 Polar Bears
I'm sure you understand that polar bears are not as warm and fuzzy as they
look. If they can, they will attack you, no quarter given.
When there is ice, they go out onto the ice to feed (on seals). When there
is no ice, they stay on land and wait for the ice to come back
There are two ways to see them: the large tire bear scouting vehicles (as
in Churchill, Canada) where you may get very close during the non ice
season. Do a search for Churchill and polar bears.
Or a cruise ship that goes to the up to the arctic ice where they hunt
(seals). This is generally a summer or late summer trip. You will need
binoculars and, if you want photos, a good telephoto lens.
And, of course, there are never any guarantees that you will see any on
either trip.
The ships that do this are not "cruise ships", they are 100 passenger
adventure travel ships....more austere and lacking the frills of the normal
cruise ship. In addition to looking for bears, they take zodiac excursions
ashore (where the guides carry guns just in case a polar bear shows up that
can't be frightened away.. )
At a minimum, you are look for an "ice hardened" ship; more likely, an ice
breaker.
Many 70 + year olds handle these trips easily as long as they are fit and
mobile.
You might look for my comments on the Kapitan Khlebnikov about a week ago on
this board.
Come back if you want more info.
imd
"loulou" <521lou@> wrote in message
news:NsAQe.28420$U63.3100@fe12.lga...
> My wife and I are very interested in viewing Polar bears.Are there any
> cruises recommended for seeing them ,We are in our 70's and are fairly
> healthy but not too agile?
> Anyone have an experience with such a cruise?
> Thanks
>
| 
