Viking Cruises

in the most spectacularly pristine location imaginable. "We want to totally transform marine science," says Dr Damon Stanwell-Smith, Head of Science & Sustainability for Viking Expeditions. "We have the ability to do world-class research on our ships." The former executive director of International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, Stanwell-Smith is a marine scientist who has conducted research for the British Antarctic Survey, as well as the NGO sector and the United Nations. He knows just how important institutional partnerships are to Viking's success in making an impact. When Viking ships send weather balloons to the stratosphere for the US National Weather Service, they are the first civilian vessels in the world to be harnessed in this way. Balloons are released simultaneously from hundreds of locations worldwide, gathering data that is used for research and next-day weather forecasts from Sydney to Siberia. On the snowy morning I climb out of bed early to attend the balloon release on the upper deck, cuppa in hand, there are hundreds of passengers already up there. "At that moment you're connecting to the understanding of how all global weather is tracked and then forecast," Stanwell-Smith says. "It's become one of our most popular events, something people get really emotional about." From the stratosphere to the deep sea, fascinating discoveries have already been made from Viking submarines. At up to 10 metres long, giant phantom jellyfish are so rare, they've been seen less than 100 times since 1899 when they were first collected. A handful of those sightings have been in the past year by Viking guests and crew, now the subject of Viking's first scientific publication. "There's still an awful lot to look for and find in a world that at times we might be tempted to think we already know everything about," he says. 1. Make it count If you're making the trip, go all-in, says Dr Damon Stanwell-Smith. Invest time in researching, reading and watching Antarctica documentaries before you depart so you'll have a deeper appreciation when you get there. Sign up for all the excursions, bring a good camera, savour the experience. 2. Follow the rules ey're there for a reason. Responsible travel to Antarctica isn't just a suggestion, it's compulsory. Pay close attention to safety briefings and instructions from the expedition team. Don't approach wildlife, don't even think about leaving behind rubbish or picking up a souvenir rock. 3. Become a citizen scientist Viking partners with leading global scientific institutions, giving ordinary travellers the opportunity to participate in field research that has real-world impact. Get your hands dirty collecting plankton, release a weather balloon, spot whales and record their coordinates. 4. Pay to offset ere are actions you can take to limit and remedy the environmental impact of flying and cruising to Antarctica. For starters, opt for an airline that offers carbon offset programs and pay the offset fee. Qantas, for example, has a Fly Carbon Neutral program larger than most airlines. 5. Go home an ambassador To quote Senegalese conservationist Baba Dioum, we will conserve only what we love and we will love only what we understand. Spending time on the great white continent and seeing its magnificence up close has the power to turn anyone into an advocate of the natural environment. 5 ways to visit the Antarctic responsibly This article was originally published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Traveller on Saturday 18 February 2023. GETTING THERE: The 13-day Antarctic Explorer expedition from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, starts from $16,995pp in Nordic Balcony stateroom. Half Moon Island Brown Blu Whalers Bay Cuverville Island Antarctic Peninsula Neko Harbor Damoy Point Petermann Island ANTARCTICA D r ake Pas s a g e We d d e ll S ea L e m aire C h a n n e l ARGENTINA Ushuaia C ap e H o r n Buenos Aires At lant i c O cean B ea gl e C h a n n e l – C r ui s e • – • C har te r e d Flight •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• E xamp l e e x p e di tio n d e s tination s W e a t h e r B a l l o o n 70 VIKING

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