Arctic Circle cruise, Spitsbergen

We take extremely seriously our responsibility to minimise our impact on these pristine areas. Our ship operators are Full Members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and have agreed to abide by one of the world's most conscientious codes of conduct for tourism.

During the last Arctic season we started a pilot project, which raised awareness and funds to better understand how polar bears are being effected by the warming climate and loss of habitat (sea ice). The project was incredibly successful and our passengers purchased several satellite tracking collars to follow the bears movements.

We also participate in the “Clean up Svalbard” project which resulted in several thousand tons of rubbish being removed from the shores of the archipelago. This interactive program has achieved a positive result that has made a tangible difference to the environment.

We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run annual staff workshops on Responsible Tourism.

Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit!

This operator is an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and has agreed to abide by one of the tourism world's most conscientious codes of conduct. Our ship operator is also a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which covers operations in Spitzbergen. We support various conservation initiatives:

Polar Bear Study: The polar bear’s migratory patterns have long been a mystery to conservationists. With money raised from expeditions and donations, we have made valuable contributions to the purchase of the expensive tracking collars – critical in monitoring their hunting and mating patterns.

Albatross Campaign: Almost half a million US dollars has been raised through staff and passengers towards the ‘Get the Albatross off the Hook’ campaign, aimed at stopping the death of albatrosses by long-line fishing.

Scott Polar Research Institute: We support the work of the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. The Institute is the oldest international centre for Polar Research within a university.

Polar Ambassadors: Polar Ambassadors believe that the preservation and conservation of the polar regions is imperative. There are 10 simple things that you can do now that will make a difference. Our expedition team on each ship takes this very seriously, and look forward to explaining how everyone can become involved.