More Arctic Adventures

The one thing that never ceases to amaze me is just how much can be packed into a polar expedition voyage. It's only a couple of days since I last wrote, but in that short space of time we've seen some more whales from the ship (including around 200 belugas this morning), paddled past immense calving glaciers in the company of bearded seals and walrus, watched thousands of thick-billed murre chicks take their first flight under the hungry eye of an Arctic fox - and even sighted our first polar bear!

A visit to an abandoned marble mine at Ny London (on the island of Blomstrandhalvoya, just off Spitsbergen) provided historical content and then for something completely different we went for a swim in the Arctic Ocean. The word 'swim' may be a slight exaggeration,there was a lot of splashing and screaming though and that's enough to qualify for a successful polar plunge!

Tonight we continue south back towards Longyearbyen, with just one more day at sea left to enjoy - who knows what that may bring? In the meantime we're about to enjoy a BBQ on the deck, and I can't think of a better way to end an adrenalin-filled day!

 

On Top of the World

Liz is cruising Around Spitsbergen this week and sent us this report from the ship:

At the end of a fantastic day here in the Arctic, I think it's fair to say we're on top of the world in every sense...

Today started early with a 1am sighting of a blue whale - just enough time to grab a camera & chuck on some warm layers over our PJ's before heading out onto deck to see the world's largest creature. Quite a sight to behold, even from a distance. After a few short hours we awoke again to find ourselves cruising northeast of Spitsbergen, approaching the edge of the Arctic pack ice. As our ice-strengthened ship weaved its way through the sea ice, all eyes were peeled for wildlife - birdwatchers were thrilled to see little auks and ivory gulls, whilst the appearance of the occasional harp seal provided some distraction in the water.

After lunch it was announced that we would be taking a zodiac cruise through the ice - and those of us taking the kayak option would be paddling instead.

With fairly foggy conditions it wasn't long before we were out of sight of the ship and the zodiacs, just 3 kayaks gliding silently through the Arctic Ocean at 80 degrees north, exploring icebergs and floes of different shapes, sizes and trying to grasp the fact that now nothing lay between us and the North Pole. What an incredible experience. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better an inquisitive harp seal popped up to join us! On the way back to the ship we stopped to clamber out onto the floating ice, where we felt, quite literally, on top of the world!

The day ended as it had begun, with everyone on deck to enjoy another visit from a whale, this time a humpback close to the ship. And then to bed, wondering what tomorrow will bring...!

First Carbon-Neutral Polar Voyages Announced

We're very proud to announce that our long-term polar voyage partners Quark Expeditions are now offering carbon neutral Antarctic voyages, the first vessel operator to do so in polar travel history. Quark will be offsetting the emissions of their newest ship, the Ocean Diamond, with select hydro, wind power and reforestation CarbonNeutral® projects around the world.

Although of course there is almost always an environmental price to pay for travel, it remains one of life’s ultimate experiences and can also bring tremendous good to the world. Here at Discover the World we believe it's about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and yet not losing the ability to open minds through new experiences and shared understanding. As Hans Lagerweij, president of Quark Expeditions, explains “by operating the Ocean Diamond Antarctica voyages as carbon-neutral, we show it’s possible to visit incredible places and preserve them for future generations.”

The Ocean Diamond's inaugural voyage departs on 3 November 2012, on a memorable itinerary taking in the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands & South Georgia.  And if you want to be among the first to sail on a ground-breaking carbon-neutral voyage then why not join this or any of our other Ocean Diamond 2012/13 season voyages - book by 30 April and SAVE 25%

Insights into our Frozen Planet

Here in the DTW office we’re getting very excited about the latest Sir David Attenborough series, Frozen Planet, coming to a tv near you soon! 

This much-anticipated series on BBC1 will provide an in-depth exploration of all things polar, following the struggle for survival in both the Arctic and Antarctic throughout the four seasons. From the North Pole to the South Pole, via ice camps and the historic huts of legendary polar explorers, Attenborough brings his usual enthusiasm to some incredible footage of arguably some of the world’s most appealing creatures including the mighty polar bear and endlessly entertaining penguins.

Other highlights of the 7-part series will include a look at the fascination the polar regions hold for human visitors, and our impact on these fragile environments. You can find out more and whet your appetite with some preview clips from the series here.

Gentoo Penguins come to London!

If you're running out of ideas for things to do after all the recent Bank Holidays, then why not pencil in a trip to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium for the next long weekend...?

The Aquarium is working in conjunction with the British Antarctic Survey to create a new 'Ice Adventure' experience, a unique chance to get a taste of Antarctica this spring. Visitors will be 'transported' to a research station in the coldest and most inhospitable place on Earth, and will be able to view a family of gentoo penguins as well as other Antarctic inhabitants such as spider crabs.    

A special week of ‘Penguin Pandemonium’ runs from 28th May to 5th June  - but if you'd prefer the real thing then book your Classic Antarctica voyage now and end your year seeing gentoo penguins in the wild!

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in County Hall, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is open 10am-6pm (until 7pm Friday-Sunday) 7 days a week.  

