Not much wildlife
by Denise Heffernan Stearns
Departure in August 2024
Region: Arctic
Destinations: Greenland, Svalbard
Ship: m/v Hondius
Highlights: Arctic Fox, Arctic Tern, Kittiwake, Walrus, Common Loon, Snow Bunting, Grey Seal, Ivory Gull, Hiking
First, we love this ship and the scenery was amazing. However, we weren’t aware that the only way to really have an opportunity to see any wildlife was to do the long hiking. (I did medium and a few shorts) We thought it would be more like Antarctica, where we had the option to hike/snowshoe or stroll the landing area and still see wildlife. My husband is not a walker, so this trip was quite frustrating for him (and therefore me as well). I don’t remember seeing anything in the write up advising of this fact. The only other issue we had was the passenger make-up. The ship had a majority of Chinese passengers. The cultural differences were hard and were discussed repeatedly among European & N. American passengers. Hearing lectures was difficult- loud chatting was constant in lecture room. Zodiac trips were painful- spending tons of time at each iceberg for multiple selfies to be taken. Lots of loud talking so hard to hear sounds of ice, birds, etc. None of this ruined the trip, but it was frustrating.
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Comment from Oceanwide Expeditions
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're pleased to hear that you loved the ship and appreciated the stunning scenery during your trip. However, we are truly sorry that certain aspects of your experience did not meet your expectations. While Antarctica may offer more frequent wildlife sightings near the shore, it's important to note that wildlife can often be spotted close to shorelines in the Arctic too. However, as wildlife behavior is unpredictable, we cannot guarantee consistent sightings at every landing. In the Arctic, deeper hikes can sometimes increase the chance of spotting wildlife. That being said, we believe your voyage did include some significant wildlife encounters, such as Arctic hares, three species of seals, musk oxen, and even a polar bear — some of which were observed without the need for long hikes. Our Greenland expeditions tend to emphasize breathtaking landscapes, majestic glaciers, and cultural experiences, with wildlife as an enriching element rather than the main focus. Nonetheless, we always strive to balance all aspects of the region’s natural beauty and we understand your frustration.
Regarding your experience with the ship's passenger makeup, we sincerely apologize for any discomfort this caused. As an international company, we welcome guests from diverse nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds, which occasionally can lead to differences in behavior. We are sorry to hear that these differences detracted from your overall enjoyment.
We hope that you will give us the opportunity to welcome you aboard another journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out for any future travel planning.