Discover the Arctic through the eyes of A&K’s Explorers in Residence

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We ensure learning is at the heart of every A&K Luxury Expedition Cruise. That’s why we invite inspirational individuals aboard – people who can provide unparalleled insight and advice to our clients during their voyage. Two such men will be joining A&K’s Arctic expedition cruises in summer 2020 as our Explorers in Residence. Both are pioneers in their respective field, pushing boundaries and accomplishing remarkable feats.

Joining our Ultimate Iceland & Greenland Cruise is Alex Pancoe, who summited Alaska’s Denali mountain in July 2019 to achieve what very few have: the Explorer’s Grand Slam. His recovery from a brain tumour at 18 inspired him to climb the seven tallest peaks, raising one million US dollars for the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago where he received treatment.

Also on board will be Fiann Paul, a record-breaking ocean rower. He made headlines as captain of the six-person team that rowed across the treacherous Drake Passage. This daring undertaking, chronicled in The Impossible Row, makes him the first person to complete the Ocean Explorer’s Grand Slam.

“We have selected these accomplished Explorers in Residence because they not only have achieved at the highest level, but have inspirational stories to share about their pursuits,” explains A&K’s vice-president of expedition cruising. “Guests will have the opportunity to learn from each of these remarkable individuals during on-board lectures and shore excursions, as well as informally, while enjoying a drink, sharing a meal or spotting wildlife.”

Alex will share stories from his adventures conquering the tallest peak on every continent and trekking the final degree to the North and South Poles. Our clients can sign up to ascend Iceland’s Dynjandi waterfalls, rappel down a rock formation overlooking the ancient village of Qaqortoq and trek on the Greenland ice sheet under his guidance.

Fiann will describe his experience as captain of The Impossible Row team, which completed the first completely human-powered crossing of the Drake Passage in 2019. Kayak with him in the waters of Iceland’s Westfjords or Greenland’s Tunulliarfik Fjord.

These Explorers in Residence will be joined by cultural expert Lykke Geisler Yakaboylu, whose deep family roots in Greenland led her to focus on the unique cultural traditions in the villages she holds dear, adding an additional layer of expertise to A&K’s enrichment program. She joins the A&K Expedition Team of accomplished explorers, from award-winning scientists to habitat conservationists, historians and recipients of the prestigious Polar Medal.

For further expedition dates to both the Arctic and Antarctica, visit our luxury polar cruises page or speak to one of our cruise specialists today.