Swan Hellenic Adventures From The Arctic Circle To Antarctica

What Swan Hellenic promises to passengers onboard their 5-star luxury voyage ships is to 'See What Others Don't." This British cruise line specializes in historical and cultural expedition tours aimed for the sophisticated cruise traveler.

Itineraries include Antarctica, Africa, Artic, Central America & Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Mediterranean, North America & Canada, and the Red Sea.

The cruise line has two Scandi-design ships, the SH Vega and SH Diana. Built in Finland at the famous Helsinki Shipyard, the SH Vega was named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage. She is a sophisticated expedition ship designed with the latest in cruising technology. The sleek PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers help provide a calmer journey.

This ship is large enough to safely and comfortably accommodate 158 guests and a crew of 122. Located on the 9 decks are three dining venues, a library, a bar for an after-dinner night cap, and a spacious lounge to sit and listen to music or play board games while looking out to sea.

Passengers can book an appointment at the spa for hair, nails and massages when they return from an excursion.

Amenities inside the Oceanview Premium and Junior Suites include a balcony, a flame-effect fireplace, sitting area, and plenty of closet and storage space. Some of the luxurious ensuites have a separate bathtub, shower and walk-in wardrobe closet. 

Each stateroom has a mini refrigerator stocked with a welcome bottle of champagne, sodas, and beers. There are snacks in the room, and a llly coffee maker with pods, plus a hot water kettle with Kusmi tea bags.

Nikon Prostaff binoculars and an umbrella are also available in each cabin for guests to use throughout the cruise. On the 'Iceland In Depth' cruise, passengers receive a signature blue puffy parka jacket with a rainproof shell to use during excursions and to take home.

Down on the third deck is Base Camp, an assembly area for guests to get fitted for muck boots to wear on the Zodiac boats and when the ground is muddy during walking and hiking excursions. Each cabin has a locker at Base Camp for guests to keep their cleaned and dried boots, instead of bringing them back up to their stateroom. Walking sticks are also available for guests to use at each port.

If there is no dock available at a certain destination, passengers suit up to ride one of the Zodiac boats. Crew members lead guests to some of the most remote and pristine islets, towns and beaches.

There is always a complimentary daily excursion led by naturalists onboard or by a local guide. Other excursions are available for guests to immerse themselves in the culture and gain even more sensory experiences when in port. Ride an ATV up to the top of a volcano and to waterfalls, explore and soak in one of the hot spring baths, walk on a glacier, or go on a whale-watching tour.

While at port, guests can enjoy the heated swimming pool or soak in the ship's hot whirlpool. There is an outdoor cafe and grill for guests seeking an al fresco lunch while taking in the views. Complimentary beer and wine is served with lunch and dinner.

There is no gambling casino onboard, however there is a live music in the evening, as well as wilderness experts enlightening guests with fascinating lectures.

Those who want to cruise around the entire island of Iceland can start their journey in Reykjavik for an 8-day cruise. Arrive a day early to see Iceland's distinctive Hallgrimskirkja Church, and the revitalized harbor area. Visit FlyOver Iceland, a multimedia exhibit, film, ride and cafe. Admire the architecturally futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and explore the Maritime Museum. A taxi drive away is the Sky Lagoon Iceland known for its therapeutic geothermal waters. 

Swan Hellenic Iceland Cruises take passengers to spectacular volcanic landscapes, the powerful Dynjandi waterfalls and a private island known for its abundance of nesting seabirds and chicks.

When you cruise on Swan Hellenic, you visit at least one or two ports a day. Don't expect to see the big cruise ships at every port, because Swan Hellenic visits smaller ports of call to provide a more local experience. Sometimes they are the only ship, among tourists traveling by car or RV exploring a region.

The Swan Hellenic Diana is the newest and largest ship in the fleet. Named after the Roman Goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, she boasts a cutting-edge special ice-resistant PC6 hull. This makes cruising into some of the world's most inaccessible regions possible.

As part of the new generation of polar class ships, SH Diana offers elegant interiors for up to 192 guests and a crew of 127 on 9 decks. Besides exclusive outdoor art, there is also a spectacular grand staircase and a dedicated expedition facility onboard. Amenities for cruise passengers are similar to those on the SH Vega.

ICELAND IN DEPTH

June through August is the best time of the year to visit Iceland on a cruise. It's when wildflowers start blooming, and the waterfalls flow over a dramatic vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Almost every region in Iceland has lupine flowers on full display in the dramatic volcanic soil.

Birdlife abounds with both Arctic Terns, Eider ducks and puffins nesting in meadows or sitting on cliffs during the summer in Iceland. Those who go near Arctic Terns nesting grounds are encouraged to carry a stick above one's head to prevent these protective birds from attacking one's scalp. 

Swan Hellenic ships cross the Arctic Circle and sail through crystal clear water fjords while gliding past giant icebergs. Brave guests can get strapped onto a safety line to jump from the ship into the arctic cold ocean for bragging rights to say they participated in the 'Swan Hellenic Polar Challenge.'

The cruise line appeals to families with adventurous children, couples and seniors. It is also a favorite for individuals traveling solo. Swan Hellenic has no single solo supplement fee for those who are cruising alone. During the first night they offer a singles-only happy hour for passengers to meet other guests.

ANTARCTICA

While both the Arctic Circle and Antarctica are wonderful places to connect with nature to see soaring mountaintops, giant glaciers and wildlife, each location offers its own unique beauty.

Those ready to put Antarctica on their bucket list have the opportunity to step ashore earth's last true wilderness. Swan Hellenic is one of the few cruise lines that are experts on Antarctica adventures.  

Antarctica is a wonderful polar cruise to watch kelp gulls flying close to the ship, while passengers spot breaching humpback whales and Adelie penguins waddling on the shore. This is also where leopard seals snooze on free-floating blocks of ice, and polar bears can be seen from a safe distance.

Nature talks about Antarctica's rich history of explorers, whalers and scientists enlighten the travel experience. Guests develop a richer appreciation and bond with the world as they cruise on an Antarctica journey.

Swan Hellenic is all about pushing boundaries and creating exceptional experiences for its guests. Upcoming cruises include the exciting tropical Caribbean teaming up with Blue Marline Ibiza @Sea. Cruise on the SW Vega for one of the most entertaining and immersive experiences at sea. Guests enjoy crystal clear warm water and picturesque sandy beaches as the ship leaves from Saint Martin to Barbados on October 16 - 22, 2024.

The historic Blue Marlin Ibiza beach restaurant and club has revolutionized the world of entertainment hosting live music, shows and dance performances. Cruise guests will get the opportunity to be part of this exciting and entertaining day-to-night scene.  

Other collaborative cruises include four upcoming Chopra cruises in 2024. Swan Hellenic has teamed up with Chopra, a leading integrative health company founded by world-renowned health pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra. Together they offer Explore & Restore wellbeing voyages.

Start your morning with daily yoga. Embrace new horizons while learning about self-reflective journaling, attending meditation sessions, and developing growth, patience and renewal while seeing awe-inspiring cultural destinations.

The Magna Graecia to Greece Chopra cruise sails for 9 days starting on August 28, 2024. Starting on October 31, 2024, sail 5 days along the coast of Brazil. Continue on for another 7 days visiting Salvador de Bahia to Rio de Janeiro. There is also an extraordinary Chopra South Africa cruise for 8 days starting on November 6, 2024.

Explore places on Earth that only a few ever get to see while on a Swan Hellenic Cruise.