We spoke with Dr. Verena Meraldi, the Chief Scientist of HX Hurtigruten Expeditions. She began working with HX in 2007 as a biology lecturer on Antarctica voyages, fuelled by her passion for the polar regions and the incredible species that inhabit them. In 2019, she took on the amazing challenge of becoming the cruise industry’s first Chief Scientist and designing the Science & Education programmefor all HX vessels. Her extensive background working on expedition cruise ships has given her a thorough grasp of operations as well as the possibilities to integrate science into the voyages. This way, not only can she keep sharing her enthusiasm for microscopic life, but developing captivating onboard research projects that will enhance the experience of the guests while they’re away.
Dr. Verena exploring Antarctica onboard Roald Amundsen vessel
How does a typical day start for you?
Days are busy on board the ships, but for me they start with a cup of coffee! We (the expedition team) then start, on a sea day, with lectures and activities in the Science Centre to prepare our guests for their destination. The lectures cover a variety of topics, including weather, ocean, ice (sea ice, glaciers and icebergs), wildlife, and history among others, and are supplemented by workshops in the science centre. For example, following a talk on penguins, we will run a workshop on feathers to explain their function (how they keep penguins warm in the frozen waters of the Southern Ocean) and exhibit their microstructure under the microscope, allowing guests to see how they behave similarly to Velcro. This combination of lectures and hands-on activities helps guests to learn more about and understand the destination. Every day is designed to provide our guests with the best experience possible, based on plan A, the off ship excursions, in-field interpretation and the onboard programme.
A guest enjoying a workshop in the Science Centre
Favourite thing about where you work?
The thing I like the most about Antarctica, is the mesmerising natural quiet, which is not truly silent since you hear the ice breaking, penguins going about their days, whales coming up to breathe, glaciers calving… but it is completely deprived from human-made noise. Nevertheless, encountering penguins, seals, whales and discovering the microscopic life in the oceans is amazing.
What’s the most unusual/memorable moment you’ve experienced guiding visitors?
I recall a day at Neko Harbour when the landing had finished, and we were bringing our guests on board. There were around 20 people left on the landing site when the wind shifted and picked up, pushing bergy bits and sea ice fragments and blocking our landing spot. It took our amazing boat drivers more than two hours to make their way though the obstacles and return us to the ship’s comforting warmth.
Expedition boat cruising at Neko Harbour
Biggest challenges you face in your role?
The weather is the most difficult challenge we have; if conditions are not ideal, we may need to switch from plan A to plan B, or C, or D… yet we always manage to put together a fantastic programme for our guests.
Hiking in the White Continent
What advice would you give travellers coming to explore the polar regions?
Come with an open mind and with hunger to learn! Seeing is believing.
Dr. Verena on a zodiac excursion
Favourite time of year and any tips for when to go there?
My favourite time to visit Antarctica is at the start of the season, in November, when wildlife returns from the winter to take advantage of its abundant food resources or begin their breeding season. Of course, it’s too early to see Penguin chicks, so travelling in late December or January is a better option. If you want to see whales, January through February is the best time to go.
Penguins in Orne Harbour, Antarctica
Do you have any stories you would like to share?
We were travelling through mirror-like waters in the Weddell Sea, off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, when we noticed whales everywhere. The ship was sailing silently, so you could hear whales come up for air all around it before you saw them. It was a magical moment that sparked conversation at every table throughout dinner that night.
Leave a Reply