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Whether you’re coming on an expedition cruise with Swan Hellenic for the first time, or thinking about joining us for your first ever vacation voyage, we understand that taking the plunge can sometimes feel daunting. After all, when you dive into the unknown and embrace new things, it can sometimes be a bit unsettling. With that in mind, we’ve written this post full of cruise advice for first time cruisers, so you’ll know what to expect on your first expedition cruise with us!See what others don’tOne thing to remember about your first expedition voyage with Swan Hellenic is you're in for a jo...

Planning a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic voyage with Swan Hellenic? One experience you don't want to miss is seeing the iconic penguins found there. You’ll never forget seeing these enchanting birds in their natural habitat. As you can probably imagine, the adorable antics of penguins have charmed countless explorers over the years! But with 18 penguin species found worldwide, which penguin species are you most likely to see on your cruise? Read on to discover the different kynds of penguins found in the frozen continent…Different speciesWith so many types of penguins, it’s worth knowing which ...

Dreaming of a trip that's as breathtaking as it is unique?Then look no further than the Norwegian fjords. Picture towering mountains carved by glaciers over thousands of years, plunging into deep clear waters. And lush, green forests, quaint villages and farms nestled in valleys, and sparkling waterfalls as they tumble down from cliffs. Whether you’re searching for adventure, looking for natural wonders, or want to see some of the world’s most stunning scenery, the fjords of Norway have something for everyone – including you! Let's dive in and explore what makes the Norwegian fjords such a gre...

Wondering what kind of exciting stuff will happen on an expedition cruise? We caught up with Joe Chan, Assistant Expedition Leader at Swan Hellenic, to talk polar bears, Zodiac trips, whale watching and more…Hey Joe, what do you enjoy most about working with Swan Hellenic?Joe: I really enjoy taking guests out to see wildlife in nature, and I’ve traveled through Europe, been to Antarctica, the Arctic, East Africa, and the Caribbean, and had some really great experiences.Could tell us a bit about your background?Joe: I started out working on bigger cruise lines and moved to Swan Hellenic around ...

Whale watching offers a remarkable opportunity to observe some of the ocean's most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether it’s witnessing humpback whales breach or observing grey whales during migration, these encounters are unforgettable. This activity combines the thrill of spotting whales with the serene beauty of the ocean, providing a connection to marine wildlife that is both awe-inspiring and educational.Best Places for Whale WatchingWhen looking for the best places for whale watching, several top destinations around the world come to mind. Locations like Alaska, where wha...

Onboard safety, being Staff Captain, and watching spaceships being built?! We caught up with Swan Hellenic’s Staff Captain, Jenny Koivunen, to learn about this and more…Hi Jenny, how did you become involved in expedition voyages?Jenny: When I was growing up, there was a shipyard near where I lived in Finland where they were building a huge cruise ship. For me, it was like they were building a spaceship! From then on, I knew I wanted to work on boats one day. I started working onboard ships in 2012 and was an officer on Ro-Ro vessels, icebreakers, and cruise ships from 2016. I joined Swan Helle...

We unveiled our 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega. Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin. For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery. Serving a different s...

Massive elephant seals, playful humpback whales, and visiting the Garden of Eden? Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Operations Manager, Sam Gagnon, chats about his expedition adventures and much more…How did you first become interested in expedition cruising?Sam: In 2003, I started working as a videographer, shooting fun stuff for guests on large cruise ships. I noticed smaller cruise ships going from port to port and liked the idea of being part of expeditions. So, I got a job on an expedition ship, which led to me becoming a guide and then an expedition leader!Tell us about your time with Swan Hell...