Crystal's 2016 history-making voyage through the elusive region is now commemorated in the gloriously colorful pages of the Northwest Passage Coffee Table Book: Aboard Crystal Serenity August 2016. The photographic tome is available for purchase through the Exclusively Crystal online boutique, just as the award-winning vessel embarks on her second epic Arctic journey, which departed last week from Anchorage/Seward, Alaska, with 100 percent of all proceeds from the book going toward the Inuit communities that graciously welcome Crystal guests into their villages. Amidst breathtaking photography of polar bears and other wildlife, as well as the wild frozen landscapes and remote harbors of the far north, are accounts of the memorable visits to local Inuit communities as well as a look into the extensive planning and behind-the-scenes logistics of the voyage. The featured images range from stunning professional photographs to memorable moments captured by guests.
"While it is impossible to translate the profound magnificence of the Northwest Passage journey into ink and paper, we do hope this commemorative book serves to inspire travelers to discover places and cultures outside of traditional 'comfort zones,' and showcases the brilliance of the region and warmth of the local people there," says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. "It is truly our privilege to share the proceeds of this beautiful publication with the people of those communities, as they so warmly shared their traditions and personal time with us."
Crystal reciprocated the hospitality of the local towns along the voyage, many of which wait for months in between shipments of basic necessities due to their remote locations and dynamic weather conditions. During the 2016 sailing, Crystal Serenity delivered school supplies to Ulukhaktok, Pond Inlet and Cambridge Bay, as a token of appreciation for the special experiences offered to guests by the local people. Additionally, Crystal presented the town of Pond Inlet with a symbolic direction sign, perched atop "Contemplation Hill," a gift to the town perfectly situated for gazing into the endless landscapes. Special gifts and assistance are planned for the 2017 voyage, as well. The commemorative Northwest Passage Coffee Table Book retails for $55.
For the second year, Crystal Serenity's 32-day Northwest Passage voyage is captained by Master Birger J. Vorland, who last year entered an exclusive club of maritime explorers to successfully lead a vessel through the Northwest Passage, and joined Norwegian-born sailors Roald Amundsen and Henry Larsen on achieving the professional milestone. During the route of the Northwest Territories the luxury ship will be accompanied by an escort vessel, which will provide Crystal Serenity's already enhanced crew with icebreaking assistance, and will also carry additional expert guides and crew and specialized safety and adventure equipment.
Flight-seeing journeys over glaciers; navigating floating sea ice via kayaks; "wet landing" by zodiac; overnights at ice camps; possible polar bear and other wildlife sightings; and Crystal's Unexpected Adventures (impromptu opportunities to explore ashore and in the surrounding areas) will all satisfy guests' inner explorers. Likewise, engaging events with local residents in the Inuit communities visited will provide authentic insights into daily life in the remote Arctic.
True to its policy to continually "surprise and delight" guests by exceeding their expectations of enriching world travel, Crystal has seen to every detail to ensure travelers are comfortable and prepared for the unprecedented trip. Specially designed parkas, boots and other outdoor gear have been provided to guests, sporting official Crystal Northwest Passage expedition patches, while added technological perks are evident throughout the ship. Four premium telescopic binocular sets stand at the ready near the floor-to-ceiling windows in Palm Court, as well as large flat-screen TVs for streaming updates from crew and expedition team members, safety precautions and fascinating facts about the voyage. An in-depth photographic journey into the history of the passage and its previous explorers is displayed near the posh Galaxy Lounge.
"No detail has gone unaddressed, no forethought missed in the planning process of this journey," says Rodriguez. "The magnitude of the transit combined with the immense cultural and natural encounters in store for guests is so great, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that our guests' experience is as remarkable as the region itself."
For more information, visit CrystalCruises.com.
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