daily onboard yoga and
meditation classes run by wellness professionals. These sessions will
leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready for your next
adventure.
Also
take this time to observe and appreciate nature’s wonder all
around you. Contemplate the majesty of the sea or the shifting of the
clouds above. Watch for wildlife out on deck while basking in the balmy
Caribbean weather. You might even catch sight of dolphins, flying fish,
and rare seabirds. Connect with the harmony of the birds’
movements and notice its calming effect on you.
DAY
28-45: PANAMA CANAL TO VALPARAÍSO, CHILE
The
Emberá people, Inca history, & the Panama Canal
September
29, 2022 - October 16, 2022
We’ll
pass through the Panama Canal, a 50-mile-long man-made
marvel of engineering featuring channels and open water that was opened
to traffic in 1914. The canal links the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean,
and roughly halfway through the 12-hour transit, we’ll enter
the
Gatun Lake section. If you’re lucky, you may spot a crocodile
or
alligator on shore. Watch the trees and you may also catch a glimpse of
monkeys and even a sloth or two.
After
emerging into the Pacific Ocean, the next leg of our journey will
take you to visit two national parks, as well as a range of endearing
coastal communities across five Latin American countries: Panama,
Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. But first, we’ll pay a
visit
to the amazing and rarely visited Darién region.
La
Chunga, Darién National Park, Panama
It’s
pure adventure today as we head to an authentic
Emberá community in the middle of the jungle in
Darién
National Park. The indigenous Emberá people have lived in
this
area for centuries, long before the first Spanish explorer ever set
foot in the New World. The community doesn’t receive regular
visitors; we have worked closely with them to give you this rare
opportunity. We’ll brief you beforehand on how to ensure that
our
visit to this isolated community is respectful and in line with their
courtesy customs.
To
get there, we’ll drop anchor in La Chunga Bay and head up
through the jungle on the Sambú River using our small boats
(RIBs). As we will be traveling inland, it will likely get a lot
hotter; you’ll want to bring good protection from the sun and
mosquitos. The journey up river will take approximately one hour but
will be well worth it.
Bahía
Solano, Colombia
The
little town of Bahía Solano is the largest settlement on
Colombia’s Chocó coast, near the mouth of Rio
Jella and
surrounded by thick jungle. It is also called ‘Ciudad
Mutis’, after the 18th-century Spanish botanist
José
Celestino Mutis. Such a name could be an homage to the natural
biodiversity that exists in the area’s jungles, mangroves,
mountains, marshes, rivers, and bays.
The
community opens their town to us and warmly invites you on a hosted
walk through their settlement. Meet and talk along the way to the
Afro-Colombian residents who live alongside the indigenous
Emberá people, and other people from the interior.
Manta,
Ecuador
MS
Fram will bring us across the Equator early in the morning. Join a
traditional onboard seafaring ceremony in which we seek King
Neptune’s blessing. Setting foot on South American soil, our
first port of call is Montecristi, located five miles inland from the
tuna-fishing port city of Manta. This town was established in the 16th
century by Manteños (indigenous Ecuadoreans) seeking respite
from the frequent pirate raids on the coast. Montecristi is the actual
birthplace of the Panama hat, despite its name.
Isla
de la Plata, Ecuador
Isla
de la Plata is a part of Parque Nacional Machalilla,
Ecuador’s only coastal national park. The island sits a ways
off
the coast and is prone to large waves that can make landings a
challenge. Its name, which means ‘Island of
Silver’, is
thought to come from the belief that English explorer and sea captain
Sir Francis Drake buried a trove of silver here. A more blunt
explanation is that the sunshine reflects off of the abundant bird
guano here and gives the island a shiny, silvery look when seen from
the mainland. You can believe whichever version you prefer! Alas, no
treasure has ever been found on the tiny island, which measures a
little over three square miles.
But
what the island lacks in size or silver, it more than makes up for
in the wide range of wildlife, which even rivals that of the
Galápagos Islands.
Puerto
Bolívar (Machala), Ecuador
Machala’s
main claim to fame is Puerto Bolívar, an
important Ecuadorian port where coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and bananas
(which the locals call oro verde, or ‘green gold’,
given
their abundance) leave for export. The nearby Puyango Petrified Forest
has one of the largest collections of fossilized trees in the world,
thought to be about 100 million years old.
