One Ocean: Extreme wilderness in the Canadian Arctic

Polar cruise operator, One Ocean Expeditions is keen to encourage more travellers to explore the extreme wilderness areas of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.

For their August 2010 voyage, the charter flights needed to access the remote Arctic ports of Resolute and Kangerlussuaq (usually an additional cost) will be included in the cruise price of the 13-day expedition cruise sailing from the Northwest Passage to Greenland onboard the 122-passenger ice-strengthened Clipper Adventurer – a saving of US$1600 per person.

One of the drawbacks of travelling to the remote High Arctic regions are the charter flights that are often involved to reach the ports of embarkation and disembarkation. The cost of the charter flights – in this instance US$1600 per person for flights Edmonton/Resolute and Kangerlussuaq/Toronto - can be a deterrent, especially for travellers from the UK and the rest of Europe, as this fairly substantial amount has to be added to their international flights.

Andrew Prossin who founded the fast-growing polar operator, One Ocean Expeditions just three years ago says, “We are keen to motivate travellers from the UK to choose the High Arctic for their summer holidays. As an expedition leader this area of the Arctic happens to be one of my personal favourites, overflowing with history, fascinating cultures and renowned for its rare and spectacular wildlife.”

The Clipper Adventurer sails from Resolute Bay, Nunavut on 2 August 2010 arriving in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on 14 August 2010. On 2 August there is a charter flight from Edmonton to the embarkation port of Resolute and when passengers disembark on 14 August there will be a charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto. The cost of the two charter flights is usually US$1600 per person.

The price for the voyage starts at US$5590 per person sharing a twin cabin with private facilities including the charter flights, hotel/airport/ship transfers, and accommodation, food and excursions during the voyage. Hotel accommodation in Edmonton and Toronto will be required pre- and post-voyage. International flights UK/Edmonton and Toronto/UK are not included in the price.

Two professional photographers will be on board for the passengers: David Schultz and Rob Stimpson.


About the voyage

The voyage starts at the western end of Lancaster Sound, a wildlife super-highway connecting the waters of the North Atlantic and Baffin Bay to the Arctic Ocean and the Canadian High Arctic Archipelago. From the majestic fjords of Northeast Baffin Island the Clipper Adventurer will cross Baffin Bay to the icecap and dramatic mountains of Greenland.

As well as lengthy hikes on the tundra for wildflowers and lichens, and wildlife zodiac cruises along the base of bird cliffs with many thousands of nesting guillemots, murres and kittiwakes, there is an important cultural aspect to this voyage. Visits to some of the world’s most remote communities will introduce both the modern and ancient aspects of the Inuit culture. The Inuit of Nunavut are linked to the land in a way that very few cultures can claim. Captured in their art, songs and dance, the heritage of their people tells a story of hardship and hardiness, of connectedness to the Arctic ecosystem and an understanding of it that is unrivalled elsewhere. In contrast, the Greenlandic people of West Greenland have lived with less connection to the land in recent centuries showcasing a different culture. Regardless of this, the art and oral culture of the Greenlandic still illustrates a strong connection to the land and ice.

The Clipper Adventurer

The Clipper Adventurer is a superb 122-passenger expedition vessel, reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. Equipped with state-of-the-art sonar, stabilizers and classified A-1 ice-class, she navigates the Arctic waters with ease. All cabins have an outside view, lower beds and private bathrooms. The window-lined dining room serves delicious international cuisine; presentations are held in the lounge which seats all 122-passengers and there is a more intimate bar in the club room for up to 45.

For more information and bookings, visit: Active Travel

One Ocean Expeditions secures expedition ship ‘Akademik Ioffe’

ANTARCTICA 2010

Canada-based ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS, represented by ACTIVE TRAVEL in Australia, has announced a significant coup for the forthcoming 2010 Antarctic season.

Commencing 16 January 2010, ONE OCEAN will operate the well-known Russian research vessel, Akademik Ioffe, formerly chartered by US-based Quark Expeditions.

ONE OCEAN'S CEO and ex-Australian resident, Andrew Prossin, said " Akademik Ioffe has been sold in the Australian market for years. I worked with this vessel for many seasons and in my opinion she is the best-equipped Antarctic expedition vessel in the world. I am delighted to have secured her for the 2009/10 Antarctic season".

The Akademik Ioffe was commissioned by the Soviets in 1989 and was originally designed as high-tech "spy ship". She was never really used for that purpose however her sophisticated ballast systems and ultra-quiet engines make her an ideal vessel for polar exploration. According to Prossin, she is "about as quiet and vibration free as they come".

Andrew Prossin is a veteran of approx 150 voyages in Polar regions and is at the forefront of polar innovation. Some years ago he introduced sea-kayaking options to the Australian market and his 2010 programmes contain a number of creative options. First, he will reduce passenger numbers from 110 to 86, providing the highest staff/client ratio in the industry. Secondly, each voyage includes four 'Adventure Concierges', setting new standards for customer service. Their role is simply to engage with passengers at whatever level is required, to ensure they get the best from their Antarctic adventure.

ONE OCEAN is also unique in the expedition cruise industry by offering a wide variety of options to clients every time they leave the ship. These include sea-kayaking, guided hikes, zodiac cruises, bird-watching programmes – with passengers able to choose their preferred activity each time they go ashore. And an overnight adventure camping option (normally over A$200) is free of charge including all necessary gear.

By reducing passenger numbers from 110 to 86, there is considerable extra space on board. Each expedition will now include a massage therapist and a new onboard spa will provide a variety of relaxing and therapeutic services at an additional cost. The company has also developed an 'Active Cruising' programme, bringing fitness and adventure together into a unique package. An onboard personal trainer will offer a regular programme of fitness and training sessions so that participants are well prepared for daily activities – and for the delicious meals prepared by the Canadian chef!

Five expeditions are offered next year, including three 10 night cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, a 12 night expedition to the South Orkney Islands, Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula and an 18 night trip to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.

For brochures and further information contact ACTIVE TRAVEL in Australia on 02-9264 1231 or visit www.activetravel.com.au.