First Time Cruise Tips

One thing to remember about your first expedition voyage with Swan Hellenic is you're in for a journey like no other. You'll be exploring remote regions, off-the-beaten track destinations, and vibrant cultures, and will get to see the world in a different way, and connect with it like never before. You’ll meet like-minded travelers with a thirst for adventure, and our friendly onboard experts, who’ll be happy to offer insight into the incredible places you visit.

We adapt our itineraries to allow for the exciting, unexpected surprises we encounter on our travels, so you get the most out of your time with us. We have to be flexible when we’re exploring the natural world as nature has its own plans. Every day is different, and timings and activities might have to change because of the weather or sea conditions, but we’re ready to adapt to any situation with alternative plans. So join us with a sense of adventure, and you’ll be amazed at what will happen!

As well as exciting shore excursions, you can also expect unforgettable activities on your voyage with us, including kayaking, (which can be booked at an extra cost), Zodiac cruises, hiking, and more. Plus, there’ll be announcements if we spot something of interest, such as dolphins or whales, or there’s been a change of plans due to the weather. You never know what you’ll see on a Swan Hellenic expedition voyage, which is why it really pays to expect the unexpected!

Deciding where to go on your first expedition voyage is an important choice. Bear in mind that our cruises are different from traditional voyages. On an exciting expedition cruise you’ll be far away from 'civilization' and traveling into the unknown! Swan Hellenic’s beautiful boutique ships can access remote areas that are hard to get to on bigger ships, so dream big! One way to find a voyage you’ll love is to think about what you want to experience on your travels. Another way to do this is to focus on your interests. What qualities will your ideal destination have? Do you want to discover breathtaking rainforests, explore scenic coastlines, or go snorkeling in warm, tropical waters? Thinking about what each destination has to offer will help you choose the best one for you. Take these different elements into account, and you’ll soon be able to select the best voyage for you and be sailing into adventure!

So what can you expect when you board your boutique ship? Whether this is your first time on a cruise ship or your maiden voyage with Swan Hellenic, read on to discover our first time cruise tips!

A safety drill will be carried out straight after your embarkation. Then, later, you’ll be briefed about Zodiac cruising/landing, and kayaking. The ship’s expedition team will also brief you about where you are going and what you might experience. Plus, they’ll conduct briefings to help everyone be environmentally responsible when they’re ashore.

On voyages visiting the polar regions, there will also be AECO/IAATO briefings. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) is a group of companies that organize trips to the Arctic, working together to ensure safe and environmentally responsible travel in the region. IAATO (The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) is an organization dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.

Our 5-star expedition ships are smaller than a lot of cruise ships and are designed to give you wonderful cruising experiences. With a maximum of 158 guests on SH Vega, and 192 guests on SH Diana, our beautiful ships offer welcoming, intimate spaces, which will have you feeling at home in no time!

The official language on board our ships is English. Some of our expedition team members speak various languages, but you will need to be able to understand at least some English. We always aim to keep you in the loop when it comes to each day’s program of activities, so this is available on your stateroom TV, as well as on screens in public areas, and you’ll be updated about any changes to the daily programs/timings. Feel free to approach the expedition team once you’re on board to find out more about specific excursions/activities (such as kayaking adventures), and if you need a hand with anything, just ask someone on reception and they’ll be happy to help!

When it comes to feeling good on board your ship, remember to stay hydrated, and if you suffer from seasickness, reception can provide pills on request. For peace of mind, there’s a doctor on board too.

So what can you expect from one of our shore excursions and activities? Well, when you set off on a Zodiac cruise or onshore landing, you’ll have been briefed on what to expect, including any relevant safety information, the night before. You’ll head to the ship’s Basecamp, where you’ll prepare to board your Zodiac, getting into your life jacket and (if appropriate) rubber Muck boots (which are provided in advance and are free for you to use). When you travel to the polar regions with us, we provide a water and windproof Swan Hellenic expedition parka, which is yours to keep after your voyage.

Our ships carry a fleet of Zodiacs – safe and sturdy inflatable rib boats that can withstand harsh conditions. These small, open-air vessels have minimal impact to the ecosystems they visit, and immerse you in your environment. They’re an essential part of exploring places that are otherwise unreachable. Set off on one of our Zodiacs and it’ll just be you, a small group of companions, including your experienced driver/guide, and the surrounding pristine wilderness.

If you’re sailing in tropical locations, you’ll travel ashore by Zodiac and get to explore white sandy beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and snorkel amongst tropical fish.

If you’re not sure what to pack for your first expedition cruise with us, you can find a "recommended packing list" for your voyage in your travel guide, which you’ll get up to a month before you sail. Expedition cruises are mainly concerned with what happens outside the ship, so dress codes are very relaxed. For shore excursions, it’s best to pack comfortable shoes, a hat to protect your head, and clothes that are appropriate for each destination. Your clothing aboard the ship should be comfortable and easy to wash and pack. Casual trousers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts and a thin jumper will be fine. If you’re sailing in cold climates, it will be warm and comfortable on board your ship, but it’s a good idea to have warm clothes on hand just in case something out on deck takes your interest. And you’ll want to pack swimming and fitness gear if you plan to visit the spa, pool or fitness centre whilst aboard. Also, we have a free, onboard launderette, which has washer and dryer, meaning you can pack light!

