Glossary
A
AECO| Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators | Organisation representing Arctic expedition cruise operators and industry stakeholders.
Antarctic| Relating to the vast polar region surrounding the South Pole, including its ocean, climate, wildlife and remote islands. The term is used to describe the broader environment and conditions found across the far‑south polar world, rather than the continent itself. (Adjective)
Antarctic Circumpolar Current| The world's largest, strongest ocean current flowing clockwise around Antarctica.
Antarctic Treaty| An international framework for peaceful co-existence and scientific co-operation in Antarctica.
Antarctica| The southernmost continent - an immense, ice‑covered landmass governed by the Antarctic Treaty and dedicated to scientific research and environmental protection. It includes the Antarctic Peninsula, East and West Antarctica and the interior ice sheet. (Noun)
Apex Predator| A predator at the top of a food chain, without natural predators of its own.
B
Biosecurity Check | A mandatory cleaning and inspection process designed to protect fragile ecosystems, particularly in Antarctica.
Blow| A visible, misty exhalation released from the blowhole when a whale surfaces.
Brash Ice| Small, floating fragments of sea ice, each less than 2 metres across.
Bridge| The navigational command centre of a ship where the captain and officers control, steer and oversee the vessel’s operations.
BRUVS| Baited Remote Underwater Video System | Marine monitoring tool consisting of a camera mounted on a frame with bait to attract mobile marine life, including a variety of fish and sharks.
Buoyancy Aid| A type of personal flotation device (PFD) designed to keep you afloat if you enter the water, typically worn when kayaking.
C
Calving| When a chunk of ice breaks off a glacier or ice shelf into the sea.
Cetacea| Any member of an entirely aquatic group of mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Citizen Science| Onboard programmes where guests assist scientific research by collecting expedition data, including wildlife observations and seawater samples.
Continental Landing| The act of setting foot directly on the Antarctic mainland, rather than on the surrounding islands.
D
Drake Passage | The stretch of open ocean between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula where the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern oceans converge, creating some of the most dynamic and rapidly changing sea conditions on Earth.
Dry Landing| Going ashore without stepping into water, typically onto a solid surface such as a jetty or rocks.
Dry Suit| A fully waterproof suit worn for kayaking in cold regions, designed to keep you dry and insulated by sealing out water at the neck, wrists and ankles.
Dynamic Positioning| A computer‑controlled system that uses thrusters, propellers and GPS to keep a ship precisely in place without anchoring, even in wind, waves or currents.
E
Expedition Cruise| A small‑ship journey focused on adventure, wildlife and learning - a way of seeing the world that prioritises exploration over entertainment.
Expedition Parka | A heavy-duty outer-layer jacket often provided to guests on polar voyages.
Expedition Team | The group of naturalists, scientists, historians and guides who lead landings, lectures and activities.
Expedition Team Leader| The person responsible for organising and overseeing all landings, excursions, daily scheduling, scouting, safety and the overall expedition experience on an expedition cruise.
F
Ferry Box| An automated seawater‑sampling system installed on a ship that continuously measures ocean conditions such as temperature, salinity, chlorophyll and other parameters while the vessel is underway.
Fluke| The wide, flat tail of a whale used for propulsion. Its unique patterns and scars, especially on the underside, allow researchers to identify and track individual whales.
Fjord| A long, narrow, deep coastal inlet formed by glacial erosion, with steep cliffs rising on either side.
Fog Bow| A pale, white‑toned rainbow that forms in fog when sunlight is scattered by tiny water droplets.
G
Glacier| A large body of compressed snow and ice that moves slowly outwards and downwards under the pressure of its own weight.
Godmother| The individual chosen to christen or name a ship, usually a member of royalty, a government official or a celebrity.
Grease Ice| An early stage of sea ice, formed from fine ice crystals that create a smooth, greasy-looking surface on the water.
H
Hangar| A ship’s enclosed in‑ship marina used to store and launch Zodiacs, kayaks, Special Operations Boats and submersibles. (Viking)
I
IAATO| International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators | Organisation that regulates responsible tourism in Antarctica.
Ice Floe| A large, flat sheet of sea ice that has broken off contact with the coast where it was formed and is floating in open water.
Ice Shelf| A large flat-topped sheet of ice that is attached to land along one side and floats in the sea or a lake.
Iceberg| A large piece of floating ice that has calved or broken off a glacier or ice shelf.
J
Jetty | A small pier or landing structure used for boarding Zodiacs or going ashore.
K
Kayak| A small, narrow paddle boat used for exploring coastlines and sheltered waters. A tandem kayak is a longer two‑seater version.
