As enthusiasts of wildlife travel, we believe every creature has something valuable to impart - from the grand blue whale to the tiny cephalopod, the formidable polar bear to the elusive Arctic fox.
But if you're seeking the most profound wisdom, look no further than our favorite flightless philosopher: the penguin.
Here are 22 priceless lessons we've gleaned from this wise species, each one proving that what the penguin lacks in flight, it more than makes up for in sagacity.
1. Show up on time, especially to ship launches
2. Let sleeping seals lie - unless they look too darn smug
3. Take time to contemplate life's deeper questions
4. But never miss a chance to play in the shallows
5. Sometimes you have to go along to get along
6. At other times, you have to walk your own path
7. Sometimes you have to stand your ground
8. And other times, it's best to find a peaceful agreement
9. Don't lose yourself in the crowd
10. Let your loved ones know you love them
11. Learn from others whenever possible
12. But don't listen to the naysayers
13. Remember to get your rest
14. Seriously, rest is very important
15. Without rest, you're nothing but a lump
16. Find friends you can be yourself around
17. But be open to others who are not like you
18. Waste not, want not
19. Learn and become who you are
20. Take pride in your true self
21. Live each day like you mean it
22. Then rest up for tomorrow
Blog
Blog
10 Books and Films To Prepare for your Antarctica cruise
The deep sea remains one of the most mysterious and least explored regions on our planet. With its vast, dark expanses and unique ecosystems, it continues to captivate scientists and adventurers alike.
Blog
Large and in Charge: Antarctica’s Southern Elephant Seals
Southern elephant seals are the largest species of seal on the planet and a highlight among Antarctica cruise wildlife.
Blog
11 South Orkney Animals: Whales, Seabirds, and Penguins Aplenty
The South Orkney Islands are often overlooked as a destination for Antarctic travel.
Blog
Weddell seals: The data collectors scientists of Antarctica
Weddell seals inhabit some of the coldest and darkest waters deep within the Ross Sea ice, making them the southernmost naturally occurring mammals on Earth. During the winter and summer months, their movements are largely governed by the presence of sea ice and the availability of suitable breathing and exit holes.
Blog
The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic
Numerous research stations operate throughout the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, engaged in all manner of scientific inquiry. This article will cover the stations under the management of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which conducts year-round terrestrial and atmospheric research in some of the most compelling polar locations on Earth.
Blog
10 Terrific Antarctic Bird Facts
Antarctica is a premier destination for birdwatching, boasting around 45 unique species. Describing them all would require an extensive article, so here we will focus on 10 fascinating facts about the birds you can encounter in Antarctica.
Blog
Get to Know Your Ice
Ice plays a crucial role in everything from cooling your drink to regulating the planet's temperature. Let's explore the various forms of ice you might encounter during an Arctic or Antarctic adventure.
Blog
Flowers in Antarctica
The polar regions are among the most inhospitable environments for plants and animals. Life here faces numerous challenges, including low temperatures, high winds, solar radiation, and cell freezing. The Antarctic continent experiences extreme conditions, with darkness during winter and continuous light during summer. Winter temperatures can drop to -60°C or lower.
Blog
Taking the Polar Plunge
There are some human activities that for many people simply defy understanding: We juggle chainsaws, we breathe fire, we fling ourselves out of perfectly good airplanes.
Blog
The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain
As apex predators, polar bears reign supreme in the Arctic food chain. Only humans pose a threat to this massive and majestic species. But one look at these magnificent creatures explains why so many people embark on Arctic trips hoping to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat.
Blog
The Pack Ice and Polar Bears of North Spitsbergen
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for being one of the prime locations to observe polar bears. The largest island in this region, Spitsbergen, not only offers sightings of these majestic Arctic creatures but also provides a unique opportunity to experience the phenomenon of pack ice.
Blog
The Norse Settlement of Greenland
Erik the Red is a significant and vibrant figure in the history of the Norse Vikings. His story is primarily documented in the Icelandic Sagas Huaksbók (14th Century) and Skalhóltsbók (15th Century). These accounts offer slightly different versions of events that occurred 3-400 years earlier. The original saga of Erik the Red is believed to have been written around 1200 A.D., with the Skalhóltsbók version considered closest to the original. Additionally, Flateyjarbók (13th Century), which includes the Saga of the Greenlanders, is a crucial source for understanding the settlement of Greenland and the discovery of Vinland â North America.
Blog
Day and night in Antarctica
At the Concordia station, a French-Italian research facility situated 3,233 meters above sea level at Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are investigating the effects of extended space missions. The station is more isolated than the International Space Station, with the nearest humans located 600 kilometers away.
Blog
Seven Sublime Antarctic Bays
Antarctica is renowned for its glaciers, icebergs, and panoramic colonies of penguins. However, less known are the stunning crystal-clear bays that dot the Great White Continent, many of which are explored on our Antarctica cruise routes.
Blog
Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route
âWe had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.â ~Ernest Shackleton
Blog
Life in a Penguin Colony
Captain Pieter J. Lenie Base, also known as Base Copacabana or simply Copa Base, is situated on King George Island off the western shores of the Antarctic Peninsula. This American research station has been home to scientists studying Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins for over three decades, aiming to understand how to best conserve these cherished species.
Blog
Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic
Given how widespread their habitat is, it is little wonder that Arctic foxes are one of the animals we most often see during our Greenland and Svalbard expeditions. The Arctic fox is a circumpolar species whose feeding grounds include North America, Eurasia, even Iceland, ranging from nearly the North Pole all the way down to the sub-Arctic islands.
Blog
The Seasons of Antarctica: When to Visit and Why
Youâve decided to book your dream trip â an adventurous Antarctica cruise that will give you a winning chance to see otherworldly environments, encounter exotic wildlife, and take part in activities that will spoil your inner explorer like nothing else.
Blog
Antarctica’s Hourglass Dolphin
Though hourglass dolphins are especially rare, theyâre actually not a threatened or endangered species.
Blog
Explore Antarctica Without Leaving Your Couch
There are numerous ways to embark on an Antarctica expedition from the comfort of your home. Explore these fantastic resources to experience the White Continent without leaving your couch.