An Arctic Cruise with Swan Hellenic: Summer Reimagined

Choosing an Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic for a summer holiday isn’t the norm. While most of us instinctively reach for sunshine and sandy beaches, our Head of Cruise, Lauren Wood, swapped sun loungers for glaciers, wildlife and the remote wilderness of Svalbard, sailing aboard SH Vega with her partner and teenage stepson after he'd finished his GCSEs.

As one of the first members of the Destinology team to experience this particular circumnavigation of Svalbard, Lauren returned with hundreds of photographs, plenty of stories, and an even greater appreciation for expedition cruising. We caught up with her to discover what surprised her most, the wildlife encounters she'll never forget, and why she'd recommend an Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic to almost anyone.

1. You chose an Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic for your summer holiday. What was it about Svalbard that made it feel like the perfect adventure?

We wanted to do something completely different to our usual beach holiday – something that would be exciting but educational too. Svalbard ticked every box. None of us had ever experienced anything like it before, and it felt like a real adventure rather than just another holiday.

2. Before travelling, what did you expect from Svalbard, and what surprised you most when you finally arrived?

If I'm honest, I didn't really know what to expect apart from it being cold! What completely took me by surprise was just how beautiful and peaceful it was. The silence is unlike anywhere I've ever been, and the scenery almost doesn't look real.

3. Svalbard is one of those places that feels almost unreal. When was the first moment you thought: "Wow, we're somewhere really special"?

Honestly, the moment we landed in Longyearbyen. Even the airport sets the tone, with the stuffed polar bear greeting you by the luggage carousel, and then you walk outside to see the famous polar bear warning signs. It genuinely felt like stepping into another world. And the amazing thing was that it never really stopped, every single day seemed to bring another 'wow' moment. It really was the gift that kept on giving.

4. One of the reasons people choose an Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic is the expedition team. How did their knowledge change the way you experienced Svalbard?

The expedition team were incredibly knowledgeable across so many different subjects, from wildlife to Arctic history. You could really tell how passionate they were about the destination and how much they wanted to share their stories with the guests, and that enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone onboard. It made every landing and wildlife sighting feel much more meaningful.

Svalbard Wildlife Checklist

No two sailings are ever the same - nature remains the expedition director - so no sightings are ever a given, but this is the wildlife you have a chance of spotting: 

• Polar bear
• Arctic fox
• Reindeer
• Walrus
• Blue whale
• Minke whale
• Puffins
• Ivory gulls
• Seals

5. Were there any lectures or conversations that really stayed with you after your Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic?

One talk I absolutely loved was about Andrée's failed Arctic balloon expedition. It was fascinating because it wasn't just about exploration – it was such a human story. I enjoyed those talks that had a real emotional connection, and I actually bought one of the books they recommended afterwards because I wanted to learn more. I’m excited to get stuck into it and relive the cold of the Arctic… now just in slightly warmer weather! 

6. Wildlife is one of the biggest reasons people book an Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic. What were your most memorable encounters?

We were incredibly lucky with the wildlife. Seeing a polar bear from the Zodiac eating a seal in the wild was one of those genuine pinch-me moments that I'll never forget. It’s really moving but it just reminded us of the power of nature, and how small humanity is compared to the natural world. But I have to say that seeing two blue whales together was equally incredible. The Captain actually told us that in 33 years at sea, it was only the third time he'd ever seen that happen. That made it feel even more special.

7. SH Vega carries just 152 guests, creating a much more intimate atmosphere than many expedition ships. How did that shape your experience?

It really did feel like a little family by the end of the trip. Everyone shared photos, swapped wildlife stories and got excited for each day's adventures together. We ended up having dinner with people we'd met onboard and spent hours hearing about all the incredible places they'd travelled to. As someone who works in travel, it’s so lovely to see that kinship and sense of community we talk about in real life, and it added a lovely social side to the holiday without ever feeling overwhelming.

8. Expedition cruising is all about adventure, but SH Vega is also incredibly comfortable. What did you love most about life onboard?

