Global warming, if it’s happening, might have a few positive effects — more land in warmer climes suitable for crops, etc. Global cooling, not so much. It’s tough to grow corn in an ice age.

Some scientists who watch the Sun, also known as that big glowy thing that delivers all of the earth’s warmth, are worried that it might enter a cooling phase.
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/02/08/what-if-the-sun-cools-off/

But the latest IPCC report said cooling wasn't possible [unlike the earlier IPCC reports]. Though it seems the IPCC report may be more accurate than past reports about projections of sea level rise- though no projections of any possibility of no increase or lowering of sea level.

Also the polar ice has re-frozen to previous year levels, something not expected by some the experts providing scientific information to the media.
What does all this mean for vacationers planning their North West Passage trip other than a challenging adventure?

I say it's too soon say with any confidence that we are entering a cooling period, and it's still possible that the Sun's activity could return to 20th Century type activity.