Our senior polar specialist, Lucy, joined Jaakusaaq Sørensen, a Greenlandic Inuit guide from Tasiilaq, East Greenland, aboard Le Commandant Charcot during their 10-day expedition through the region. This fascinating way of life shows Jaakusaaq discussing the local community’s role in encountering polar bears and whales, the cultural differences between his community and the wider world, and the challenges of living and working in a changeable and challenging environment. Lucy: What attracted you to work in this part of the world within this role with PONANT? Jaakusaaq: Well, firstly, I did not look for this work. The work found me. The company PONANT telephoned the Tourism Office in Tasiilaq. The Tourism Office contacted me by phone and asked if I wanted to work on a tourist ship. Since she said I would be working as an Inuit representative, it would be perfect because I have an extensive knowledge of the stories…
‘Beyond the Poles’ is the pinnacle of expedition cruising, taking you to the world’s most extraordinary destinations beyond the polar regions. Delve into remote and isolated cultures in the South Pacific, Polynesia, Micronesia, Hawaii, Asia, and Australia and immerse yourself in each port of call’s rich history and vibrant life with captivating shore excursions. Read on to discover our five favourite expedition cruises across these tropically tantalising regions. Magical Encounters in the Soloman Islands & Micronesia by PONANT PONANT offers a 14-day exploration cruise aboard the Le Jacques Cartier. Explore the magnificent Pacific archipelagos and have amazing experiences with native cultures. The adventure begins in Honiara and takes you through distant and untamed locations of amazing beauty. Leisurely activities in the Solomon Islands include swimming and snorkelling on Njari Island, as well as immersion in the vivid ambience of traditional markets on Ghizo Island. Le Jacques Cartier will sail to Papua New Guinea, an intriguing area…
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 programme for 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. How does a typical day start for you? Days are busy on board the ships, but for me they start with a cup of…