We once again push the boundaries of exploration with our 2025 SETI Institute Explore Space at Sea Series. This unique partnership with the SETI Institute—a research organization that originated with NASA’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence—offers nine exciting cruises, each led by an esteemed scientist from the institute. These voyages give guests a deeper understanding of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and the quest for life beyond Earth.
Each cruise in the series will feature a SETI Institute scientist who will guide passengers through thought-provoking lectures and discussions, covering a wide range of topics from solar phenomena to astrobiology. Here’s a closer look at the incredible experts you’ll meet and the fascinating topics they’ll cover during your journey:
Dana Backman – Director of NASA's Astronomy Activation Ambassadors Program
Voyage: Chile to Peru (March 27 – April 5, 2025)
Explore the rugged Chilean coast and the wonders of the Atacama Desert before arriving in Peru’s capital, Lima. Dana Backman, an expert in planetary science and star formation, will cover topics such as:
- Astrophysics & Planetary Science in Antarctica - Why Antarctica is a prime research spot for planetary science.
- Snowball Earth – Earth’s historical freezing phases.
- Good Planets Gone Bad – The drastic environmental changes that transform planets.
Derek Kozel – Principal Investigator, GNU Radio Project
Voyage: Peru to Panama (April 5 – 14, 2025)
Cruise from Peru to Panama, traversing the iconic Panama Canal. Derek Kozel, a leading radio astronomer, will focus on technological advancements in space observation, including:
- Eyes on Earth: NASA's View from Above – How satellites monitor Earth’s environment.
- Waves Across Waters: The Evolution of Shipboard Radios – Tracing the evolution of maritime communication technologies.
Stephen Cramer – Professor Emeritus, UC Davis
Voyage: Belize City to Belize City (April 30 – May 7, 2025)
Sail through the Caribbean, exploring Belize’s Barrier Reef and the ruins of Tikal. Stephen Cramer, a bioinorganic chemist, will discuss:
- Extremophiles – Life in extreme environments and what it teaches us about extraterrestrial possibilities.
- The World’s Brightest X-Ray Light Bulbs – The role of synchrotron light sources in scientific research.
Pamela Harman – Director of Education, SETI Institute
Voyage: Halifax to Reykjavik (May 22 – June 2, 2025)
Cross the North Atlantic from Canada to Iceland with Pamela Harman, an inspiring science educator, who will introduce:
- The SETI Institute and Astrobiology – The study of life in the universe.
- Visible and Invisible Light – Multiwavelength astronomy for exploring the cosmos.
- Moon and Mars Trivia Contest – An engaging, interactive session for all.
Madhulika Guhathakurta – Leading Scientist at NASA
Voyage: Reykjavik to Longyearbyen (June 2 – 13, 2025)
Navigate the Norwegian coast to the Arctic Circle with Dr. Guhathakurta, a solar scientist, as she shares her expertise on:
- Solar Eclipses and Cultural Legends – The science and mythology of solar eclipses.
- NASA’s Mission to Touch the Sun – The Parker Solar Probe’s study of the Sun’s outer layers.
Joe Spitale – Expert in Planetary Science and Orbital Dynamics
Voyage: Iceland to Greenland (July 31 – August 10, 2025)
Journey from Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to the Arctic Circle, with Joe Spitale discussing planetary rings, moons, and the search for life:
- Abiogenesis – The origin of life from non-living matter.
- Ocean Worlds – The potential for life in the subsurface oceans of distant planets and moons.
Bill Diamond – President & CEO, SETI Institute
Voyage: Iceland to Greenland (August 10 – 20, 2025)
Explore the geothermal wonders of Iceland and the icy fjords of Greenland. Bill Diamond, leading SETI’s research on extraterrestrial life, will speak on:
- The Search for Life Beyond Earth – The progress and significance of this search.
- Astrobiology Field Expeditions – Techniques for exploring extreme environments on Earth as analogs for extraterrestrial planets.
Steve Croft – Astrophysicist and Educator, SETI Institute
Voyage: Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq (August 20 – 30, 2025)
Embark on a Greenland expedition with Dr. Croft, who will delve into cosmic phenomena:
- Is There Anybody Out There? – The latest efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
- Sailing on Cosmic Winds – How solar and cosmic winds shape space exploration.
Rosalba Bonaccorsi – Research Scientist, SETI Institute
Voyage: Canadian Arctic and Northern Lights (September 15 – 30, 2025)
Discover the beauty of the Arctic and Labrador Sea with Dr. Bonaccorsi, an astrobiologist focused on life in extreme environments:
- The Drake Equation – Exploring the probability of finding intelligent life in the universe.
- Making the Arctic Work for Ocean Worlds – How research in polar regions guides the search for life on icy moons.
These voyages are more than just cruises; they are immersive learning experiences that open windows to the cosmos while exploring some of the planet's most breathtaking destinations. Swan Hellenic’s Explore Space at Sea Series promises to ignite the curiosity of every traveler, blending luxurious travel with cutting-edge science.
For more details on these remarkable cruises and to book your spot, click here.