Poseidon Expeditions Blog

Secrets of the Scoresby Sund fjord system

Some areas of our planet are notable for their beautiful fjords: Norway, Alaska, Chile and New Zealand, to name a few. But the fjords of Scoresby Sund in East Greenland belong in a class of their own. For one thing, the enormity of this fjord system (38,000 km2) is unmatched in the world. For another thing, the environment is exceptionally wild and untouched—there are no roads outside the one permanent Inuit settlement (Ittoqqortoormiit, pop. 452) and only a handful of scattered cabins and historical huts remind you that humans ever set foot in this area larger than Belgium. But those aren’t the only reasons you’ll love these fjords. Read on to find out why Scoresby Sund is arguably the most interesting and attractive of all fjord systems.

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Secrets of the Russian High Arctic

The 191 islands of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago have long been shrouded in mystery and secrecy. These remote islands, located northeast of Svalbard and between the Russian mainland and the North Pole, are notoriously inaccessible due to heavy sea-ice conditions and severe weather for a good portion of the year. During the Soviet era, travel restrictions imposed by Russian authorities made these islands almost completely off limits to tourists. Even now, independent travel to the Franz Josef Land Archipelago is nearly impossible. Access is permitted only with an expedition cruise ship or icebreaker. For the few visitors who make the journey to these enigmatic islands of the Russian High Arctic, the sense of remoteness in place and time is an undeniable attraction. Even more compelling are the secrets that seem to reveal themselves as if coming back from the depths of history. Here are a few of the astonishing highlights of a Franz Josef Land cruise.

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<img alt="Polar Bear Safety in Svalbard and Franz Josef Land" src="/upload/blog/polar_bear_safety_Svalb_FJL.jpg"/>

Polar Bear Safety in Svalbard and Franz Josef Land

To see a polar bear in the wild is at the top of many people’s must-do lists. Svalbard and Franz Josef Land are two of the very best places to find polar bears in their natural habitat. In these High Arctic territories, polar bears can be seen engaging in natural behaviors such as stalking seals on sea ice, caring for their cubs, roaming across the vast tundra wilderness, and perhaps devouring a whale or walrus carcass. Remarkably close viewing can sometimes be had from the ship or on a Zodiac cruise. However, close encounters with polar bears on land must certainly be avoided. Polar bear safety will be paramount on your cruise to Svalbard or Franz Josef Land.

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Arctic whale-watching on a cruise around Spitsbergen

Now enjoying protection after centuries of relentless hunting, whales are returning to the waters of Svalbard. Whales found feeding in the beautiful fjords and rich polar seas around Spitsbergen provide some of the best whale-watching to be had anywhere. Long polar days afford cruise passengers the chance to spot whales during excursions and from the deck of the ship anytime. Here are some whale species to look for during your Spitsbergen cruise.

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What’s Inside the Arctic and Antarctic Circles?

Maps of the world show many lines that seem to have nothing to do with the world itself. What’s more, the crossing of these geographical lines is often accompanied by a good deal of ceremony and celebration on cruise ships. Special significance is often attached to the crossing of the so-called Polar Circles. You might be asking, what are these circles? Where are they and why do they exist? And most importantly, how can I cross them and what will I find on the other side?

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How to Choose between Antarctica and the Arctic

So, you would like to treat your friends or family to a polar cruise? Then you already know, experiences make the best gifts. But you may be wondering, which polar region should I choose? Which is better, the Arctic or Antarctica? All the polar cruise itineraries offered by Poseidon Expeditions offer incredible scenery, amazing wildlife-viewing and mind-blowing excursions.  

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How to Have a Perfect Penguin Encounter

A hundred thousand glossy penguin bodies riding the surf onto a broad beach, crowding onto a vast green plain, wading across turquoise rivers and climbing into grassy hills with glaciers and snowy peaks all around—your first sight of a king penguin colony is an experience never to be forgotten. In contrast with the sleek plumage of the adults, countless shaggy brown balls of fluff represent the next generation in the long line of kings in South Georgia. The hustle and bustle of this most peculiar royal court can be overwhelming at first, but a little information and guidance will help you have a satisfying and respectful encounter with these regal birds and their adorable chicks on your South Georgia cruise.

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How to take your best photos in the Arctic and Antarctica

The Polar Regions are known to be among the most photogenic places on the planet. From portraits of charismatic wildlife to wide-angle shots of spectacular landscapes, there is always something new and exciting in the viewfinder. On a cruise to the Arctic or Antarctica, photographers are presented with countless amazing picture-taking opportunities every day. But the Polar Regions also present special challenges worth considering before starting your photography trip of a lifetime.

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What to know before going to the Falklands

The Falkland Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom consisting of more than 700 sparsely populated islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Many people will recall the archipelago, located 500 km off the coast of Patagonia, was a war zone during the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom. A day in the capital, Stanley, will certainly satisfy history buffs interested in this tragic conflict, and much else besides. But a visitor to the Falklands should not forget these remote, windswept islands are also one of the world’s premier wildlife-viewing destinations, featuring huge populations of seals, penguins and albatross. Here are some things to consider when planning your Falkland Islands vacation.

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A guide to the best Antarctica tours offered in 2020-21

Antarctica is now one of the top cruise destinations for adventure travelers and wildlife lovers. You may be thinking about planning your trip to Antarctica in 2020-21. You may well be wondering, which Antarctic trip should I take? Read on to learn the difference between the various Antarctic trips on offer.

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