Blogs

Islands of the Blessed: Four Things to Do Around Cape Verde

Islands of the Blessed: Things to Do Around Cape Verde

PLA05-19, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

After a good night sleep and sweet dreams about our first polar bear encounters on the pack-ice yesterday we woke up in the ice again. After

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Expedition Cruise Vessel

These days, making the decision to book a polar expedition cruise is the easy part. The last three decades have witnessed such a profusion o

The Arctic’s Most Phenomenal Fjords

Fjords are typically associated with Norway, but they are far from exclusive to that territory and are in fact a relatively common feature o

PLA04-19, trip log, North Spitsbergen, In search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice

Shortly afterwards expedition leader Ali announced through the PA system, that a polar bear was spotted on land. Everybody rushed outside. L

Our New m/v Hondius Makes Its Maiden Arctic Voyage

Today we celebrate the maiden Arctic voyage of our new ship, m/v Hondius. After more than two years from conception to construction, this ne

Five Reasons Why Snowshoeing is a Perfect Polar Activity

Snowshoeing is one of the most longstanding and popular sports in the Arctic and Antarctica. Here are five reasons why.

Basecamp Plancius: A True Antarctic Adventure

It was New Year’s Eve, and I was dressed in a full-body penguin suit, making my way to the buffet. We were three days into our cruise aboard

50 Years Among the Poles: Interview with Ko de Korte

In a few short weeks, Oceanwide Expeditions consultant Ko de Korte will join 174 passengers aboard the world’s first-registered Polar Class

IAATO Votes New Whale Protection Measures Into Effect

On May 3 the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) voted measures into effect that will reduce the incidence of tou

Oceanwide Expeditions Donates €620 to Charity Based on Passenger Reviews

Thanks to our passengers, we’re donating €620 to four separate charities: Plastic Oceans International, World Wide Fund for Nature, BirdLife

The Overlooked Treasures of Ascension Island

If you know anything about Ascension Island, which is unlikely, it probably has to do with the green turtle breeding population that exists

Cruising Solo: The Benefits of Single-Passenger Polar Travel

Traveling to the polar regions, and indeed traveling in general, is often seen as something you do in the company of family, friends, and ro

Peaks, Fjords, and Auroras: 14 East Greenland Attractions

Nothing against the west coast, but many travelers agree it is more touristic and developed (and hence, less wild and adventurous) than Gree

Adding Antarctica to Your Seven-Continents Bucket List

It’s a common pursuit among serious travelers to visit all seven continents. And indeed, the term “bucket list,” which became popular (if no

Higher Ground: Interview with Polar Hiking Guide Philipp Schaudy

Imagine you’ve spent the last hour and change huffing up a rocky Arctic slope, pausing only to pull a drink from your water bottle or wipe s

The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny²

In preparation for Easter Sunday, let’s explore all the ways this so-called polar rabbit (which really isn’t a rabbit at all) might in fact

Five Reasons to Love St. Helena (Even If You’re a Polar Junkie)

Being one of the most remote islands on Earth confers a certain charm. Getting your name from a Roman empress (and the mother of Constantine

Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen

Waiting in port to begin an Arctic cruise can be a little like waiting for water to boil or coffee to brew or Game of Thrones to come back:

Top 10 Antarctic Attractions

Even if you put its exotically beautiful wildlife aside, Antarctica is undeniably mythic in both scale and scenery: The largest glaciers and

PLA31-19, trip log, Antarctic Peninsula—Whale Watching

After a delightful buffet lunch, we began our afternoon program of mandatory briefings and activities to prepare us for our time in Antarcti