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Exploring the blue planet for over a century has taught Ramblers partner HX Hurtigruten Expeditions the importance of mindful travel. We’ve asked Dr Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at HX Hurtigruten Expeditions to tell us about her work understanding and protecting the natural environment. 

The Ramblers partnership with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions not only offers you discounts on incredible expeditions, but every booking supports our work to improve paths and increase access to nature by breaking down barriers to walking in nature. 

 

Increasing environmental awareness 

“HX Hurtigruten Expeditions wanted to increase environmental awareness amongst our guests by exposing them to the scientific world, so they made me the cruise industry’s first Chief Scientist. Through citizen science projects I awaken the curious child in every guest! I expose them to new and unexpected things, make them hungry for knowledge and a better understanding of the places they visit with us. Guests have the opportunity to support real-time research and help to collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet. 

 

Protecting whales 

One of these projects is Happywhale, which uses images submitted by guests to map the movement of marine mammals around the world. 

The image recognition software reviews the images, matching them against previous encounters with the same animal using markings on the tail or dorsal fin. The data is available for scientists to review and use in research projects around the world. 

One of my all-time favourite nature spotting experiences was travelling through mirror-like waters in the Weddell Sea, off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, when we noticed whales everywhere. The ship was sailing silently, so you could hear whales come up for air all around it before you saw them. It was a magical moment. 

The thing I like the most about Antarctica is the mesmerising natural quiet. Of course it’s not truly silent since you hear the ice breaking, penguins going about their days, whales coming up to breathe, glaciers calving… but it is completely without human-made noise. 

 

Sustainability initiatives 

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions contributes to the protection of polar regions in many ways, such as building the world's first hybrid-powered expedition ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. They are packed with state-of-the-art technology, such as battery packs, heat recovery systems, and a cutting-edge hull design. These innovations combined reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%, compared to other cruise ships of the same size. We’ve banned non-essential single-use plastic, encourage a more plant-based diet for our guests and organise beach cleans during our expeditions.  You can read our full commitment to sustainability on our website.” 

 

The Ramblers partnership 

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are leaders in expedition cruising. Whether it’s spotting polar bears in the Arctic, watching marine iguanas bask on the Galápagos Islands, or getting up close to Antarctica's penguins. The Ramblers have teamed up with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions to offer an additional 5% discount on cruises and they will donate 10% of every booking so more people can enjoy the benefits of walking in nature. Call 020 3695 9973 to book.