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Arctic Flowers, Trees, and Other Plant Life

When many people think of the Arctic, they probably imagine a stark white wasteland devoid of anything except snow, glaciers, and the occasional far-wandering polar bear. But this romantic juxtaposition of barren beauty is far from the whole story.

The A to Z Guide to Cruising the Antarctic

Like many of life’s most rewarding experiences, an exploration of the South Pole takes some preparation and knowledge. You’ll be sailing into one of the most hostile environments on the planet, and it’s not an undertaking that should be lightly taken.

How and When Did Greenland Become Covered in Ice?

Although it may be difficult to believe, there was a time when Greenland was primarily covered in the green within its name as opposed to ice.

Let’s celebrate World Penguin Day!

World Penguin Day! April 25th - a day in celebration of the world’s most formal of our feathered friends. They hop, they skip, they jump, they march for incredible distances and endure fantastically bleak environments.

All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica

Glaciers and icebergs represent two of the most important facets of Earth's ecosystem, accounting for 68.7% of the world's freshwater supply, which means that most of the potable water living organisms need to survive comes from the major ice formations of the polar regions.

Humpback whales at Wilhelmina Bay - Antarctic Peninsula

As we moved away from the ship, the Zodiacs scattered in several directions. I took my Zodiac into Brooklyn Channel, between the two islands. Very soon we spotted blows ahead. The humpbacks were here!

Humpback Whales Sing for Food, Not Entertainment

The normal call of a humpback whale can be heard from miles away, and they often make noises that sound similar to crying, howling and moaning. This sticks out even more because their songs will often last for hours. In other words, people who join an Arctic or Antarctic expedition have a solid chance of hearing one of these songs, and it is an extremely memorable experience.

No Patches, Pills, or Tablets: Seven Natural Seasickness Remedies

Just because you're embarking on polar sea travel doesn't mean you need to spend the whole voyage leaning over the rail. If you're anticipating rough waters, here are some steps you can take to alleviate or even eliminate your symptoms.

How Polar Bears and Musk Oxen Survive in the Arctic

There are numerous animals throughout the Arctic Ocean that survive in a climate that many people find almost unbearable. Interestingly, many of the physical characteristics that enable animals such as polar bears to live in the Arctic are the result of evolution.

Under the Greenland Ice Sheet

Anyone who goes on an expedition to the right part of the globe can encounter huge amounts of ice, but Greenland has something very unique: ice sculptures that are hidden underneath the northern ice sheet.

Jupiter and Venus visible during the Solar Eclipse in Spitsbergen

We’re nicely on time, we’ve got time to set our camera’s, fix our filters and make sure all batteries work and the memory cards are empty. Then, suddenly, a small bit of the sun is out. The first images are made and over the next hour more and more of the sun disappears behind the moon. Still only very few clouds near the horizon, so those won’t interfere with the eclipse. Excitement is building as it slowly gets a little bit darker. Then, from one moment to the other, the sun is gone. Hidden behind the moon.

A Day of Whale Watching in Antarctica

This morning we awoke early to enjoy the first light in Wilhelmina Bay, with the snow and cloud blanketing the surrounding mountains. As dawn broke, we could see the blows of Humpback whales scattered throughout the bay.

A Day of Basecamp in Antarctica – Paradise Harbour

After another early morning picking up our camping group we arrived at the entrance to Lemaire Channel. Snow and some mist around the top of the mountains made the view very atmospheric as we began our cruise to Paradise Bay.

Life in the Polar Regions

Polar bears in the Arctic, penguins in Antarctica. That's all there is to it, right? Well, actually, no. There's a lot more to it. Though there appears to be less life in the polar regions than, say, anywhere else you can think of or imagine, there are in fact highly complex ecosystems within both the Arctic and Antarctica.

Camping in Antarctica: a True Expedition Experience

We tend to associate camping with warm summer nights, dinners cooked over an open fire, and quiet mountain lakes. But that’s not the only kind of camping you can enjoy. In fact, it’s only the tip of the iceberg – so to speak.

5 Must Read Books on Antarctic History

Antarctica is a long way from anywhere, and thank goodness, as you’ll need all the reading time you can get. Considering that this continent has no indigenous human population, it has a disproportionately large library of historical inspiration.

Explorers in the Ice - Ross Sea Antarctica

Although I’ve been to the Peninsula many times, the opportunity to experience the Ross Sea and its historical sites for the first time was very exciting.

Discover the Scoresby Sund Fjord System in East Greenland

Are you thinking of taking a trip to Greenland? Then one thing you do not want to miss is visiting the largest fjord on earth with spectacular scenery: Scoresby Sund.

Exploring Borchgrevink’s hut at Cape Adare Antarctica

I pointed, “Look!” My exclamation broke the reverential hush inside the first human habitation on the Antarctic continent, heads turned quizzically. “Socks!” I explained, which baffled still further the passengers from MV Ortelius who were exploring Borchgrevink’s hut at Cape Adare with me.

News from mv Ortelius in the Ross Sea

After great landings with helicopters at Scott’s Hut and a fabulous trip to the Dry Valleys we had another good excursion to Cape Royds. We’re heading now for Drygalski Ice Tongue for Midnight sun zodiac cruise, and then tomorrow in Terra Nova Bay/Cape Washington.