Tourist cruises through the Northwest Passage

Line up, line up! See the ice before it disappears for good.

Does this article mean the Telegraph is no longer denying climate change?

Perilous Arctic passage that foiled centuries of explorers to be opened up to cruise liners

Climate change means the ice in the Northwest Passage is less thick, allowing luxury cruise ships to pass through

the Telegraph,

20 March, 2016

The perilous route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that once foiled many an explorer is set to become a tourist destination.

Large-scale luxury cruises will travel the Northwest Passage for the first time this summer.

The Crystal Serenity, taking more than 900 passengers at a cost of up to £78,000 each, is the largest ship to attempt to make the Arctic journey. Smaller vessels have already made the trip.

The passengers will travel from the Gulf of Alaska through the Beaufort Sea to Greenland and on to New York.

 

Crystal CruisesVerified account‏@crystalcruises

Crystal Serenity is waiting for you to join us aboard! #CrystalCruises

 

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11:30 AM - 19 Feb 2016

It took more than 400 years to find a route across the top of north America, the passage becoming known as the “Arctic grail” as numerous explorers failed to traverse the frozen waters.

The voyage ended in disaster and tragedy for many who sought to tackle the inhospitable region, like Sir John Franklin who perished along with his crew in 1847.

Now climate change has forced a decline in the thickness and extent of the sea ice, making the route clearer.

 

Crystal CruisesVerified account‏@crystalcruises

A10: Sailing through ice caps aboard Crystal Serenity is truly unforgettable. #TWChats

 

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9:50 AM - 14 Jan 2016

Tim Soper, founder of Expedition Voyage Consultants, which is overseeing the trip, told the Sunday Times: "We are in a period of change in the Arctic. The ice is reducing in extent and thickness so it is easier to navigate, and the window during which it can be transited is lengthening.”

 

GreenpeaceVerified account‏@Greenpeace

Record-breaking heat has robbed the Arctic of its winter. We're now on dangerously thin ice http://act.gp/1py6ac2 

 

 

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5:10 AM - 19 Mar 2016

"The melting of the Arctic sea ice should be a profound warning for humankind, not an invitation to oil companies and now tour ships to move in."

John Sauven, Greenpeace UK

Environmental campaigners fear that opening up the route could risk oil spills and pollution to the Arctic ecosystem.

John Sauven, director of Greenpeace UK, said: "The melting of the Arctic sea ice should be a profound warning for humankind, not an invitation to oil companies and now tour ships to move in."

Passengers will be banned from using their mobile phones on the tiny network used by Inuit communities.

Among the activities on offer include possible polar bear sightings, whale watching, helicopter flights and the opportunity to play at the Billy Joss Gold Club in Ulukhaktok, the world’s northernmost nine-hole course