Salaverry,
Peru
Pummeled
by the Pacific Ocean’s wind and waves, Salaverry can be
a tricky port to access. If we are able to land there, it is a good
starting point to explore Trujillo, Peru’s third-largest
city,
along with the array of pre-Colombian archaeological sites scattered
throughout the region.
Callao/Lima,
Peru
Set
on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes
Mountains, you’ll find the Peruvian capital city of Lima.
Served
by the seaport of Callao, Lima is the largest city in the country.
It’s a modern, sprawling metropolis where traditions and
modernity mix to create a heady cocktail of culture and cuisine. Among
this modern metropolis, the fascinating and enigmatic adobe clay ruins
of the Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca ceremonial pyramids are all
that remains of a long-lost ancient culture.
Paracas,
Peru
Nestled
on a bay behind a peninsula, the humble and sleepy resort town
of Paracas is surrounded by brown-sugar–colored cliffs and
lovely
beaches. Opposite the Paracas harbor is a mysterious local geoglyph
carved into the landscape of a candelabra-like symbol. The origin and
meaning of it remains a mystery. It could be related to the famous
Nazca Lines, which you may have an opportunity to visit in the Pisco
Valley on an optional excursion.
Arica,
Chile
Unusual
for a city by the sea, Arica is bathed in glorious sunshine
almost every day of the year. Residents proudly describe the place as
being immersed in a never-ending spring. You can’t miss the
San
Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Parisian fame) and
inaugurated in 1876.
Iquique,
Chile
Welcome
to a slice of paradise by the Pacific Ocean, complete with palm
trees and beachside promenades. You may have the opportunity to visit
the nearby abandoned saltpeter mining town of Humberstone in the
Atacama Desert. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a slice of history
that you can literally walk through.
La
Serena, Chile
Perched
beside the ocean, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy
beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. You’ll find
Chile’s second-oldest city to have a distinct Neo-Colonial
look
and feel to it. Its modern buildings meld with classic architecture,
such as the 30 or so carefully restored stone churches, some of which
are around 350 years old.
Valparaíso,
Chile
Known
as UNESCO’s ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, this
UNESO
World Heritage listed city is a maze of monuments, churches, historical
funicular cable cars, trendy neighborhoods, cobblestone alleys,
colorful houses, and charming plazas.
DAY
46-55: PATAGONIA
Cruising
toward the Antarctic
October
17, 2022 - October 26, 2022
Castro
We’ve
made it to Patagonia. In Castro, bring your camera to snap
the brightly painted palafitos. These are traditional wooden houses on
stilts, which line the edges of the fjord at Gamboa Wharf. The nearby
UNESCO-listed Church of San Francisco is a masterpiece of carpentry,
made entirely of wood in Neo-Gothic style.
Puerto
Edén
The
tiny village of Puerto Edén sits on a bay in a remote
peninsula jutting into a fjord in the province of Última
Esperanza (which means ‘Last Hope’). This is a good
place
to access the exceptional landscapes of Bernardo O’Higgins
National Park, Chile’s largest protected area. This features
a
stunning network of peaceful fjords and gorgeous forest-covered
mountains. There are no roads leading to or from this isolated
village—and not even within it! There are simply boardwalks
and
footpaths connecting the homes of its fewer than 200 residents.
Puerto
Natales
Take
in the breathtaking views of the southern Andes as we arrive at
Puerto Natales. The city is an entry point to Torres del Paine National
Park, which attracts hikers and climbers from all over the world. Aside
from a full-day optional excursion to the national park, you can also
spend some time leisurely exploring Puerto Natales by foot. This sleepy
city is a mix of Bohemian bars, outdoor gear retailers, corrugated tin
houses, and restaurants serving international cuisine.
Chilean
fjords
We’ll
cruise amongst the fabled fjords and multitude of islands
found within Chile’s rugged Magallanes Province, where jagged
mountains reach for the sky. We will pass through the western part of
the Strait of Magellan, named after the famous 16th-century Portuguese
explorer who first traversed it. The scenery is so fantastic that
you’ll feel an innate sense of wonder and awe.
