{"id":10226,"date":"2024-01-19T14:49:44","date_gmt":"2024-01-19T21:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mattfife.com\/?p=10226"},"modified":"2023-12-22T15:26:45","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T22:26:45","slug":"sail-the-northwest-passage-for-real","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mattfife.com\/?p=10226","title":{"rendered":"Sail the Northwest Passage – for real"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Northwest Passage is a sea lane between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America. For centuries, such a trade route to Asia was sought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A northern route was discovered in 1850 by the Irish explorer Robert McClure<\/a>. Scotsman John Rae explored a more southerly area in 1854 through which Norwegian Roald Amundsen<\/a> made the first complete passage in 1903\u20131906 (yes, it took 3 years since they would be frozen in the ice all winter). The passage was known for its many disastrous expeditions. Despite the incredible feat, nearly year-round ice pack made this traversal impractical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, however, artic sea ice has been receding. In 2013, a Chinese shipping line successful made passage by the 73,500 ton Nordic Orion. The company expressed interest in continuing the route more frequently as winter sea ice recedes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it’s not just big companies, you can now take one of these trips yourself – if you have the money. In just the last few years, tour companies are starting to make regular trips through the Northwest passage. Costs range from around $10,000 – $50,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read about what to expect on such a voyage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tour companies now offering cruises through the Northwest Passage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n