There are cruises and then there are Swan Hellenic cruises. For those who are looking to venture off the beaten path and experience the remote polar regions in their total glory, then Swan Hellenic is the water-bound adventure for you. With more than 7 decades of experience under their belt, they have mastered the art of exploration among the Arctic and Antarctic accompanied by a premier luxurious atmosphere onboard. With dramatic coastlines, polar flora & fauna, and some of the most diverse remote experiences, the Swan Hellenic’s Arctic Expedition Cruise to Eastern Iceland & Greenland will leave you in a state of cerebral bliss. This 13-day cruise is worth it!
On Board
3 creatively conceived and purpose-designed polar class expedition ships, built for exceptional performance in high-latitude area to encompass a modern luxurious aura as you peer over the balcony to the lands of fire and ice. The rooms are chic and welcoming ranging from Oceanview staterooms to Premium Suites. The Oceanview staterooms feel as if you are walking into a modern boutique hotel in lower east village New York. They feature a sleeping setup for 2, a living room, and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. You also have an option with a balcony.
All the way at the top of the list is the Premium Suite which starts at $9,500 per person where one can indulge in extravagance. As you step foot into the suite you immediately feel at home. It features a super king bed and a separate living room where you can kick up your feet and enjoy your book peering at the ice-ocean view as the fireplace warms your feet. To top it all off you have a private balcony to take a step out and feel the polar wind flow through your hair as you enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
The best part about this cruise is once you step foot onto the ship you don’t have to do anything but enjoy the multitude of services provided. All meals are on board and these are not your regular meals. The Swan Restaurant is the main venue for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves international and regional cuisine centered around quality and creativity. The dinner is the crown jewel where you can enjoy a candlelit dinner with white tablecloths, linen napkins, and menus inspired and created in conjunction with renowned chefs who bring you the best possible dining experience aboard.
Next is the Club lounge which is a social space based around the principles of leisure and fun. Its expansive living room leads out to the al fresco pool grill and bar where you can enjoy a cocktail as you take a dip. Now the best part is the diversity of the Club lounge! At night the Club is where you want to be to socialize and enjoy snacks and drinks. Don’t forget about interactive lectures on Arctic flora & fauna they hold in Observation Lounge. If you want to take a step away from the crowd and seek silence and peace then the observation lounge is the place for you. An inviting lounge with fully panoramic views, the Observation lounge & bar is the ideal place to enjoy a sophisticated conversation or simply enjoy the wonderful views or spot the Aurora lights.
Don’t skip out on your hard-working routine just because you are on vacation! Hit the onboard gym, the morning stretch class, or chat with one of the professional body coaches. After a tough workout, hit the SPA to relax and revive in the sauna, or in an outdoor jacuzzi, or book a healing massage or facial treatment.
Trip Highlights – Excursions & Itinerary
So what does this Arctic expedition cruise entail?
This trip kicks off in the wonderful capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, where you have the opportunity to experience the most Northern capital in the world in its entirety. Take a trip to the countless national parks, volcanos (some are active), or the famous Blue lagoon considered one of the new Wonders of the World. Quaint and authentic bars, cafes, and shops await you along the geothermal waters. An overnight stay in Reykjavik’s luxury hotel is included in the cruise’s program.
The cruise’s first stop is the town in the Westfjords region of the Northwest island, Isafjordur. A picturesque town with a traditional wooden house with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here you get a taste of the smaller sides of Iceland with a population of a little under 3,000. It is rambling with fine art, lively cultural scenes, and most of all, home to many prominent musicians and composers!
On the way to Greenland, you spend a day at sea. It is a wonderful time to explore what the ship has to offer, listen to informative lectures by the expedition team, and reflect on the adventures you experienced the last 2 days.
