Local Guides & Naturalists

Cruise North’s expedition team are not only Arctic enthusiasts, but they are Arctic experts. Whether the subject is ornithology, anthropology, culture or history, there is a Cruise North specialist on-hand to interpret the details for you. Their enthusiasm for the region and love for sharing secrets of the natural world make our expedition team ideal hosts. Many of our guides are from the North, so the Arctic is not a subject, but a way of life. Our Inuit staff understand the land like no one else, and share it with quiet confidence, friendliness, and a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities.

Meet a couple of our 2011 Expedition Staff:

Expedition Leader: Jason Annahatak

Jason was born and raised in Kangirsuk, Nunavik, Quebec, a community of 600 people. Growing up, Jason spent his free time on the land, fishing, hunting and camping. He is fluent in Inuktitut and English and is now honing his French, Russian and German skills. Jason has spent five seasons with Cruise North, originally joining the team as a participant in our Inuit Youth Trainee Program.
Jason holds a master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University. If he’s not on the ship leading our expeditions, he is connecting with communities across the North preparing our season’s programs.

Resident Botanist: Susan Aiken

Susan Aiken has been our resident Arctic flora expert since 2005. Originally from New Zealand, Susan has also lived in Australia, England and the U.S. She holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and spent nearly 5 years at Agriculture Canada and 21 years at the Canadian Museum of Nature. While on staff at the museum Susan did field work in Arctic Canada most summers. Co-author with Carolyn Mallory on “Common Plants of Nunavut”, and first author on “The Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago” (2007), Susan is the go-to for Arctic flora on and off our expeditions. She was involved in the Panarctic Flora project and represented Canada as a botanist at meetings of the International Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna organization. And, aside from being an expert on all things flora, she’ll make you laugh at the most unexpected moments!

Environmental Commitment

We are dedicated to protecting the Arctic’s natural environment. Every season our program is carefully reviewed with the elders and community leaders of the region to ensure there are no unwelcome consequences for the people or animals with whom we share this land. Please see Page 15 for information on our Arctic Clean-Up Mission.

Our Expedition Vessel & Dining Service

Our ship offers a casual setting with all the necessary comforts. All cabins have two lower beds, private washroom, ample storage space and a window or porthole with a view. Our chefs provide delicious and nutritious meals to make sure you have the energy you need for positive expedition experiences. The three meals a day often feature locally harvested country foods, and occasionally a barbecue on deck. Early morning coffee and tea, and mid-afternoon snacks are served every day.

The ship features a well-stocked library with Arctic related reading, a spacious dining room, comfortable bar/lounge, fully equipped lecture room, a gift shop, and several observation decks.

Safety Never Takes a Holiday

Our expedition vessel is an ice-strengthened ship designed to operate in the Arctic. Equipped with the most modern navigational equipment, it is small and manoeuvrable enough to reach the most remote bays and shores, yet large enough to traverse open ocean with speed and comfort. We operate in accordance with all Canadian and international safety regulations. Our shipboard staff are highly experienced in all operational and safety functions, and undergo continuous training programs.

Excellent Value

We provide you with exceptional value and quality. Instead of black-tie dinners, we focus on outstanding programming with informative talks and frequent shore excursions to enhance your experience of the North. Included in expedition fees are all lectures, shore excursions, meals and detailed handbooks with information about the Arctic. Our single traveller policy is a rare gem in the business. Single travellers who indicate they are willing to share a cabin are guaranteed the double occupancy rate for that cabin, whether or not a roommate is available.

Group and family rates are available, please call us for detail