05/19/2026
May 18: history and wildlife highlights for guests aboard Ocean Explorer! 🧭🐻❄️✅
The day included an excursion to Smeerenburg, a 17th-century Dutch and Danish whaling settlement first established in 1614.
Known as “Blubber Town,” the site still features the remains of the blubber ovens used during the height of Arctic whaling.
Later in the day, guests also spotted seabirds, bearded seals, walrus, and two polar bears. In one memorable moment, a curious bear cautiously approached a resting walrus, sized it up, and ultimately decided to walk away.
📸: Jarryd Salem, Photography Guide
📝: These polar bear images were captured responsibly using a telephoto lens at 800mm focal length with a heavy crop.
