Penguins, princesses, and polar dreams: meet the explorer living her bucket list
"Being immersed in nature is always so exhilarating—it has a way of surprising us and drawing us into the moment."
She’s celebrated birthdays with penguins and Captains, planted a baobab in Madagascar, and dreamt under stars in Yemen. For seasoned solo traveler Pina Nadia Tarlecki, expedition cruising isn’t just a special getaway—it’s a lifestyle of curiosity, freedom, and unforgettable encounters…
Hi Pina, as someone who's often on the move, what do you love most about expedition-style cruises?
Pina: The intimacy of a small cruise ship—it’s socially inviting and inclusive. You feel like a participant, not just a passenger. Also, the efficiency of outdoor exploration. It means I have more time to connect with what matters—nature, solitude, and new friends. It makes me feel content and joyful!
How do you balance your active lifestyle with the more relaxed aspects of expedition cruising?
Pina: I use the beautiful infinity pool, the hot tub, or the sauna. The ship’s great amenities are an important part of the cruising experience for me, as they help me relax after excursions and warm up after polar adventures.
What’s your idea of the perfect day at sea?
Pina: Well, I’m not a morning person—so, I prefer warming up to activities after lunch. I like to ease into the day, taking in the scenery. Later, I love swimming, using the hot tub and sauna, and after dinner, the piano bar or disco dancing – it's a great way to celebrate with fellow travelers. I love sea days, as they can be a chance to slow down, prepare for the days ahead, and recharge my batteries.
Wandering Alone, Welcomed Everywhere
What’s your favorite thing about solo travel with Swan Hellenic?
Pina: I love being free to have quiet time in my cabin or interact with other guests. I’ve had many unforgettable encounters with fellow travelers, and have met authors, journalists, celebrities, lecturers, and even a princess—who I’m still friends with on Facebook and Instagram! My last two birthdays were celebrated on cruises. One on South Georgia island, and the other sailing the coast of Peru, with a beautiful dinner surrounded by new friends, the Captain, and a few officers, followed by dancing up on the pool deck.
How did the crew help make your experiences feel special?
Pina: The crew are always very helpful and attentive, remembering everyone’s name and anticipating your needs. The expedition staff are also on hand to share fascinating details about the birds, plants, and wildlife you encounter. It's a wonderful bonus to gain a deeper knowledge from the lecturers and naturalists like this, it enriches Zodiac adventures and your time on board, and increases your connection to the natural world.
What advice would you give a first-time expedition cruiser?
Pina: Make the most of all the activities and social events, and get to know your fellow passengers. Everything is taken care of for you—you really just have to show up well-rested! You have the freedom to kick back, relax, and explore the ship, attend lectures, and experience amazing places.
Where penguins gather and narwhals glide
How does it feel to be surrounded by nature in places like the Arctic or Antarctic?
Pina: Being immersed in nature is always so exhilarating—it has a way of surprising us and drawing us into the moment, making us feel present, alert, and curious. It’s a beautiful combination of satisfying my wanderlust and sharing that joy with the crew and new friends.
Which remote destination has left you speechless on your travels?
Pina: For me, it’s South Georgia—nowhere else compares! It’s truly unique and stands out as the most awe-inspiring place on Earth. When I visited, we encountered 200,000 very welcoming and curious penguins, who were cohabiting with seals and petrels. It was quite a sight and definitely something I’ll never forget!
What other unforgettable places have touched you on your voyages?
Pina: Tristan de Cunha, the most remote island in the world, has an amazing peaceful energy about it. And Nightingale Island, with its rockhopper penguins, is a very special spot too. I’ll never forget exploring these places, and the lasting impression they both had on me.
Can you share your biggest memories from your Canadian Arctic cruise?
Pina: Cruising a beautiful fjord with narwhals swimming alongside of our Zodiac was pretty amazing, and also visiting historical spots where explorers have trekked. The history of these awe-inspiring places really stays with you. When you’re on an expedition, surrounded by the rough conditions they had to cope with, it’s hard not to think of the explorers who didn’t make it back home.
Wonders of the world
What stood out most when you explored the west coast of South America?
Pina: The Atacama Desert really touched me—the flamingoes, the vastness of the desert, and the clear night sky lit up by millions of stars. It’s an experience that will stay with me forever. Paracas Desert’s red beach was also unforgettable.
What were the highlights of your voyage to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tanzania, and Kenya?
Pina: Camping on Socotra island, Yemen, was magical! I’ll always remember watching the beautiful night sky. Scuba diving in Zanzibar with two of the Captains and other friends onboard was really fun. And attending a local government reception in Lamu, Kenya, was very special too. A local band performed for us, before a ceremony where gifts were exchanged with officials—and the following day, my picture was featured in one of the Kenyan newspapers!
What were the highlights of your cruise to the Seychelles/Madagascar?
Pina: The Seychelles are my favorite place! I loved the beautiful beach in the Aldabras, the lemurs in Madagascar, and an excursion to visit plantations. The Avenue of the baobabs is stunning—planting my own baobab tree was such a wonderful experience. It felt like I was leaving a piece of myself behind.
What adventurous activities do you always seek out in coastal destinations?
Pina: Quad biking, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, surfing—I’m always ready for something thrilling! I also enjoy hiking. For instance, the hike in Bejaia, Algeria, I did on my Mediterranean cruise was both beautiful and immersive.
Explorer at heart, adventurer always
Which destinations are still on your bucket list?
Pina: There are many! I’d love to visit the Subantarctic islands, the Ross Sea, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands, the Pitcairn Islands, the Austral Islands, Noumea, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, and the North Pole. There’s always more—that’s the joy of being an explorer at heart!
What excites you most about your upcoming trip to Brazil’s coast?
Pina: Well, cruising the Amazon has always been a dream. I’m also excited to visit British Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana. I can’t wait to see Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—the desert dunes, sprinkled with lagoons are so unique.
Pina’s Top 3 moments
With so many unforgettable journeys behind her, it’s no easy task for Pina to pick favorites—but a few moments shine brighter than the rest…
1. Celebrating my birthday in Peru during a cruise (thanks to Mrs. Zito too). I felt so loved!
2. Our unexpected welcome to South Georgia Island from curious king penguins! They waddled over as we stepped out of our Zodiac, and it felt like they were trying to communicate with us. Their presence filled me with awe. In that moment, I felt a deep connection with these beautiful creatures—as if I were part of their world.
3. Visiting the bridge often, and feeling so welcomed. It feels really inclusive, and there’s a sense of being part of the journey, like we're all in it together.
For Pina, what began as a passion for exploration has grown into a way of moving through the world—a journey of discovery that continues to shape her story, one mind-blowing destination at a time. Here’s to many more adventures, unforgettable encounters, and moments that take her breath away!