New Cruise Itineraries Opening Up?

The European Space Agency has released this satellite photo montage, depicting the extent of the north polar ice cap this summer:

The greenish area represents what’s left of the polar ice cap this summer, while the lines represent clear navigation routes between the Atlantic and Pacific, something that traditionally wasn’t possible through the Arctic.

Apparently, this is not only a record minimum ice cap, but it’s about 25% less polar ice than was seen last year (which was itself a record year).

So, I wonder how long it will be before cruise ships start calling at Iqaluit, Nunavut….