Explore the Arctic with Bruce Parry

To launch 2011 with some inspirational armchair travel, adventurer Bruce Parry's latest tv series covers his extraordinary journey amongst the varied tribes of the Arctic. Episode one, aired on BBC2 on 2nd January, focused on Siberia's Sakha horse people and Eveny reindeer herders, and can still be viewed on BBC i player.

This Sunday, 9th January, follows Parry to Greenland where he spends time with the Inuits and learns about traditional hunting methods as well as new ways of surviving the effects of global warming. From here his journey continues across Arctic Canada and on to Alaska, taking in magnificent scenery, unique wildlife and the stories of daily survival in the world’s last great wilderness.

To accompany the series, the book ‘Arctic’ (Conway Publishing £20) features stunning photography complete with moving stories of the inhabitants of the region and their life in this harsh environment.  If you would like to meet Bruce Parry in person, and read all about his latest adventures, you may be interested to note that he will be attending book signings as follows:

Bruce Parry will be signing copies of his new book ‘Arctic’ at Waterstone’s 193 High Street Kensington, London W8 6SH on Tuesday 18th January at 5.30 – 7.00pm.  For enquiries and reservations please call the shop on: 020 7937 8432 or email: Events@Kensington.waterstones.com

Bruce will also be signing books at Stanfords, 12 – 14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9LP on Thursday 20th January at 5.30 – 6.30pm.  For enquiries and reservations please call the shop on: 020 7632 8920 or email: Andrew@stanfords.co.uk

Watch an interview with Bruce here »

And to plan your own Arctic adventure, contact our team of experts today!   

 

Arctic Clean Up Cruise

We are proud to announce that our Canadian Arctic voyage partners recently carried out the first stage of a 2-year 'clean up expedition' in Canada's newest national park, the Torngat Mountains National Park in Northern Labrador.  Working closely with Parks Canada and local communities, Cruise North's Torngat Mountains project will focus on a number of small sites spread throughout the park, removing waste such as various kinds of historical debris, used fuel drums and contaminated soil.

The team consists of Parks Canada staff, researchers, scientists and local Inuit students, ensuring that in addition to the obvious immediate environmental advantages, there are also more longer term benefits, creating a greater understanding amongst the Inuit teenagers of the importance of looking after the land around them.

 
The project is also open to volunteers who wish to experience the Arctic in the most rewarding way possible, accompanied by those most passionate about protecting this special place. In addition to the big clean-up there will also be plenty of time available to experience Inuit-guided shore excursions to wildlife colonies, archeological sites and sites of great physical beauty and significance.
 
The second part of the Torngat Mountains clean-up voyage will take place from 14-22 September 2011 on board the Lyubov Orlova. Prices start from £1,690 per person on a full board basis, excluding flights.  The voyage starts in Kangerlussuaq, Greenaland and finishe in Nain, Labrador.  Places are limited so should you wish to join this worthy expedition, please contact us 

Alternatively you may wish to join one of Cruise North's standard voyages - you can experience the Torngat Mountains as part of our Journey to the Spirit Mountains expedition, or search for the Arctic's unique wildlife on our Arctic Safari voyage.  Click here for full details of all our Canadian Arctic voyages.

Hot Air at the North Pole!

Whilst most of Europe recently came to a standstill following the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, one man was still able to take to the skies despite that pesky ash cloud...   French scientist Jean Louis Etienne has just completed the first solo hot air balloon flight over the Arctic, a crossing of 1,945 miles.  62-year old Etienne was set to land in Alaska, but bad weather near the North Pole forced him to change course and land in the tundra of eastern Siberia five days after taking off in Spitsbergen.

During his flight Etienne measured the level of CO2 in the atmosphere and the Earth's magnetic field. In 1986 the explorer became the first person to reach the North Pole alone, pulling a dog sled for 63 days, and in 2002 drifted for four months on the sea ice in the Polar Observer.  

Whilst we are yet to offer hot-air balloon trips over the North Pole, you can get there in comfort on an epic ice-breaker voyage - book now for our July departure, limited spaces available!

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

If you're thinking about attending Wildscreen's Wildphotos event at the RGS this weekend, then you might also be interested in visiting the Natural History Museum during the next few months.   

This Friday, 23rd October, sees the launch of their new exhibition, the Veolia Environnement Wildlife of the Photographer of the Year.  Now in its 45th year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition is an international showcase for the very best nature photography. The competition is owned by two UK institutions that pride themselves on revealing and championing the diversity of life on Earth - the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Open daily until April 2010, with tickets just £9 per adult, the exhibition showcases 95 incredible wining and highly-commended images. You can enjoy a sneak preview here - but our personal favourite is Robert Friel's King Penguin Chick taken in South Georgia, looking quizzically at a visitor's footprints... With so many entertaining and inspirational photos, this is the ideal way to while away a wet wintry afternoon in London!
 

Wildlife of South Georgia

We've recently stumbled across an excellent DVD put together by documentary-maker Corina Gamma, following her circumnavigation of South Georgia with two other artists.  In addition to its obvious historical interest for anyone who's been amazed by the achievements of Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia is also home to a fascintating array of wildlife.

'South Georgia Island: A Southern Ocean Paradise' features beautiful footage of King Penguins, Macaroni Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, Elephant Seals, Fur Seals and Albatross, and also includes music and still photographs with informative text.  You can find out more or order your own copy here, but for a sneak preview of penguins in action then see below: