HOW TO GET READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
Is the untouched nature of the polar regions calling you?
If a polar expedition piques your interest, packing the right gear is the easy part— it’s the not- so- tangible tasks that prove most challenging. Don’t let the extreme weather, the distance, or even the threat of a bumpy Drake Passage deter you from exploring these locations. After all, a polar expedition is about the journey and the destination.
Polar regions also promise ice in every mesmerizing shade of blue, intricate fjords, and bleak yet brilliant landscapes.
POLAR APPEAL
The polar regions encompass two locations: the Arctic in the north and the Antarctic in the south. Eight countries are in the Arctic (including Norway, Russia, and the United States), and people have lived in this region for centuries. The Antarctic is governed internationally by way of the Antarctic Treaty System and has no year-round communities, other than a small number of scientists.
One of the biggest draws in either region is the wildlife and landscape. The animals you encounter vary depending on the location — polar bears live in the Arctic, for instance, while penguins call the Antarctic home — and nothing compares to watching these creatures in their natural habitat. Polar regions also promise ice in every mesmerizing shade of blue, intricate fjords, and bleak yet brilliant landscapes. They’re ideal destinations for adventurous souls, photography lovers, or anyone seeking an unforgettable holiday.
“Many of the polar regions, both north and south, are inaccessible in any other way, and through small ship expedition vessels you get into those hard-to-reach areas and experience the breathtaking scenery and wildlife up close,” says Lisa Bertini, Director of Sales, The Americas, for Aurora Expeditions. “The sheer magnitude of seeing an iceberg for the first time or spotting a polar bear crossing the ice is truly life-changing.”
BIRDING AND SNORKELING AND LECTURES, OH MY!
Polar expeditions differ from other cruises because of the one-of-a-kind environment. As such, you won’t find theater performances or casinos on board; instead, the programming focuses on gaining a better understanding of and ethically experiencing the surroundings.
“On a traditional cruise, the draw is what the port can offer,” says Jen Martin, Director of Field Staff and Expedition Development at Lindblad Expeditions. “In the polar regions the draw is the vastness, the wilderness, and the wildlife. You're going for what's off the ship, but it's based on remote places rather than on any of the communities.”
Many of the staff hired for polar expeditions are scientists—historians, geologists, or naturalists—who do educational presentations or lead hands-on activities on board. One day you might examine rock samples under a microscope, another day you may report the types of clouds spotted for a citizen science project. With a polar expedition, science is the entertainment.
Off-boat programming allows you to further immerse yourself in these extraordinary destinations, and different expeditions have different options with varying intensity levels. Anything from kayaking past sea ice to diving below it, trekking to a picture-perfect vista to overnight camping, or strapping on snowshoes to photography walks is fair game.
Off-boat programming allows you to further immerse yourself in these extraordinary destinations, and different expeditions have different options with varying intensity levels. Anything from kayaking past sea ice to diving below it, trekking to a picture-perfect vista to overnight camping, or strapping on snowshoes to photography walks is fair game. And don’t forget the polar plunge!
MENTAL PREPARATION
Before you embark, it’s helpful to adopt a flexible attitude. Safety — both for guests and the local environment — is the number one priority. That means poor weather conditions can change travel plans in an instant and even prevent landings, but bad weather doesn’t mean a bad trip.
“These are extreme places and they’ve retained populations of wildlife and vast wilderness because they’re extreme,” Martin says. “Good weather is not necessarily the thing that you want. Be prepared to dress for whatever comes so you're comfortable out there, but the positive part of your experience isn’t based on weather.”
Lisa encouraged travelers to do independent research prior to departure to help learn more about the history, geography, and wildlife there. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to educate yourself on board, but anything you can watch or read (even fiction) will enrich your journey. “That way the destination really comes to life when you arrive in the region,” she said.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
There’s no shortage of polar expedition options out there, but which one—and which region—is right for you?
With a polar expedition, science is the entertainment.
“The biggest difference between polar expeditions is contact with people,” says Martin. “One of the highlights of a visit to the Arctic is meeting local people, whether they’re indigenous communities or a mixed community. You learn about the people that live there, how they live there, and why they live there.”
She goes on to say that Antarctica typically offers more abundant wildlife, albeit less variety. Guests on an Arctic expedition often see a wider range of animals but they won’t get the equivalent experience of seeing thousands of penguins on one beach, for example.
The size of the ship will also affect your trip due to landing regulations — only 100 people are allowed on land at any one time in either the Arctic or Antarctica. “If you are on a small ship with up to about 130 guests, you are going to be able to get off and land at every opportunity,” Bertini explains. “If you are on a larger ship of 200 or more passengers, landings will be on rotation, so you may not get out on land every day.”
Since these are pristine places, look for companies dedicated to the well-being of the destination. They should be members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), organizations which promote environmentally responsible tourism in the polar regions. Beyond that, book an expedition that makes other eco-friendly choices like replacing single-use plastic with reusable alternatives, sourcing food locally, and offering beach clean-ups as a guest activity.
Last, don’t settle for the first polar expedition you find. This is likely not a vacation you’ll take every year, so make sure you choose the one you’re most excited about.
“Take a look at all the options that are there,” Martin says. “Then ask any questions you have so you can find the experience that’s right for you. These are places that are unusual, but they are incredibly special.” ⠛