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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 ...

Seaspray splashes your cheek, and the sun warms your skin as you look out at the vast ocean stretching before you. Suddenly, there’s movement, and you spot a whale breaching in the distance. There are hushed whispers as you watch the giant of the sea gracefully diving back into the deep. Watching whales in their element is one of those moments in life that’s difficult to describe. It’s so unlike anything else you’ve experienced. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed, emotional, and dizzy. It’s a moment that feels larger than any words or pictures can capture. The experience is more than just...

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...

Looking for your next big adventure? Why not explore the alluring coastline of Latin America? Immerse yourself in ancient cultures, captivating landscapes and incredible wildlife as you set sail for adventure on a journey of discovery that will stay with you forever. Read on to discover three amazing, once-in-a-lifetime voyages you won’t want to miss…Sailing South AmericaThis 13-night voyage sails from Argentina to Chile, and follows in the wake of Charles Darwin's famous expedition. Leaving Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city, you’ll get to explore dramatic fjords as you marvel at majest...

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just launched a generous “Explore Further” offer of extensive flight credits on balcony stateroom bookings for its 2025 voyages to select destinations, including the wild Arctic, inspiring Mediterranean, and vibrant South America.The details of this special deal are typically straightforward, lightening the cost of airline tickets by up to $850 flight credit per person on new balcony stateroom bookings with a minimum occupancy of two people for select 2025 cruises. They just need to be completed by October 15th, 2024. But as demand is alread...

The Best Time to Visit Antarctica: Early Season HighlightsWhen is the best time to visit Antarctica? If you're looking to explore the White Continent before the crowds and experience a land teeming with life awakening from winter, the early season may be the perfect time for you. Read on to discover why visiting Antarctica during the austral spring (November-December) offers unique advantages.Embrace New BeginningsDuring Antarctica's early season, daylight hours extend as summer approaches, giving you more time to explore. Imagine kayaking past seals basking on floating ice, setting off on a z...