This is one of those rare, non political threads that are really thought provoking, informative and fascinating.
My initial thought was the common cynical conditioned response, but very little thought brought me around.
It is a fascinating concept and that it aroused a little envy in me is embarrassing to admit, if I could only afford it...
It is truly a unique adventure, the only adventure more incredible to imagine is a brief trip to the moon, with a minuscule risk of comparable risk to life.
Here is a voyage previously only made by old adventurers, in primitive crafts, with most of them and their crews lost, warships, and commercial adventurers seeking wealth finding a shorter route to and from Asia markets and American continental markets.
That it should be constantly monitored via global television is a rare opportunity for vicarious participation, and I hope that is also a part of the plan.
As for the left wing crap?
Easy enough to ignore totally; like criminal politicians, the delusional Bugs & Bunnies, Climate Change imbeciles and other self-appointed Global Saviors of our world, it keeps them busy and spreads the wealth...
Finally I am hoping that going to the link will answer a question I hope is has been asked. It is inferred that there will be multiple trips, but the excerpt gives no hint as to how many passengers and crew are planned for each trip, if the trips are "round trips... nor what percentage of the total western passage is traveled.
No, IF they can get through - and the oil tanker SS Manhattan DID get through back in the 60’s! - the passage is open for one-two weeks (if not 1-2 days). It is NOT a “commercial” viable trip. That’s just mindless propaganda.
This is global warming agipropaganda only.
(Manhattan was also equipped with an ice-breaker-reinforced bow, and an icebreaker accompanied it.