Responsible Exploration
Prioritizing a positive impact, while limiting the negative.
Polar Latitudes Expeditions is a growing company. As we grow, so does our responsibility to both the communities that support us, and the environments we love and depend upon. We take those responsibilities seriously. Below are some of the programs we initiated and/or support in our committed effort to be a positive force, and a good citizen, in every way we can, everywhere we go.
Reducing Emissions Even as We Grow
Or expanded fleet, comprised of four polar-engineered vessels, features some of the most modern and fuel-efficient ships in Antarctic or Arctic waters. Collectively, we now have one of the lowest per-passenger carbon footprints of any polar cruise company. The sleek, future-forward Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory, for example, produce 60% less carbon emissions when compared to other ships in the same class.
Reducing, Reusing, Recycling Everywhere We Can
Our Green Initiative Program puts an all-encompassing emphasis on environmental responsibility throughout the ship. Initiatives include the almost total elimination of onboard plastic, using only biodegradable products in bathrooms and laundry practices, placing an emphasis on multi-use products, installing recycling stations, and providing all our guests with reusable water bottles. Even our Expedition jackets are made with 50% recycled materials. Our “Local First” initiative prioritizes local suppliers and supply chain resources – emphasizing those that demonstrate responsible practices, to minimize carbon impact and support the local communities that serve us so well.
Building Relationships and Being Good Neighbors
The cornerstone of our community interaction in the Arctic is gaining the consent of the native communities we visit well before arriving, to ensure that our visit doesn’t have a negative impact on local life. Arctic residents are the experts in their homeland, which is why we never use destination management companies, but instead work directly with local providers in-community for guided walks or community engagement. This way we ensure communities and their residents benefit directly from our visit. And by building enduring and lasting relationships with our valued local friends and partners in the Arctic, we can guarantee an authentic experience for our guests,
Lending Support to Critical NGOs
We provide ongoing logistical support for global non-profits like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Oceanites, contributing to the critical work of these environmental and wildlife-focused organizations, while also enriching our passenger Citizen Science program and the experience of all on board. On a local level, we enthusiastically support NGSs like La Fundación El Rinconcito del Fin del Mundo de Ayuda y Contención through fund-raising and by donating polos, boots, and jackets.
Inspiring Environmentalism in Local Communities
We offer a range of education and scholarship programs in our Antarctica Embarkation port town of Ushuaia, Argentina, providing local high school and university students with a number of opportunities to learn about jobs within the cruise industry, compete in environmental research challenges, attend onboard science lectures and even earn internships.
How You Can Get Onboard
Inspired passengers often ask how they, too, can get involved. Our Citizen Science program is a great place to start. We also encourage our guests to attend any or all of our onboard presentations from experts in environmental science, wildlife conservation, and Antarctica’s incredible history. Feel free to join us in supporting any of the organizations represented here; or to look for organizations in your own communities that are doing the good, hard work of caring for planet earth.
Organizations We Support and Collaborate With
