Expedition Team in Antarctica
Our experts are here to safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise.
“I am really excited to share knowledge with our guests about the unforgettable nature and beauty that we encounter in Antarctica – like whales feeding, penguins porpoising, and amazing scenery.”
- Tudor Morgan, Expedition Team Leader
Unmatched expertise
Expedition Teams at Hurtigruten represent the best of the best. The Expedition Team Leader and Assistant Expedition Leaders are experts on safety and sustainability, making sure your exploration of these remote destinations is done right.
Together with guest lecturers and scientists, they will enhance your voyage with first-hand knowledge and fascinating insights, ensure your complete safety during landings, and guarantee the lightest possible footprint in this pristine environment.
Leading and teaching
During your discovery of the great continent of Antarctica, your Expedition Team will lead the way on landings and small boat cruises, as well as optional kayaking and camping opportunities if conditions allow.
Briefings occur before each landing, making you aware of any potential risks and of strict protocol regarding local wildlife. Both on and off the ship, lectures are held on a wide variety of specialist topics. Here are just a few examples:
- birds and marine mammals
- oceanography and geology
- sea ice and glaciers
- climate
- exploration history and storytelling
- photography
Expedition Team members in Antarctica
Get to know some of the Expedition Team members you may encounter on a cruise to Antarctica:
Tudor Morgan
Expedition Team Leader United Kingdom
Tudor is one of our most experienced Expedition Leaders. He worked for the British Antarctic Survey and spent over two years living south of the Antarctic circle.
He has also worked with the Antarctic Heritage Trust restoring historic Antarctica sites, and was Operations Manager at IAATO.
Tudor was awarded the Queen’s Polar Medal for outstanding service to Antarctic science and heritage.
Line Overgaard
Assistant Expedition Leader Norway
Line is Norwegian and grew up in the small settlement of Klæbu outside Trondheim. Line started working for Hurtigruten in 2001 as a crew member.
She worked on several ships on the Norwegian coast before joining MS Fram in 2008. She completed the Arctic Nature Guide study programme in 2010 in Spitsbergen
Dan Busby
Lecturer in biology and ornithology Canada
Dan holds a MSc in Ornithology. During his 30 years as a wildlife biologist with Canada’s national government, he worked on a wide variety of research and conservation activities.
He is a frequent speaker on bird photography and bird conservation topics.
Maurice van de Maele Sr
Lecturer in history and anthropology Chile
Maurice Ricardo is a social anthropologist from Chile. He was director of the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum in Puerto Williams for 17 years and led most of the archaeological studies on islands south of Tierra del Fuego.
He is also a member of the Chilean Ornithological Society and the Omora Foundation.
Verena Meraldi
Biologist and Chief Scientist Mexico
Verena was born in Mexico City. She studied at the National University (UNAM) and received her PhD in Immunology from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland in 2002.
Verena has been traveling to Antarctica since 2007 and in the northern hemisphere (to Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Island, Orkney Island) since 2014.
As a Chief Scientist, Verena talks with lead scientists to have them on our ships so they can do their research and engage with our guests. She is always looking for new collaborations that will enhance our guests experiences while traveling with us.
