Unforgettable Arctic Adventures: A Swan Hellenic Cruise Experience in Svalbard
Introduction: Cathy & Mo’s Amazing Swan Hellenic Cruise to Svalbard
Are you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure?
Join Cathy & Mo as they share their unforgettable journey on a Swan Hellenic expedition cruise from Svalbard, ending in Iceland.
Their trip was filled with unique moments, from close encounters with polar bears to breathtaking landscapes and enriching cultural experiences. This post dives deep into the highlights, the best destinations, onboard experiences, and helpful tips for anyone planning a similar cruise.
Private Transfer and Warm Welcome in Copenhagen
Their journey began in Copenhagen. They were greeted with a Swan Hellenic private transfer from the airport to the hotel. Being picked up in a Mercedes-Benz S400 AMG with an extended wheelbase was a great start to the Luxury Expedition Cruise.
The driver was friendly and informative, answering all our questions on the drive through the city. The Copenhagen luxury hotel was well-located and comfortable, providing the perfect start to the cruise adventure.
Luxurious Start to Our Arctic Adventure. A Stay at Skt. Petri Hotel in Copenhagen
Cathy and Mo’s Arctic adventure to their Swan Hellenic Cruise began with a luxurious stay at Skt. Petri Hotel in Copenhagen. This stylish and centrally located hotel was part of their cruise package. They were greeted by modern Scandinavian design and first-class amenities in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic Latin Quarter.
Skt. Petri offered them easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, setting the perfect tone for their upcoming expedition. This elegant stay ensured their journey started with comfort and sophistication before embarking on the cruise.
Pre-Cruise Flight. Copenhagen to Longyearbyen
One of the standout features of the Swan Hellenic Cruise to the Arctic package is the included pre-cruise charter flight from Copenhagen to Longyearbyen, adding an extra touch of luxury and convenience. After a relaxing stay at the stylish Skt. Petri Hotel, Cathy & Mo enjoyed a stress-free journey with a direct charter flight, eliminating the need for multiple layovers or complicated travel logistics. This seamless connection allows guests to transition effortlessly from Copenhagen’s vibrant city to Longyearbyen’s remote Arctic gateway.
This added convenience elevates the entire experience, making it the perfect start to the Arctic luxury cruise adventure. By bundling the flight into the cruise package, Swan Hellenic ensured that our Arctic journey was luxurious from the very first moment.
Boarding the MS Vega in Longyearbyen
Arriving in Longyearbyen, they boarded the Swan Hellenic Cruise Ship, MS Vega, a relatively new vessel that had only been around for two years. They were excited and ready for the Swan Hellenic Arctic cruise.
From the first moment, the staff was welcoming, and the ship was pristine. Their stateroom had ample storage and a private balcony, offering magnificent views of the Arctic landscapes. MS Vega Longyearbyen’s embarkation went seamlessly.
The crew made it a point to learn your name, and they felt very welcome. Cathy & Mo made some new friends and could often find someone in the lounge to visit with.
Unforgettable Shore Excursions in Svalbard
The Svalbard shore excursions with the Swan Hellenic cruise were among the most memorable parts of our trip. Cathy and Mo enjoyed all the zodiac cruises, whether to get close to see the birds nesting or, most excitingly, to observe a polar bear or puffins. They were excellent. Cathy and Mo also loved all the land excursions in Svalbard.
One of their favorite excursion was the visit to Grimsey Island puffin sightings. There were thousands of puffins everywhere – one of Cathy’s favorite birds! Along with crossing the Arctic Circle, it is incredibly high on the list of favorites.
Everyone needs to go on an Arctic Circle cruise experience!
Dining and Entertainment Aboard the MS Vega
Swan Hellenic cruise dining on MS Vega was consistently excellent. The MS Vega dining experience included buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and a five-course à la carte dinner. On one occasion, a slight issue with my Mo’s meal was immediately addressed, showcasing the staff’s attentiveness. Mo didn’t even tell them that the steak was not his liking; they noticed when he cut into it and replaced the meal immediately.