Thinking of sailing solo? The welcoming, friendly atmosphere on our intimate, Scandinavian-inspired boutique ships will soon have you feeling settled. Plus, you’ll be exploring in 5-star comfort in the company of like-minded guests, and our informal approach to life on board puts everyone at ease, which means making new friends happens easily and naturally! Join us as a solo traveler, and you can rest easy knowing all of our activities/landings are organized in groups. So all you need to do is book your place and come along if you fancy joining the adventure! Breakfast and lunch are usually buffets, with table service at dinnertime, and your expedition guides may even be able to join you for dinner occasionally. If you feel like some alone time, you can kickback and relax in the comfort of your room. We have 24-hour room service and our stylish cabins are designed to be calming, tranquil retreats – the perfect place to relax and recharge.

What should first-time cruisers know before booking?

For a first-time cruise, start by choosing the destination and experiences that matter most to you. Swan Hellenic expedition cruises travel to remote regions and off-the-beaten-track destinations, so consider whether you want to explore polar landscapes, rainforests, coastlines, wildlife, or diverse cultures. One of the most important tips for first-time cruisers is to expect flexibility. Expedition itineraries can change with weather, sea conditions or unexpected wildlife encounters. The expedition team adapts its plans as needed, leaving room for the unexpected rather than following a fixed schedule.

How do you prepare for your first expedition cruise?

For your first expedition cruise, prepare for both time onboard and activities ashore. Before the cruise, we will send you a travel guide with a recommended packing list, while daily expedition-specific briefings will cover Zodiac excursions, shore landings, kayaking, and responsible travel practices. Dress codes are relaxed, so focus on practical layers and comfortable footwear. For shore excursions, bring clothing suited to your destination, while polar voyages provide a Swan Hellenic expedition parka and appropriate rubber boots. The ships also have onboard laundry facilities, making it easier to pack light.

Is it better to be at the top or bottom of cruise ship?

The extra-large stabilizers used on our modern boutique ships ensure a smooth journey for everyone. However, the middle of the ship is the most stable place on board, so this is worth bearing in mind if you are sensitive to motion sickness.

What is the difference between a regular cruise and an expedition cruise?

A Swan Hellenic expedition cruise is a different style of voyage. The experience is designed around exploration rather than a fixed schedule of traditional port calls. Swan Hellenic’s smaller boutique ships can reach remote destinations that are difficult for larger ships to access, while flexible itineraries allow the expedition team to respond to weather, sea conditions and wildlife encounters. Zodiac excursions and shore landings are central to the experience. There’s a real sense of adventure on an expedition cruise. You will have the chance to explore remote areas most people only dream of visiting!

How fit do you need to be for an expedition cruise?

You should be in reasonably good health to join an expedition cruise, and a “Fit to Travel” assessment is essential before embarkation. This is particularly important as some expedition destinations are remote and far from shore-based medical facilities. The level of activity varies by voyage and excursion. You might join a Zodiac cruise, a shore landing, a hike or another expedition activity, while time onboard offers opportunities to relax.

Is there an age requirement to join an expedition?

Our Antarctic and Arctic expedition cruises and special cruises to remote areas are unsuitable for children under 8. With the express permission of the captain and the management, we allow children under the age of eight, but at least six, to take part in such expedition cruises, provided their parents/guardians have submitted a corresponding declaration of liability. Depending on the route, approval is limited to a maximum of 1 to 5 children under 8. For all other cruises, the minimum age for children is also 6 years, whereby the number of children per cruise is also limited.

What should I pack for an expedition?

Our expedition cruises are mainly concerned with what happens outside the ship, so dress codes are very relaxed. At breakfast and lunch, you’ll wear the clothes you'll be wearing outside (minus the outer gear). During the day around the ship, you’ll want casual trousers, jeans or smart sportswear, long-sleeve tops, thin jumpers, and a body warmer and/or other layers. It will be warm and comfortable inside. Evening is casual, too – perhaps pack a couple of casual shirts and skirts/dresses. Other clothes you’ll need will depend on where you’re sailing with us, so be sure to check the "recommended packing list" for your voyage in your travel guide.

What is included in an all-inclusive expedition cruise?

Swan Hellenic’s all-inclusive fares include your selected stateroom, all meals onboard, complimentary hot and cold beverages, selected beer, wine and spirits, 24-hour room service, onboard lectures, one selected shore excursion per port, expedition landings, Wi-Fi, gym, sauna, pool, laundry, a waterproof backpack, a refillable water bottle, Memory Package, onboard gratuities and port taxes. Your expedition experience also includes access to lectures and guidance from the expedition team and guest speakers. Onboard lectures add context to the destinations you visit, while Zodiac excursions and shore landings bring you closer to the landscapes and cultures explored during the voyage. For Cruise Plus itineraries, charter flights, group transfers, and one night of pre-cruise accommodation can also be included.