Today, we sailed along the jagged coast of Spitsbergen, treated to breathtaking views of fjords and glaciers. The island’s name, meaning “pointed mountains,” perfectly describes the dramatic peaks rising from the icy landscape. As we moved through this spectacular terrain, rich with avian wildlife, the anticipation of venturing further north intensified. The day’s highlight was our first sighting of a majestic polar bear, a moment of awe and wonder for all aboard.

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Exercise is essential for maintaining heart health, even while on vacation. Short walks around the ship help keep your heart active and your blood circulation flowing, reducing the risk of blood clots.

General Health Tip of the Day:
Cold environments put additional strain on your heart, so it’s important to stay warm by dressing in layers. Regular movement, such as walking on the ship, helps keep your circulation flowing and your body warm.

We began navigating through sea ice and ice floes today, and it was in this icy expanse that we were fortunate enough to encounter the polar bear. As we continue cutting through the frozen landscape, the excitement for what lies ahead grows.

Today aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the journey through the Arctic continues as we cut through the sea ice with ease, thanks to the ship’s advanced icebreaking technology. Designed for polar expeditions, Le Commandant Charcot is a marvel of engineering, and it’s fascinating to see how it maneuvers through these frozen waters.

How Le Commandant Charcot Breaks Ice:

1. Hull Design (Polar Class 2)
   The ship’s hull is reinforced with thickened steel at the bow, allowing it to break through ice by ramming and sliding. Its curved design enables the vessel to crush ice through sheer weight and pressure.
2. Dual-Fuel Hybrid Propulsion
   The ship uses a hybrid propulsion system combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric power. With two azimuth pods that rotate, the ship can direct thrust in any direction, offering superior maneuverability when breaking ice.
3. Icebreaking Power
   With about 35 megawatts of power (47,000 horsepower), Le Commandant Charcot can continuously break through ice up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) thick. For denser ice, the ship employs a “backing and ramming” method.
4. Hull Heating and Lubrication
   The ship uses a heating or lubrication system to reduce friction between the hull and the ice, improving efficiency as it navigates dense ice fields.

This combination of innovative technology allows Le Commandant Charcot to advance through some of the most challenging ice fields in the Arctic.

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Even light activity in the cold can elevate your heart rate. It’s essential to pace yourself and avoid overexertion, especially if you have any heart conditions. Take breaks and keep activities light to avoid undue strain on the heart.

General Health Tip of the Day:
Gentle activities such as walking on the deck help maintain good cardiovascular health and improve your mental well-being. Keeping your muscles active in the cold is important for overall health.

Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
While it may be tempting to consume more calories in colder weather, focus on nutrient-dense foods such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These provide energy while also offering heart-healthy fats.

Keyur Parikh
Chairman, MARENGO CIMS HOSPITAL
www.cims.org

Reaching and staying at 90° North over the past two days has been an exhilarating, otherworldly experience. Standing at the Geographic North Pole, where all meridians converge, was a moment of profound excitement. The realization that we are among the few humans to be here this late in the season, enduring the bitter cold at -25°C, made the experience even more surreal and unforgettable.

As we began our journey southward, retracing our path through the Arctic ice, we were once again mesmerized by the ever-changing frozen landscapes. This frozen wilderness, now familiar yet still alien, offered new views as we cut across the ice en route to the mystical shores of Greenland today.

As we retraced our route southward through the ice, we continued to experience the shifting landscapes of the Arctic. The frozen wilderness, now familiar yet still alien,across the floe. There are daily helicopter scout flights to survey the terraine. 

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day: 

Avoid sudden bursts of physical activity, especially in the cold. Sudden strenuous exercise can increase blood pressure and heart rate rapidly, which could be dangerous in extreme environments.

General Health Tip of the Day:

Stretching is an excellent way to keep muscles flexible and prevent stiffness in cold climates. Take time each day to stretch your body to avoid muscle strain.

We are 84’North !

Today, as we continue our journey southward from the North Pole, we navigated through stunning stretches of ice floes and pancake ice at 82°N. The Arctic landscape never ceases to amaze with its shifting beauty—vast expanses of ice, some smooth and endless, others jagged and broken, creating a surreal sense of isolation.

But what made today truly exceptional were our four incredible sightings of one of the Arctic’s most iconic creatures—the endangered *polar bear*. Spotting these majestic animals in their natural habitat felt like witnessing a rare treasure of the wild. Each bear we encountered moved gracefully across the ice, a reminder of the fragile balance that exists in these frozen realms.

### Polar Bears in the Arctic

Polar bears, often referred to as the “Lords of the Arctic,” are the largest land carnivores on Earth, with adult males weighing up to 800 kg (1,760 lbs). These magnificent creatures rely on sea ice as a platform for hunting their primary prey, seals. However, due to the effects of climate change, their habitat is rapidly shrinking, pushing them onto endangered species lists.

As apex predators, polar bears play a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance by controlling seal populations. However, the melting of sea ice is forcing polar bears to travel longer distances in search of food, leading to reduced body weight, lower reproductive rates, and greater threats to their survival.

Today’s sightings serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate state of the Arctic environment and the creatures that depend on it.

### Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Cold weather can constrict blood vessels and increase your heart rate, making it important to avoid sudden strenuous activity. Stay warm, dress in layers, and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the temperature to avoid unnecessary strain on your heart.

### Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
For heart health, focus on incorporating heart-healthy fats into your diet, such as those found in fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help lower inflammation and support overall cardiovascular health.

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Today’s experience, filled with ice, wildlife, and wonder, leaves me in awe of this pristine part of the planet. But it also serves as a reminder of the need to protect these fragile environments and the creatures that call it home.

After three awe-inspiring days at sea, traveling from 90°N to 72°N, we finally reached the coast of Greenland. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the remote town of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated communities in the world. The contrast between the endless icy expanse of the North Pole and the rugged, distinct beauty of Greenland is striking.

Today’s adventure was the challenging yet thrilling Arctic glacier walk. We tackled a steep ascent of 1,000 meters on the glacier, and although the hike was strenuous, the breathtaking views at the summit made every step worth it. The vast Arctic wilderness stretched out in all directions, a frozen realm that both humbles and amazes. Each cautious step on the descent reminded us of the raw, unforgiving power of this environment, a testament to nature’s extremes.

Cardiovascular Health Tip of the Day:
Climbing steep terrain in cold conditions increases your heart rate and strain on the cardiovascular system. Pace yourself, take breaks, and listen to your body. If you feel fatigued or short of breath, stop, rest, and warm up slowly to avoid overexerting your heart.

Healthy Dietary Habit Tip:
After intense physical activity, it’s important to refuel with nutrient-dense foods. Lean proteins like fish or plant-based sources can help repair muscles, while healthy fats like avocado and olive oil will maintain energy levels and support heart health.

Tomorrow, our Arctic adventure continues as we explore the world-renowned Scoresby Sound fjord, the largest fjord system on the planet. From ice to land, this ever-changing landscape promises to reveal yet more wonders.