Cape
Horn & the Drake Passage
After
looping around the glacier-carved Alberto de Agostini National
Park, we’ll the Beagle Channel. Take in breathtaking
landscapes
as we pass between the national park and Isla Gordon, which belongs to
the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. At the tip of South America lies the
legendary Cape Horn. It was a major milestone in the old clipper routes
connecting Europe with the Far East and Oceania. This is where the open
waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean collide, creating
powerful waves made even stronger by swirling westerly winds. For
yachters, rounding Cape Horn is a maritime feat, comparable, for them,
to summiting Mount Everest. Given the notoriety of these turbulent
waters, we can’t guarantee a landing. However, if fortune
plays
in our favor that day and the weather is stable enough to dock on the
island, you can be among a select few in the world to set foot on it.
From Cape Horn, it’s a clear shot to Antarctica across the
Drake
Passage.
DAY
56-62: ANTARCTICA
The
fabled frozen continent of Antarctica
October
27, 2022 - November 2, 2022
This
is the final frozen frontier—an unspoiled, vast, white
desert at the bottom of the world, teeming with life. Majestic
mountains coated in thick snow rise from the icy sea. Glaciers creep
across the landscape, destined to crack and calve icebergs along the
coast. The scenery is almost silent, except for the shrill cries of
lovesick penguins, splashes from courting seals, and the sounds of
calving ice. The 46 species of birds living here, such as terns,
petrels, and jaegers, will also catch your attention.
During
our seven days we spend around the South Shetland Islands and
the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll likely go ashore at several
places, giving you a firsthand look at the region’s amazing
wildlife and landscapes. The Expedition Team will lead on landings,
where they’ll create a perimeter for you to move around
freely at
your own speed. They will also lead ice-cruising in our small boats
(RIBs) to admire icebergs and glaciers from a safe distance.
In
addition, there are often opportunities for optional activities such
as kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing, although the number of
participants is limited. Consider joining ongoing Citizen Science
projects, such as photographing whales and collecting water samples. By
participating in Citizen Science projects, you can assist scientists
around the world by uploading your whale photos and water sample
information to a global database, where these photos can be used to
study whale migration patterns and microbiology. You’ll gain
an
even better understanding of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem
by
studying samples in the Science Center.
As
outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctica is dedicated to peace,
science, and tourism. That’s why we adhere to very strict
environmental guidelines in this area. We are the outsiders here, so it
is important to make the smallest impact as possible. The wildlife is
used to the ice and cold weather, but not human interference.
Leave
nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures! In fact, in
many of the areas we visit, we even wipe out our footprints to prevent
penguins from falling into them and getting stuck. As Antarctic
ambassadors, we want future explorers to have the same opportunities as
we have today experience this pristine continent.
DAY
63-65: DRAKE PASSAGE & BEAGLE CHANNEL
Relax
and unwind
November
3, 2022 - November 5, 2022
Inspired.
That’s how many of our guests feel after seven
fascinating and unforgettable days exploring Antarctica. You (and your
camera’s memory card!) will have lasting memories of
unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever.
MS
Fram will now turn back northward and take you safely back across
the Drake Passage and through the Beagle Channel. The Expedition
Team’s lectures continue in the Science Center, where they
will
also recap the experiences from our cruise. If you start to feel a
little nostalgic about the cruise, even before it ends,
that’s
absolutely normal. The good news is that there’s still plenty
of
time left to enjoy yourself. Count the stars from the hot tub on the
observation deck and swap contact information with your fellow
explorers.
DAY
66: PUNTA ARENAS/SANTIAGO DE CHILE
Every
ending is a new beginning ...
November
6, 2022
We
arrive in Punta Arenas in the morning. Alas, your Pole-to-Pole
expedition has come to an end. You’ll be transferred to the
airport, where you’ll fly to the capital, Santiago de Chile.
If
you have some extra time before heading back home, consider extending
your journey to enjoy the Chilean capital. Consider ending your epic
journey with a Post-Program to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Easter
Island, where you can admire— and try to make sense
of—the
mysterious statues of giant heads.
Say
farewell to the ship, the captain, the crew and the Expedition
Team, but don’t leave your sense of adventure behind. When
one
chapter ends another begins, and there are more
destinations—and
expedition cruises—to experience.
Most
of all, we hope that you will cherish all the magical moments you
experienced on this expedition—that these moments will stay
vivid
in your mind and heart. We share an overall goal: Showing that
expedition cruises can and should be sustainable, and to inspire all of
us to do more to protect and cherish our wonderful planet. This is the
appreciation we want you to take home with you and share with your
friends and family. Here’s to seeing you on your next
adventure!
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
