Latest news

"The Sun hasn’t merely been the subject of my research – it has shaped me and lit the path of my becoming.""Eclipses are the universe’s punctuation marks, moments where light and shadow choreograph a cosmic pause."There aren’t many people who have danced with the Sun like Madhulika Guhathakurta. A citizen scientist traveling aboard Swan Hellenic voyages, she brings with her decades of experience in heliophysics and a storyteller’s soul. Away from NASA on a holiday, she’s on a new kind of mission – sharing the science and spirit of solar phenomena with travelers at sea, from the Arctic skies to...

After decades of studying cooperative breeding in birds and the evolution of new frog species, and with a Ph.D. in biology, plus degrees in zoology, genetics and biochemistry, Uli Reyer now shares his knowledge aboard expedition cruises. His lectures blend deep scientific insight with accessible storytelling, inviting guests to see the polar world not just as a destination, but as a living system shaped by evolution, behavior and change, both natural and man-made."I didn’t just want to see nature – I wanted to understand why it’s that way.""For a scientist like me, deserts are a paradise."Hi U...

"Polar travel has reminded me that every environment can benefit from our actions to lessen our impact and reverse the mistakes of our past.""By experiencing these life-changing places, and sharing your experience with others, we become ambassadors for polar regions and the wonderful web of life that lives there."Kevin Snair’s passion for nature runs as deep as the fjords he now explores for a living. From a childhood in rural Nova Scotia to polar expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic, his journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a thirst for adventure.Hey Kevin, what first i...

"You can’t leave Greenland without it changing you. You can’t shake it.""The Arctic isn't just visually stunning – it’s an entirely different sensory experience. The silence can be deafening." Watching polar bears hunt, exploring fjords, and the deafening sound of silence? Stanford-educated engineer-turned-Greenland-advocate, Arielle Montgomery shares her thoughts on photography, climate change, and the best way to really see Greenland…You've visited every town in Greenland. What does that journey mean to you?Arielle: I am a completionist, so I am one of the few foreigners and one of the onl...

Expedition Leader, Mariam Pousa "The nature of the remote places we visit is unpredictable, but that’s what makes them so special!"We spoke to Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Leader, Mariam Pousa, to get the lowdown on life changing adventures, ever-changing environments and more…Hey Mariam, can you tell us about being an Expedition Leader?Mariam: Sure! What I love most of being an Expedition Leader is helping shape truly memorable moments for our guests—especially knowing that, for many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. No two voyages are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes this wor...

"Astronomy helps people understand how we know what we know – and why science still matters.""The carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in us were cooked in the cores of red giant stars long before Earth even formed."From flying aboard NASA’s SOFIA 747 observatory to decoding the atmospheres of exoplanets, astronomer Dana E. Backman translates complex cosmic discoveries into compelling narratives for students, teachers, and lifelong learners alike. He also brings decades of stargazing and scientific storytelling to travelers aboard Swan Hellenic cruises. His career spans NASA, academia, and the SETI I...

Penguins, staying warm and kick-stepping?! Our Corporate Expedition Leader, Antony Jinman gives us the lowdown on our new snowshoeing excursions…Hi Antony, what makes Antarctica such a special place for snowshoeing?Antony: It has to be the remoteness and pristine polar environment! The opportunity to walk on the wild-side. For me, it’s Antarctica’s dramatic mountainous landscape climbing out of the rich blue ocean that offers an adventure and view like no other.What can guests expect from a typical snowshoeing excursion with Swan Hellenic?Antony: A typical snowshoe adventure lasts for about 1....

Penguins, princesses, and polar dreams: meet the explorer living her bucket list"Being immersed in nature is always so exhilarating—it has a way of surprising us and drawing us into the moment."She’s celebrated birthdays with penguins and Captains, planted a baobab in Madagascar, and dreamt under stars in Yemen. For seasoned solo traveler Pina Nadia Tarlecki, expedition cruising isn’t just a special getaway—it’s a lifestyle of curiosity, freedom, and unforgettable encounters…Hi Pina, as someone who's often on the move, what do you love most about expedition-style cruises?Pina: The intimacy of ...