Crystal Cruises becomes the first-ever luxury cruise line to embark on a rare endeavor. On Aug. 16, Crystal Serenity set sail on a 32-day journey through the Northwest Passage — the sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean via waterways through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This cruise, a result of more than three years of planning, welcomes 1,000 guests aboard. The embarkation promises to be a unique experience with rare wildlife encounters, rugged treks on land and icy waters, visits to remote communities and guidance from some of the top expedition experts. The ship will sail with additional crew, training, equipment and technology in preparation of unforeseeable operating conditions. Guests can enjoy specially designed shore excursions, which include light-seeing journeys over glaciers; navigating floating sea ice via kayaks; “wet landing” by zodiac; polar bear and other wildlife sightings. The cruise line has arranged for Crystal Northwest Passage expedition parkas, boots and other necessary outdoor gear to be provided to guests. Embarkation begins in Seward, Alaska, and concludes in New York City Sept. 16. The itinerary includes port calls in Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Nome, Alaska; Ulukhaktok, NW Territories; Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut; Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Nuuk, Greenland; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Mass.; Newport, R.I.; and New York, N.Y. The high demand of travelers regarding the 2016 Northwest Passage sailing prompted the cruise line to announce the sailing of the same route in 2017, now available for booking. The expedition has brought valiant travelers together from countries all over the world including the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Australia and many more.