A Special Invitation: Navigate the Northwest Passage This Summer
Dear Guest,
Throughout my career at sea, I’ve been fortunate to sail in some of the world’s most remote places—but the Northwest Passage stands apart. Fewer than 500 transits have ever been completed, a reflection of just how rare this journey is. This is a voyage that reveals a world few ever witness—and I hope you’ll join me this summer on our July 29 departure aboard the National Geographic Resolution to experience it firsthand.
Spanning roughly 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles across seven time zones, this expedition is defined by scale and variety. We sail through narrow channels and along vast stretches of ice, surrounded by mountains, glaciers and ever-changing Arctic light. Along the way, we visit remarkable places such as Ilulissat—what I like to call the “iceberg factory”—and Gjoa Haven, where Roald Amundsen spent two years during his historic transit. Just as meaningful are the opportunities to spend time in Inuit communities, learning about traditions and daily life in this extraordinary environment.
The National Geographic Resolution was built for these remote waters—her Polar Class 5 rating, advanced ice radar and highly maneuverable design allow us to navigate with confidence, adapting our route to make the most of what nature offers.
For me, this voyage is as much about connection as it is about distance—connection to history, to landscapes few have seen and to the people and wildlife that call this region home. If you’d like a glimpse of what awaits, I invite you to watch this short video, where I share more about navigating this legendary route and what makes it so special.
I hope to see you aboard.
Warm regards,
Heidi Norling Captain, National Geographic Resolution
I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
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