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The Enchanting Blue Hole: A Belizean Icon Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Belize, lies one of Earth's most mesmerizing natural formations – the Great Blue Hole. This massive underwater sinkhole, more than 300 meters across and over 120 meters deep, is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Hole is a stunning visual spectacle and offers an unparalleled underwater experience for explorers and snorkelers alike. Known for its crystal-clear waters, mysterious depths, and vibrant marine life, this is a must-see destinat...

Are you ready to visit one of the last untouched places on Earth? An expedition cruise to Antarctica with Swan Hellenic will give you the journey of a lifetime! Our expert Expeditions Team has gathered your top 10 must-do experiences from Antarctica adventure. From spotting whales in the wild to taking the famous polar plunge, discover their ultimate recommendations below.Whale Watching: A Unique Opportunity in AntarcticaWhether you're observing from the comfort of your luxury cruise ship or from a Zodiac boat at water level, the opportunity to watch whales in Antarctica is an exclusive, once-...

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...