This is perhaps our most frequently asked question. Nevertheless, there is no way we can provide a percentage, ratio, or average number of landings that are cancelled per trip, year, or location.

Weather is variable, ice conditions are variable, and wildlife appearances are variable. Our landings depend on these prime factors, and they are impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy.

In both the Arctic and Antarctica, a change in wind direction might create too much surf at one of our landing sites, or fog might roll in, or ice might advance, or we might spot wildlife that we either should not approach for safety reasons or because our presence would disturb them.

For these reasons and many others, our experienced expedition leaders always have back-up plans. When you take a polar voyage, it’s important to stay flexible and keep an open mind. Part of the fun of expedition travel is that it’s not predictable. Itineraries are not set in stone, and routes may change. There’s no getting around it.

Keeping you safe is our top concern, but second to that is giving you the best possible experience of the polar regions. If we can’t get you to an area we have planned to visit, we’ll always have alternatives. Whatever the circumstances, we will do all we can to provide you the optimal polar adventure.