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Deze brochure bevat informatie over cruises naar Antarctica en de Arctische gebieden
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Oceanwide Expeditions
The greatest performanc n earth
Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the pioneers in ship-
based 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.
Introduction
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 actorsThe 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 actorsThe 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.
An expedition script for a Polar voyage
Arctic stage settingThe 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
Brünnich’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 settingThe Antarctic stage is another masterpiece of the stage designer. A dramatic
composition of shining white and deep blue coloured ice-bergs and cathedral-
like 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 ice-
covered penguins and other seabirds breed and seals haul out.
Antarctic stage setting
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.
Revelations Catch the mystery, catch the wit
MapsDates & ratesShip details
Revelations Catch the mystery, catch the wit
For reservations please contact
your agent or:
Oceanwide Expeditions, Headoffice
Bellamypark 9
4381 CG Vlissingen
The Netherlands
+31 (0)118 410 410
+31 (0)118 410 417
info@oceanwide-expeditions.com
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com
Oceanwide Expeditions,
USA & Canada Reservations
15710 JFK Blvd, Suite 285
Houston, TX 77032 - USA
+1 800 453 7245 or +1 281 987 9600
+1 281 987 1140
usa@oceanwide-expeditions.com
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com
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© 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
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
Colophon
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