RACING TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

The title of this cruise is 28-Day Arctic Circle Solstice Cruise. Crossing the Arctic Circle was intended to be one of this cruise’s major events.

After we left Unalaska, we headed north toward the Arctic Circle, which we were supposed to cross on June 20th, the same day as the Summer Solstice.

The Captain announced we would start at a higher speed while in ice-free waters so we could afford to slow down when the ice became thicker, slowing our progress but still reaching the Arctic Circle.  The video below was made before our northern progress was canceled.

Unfortunately, at 11:39 am on 20 June, the Captain announced that the Arctic Circle was still over 120 miles away with 80% ice coverage, and we wouldn’t be able to safely continue any further north and still make Nome on time. Our Arctic Circle Crossing was canceled.

I suspect reaching the Arctic Circle in June in something other than an icebreaker may be too optimistic. Future Arctic Circle cruisers should calibrate their expectations accordingly.

HERE is a story about a ship stuck in the ice for 14 days near where we were heading.    Conditions can change rapidly this far north.

LITTLE DIOMEDE ISLAND CANCELLED

On 18 June, we were informed that our scheduled scenic cruising around Little Diomede Island was canceled because our presence may disrupt the local wildlife near the island. However, due to the excessive ice, we never would have made it to Little Diomede Island.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

The Summer Solstice occurred at 12:50 pm local time on 20 June and was noted in The Daily Program, but there wasn’t any announcement or other commemorative event.  A handful of guests, including us, wore Summer Solstice shirts all day.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

The Seaview pool for the Polar Bear Plunge opened at 1 pm. On some cruise ships, the pool is filled with cold water to simulate arctic ocean conditions for similar events. Once I learned the water temperature would be warm, I decided to participate in the plunge!

About 30 guests joined me at the Seaview pool. After signing up – no waiver required – we were called one by one to the pool’s deep end and jumped in, swimming toward the bow end.

Note: In a small nod to the Arctic, the staff tossed two drinking glasses worth of ice cubes into the pool to simulate Arctic conditions. That was fine with me.

HEADING TO NOME

Once we were no longer heading north, we turned east and headed to Nome, arriving there the evening before our scheduled visit on June 21st.

WORLD STAGE

Hayden Smith was the featured entertainer and is very talented. He can sing and play saxophone and guitar. He has a fabulous stage presence with the right mix of playing and talking. Very entertaining. His range was incredible – playing “Pretty Woman” followed by Les Miserable’s hit – “Bring Him Home.”