It was just so relaxing. Knowing everything was included meant we never had to think twice about ordering a drink or deciding where to eat. Our balcony cabin was so spacious, the bed was unbelievably comfortable, and after a day out exploring it always felt lovely coming back onboard. The flame effect fireplace was a particularly cosy touch – just seeing it made us instantly feel a bit warmer after a day outside! 

9. You travelled with your 16-year-old stepson after his GCSEs. What made this such a brilliant trip for families or multi-generational travellers?

Before we went we did wonder whether there'd be enough to keep a 16-year-old entertained. But by the end of the first day we knew we needn’t have worried! There were usually two expedition activities every day, and he actually struggled to keep up with us some days. He absolutely loved the kayaking excursions, spent time in the gym (which he said was never too busy) and, because there was always something happening, he never once looked bored. It ended up being a holiday we'll all remember for completely different reasons, and I hope he’s made some great memories before college starts. 

10. After a day exploring glaciers and wildlife, what was your favourite moment back onboard?

One evening, one of the expedition leaders gave an impromptu performance in the lecture theatre and everyone ended up singing along. Anyone who knows me will know that is exactly my vibe, I can’t resist a sing song! It was such a fun atmosphere. Then I looked outside and realised the sun was still shining... at midnight. It was one of those surreal Arctic moments that made us all smile. 

11. Was there a particular moment during your Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic that you'll never forget?

For me, it was actually the smaller moments. The knowledge of the team, the fantastic service after a morning spent outdoors. Sitting with a book, looking out at glaciers drifting past the balcony, with nothing but silence around us. It really made me appreciate what an incredible planet we live on. 

12. What were you glad you packed, and what could you have left at home?

My hand warmers were an absolute lifesaver on some of the colder Zodiac cruises – I knew it was going to be cold, but I think I actually underestimated just how cold it would feel. I felt the full force of the temperature when I braved the polar plunge... it was so invigorating and I'm proud of myself for completing, but wow. I'd definitely recommend packing everything you can to keep warm! What I didn't need was about ten pairs of shoes! That's a slight exaggeration... but honestly, I wore the same comfortable pair for most of the trip because the atmosphere onboard is just so relaxed.

What to Pack for an Arctic Cruise: Lauren’s Essentials

• Hand warmers 
• Waterproof gloves
• Sunglasses (the glare from snow and ice is stronger than people expect)
• A few smaller layers rather than one bulky coat
• A good camera, and a gimbal to steady you if you’re serious about your content!
• Lip balm/moisturiser (the Arctic air is unforgiving!)
• A good book for afternoons on board

13. Finally, if someone is thinking about booking their first Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic but isn't quite sure, what would you say?

Just do it. It's honestly a whole new way of travelling and unlike any holiday I've ever taken. You come home with stories that you'll be telling for years and genuinely a new perspective on life. I can almost guarantee you'll start looking at where you can go next. I know I am – I was toying with Antarctica before this trip, and now it’s firmly on my list. The planning has started! 

10 Things You’ll Never Forget on an Arctic Cruise with Swan Hellenic

1. Watching a polar bear move through its natural habitat
2. Stepping ashore where very few people have ever walked
3. Seeing glaciers calve into the deep blue water
4. Waking up to a completely new view outside your balcony each day
5. Spotting whales from the deck
6. Learning the stories behind the landscape from Swan Hellenic’s experts
7. The midnight sun – it is so surreal
8. Sharing stories wildlife sightings with fellow guests 
9. Returning from a Zodiac landing to a warm (or strong!) drink
10. The feeling that the world is so much bigger and diverse than you realised

Inspired to experience Svalbard for yourself?

An Arctic cruise with Swan Hellenic is one of the most sought-after expedition voyages we offer, combining incredible wildlife encounters with expert-led exploration and the comfort of boutique, all-inclusive luxury aboard SH Diana, SH Vega or SH Minerva. 

If Lauren's journey has inspired your own, speak to our Cruise Concierges. Having experienced luxury cruises with Swan Hellenic first-hand, our team can help you choose the perfect sailing, stateroom and departure for your own adventure to the Northern Europe.  

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