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My journey through Northwest passage (NWP)
August - October 2022
Summer of 2022, it was special for me and for my business. I was contacted by Silversea to assist their guests by teaching photography onboard. On top of travelling in one of world's most luxurious cruises, I got to see some of the amazing places of the arctic region.
My trip took me through some of the most spectacular regions on northern hemisphere, from Greenland's icefjords to the awe-inspiring glaciers of Alaska.
Itinerary of the trip
The Sun Voyager
After I flew from Switzerland to my journey via Northwest passage, my first stopover was in Reykjavik. This was not originally planned but happened due to 2 nights of flight cancellation because of bad weather (common in the Northern Hemisphere).
Ilulissat Hospital
I stayed in Best Western Plus Hotel, the tallest building in Ilulissat. I spent a couple of days wandering Ilulissat.
Icefjord, Ilulissat
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Ilulissat icefjord in Greenland. The fjord is home to the world's fastest-moving glacier and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sight of the massive icebergs calving off the glacier and floating out to sea was truly breathtaking. The sheer scale of the landscape was overwhelming, and I was constantly amazed by the beauty and power of nature.
Arctic wildlife
Of course, the wildlife was also a major highlight of the trip. I was lucky enough to see humpback whales breaching out of the water, sledging dogs racing across the snowy landscape, and polar bears prowling the ice floes. Bald eagles soared overhead, and red foxes darted in and out of the underbrush. Each encounter was unique and unforgettable, and I felt incredibly fortunate to be able to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitats.
While my Arctic cruise trip was filled with unforgettable moments, there was also a challenging event that occurred during the journey. Before reaching Nome, Alaska, our cruise ship was suddenly halted due to a seasonal hurricane. For almost two days, we were without any connectivity, which made the situation even more challenging.
Despite the difficulties we faced, the experience also provided a unique opportunity to appreciate the incredible power and unpredictability of nature. As we watched the waves crash against the ship, we were reminded of the fragility of human life and the awesome forces that shape our world.
Thankfully, the hurricane eventually passed, and we were able to continue our journey. While the experience was challenging, it also gave me a newfound respect for the bravery and resilience of the crew members who navigate these waters on a daily basis.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA
Another unforgettable moment was when I saw an iceberg up close in Alaska. These massive structures, formed from compacted snow and ice, can reach heights of up to 200 feet and weigh millions of tons. Seeing one of these behemoths up close was a truly humbling experience, and it gave me a new appreciation for the incredible forces that shape our planet.
Beautiful morning sunshine - Rays of Hope, Sitka, Alaska
Overall, my Arctic cruise trip was a remarkable experience that was filled with stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and unexpected challenges. Through it all, I was reminded of the importance of protecting our planet's fragile ecosystems and of the need to appreciate the beauty and power of nature.
Content by: Ganesh Gopalan - GR Photography
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