The first port of call in Greenland is Ittoqqortoormiit. It may take you a while to get the pronunciation down but it won’t stop you from enjoying one of the most remote and breathtakingly beautiful towns in the North. This is a favorite amongst the passengers because thick sea ice makes Ittoqqortoormiit inaccessible by ship for nine months of the year. Currently, the town has around 450 residents, and although it may be small it packs a punch with colorful wooden houses and heartwarming locals.
In the following days, you get to explore the vast Scoresbysund fjord network. The Basalt Mountains surround all your points of view as you see white ice floating at your feet. Here you get the opportunity to experience some of the many animal species in Greenland such as polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and mountain hares along the sleek frozen shores. The Greenlandic ecosystem is known for the vast assortment of birds and with the help of the expedition team, you may find yourself gazing at little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenland gyrfalcon, and great black-backed gulls. If you are extra lucky you may find yourself starstruck by the seals and whales living in this wonderful ecosystem. Those enhanced expedition experiences are done with Zodiacs & Kayaks, that gives ability to make shore landings in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
The next part of the trip is one of the best. The King Oscar Fjord is a fjord in East Greenland marking the northern border of the Scoresby land Peninsula. The sea heads into the main fjord, formed by a maze of luscious green valleys where you can spot glaciers the size of skyscrapers and a sunset that may bring you to shed a tear.
Once again on the way back to Iceland, you have a day to detox and truly take in the memories you have just been a part of and enjoy elegant and sophisticated atmosphere on board, and the amenities of the ship’s facilities. The ships’ library contains rare publications and collector’s editions. Open bridge policy, hosted by Swan Hellenic, gives an amazing opportunity to spot sea inhabitants such as whales and dolphins. After a long period of traveling, I recommend enjoying a day at the SPA by Lajatica, featuring an exclusive retreat program, and finishing with dinner in the dining room and a cocktail in the panoramic lounge!
The trip to Eastern Iceland starts with Seydisfkordur. This town is at the innermost point of the fjord and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Iceland (and they have a lot!). Less than 700 people live in Seydisfjordur but it may be one of the most historically and architecturally fascinating towns in Iceland. It is truly the epitome of picturesque with welcoming locals and rich history of flourishing arts and culture.
Hofn is a small Icelandic fishing town perched on a narrow neck of land with a lot to offer. Most notably, the Vatanjökull National Park. It is also regarded as the lobster capital of Iceland and rightfully so. If you are in Hofn you must get your hands on as many lobster dishes as possible and if timed correctly you may run into the annual Lobster Festival.
Heiamaey is a cheerful, vibrant island in Iceland that draws people from all around the world. It is the largest and most populated island off the Icelandic coast and is a popular summer spot for rich and enjoyable activities. Take a look at the Beluga Whale sanctuary or explore the volcanic scenery on the island.
The journey has concluded, on the last day, you find yourself where you started with the opportunity to try some new things and sit back and reminisce on this grandeur out of this world adventure provided by the wonderful Swan Hellenic team. Disembark and head to the airport as you try your best not to regret staying for longer. Price: Starting at $9,500 USD per person. We suggest you to BOOK HERE your Arctic expedition well in advance.
Join Chic Icon on your lifetime expedition cruise to the Antarctic on February 8-21st 2023 to experience the amazing flora and fauna of this mysterious region. Fulfill your dreams on this bucket-list trip aboard a boutique expedition cruise of Swan Hellenic and experience epic landscapes and phenomenal wildlife! We are also preparing an exciting program with great networking opportunities, lectures, and self-awareness practices on board. Price: Starting at $12,874 USD per person and includes:
-Return regional flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (chosen by Swan Hellenic)
-Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation)
-One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
-All meals onboard
-24-hour room service
-Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
-Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
-Networking activities onboard
-Entertaiment and activities onboard
-Standard WiFi
-Onboard gratuities and port taxes
-One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
-Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots
-Gifts by Chic Icon
Don’t miss your chance to join Chic Icon Expedition Cruise, BOOK HERE your room in advance and get ready for a lifetime adventure! Use promocode CHICICON to guaranty your 3% discount.
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