What’s next for Scenic Eclipse’s discovery experiences? Some major things are up ahead. One, we’re about to launch Scenic Eclipse II and she has a brand new state- of-the-art Triton submarine, Scenic Neptune II. The new submersible is going to be amazing; brand new, built specifically for Scenic Eclipse II itself. And the itinerar - ies that we’ve developed over the next several years are very, very conducive to discovery and exploring the world as we know it. Why is sustainability important when it comes to cruise ships? How do we minimize our impact and make a difference through the Discovery Team? I make sure within the Discovery Team that we live and practice sustainability, and we also show our guests firsthand the importance of sustainability and mindful respect of wildlife and so on. Many of our guides are scientists themselves and we do citizen science with - in our programs. They love doing expedition work be - cause they love engaging with guests, but at the same time they bring their expertise. All my guides make sure we leave a minimal carbon footprint, always reusable equipment, reusable water bottles, everything is re - usable. What’s really amazing is that more than half my guides actually live in tiny homes, are off the grid. They’ll have land and a yurt, no electricity, a well for water; they’re living sustainably because it’s important to them and they’re bringing that mindset to Scenic Eclipse. Could you tell us about the destinations and wildlife guests will get to experience on Scenic Antarctic and Arctic cruises? The possibilities run the gamut. Birders will certainly see their fair share – from petrels to albatross to, well, what everyone goes to see in Antarctica – penguins. Adélies, Kings, Chinstraps, Emperors, Gentoos, Macaro - ni, and Rockhoppers are the most prevalent. There are also eight whale species but the ones we see the most often are Humpbacks and Minke. In the Arctic, the birds
are also prevalent. Most people go to see Polar Bears but they need to understand that polar bear sightings are always from a distance for safety sake – theirs and ours. So, bring long lenses for your cameras or use our binoculars (every cabin is supplied with them). More of - ten seen are the seals and walruses. The scenery in these two remote regions is similar but also different. Snow and ice are the norm. But there is far more glacier calving in the Arctic and the long days in both days during their cruise seasons make sunset and sunrise incredible. Do you have a motto you live by? My mantra that I’ve always lived by is an adventure is not of the physical, it’s of the mind. It’s what we make it to be. What is something in Antarctica and/or the Arctic that should absolutely not be missed? Great questions. As I tell people, it’s that the biodiver - sity between both regions is so diverse and unique, no wildlife lover would ever want to miss out on the chance to see these unique creatures that cannot be seen any - where else in the world in their natural habitats. As for the landscapes, Antarctica is a magnificent moun - tainous region covered in striking glaciers and towering peaks out of the ocean to see. n
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