MS Norweta
Originally built in 1971 as a passenger ship,the MS Norweta spent 4 years on the Mackenzie River. She then worked as a standby by ship in the Beaufort Sea for ten years. She was purchased and refurbished in 1991 by the current owners, Margaret and George Whitlock.
Rumour has it that this venerable Northern vessel may be sold in the near future, putting it's future cruising plans in limbo.
At 103 feet long, 25 feet wide and with a draught of just four and a half feet, this 265 GRT ship has just 10 passenger cabins with a total capacity of 18 passengers.
The ship cruises Canada's Mackenzie River between Hay River and Inuvik, with stops at native communities along the way. The Northbound trip (Hay River to Inuvik) will take you 8 days, while southbound is against the current and lasts 10 days.
The Deh Cho RiverWhile expensive, the trip is a once in a lifetime experience, taking you to a part of Canada that most people never get to see, and even fewer from a cruise ship. One of the highlights for many of the passengers is crossing the Arctic Circle, located at about 66° 33' Latitude.
Interior Spaces
The cabins, while small, are well laid out, with a variety of options available.
With one passenger deck and two other decks ~ a sun and a main deck ~ this ship is not exactly a mega ship. In fact, for a cruise on the "Dehcho", as the Mackenzie River is known locally, it is a perfect size.
On the sun deck, you can experience the 24 hour sun and just watch the river go by in all its' variances. Along the way, you will see sights such as the narrow east channel at Inuvik, 200 foot high Ramparts at Fort Good Hope, the towering Great Bear Rock at Tulita (formerly Fort Norman). At Norman Wells, see the start of the Canol Trail - a 650 mile long pipeline route built to carry oil from Norman Wells over the Mackenzie Mountains to Alaska.
One deck below, the dining room and library dominate. Captain, crew and passengers dine together on food described by some passengers as "absolutely amazing" that has been prepared in the very small galley by cook Muriel. What she can do with two ovens, a grill and a few burners (which can't all be going at the same time) is truly astounding.
On some cruises, Northern naturalists and story tellers will regale you with stories of life along the river - both human and other.
As noted above, owners Margaret and George Whitlock are looking at selling the ship. If small ship cruisers are lucky, new owners will carry on the tradition and keep this classic river cruise going.
More information about the MS Norweta, the Mackenzie River and the "Norweta Adventure" is available on their website at http://www.norweta.com
The Bridge
Day packs are provided for each passenger.
Where else will you see a ship's bell suspended
on a polar bear?
Author on Bridge
Watching for Traffic
Sunday 26 June 2011
M.V. NORWETA
