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 a year ago. I’m Malaysian, so I didn't grow up in a cold climate or with snowy mountains in my backyard like most expedition guides. So what I see on our travels feels extra special, and I get to share that with our guests.
What can guests expect from an expedition voyage with Swan Hellenic?
Joe: The unexpected! We don’t always follow our itinerary because that's what expeditions are about – you never know what Mother Nature has in store for you. There are going to be sunny days, but there might also be snowy or stormy days! It’s best to be open minded on an expedition cruise. Come without any expectations, and you'll get some nice surprises!
Making magic
Can you tell us about working with Swan Hellenic?
Joe: I really like the dynamic of the Swan Hellenic team. Everyone knows each other, and we have a strong team spirit. It’s all about flexibility – when last minute changes happen, everyone’s ready to jump into action to make things work!
So, who would you recommend Swan Hellenic voyages to?
Joe: Swan Hellenic cruises are great for everyone. They’re really friendly and welcoming and guests get to meet like-minded people, which makes it easier to interact. It’s less likely to happen on bigger cruise ships, because people are on them for lots of different reasons.
What’s different about traveling with Swan Hellenic?
Joe: Being on a smaller ship and using Zodiacs means we can reach remote places. You can get to some places by land but it takes so much time, so you don’t get to see as much. With us, you can visit two settlements in a day, then your ship repositions and you see another settlement another day.
Incredible Adventures
What can guests expect on a Zodiac expedition?
Joe: It’s best to expect all different kinds of experiences when you travel on a Zodiac. In the same day, you can get a calm, sunny ride in the morning, and then in the afternoon, a storm or fog might kick in, and you’ll get a flashy ride. Sometimes you get splashed, but that's part of the fun!
What kind of adventures have you had on Zodiacs?
Joe: I was just in Svalbard, in the Arctic. We were on land and saw a polar bear, so had to evacuate the site. Once we were a safe distance away on our Zodiac, we stopped to watch it. Another time, I had humpback whales right next to my Zodiac. They were swimming nearby and we stopped to watch, then a whale suddenly popped up less than 2m from my boat!
Are wildlife encounters mostly unexpected?
Joe: Yes, it’s part of the expedition experience. We can’t guarantee what guests will see because you never know what wildlife is going to do. After all, we’re not taking you to a dolphin experience where the dolphin is in captivity and you're guaranteed to see and touch them. Our guests see real nature – that's the joy of it!
Dream destinations
Which Swan Hellenic trips would you recommend?
Joe: I’d definitely visit Antarctica and the Arctic – the landscapes there are incredible. I’d also recommend the African region. It’s the least travelled inhabited continent, and there’s so much to experience there on a cruise with Swan Hellenic. I really enjoyed visiting the Greek Islands too. Being on a smaller ship meant we were able to visit some of the most remote islands.
What are the challenges of working as Assistant Expedition Leader?
Joe: Keeping up with our ever-changing itinerary, and making sure guests and our team are informed. Also, I need to react to things in a short space of time, and have other activities ready in case something is cancelled. For this role, you need to be flexible and organized, and great leadership skills.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience so far?
Joe: The most rewarding thing is that even though sometimes I have to work extra, finishing the day with happy guests makes it all worth it!