This study aims to delve into the narratives and operational realities of cruise ships and communities across the Arctic, exploring implications for regional safety and policy development. The project will be delivered by Dr Patrick Maher, Professor at the School of Physical and Health Education at Nipissing University in Canada.
The Cruise Ship Sagas research program brings together communities across the Circumpolar North to explore how increasing cruise tourism is reshaping local infrastructure, safety, and community life. Focusing on both port and non-port towns, the project investigates how residents perceive the impacts of growing cruise traffic—what concerns have materialized, what tensions are emerging or easing, and where future challenges may lie.
Fieldwork will center on three distinct Arctic cruise destinations: Sydney (Canada), Ísafjörður (Iceland), and Skagway (Alaska). Despite differences in size and context, each has experienced rapid cruise sector growth, hosting up to 200 ship calls per season. These communities face similar pressures—from environmental and safety considerations to cultural and economic shifts—while navigating the balance between opportunity and sustainability.
The project also delves into ship-shore dynamics, including crew engagement and community preparedness. What does it mean to welcome vessels carrying thousands of visitors into small, often remote communities, some of which see their populations triple in summer?
By fostering dialogue across these three locations, the Cruise Ship Sagas initiative aims to identify shared challenges and collaboratively develop solutions. A concluding symposium and webinar will synthesize findings and chart pathways for policy and planning that support both local resilience and safe, sustainable Arctic cruise tourism.
