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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