Not your typical cruise ship guest.
Photo: Bob Mesher/Cruise North Expeditions

by Brook Wilkinson

The cruising season in Arctic Canada is understandably short, but your window of opportunity is about to open. Expedition ship operator Cruise North runs trips from June 18 to September 1, and their first two itineraries are brand-new this year. I'm a big fan of Inuit-owned Cruise North's philosophy; they were named to Conde Nast Traveler's Green List last year for their dedication to cultural and environmental preservation. Why? They always have Inuit guides on board to give you a deeper understanding of your surroundings -- something you won't find on any other cruise line -- maintain an open bridge policy, and run an annual end-of-season clean-up cruise of an abandoned mining site.

Cruise North is introducing two new itineraries this year in Newfoundland and Labrador, and there are still cabins available on each. Their 8-night trip along Labrador's coast will be the first passenger navigation of the inside passage of Eclipse Sound. Technically, this is sub-Arctic, but if you're dead-set on crossing the Arctic Circle, check out their High Arctic departures on August 23 and September 1, when you're likely to see polar bears and the Aurora Borealis.