The greatest
performanc
n earth
Oceanwide Expeditions
Introduction Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the pioneers in shipbased exploratory tourism in the Arctic and Antarctica. We operate our voyages with small ice-strengthened vessels, whose size, capacity and capability have proven to be ideal for exploration in these remote regions. As the number of participants is limited to a small group, our expedition vessels offer a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Our ships are not luxurious cruise vessels, but accommodation and on-board life are cosy and comfortable. Our voyages are primarily defined as explorations and we spend as much time ashore as possible. We can be flexible, taking advantage of wildlife opportunities by using our zodiacs for both landings and cruises. Our knowledgeable guides assist on these outings, providing detailed information. This is supplemented by lectures on board which cover topics such as geology, wildlife and history.
While cruising and hiking in the Polar regions, we are sure that you will become increasingly fascinated by these unique wildernesses, places of drama, wildlife, history and true emotion.
The Polar world can be seen as an immense stage set in a theatre. The animals are the great actors, performing on this stage. The theatre itself is the vessel, that takes you into this dramatic world. So while travelling with Oceanwide Expeditions you become part of the audience - at the same time also an actor - of a great performance. In fact we believe the greatest performance on earth. A spectacular classical play with ingredients such as love, drama, desire and despair; the Polar world has it all.
The audience
in a grand theatre
Arctic actors The Arctic, the name is derived from the Greek language and means “bear”, is indeed the home of a bear. One of the leading actors in this northern play is the Polar Bear. For many spectators, the “King of the Arctic” is the main goal of visiting this remote and wild place. But the Arctic can also boast on behalf of more great performers than just this great predator. Apart from a large number of bird species, such as Ivory Gulls, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Puffins and Little Auks, the Arctic is home to other remarkable creatures that are adapted to “life in the freezer”. In the frigid waters Belugas, Walruses and several seal species often appear, while on land Arctic Foxes and Reindeer are a fairly common sight.
Antarctic actors The great star-actors of Antarctica are the penguins and in total seven species could appear on stage. In South Georgia, the audience is welcomed by tens of thousands of King Penguins, taking the performance to an absolute climax. The Antarctic cast also contains the world’s largest number of whales and seals, as well as other bird species such as Antarctic Terns, Antarctic Shags, Cape Petrels, and, while approaching Antarctica and in sub-Antarctic scenes, several species of albatrosses and shearwaters. Other thrilling scenes are provided by gigantic Humpback Whales, hunting Orcas and fierce Leopard Seals, providing an unforgettable experience.
An expedition script
for a Polar voyage
The script for a play in the Polar regions includes genres such as scenery, wildlife, history and culture and offers elements like shore-based walking excursions, zodiac cruises, kayaking or even scuba diving.
But, Oceanwide Expeditions just provides a script. The actual play and connecting plots are dominated by the settings and the actors, and these may give the performance a twist. A sensible and flexible approach should therefore always be taken into account. There can be bright skies with sunshine, even for 24 hours at the high latitudes, but the weather is unpredictable. Katabatic winds, generated by the ice-caps and glaciers, can pick up suddenly and have always been a fierce opponent of Polar visitors. Warm clothing and a flexible attitude are the best ways to overcome sometimes harsh circumstances. The rewards are certainly worthwhile. A sudden encounter with a Polar Bear or a Humpback Whale is one of the most incredible experiences you are ever likely to enjoy.
Arctic stage setting The Arctic stage setting is not easily captured in a few lines. It comprises a wide range of different landscapes; rugged, barren mountains, often covered with ice and snow, exist besides miles and miles of gentle tundra, with dozens of flowering plant species in vivid colours. Steep bird cliffs with thousands of Brßnnich’s Guillemots and Kittiwakes are found close to glacier fronts of blue coloured ice. These varied landscapes make the Arctic suitable joy for hiking and other more active forms of sightseeing and wildlife watching. The pack-ice of the frozen Arctic Ocean also offers the chance of spectacular cruising between ice-floes.
Antarctic stage setting The Antarctic stage is another masterpiece of the stage designer. A dramatic composition of shining white and deep blue coloured ice-bergs and cathedrallike ice-towers is revealed when the stage curtains are opened. Antarctica is an enormous ice-covered continent, surrounded by ocean. The huge Antarctic ice-cap produces the gigantic tabular ice-bergs that are so typical of the Southern Ocean. The ice-cap and glaciers have also shaped the landscape. Steep, ice-covered mountain ridges with huge outlet glaciers, flowing like gigantic ice-rivers, abound. At the few places that are not icecovered penguins and other seabirds breed and seals haul out.
Revelations
Catch the mystery, catch the wit The plot of this great performance cannot be fully understood, but it may reveal one of its secrets while visiting the scene. The harshness of the wilderness beside the sheer beauty of the immaculate landscape creates a surprising paradox. The dramatist of this fantastic world was more than just a brilliant playwright. An epic story about the last remaining wildernesses, that can be found on our planet.
Joining a Polar performance with Oceanwide Expeditions will certainly astonish you. The stunning natural beauty, the surprising wildlife, the stories of human endeavour. Your memories will be everlasting. And every morning, while opening your porthole’s curtains a new episode of this fantastic world will be revealed.
Maps Dates & rates Ship details
For reservations please contact your agent or: Oceanwide Expeditions, Headoffice Bellamypark 9 4381 CG Vlissingen The Netherlands T +31 (0)118 410 410 F +31 (0)118 410 417 E info@oceanwide-expeditions.com I
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com Oceanwide Expeditions, USA & Canada Reservations 15710 JFK Blvd, Suite 285 Houston, TX 77032 - USA
T +1 800 453 7245 or +1 281 987 9600 F +1 281 987 1140 E usa@oceanwide-expeditions.com I
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com
Colophon Idea, concept, production: Text: Design: Photographs:
Š Oceanwide Expeditions, 2008 Jan Belgers in co-operation with Michel van Gessel Peter van Lent Frits Steenhuisen, Rinie van Meurs, Natalia Zhikhareva, Vladimir Gayvoronsky, Ko de Korte, Mike Murphy and Franco Banfi
Brochure director: Acknowledgement: Inspiration:
Marloes Tiggeloven Wim van Passel, Richard Sale and Dennis Schmitt Queen and Rush (all albums), Antonio Vivaldi, in furore iustissimae irae (RV626) This performance is dedicated to all the children we love