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
11 Seals You May See in Antarctica or the Arctic
1. Weddell seals â These seals are known for their calm demeanor and spend most of their lives beneath the Antarctic ice. Although they need to come up for air, they can remain underwater for up to 45 minutes. Weddell seals can dive to depths of 610 meters (2,000 feet) in search of food. These vocal animals usually have one pup annually and can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) and weigh 544 kg (1,200 lbs).
Blog
Tracking Greenland’s Wildlife from Space
Despite Greenlandâs harsh environment, life has found a way to thrive there. If youâre lucky enough to embark on a Greenland cruise, you stand the chance of encountering many species of cold-adapted mammals, birds, and fish.
Blog
Five of History’s Greatest Polar Explorers
Today's visitors to the polar regions follow in the footsteps of some of the most famous explorers in history. Here is a list of five great explorers who braved the harsh lands of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Blog
What to Expect When Crossing the Drake Passage
Positioned between the southern tail of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula's north-sweeping arm is a lively little waterway known as the Drake Passage.
Blog
True South: A New Flag for a Global Antarctica
When Evan Townsend signed up to spend the winter of 2018 working at an Antarctic research station, he had no reason to expect he would end the season by designing a new flag for the continent. He had even less reason to expect the support it would receive.
Blog
Eight Antarctic Misconceptions
Antarctica has given rise to some pretty far-fetched rumors.
Blog
Antarctica’s first Marine Protected Area
In October of this year, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which includes 24 countries such as the United States, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, reached a consensus on a New Zealand/United States proposal to establish a large-scale Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Ross Sea region.
Blog
Not Eskimos: 10 Enlightening Facts About the Inuit
If you are planning to join an Arctic cruise, you might be intrigued by the Inuit culture. To help you gain a deeper understanding of these people, especially if you are considering a trip to Greenland, here are 10 fascinating facts about the Inuit that everyone should know.
Blog
The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic
Our guests are typically wildlife enthusiasts, with a particular interest in bird life. While many bird lovers focus on the penguins we encounter, there's a smaller yet equally passionate group that favors the more airborne seabirds. Among this birdwatching subset, the albatross is a species that garners (and deserves) significant attention.
Blog
17 Reasons to Cruise the Falklands
Maybe youâve already marveled at the colossal penguin colonies of South Georgia, sailed among the plunging seals of the Antarctic Peninsula, and watched whales in the Weddell Sea lunge among titanic tabular icebergs.
Blog
Imperial Antarctica: the Snow Hill Emperor Penguins
Recently, a rare achievement was made by visiting Antarcticaâs northernmost emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island. Typically surrounded by impassable pack ice, Snow Hill is a notoriously difficult destination in the Weddell Sea cruise itinerary, only accessible using helicopters carried especially for this purpose.
Blog
The Enchanting Islands of Svalbard
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago situated between the North Pole and the Norwegian mainland, offering visitors some of the most stunning wildlife and landscapes in the world. Here we explore seven of the most visited Svalbard islands, highlighting the many wonders that draw people back year after year.
Blog
Visa to Argentina for Antarctic Expedition Travelers (2025 Guide)
Argentina is the main gateway for travelers heading to Antarctica, with most expedition cruises departing from the southern city of Ushuaia. Whether youâre flying in through Buenos Aires or connecting domestically, knowing Argentinaâs visa requirements is critical for a smooth journey before and after your polar adventure.
Blog
The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
Kongsfjorden is a glacial fjord in Svalbard that hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Blog
10 Tried-and-True Bird Photography Tips
Itâs easy to understand our fascination with birds: theyâre beautiful, graceful (usually), and most of them have the power of flight.
Blog
The Return to Franz Josef Land
As the possibility of international travel slowly returns, we are eagerly awaiting all the great locations, activities, and wildlife we might experience in the coming season. One of the things weâre most excited about is the return of our Franz Josef Land voyages.
Blog
Arctic Flowers, Trees, and Other Plant Life
When many people think of the Arctic, they probably imagine a stark white wasteland devoid of anything except snow, glaciers, and the occasional far-wandering polar bear.
Blog
12 Tips to Help Keep Birds Safe During an Antarctic Cruise
One of the most incredible experiences on an Antarctic cruise is observing the numerous penguins in their natural environment. Naturally, passengers often worry about the potential of disturbing the penguins and other Antarctic birds, which could disrupt their breeding and nesting patterns.
Blog
Taking a polar expedition cruise delivers no shortage of show-stopping highlights, but one of the most exhilarating is lifting off from the ship in a helicopter and taking flight over the incomparable Antarctic wilderness.
Embarking on a polar expedition cruise offers a plethora of breathtaking experiences, but one of the most thrilling is taking off from the ship in a helicopter and soaring over the stunning Antarctic wilderness.
Blog
Polar Cruises: The Ultimate Icebreaker
Travel is one of lifeâs great eye openers. It brings you into contact with new people and perspectives, challenges old assumptions you havenât held to the light in years, and invites you to make unexpected discoveries about the world around you â and most of all, yourself. Added to which, you get to visit places you never knew you loved until you saw them.