What Makes Swan Hellenic Expedition Ships Special
SWAN HELLENIC Diana, the third ship to enter service for the company (in May 2023), is certainly a beauty of a cruise ship. Considered a small ship with 192 passengers with 120 crew members, she is a special breed. Purpose-built for polar expeditions, Diana and her sisters have ice-breaker hulls and are futuristically eco-conscious both in mechanics and those little extra touches that will impress all who aspire to travel with a light footprint. As a lucky recent passenger, this article shares just a few of the reasons you will want to explore the planet with this wonderful company.
I shared some of the stats in a former blog post on this website…feel free to check it out in this link.
The itinerary for this 10-night sailing in Norway began with a Christening of Diana by the Godmother, Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel in NYC. Witnessing a ship Christening for the first time was exciting, and surprisingly loud! Treated afterwards with champagne, we enjoyed sunshine on the pier in beautiful Amsterdam before embarking excitedly. A beautiful luncheon was prepared by a fantastic chef from Germany. Special, to be sure.
As is customary on cruises, our bags were delivered to verandah stateroom 512. I will share more photos of the ship below. We were each given a large expedition dry bag, complete with stainless steel water bottles, and the refrigerator had a half-bottle of champagne to continue the party! Additionally, they offer a refillable glass water bottle beside the coffee/tea maker and several mugs and glasses in the cupboard.
While top shelf adult beverages are extra, we could indulge in wine, beer and spirits to our hearts’ content during the voyage. It certainly was fun that our staff, especially Allen in the evening at the bar, learned quickly my preference for red wine. The second evening he introduced me to a “special” bottle from France, and there was enough on board for him to treat me every evening. Nice touch, Allen!
The controls for room temperature were a bit tricky and temperamental, but we managed nicely on this trip by opening our sliding door for fresh air while sleeping. Additionally, you should know that in Europe, generally the beds do not have both a top sheet and a duvet. I requested right away to remove the comforter inside ours and we used the extra blankets in the cupboard instead. That works!
Lighting, likewise, took some practice, but we loved having dimmer options in the room, as well as enough lumens beside the beds for reading. It was also fun to have both a lighted make-up mirror in our spacious bathroom and a desk one that flipped up to be used similarly.
Being a small ship, we never even had to use the elevators (except when disembarking with our bags), but they were fast and efficient for those who needed them.
We loved the “pool deck” aft, with nice warm water to swim in and comfy seating. There were heaters in a couple of areas, and in nicer weather, even a bar with stools! We looked out on the zodiacs, and it’s almost an infinity pool to look out at the ship’s wake and stunning nature beyond. There is an additional smaller jacuzzi outside the Spa, and the sauna had a large picture window for nature viewing as well. The steam room was wonderful, and we did the circuit one day with a much-needed rest in the relaxation room. While we did not have a massage or other treatment, one new friend who did said it was one of the best ever.
The “Base Camp” area was extra cool. If we were anchored and not docked, we would embark on the tender boats from here. One day they allowed us a chance to give the zodiacs a whirl…that was fun. This cruise did not require them since we were not actually doing polar excursions. On the last day of cruising, the captain announced a chance to do a fjord plunge. What a blast, complete with an aquavit shot afterwards! Each of us received a “Viking Plunge” certificate, too. I have to say, I will never forget doing this. If you ever get the chance, PLUNGE!
When traveling with Swan Hellenic, you will have a cultural and science-minded experience. Our professor provided lectures during the voyage to enhance the cruise. While not an intellectual in my own mind, I do appreciate learning while traveling. Each guide that SH hired for our included excursions brought interesting facts and stories to the trip. On the one adventure we actually paid more for in Bronnoysund, we did a hike up a mountain in Trollfjorden, a neighboring island. The guide actually hid and changed into a TROLL for us! Ha, that was a treat. It’s those little things that make a trip memorable, right?
The entertainment for us was a piano player/singer named Romeo. He was talented, to be sure, and was always willing to fulfil our requests. Most evenings it was a bit too sleepy…perhaps by design? Maybe they didn’t want us sitting at the bar late into the night? I am not sure. Grin. The staff in the Observation Lounge was incredible, and they hustled with a smile when called upon. The seating was grouped comfortably with both loungers and club chairs, along with low cocktail tables. A great gathering spot, it was also utilized for lectures, excursion talks, and to gather before excursions. Just off to the side was a wonderful card room…nice for opening your laptop and getting a bit of work done, too.
There is a library down near Base Camp, along with a room that can be used for science “classes”. This could be another great quiet spot if you are done socializing and want to read or do a puzzle in peace. There were also games and puzzles in both this room and the much larger observation room.
The FOOD. I cannot say enough about the FOOD! Chef Eddy was amazing in the variety, presentation, and taste of our meals on SH Diana. Dinners were especially incredible, with unique choices every evening. One side of the dinner menu offered choices that were available every night, too. Oh my gosh, I have never in my life eaten so well and so happily for ten nights in a row. The buffet choices during breakfast and lunch were also special and plentiful. The soups were all amazing. One day Chef Eddy personally prepared and served us outside in fresh air by the pool a delicious and beautiful scallop soup, shell and all. Just watching him complete all the steps for each of us who patiently waited was fascinating.
Oh, and please, do not worry if you have special dietary requirements. They were ready for anything. We had strict kosher diners on board along with gluten free folks, and they were very pleased. Food photos are wonderful, but they sure cannot give you the most important taste test. Not only is the cuisine on board a Swan Hellenic ship beautiful, but it makes your taste buds sing.
There are so many wonderful reasons to sail with a Swan Hellenic expedition or cultural journey. “GO WHERE OTHERS DON’T”. This is not your typical cruise, to be sure. But don’t simply take my word for it. Allow me to help you to schedule your own life-changing adventure so you, too, may see and immerse yourself in a part of the world you have been longing to visit.
Enjoy the photos…so tough to choose the ones to share with you! Peace, Bobbie
