When you travel to the Arctic or North Pole, you have one thing on your mind – POLAR BEARS! The anticipation is extraordinary and no amount of waiting makes up for when you spot that incredible creature for the first time.
Due to their stark white coat, it is sometimes difficult to spot them as they camouflage themselves in the surrounding snow and ice. They can be seen roaming the Arctic ice sheets or using their large front paws to paddle through the water. You can cruise for a week and see none, so I feel very privileged to have seen them in their natural habitat, all from the comfort of my ship.
Going onshore for periods of time during the day is always fraught with a little bit of nervousness – we are on their turf, so they can disturb us at any time. Ship staff comb the area and make sure it is safe, however you can be evacuated at any time.
As global warming continues, we will see less and less of these beautiful animals – the ice sheets are melting and the polar bears have little opportunity of hunting their prey.
Donna Phillips Travel is an Independent Affiliate of Frontier Travel - A Virtuoso Member https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/donnaphillips