Krill| Tiny shrimp‑like crustaceans that form a major food source for whales, fish and seabirds.
L
Landing Site| A designated coastal area selected and prepared by the expedition team where guests go ashore to explore.
M
Midnight Sun| The phenomenon in polar summer where the sun remains visible at midnight.
Muster Drill| A mandatory safety exercise at the start of a voyage where passengers assemble at their assigned muster station to practise emergency procedures and receive instructions for what to do in an actual emergency.
Muster Station| The assigned location, usually indicated on a guest’s key card and stateroom door, where passengers must gather for a muster drill or in the event of an emergency.
N
Nature Landing| A relaxed, unstructured shore landing focused on scenery and wildlife rather than a specific activity or site.
NOAA| National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | A U.S. scientific agency that monitors the oceans and atmosphere, forecasts weather, charts the seas and helps protect marine life.
O
Observation Deck| An outdoor viewing area for spotting wildlife and scenery.
Oceanites | A global non-profit organisation that provides long‑term penguin population data from the Antarctic Peninsula to help the world understand the impacts of climate change.
Open Dining| This goes by different names depending on the line, but it means you can choose your preferred time to eat on board.
P
Penguin Highway| A well‑worn path penguins create in the snow as they travel between their colonies and the sea, used for efficient, energy‑saving movement.
PFD| Personal Flotation Device | A buoyancy aid worn when kayaking that keeps you safely afloat if you enter the water.
Pitching| The up‑and‑down rocking motion of a ship’s bow and stern as it moves through waves.
Polar Class 6| A ship classification indicating it is strengthened for summer and autumn operation in medium first‑year sea ice, with the capability to navigate safely in light polar conditions.
R
Rookery| A breeding colony where penguins gather to nest, lay eggs and raise their chicks, often forming dense, noisy and highly social communities.
Rubber Boots| Waterproof, knee‑high boots worn for wet landings to keep feet dry when stepping into shallow water or onto wet shorelines. These are typically loaned to guests by expedition cruise operators. (Sometimes referred to as Muck Boots.)
S
Sailor’s Grip| A stable, two‑handed hold used when boarding or exiting a Zodiac, where you grasp the crew member’s forearm and they grasp yours to ensure a secure, controlled transfer.
Sea Day | A full day spent sailing between destinations with no port call, giving guests time to relax, attend briefings, enjoy onboard activities and the ship while in transit.
Shell Door | A large hinged opening in the side of an expedition ship that lowers to create a safe platform for boarding Zodiacs or loading equipment at water level.
Special Operations Boat| A fast, military-grade, 12-seater rigid‑hulled boat used for small‑group excursions that allow guests to explore coastlines and wildlife areas at water level. (Viking)
Stabiliser | A fin‑like device that extends from both sides of a ship beneath the waterline and uses computer‑controlled adjustments to reduce the vessel’s motion, often by up to 80%, for a smoother, more stable ride.
Stateroom| The term for your room on a cruise ship, commonly called a cabin or, in higher categories, a suite.
Submersible| A small, underwater craft designed to take guests below the surface for guided exploration of marine environments in safety and comfort.
Swell| Long, smooth, rolling ocean waves generated by distant storms or weather systems.
T
Tender Pit| A sheltered recess low on the hull used for safely launching and boarding tenders or Zodiacs.
Tundra| A cold, treeless landscape found in polar regions and high mountains, where short summers and frozen ground limit plant life to hardy, low‑growing species.
U
UKAHT| UK Antarctic Heritage Trust | A British charity which protects and preserves historic bases along the Antarctic Peninsula.
V
Veranda| A balcony attached to a stateroom, giving guests private outdoor space with direct ocean views.
W
Wake| The turbulent trail of disturbed water left behind a moving ship as it travels forward.
Wet Landing| A landing where guests step from the Zodiac into shallow, usually ankle‑ to knee‑deep water before walking ashore in waterproof boots.
Winter Suit| A heavy, insulated full‑body suit provided on polar expedition cruises to keep guests warm, dry and protected during outdoor activities in freezing conditions. (HX)
X
X-Bow| An inverted bow design that curves backwards to let a ship cut smoothly through waves, reducing pitching and delivering a noticeably calmer ride in heavy seas.
Z
Zodiac| A small, heavy‑duty inflatable rubber boat used on expedition cruises for shore landings, wildlife viewing and transporting guests to remote locations. (Some operators refer to Zodiacs simply as ‘small boats’.)
Zodiac Cruising| Exploring coastlines and remote landing sites in a Zodiac that lets you get close to wildlife and scenery.
Zodiac Landing| Going ashore from a Zodiac at a remote beach or shoreline to explore on foot.