Swan Hellenic cruise entertainment in the evening was limited to piano performances and games; the social atmosphere with fellow travellers made up for it.
But honestly, they were up early so Cathy could get to the fitness center (which was excellent), and then excursions or lectures started. We were typically ready for bed by 9:30, and dinner was often wrapping up around nine as they would sit with other guests and enjoy conversations.
Wildlife Encounters: Polar Bears and Puffins
The wildlife on our Swan Hellenic Cruise left a lasting impression. Their primary goal was to have Svalbard polar bear sightings, and they were lucky enough to spot them twice!
Grimsey Island, with its thousands of puffins, was another unforgettable experience.
Unique Cultural Experiences on our Arctic Cruise
One of the standout cultural moments was a visit to Jan Mayen Island, where Mo met the commander of the Nordic base. This Nordic base on Jan Mayen Island stood out. This isolated island is a rare opportunity, making it a truly unique experience during the Swan Hellenic Cruise. A Swan Hellenic cultural experience like this was terrific during the Jan Mayen Island cruise visit.
Expert-Led Expeditions and Lectures
The Swan Hellenic expedition team on board was outstanding. They offered enriching Arctic wildlife lectures, including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. The Swan Hellenic cruise photographer also captured stunning images throughout the trip and shared them with guests post-cruise. Which was fantastic because she had much better equipment than the guests had, and her pictures were outstanding!
Practical Tips for Future Swan Hellenic Travelers
Cathy has a few Swan Hellenic packing tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
Swan Hellenic cruise ships have laundry facilities available onboard. You can pack light. Three small washers and dryers are provided. Since you can do laundry, you do not need to take enough clothes for two weeks.
If you plan accordingly, you can significantly reduce the number of clothes necessary. Also, it is relatively warm on the boat, so you should bring clothes to wear while enjoying the amenities on the ship.
We were fortunate to have relatively nice weather. On the ship, I (Cathy) often wore a skort with sandals and a short-sleeved shirt. I kept my fleece jacket with me at all times. You never know when you need to pop outside to see wildlife.
Also, they provide one pair of Swan Hellenic cruise binoculars in the room that you can take with you for the week, but I recommend you bring a second pair if there are two of you, as you may not want to share when you are watching for whales or the polar bears. 😊
Smaller Ship, Big Adventure: Comparing Cruises
Having experienced both large ocean cruises and smaller river cruises, the Swan Hellenic cruise stood out as a more intimate and luxurious experience.
The MS Vega’s smaller size made it feel more personal, and they particularly enjoyed the fitness center and hot tub after long days of exploring. It was the perfect size for a small ship on an Arctic cruise.
Cathy says she has never been a big fan of big ship ocean cruises. They did their first river cruise earlier this year. This voyage with Swan Hellenic was by far Cathy’s favorite!
Cathy cruised with Quark to Antarctica in 2011 and loved that as well.
However, the ship for that trip was less luxurious than the MS Vega, which was the perfect size.
The crew was excellent, and the ship had some nice amenities. The MS Vega fitness center had two treadmills, three Spin bikes, one rowing machine, free weights and enough room for me to work out. Of course, not many people were using the fitness center, so it was nice for the few who did! It also had a small pool and a hot tub.
Why We Recommend Swan Hellenic Cruises
Cathy recommends Swan Hellenic Cruises to anyone who enjoys smaller, more intimate cruise experiences with personalized service. Swan Hellenic is an excellent choice. From friendly staff to well-planned excursions, the entire experience was fantastic, and they would sail with them again for any Swan Hellenic luxury expeditions that fit with where I want to go.
Ready to Plan Your Arctic Expedition?
Swan Hellenic offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort if you’re looking for a luxurious yet adventurous Arctic cruise. Whether chasing wildlife sightings or savoring fine dining, this expedition is a must-try for travel enthusiasts.
Reach out to us to book your unforgetable Swan Hellenic Cruise
Reach out to Plenty of Sunshine Travel to have your cruise to the Arctic!
