The logistics were astonishing when we first considered visiting Nunavut, Canada's newest territory. Driving wasn't possible because Nunavut only possesses twenty-one kilometers of highway. Flying was an alternative, but flights were expensive and weather-dependent. And there were few hotels, which were costly to boot because supplies had to be shipped in by air or sea lifts during the summer thaw. When we heard that Marine Expeditions, a Canadian cruise company, offered summer cruises through the Northwest Passage and from Churchill, Manitoba to Greenland, our interest peaked.
Passengers discover caribou antlers on tundra.
Our first discovery aboard the Marine Discovery was that this was not going to be a typical Caribbean or Alaska cruise. There was no Las Vegas-style show. No midnight buffet. No formal night or dance band. Dress was casual.