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Swan Hellenic’s Hidden Waterways of Norway

Having been thoroughly impressed on a brief three day inaugural cruise from Nova Scotia to Boston with Swan Hellenic’s newly launched SH Vega last fall, I was anxious to see if a longer cruise would measure up. Slotting in a 12 day summer cruise of discovery from Tromso, Norway to Amsterdam aboard the sister ship SH Diana proved those three days weren’t a fluke.

Swan Hellenic , a legendary pioneer in expedition style cruising has re-emerged into this burgeoning sector of cruising with three brand new ships. The SH Vega , SH Minerva and the SH Diana pay homage to an iconic style of travel lost in modern times. These smaller intimate vessels offer classic luxury spiced with a casual mindset focused on intrepid destinations. No fuss or formality, it’s simply an experience that enhances the elements of refined cruising by adding enrichment into the wonders of nature by visiting mesmerizing destinations while being coddled by touch points of elegance.

With a capacity of only 192 guests our lady SH Diana is slightly larger than her two twin sisters but is still a small ship with big ship concepts that include a beauty shop, library, gym, spa, jacuzzi, heated infinity pool and a sauna with a view of the passing scenery. 

Land of the Northern Sights

In spite of the visual attractions onboard, it was the Diana’s unique itinerary of undiscovered ports that grabbed my attention. Norway doesn’t necessarily lend itself to the expeditionary style encountered in the Arctic or Antarctica, but the understated grandeur of its fjords and coastal beauty position this cruise as an adventure in a unique class of its own. The intimate size of the 5 star rated Diana allows navigation through secluded fjords and waterways inaccessible to larger vessels validating the company’s mantra of see what others don’t.  

After an overnight pre-cruise stay in the northernmost port of Tromso, Norway a morning stroll across the city’s main bridge reveals the unique architecture of the city’s famed landmark, the Arctic Cathedral. As Diana slips out of port under the never ending daylight of an Arctic summer, we head for the secluded fjords that await on our journey. 

Lofeten Islands

Squeezing our way through the majestic mountain walls that line the fjord of Trollfjorden we make our way to the remote Lofeten Islands and the charming village of Svolvaer. Like many quaint towns buried deep in the fjords, this village traces its roots back to the days when fishing ruled supreme. Complimentary excursions here and in each port delve into local history, culture and endemic Norwegian lifestyles. 

Svartisen Glacier

Never far from being swaddled in nature’s beauty, we find ourselves the next morning coming  face to face with the Svartisen Glacier with our excursion du jour venturing into the forested wilderness of  Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. These first hand encounters with nature’s splendor are enhanced by daily onboard enrichment presentations by a guest naturalist.

As the ship sails through the scenic waterways in late afternoons it’s only natural to gain an inimitable appreciation of the ship’s features. Never miss a sight as you take a short workout in the gym, a relaxing detox in the sauna and a warm soak in the hot tub, all with expansive views of nature’s bounty and for true indulgence there is nothing like a specialized Balinese massage in the ship’s spa. 

Outdoor adventures wind down in the evenings but adventures of the culinary kind spring alive with Swan Hellenic’s Culinary Ambassador initiative in the casual and contemporary Swan Restaurant. A trio of top chefs with acclaimed expertise have come together and designed world class gastronomy in menus that are perfectly paired with complimentary red and white wines. After dinner enjoy cocktails in the Observation Lounge with music by a talented entertainer with an amazing repertoire of songs.

Snuggle up for a restful sleep in your spacious suite with a faux fireplace crackling at the foot of your bed because tomorrow morning begins viewing the pastoral scenes of scattered farm houses perched on the slopes of the towering mountains. Room service breakfast served on our balcony, the mesmerizing cinema  of nature and coffee in hand quickly becomes a morning ritual.  

Every port brings new experiences, each one different than the one before. On Froya Island we drive through a massive wind farm before an exclusive tour of the Salmar salmon processing facility. Watch from an elevated and enclosed viewing platform as workers and automated robots process over 8,000 North Atlantic Salmon per hour. 

Urnes Stav Wooden Church

Visit abandoned WWII fortifications one day and the UNESCO designated Urnes Stave wooden church the next. Travel elevated roads high above isolated rivers and lakes, fly by cable car to lofty mountain tops, stroll the streets of characteristic villages or jet boat through fjords too small for ships. I’d cruised Norway previously but never explored it like this. 

Realizing that you can experience adventure without sacrificing a premium cruise product, I’m ready for more. I can imagine walking amidst penguin colonies in Antarctica, stalking giant whales at sea or filling Instagram quotas with polar bears or walruses in the Arctic. Integrating with the exotic cultures of the South Pacific or photographing the sights of Japan would be fascinating but the atolls of the Indian Ocean and Madagascar rank at the top of my Swan Hellenic bucket list. Stay tuned as I make my plans to see what others don’t ! 

Steve Leland

As a former Cruise Director, Steve has been cruising the world for the past forty years. Bringing a new dimension to cruise journalism, he continues to spin the globe searching for off the grid cruise adventures and unplugged destinations to share with Porthole Cruise Magazine readers.

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Swan Hellenic Cruises

About swan hellenic.

Swan Hellenic Cruises raisies the bar on expedition cruises. Their luxury polar ice-class ships offer innovative itineraries including the Arctic, Antarctic, the Russian Far East, South America and more. Explore destinations visited by few while enjoying intuitive service, luxury accommodations and spacious, relaxing public areas on one of Swan Hellenics two boutique ice-class vessels. With just 152 guests and 120 crew, guests will experience exceptional service.

The moment you step into your spacious en-suite stateroom you will feel right at home. The sophisticated décor includes earthy tones, subtle textures and organic design. An ultra comfortable bed, a luxurious bathroom and a separate living area makes this the perfect place to relax at the end of an adventurous day.

Dining onboard a Swan Hellenic cruise will tempt you with a broad variety of flavors and international delicacies. World renowned chefs will prepare culinary experiences from the destinations visited, pairing the latest international trends with regional specialties. Dining options are offered both inside and out depending on the weather. The menus offer an upscale, contemporary take on local regional influences boasting authentic flavors. Select quality wines, liquors, beers and soft drinks are complimentary.

The 150-seat Swan Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Club Lounge will tempt you with tapas-inspired fare, freshly made pizza, and seasonal local options in a comfortable setting with views of the pool and the sea. This casual spot also offers burgers, wraps and salads. Freshly baked light snacks, pastries, and a self-service coffee bar available round-the-clock. Espresso, café lattes, cappuccino and specialty teas are served in the comfortable café as well as 24-hour room service.

Expedition cruises bring out the curiousity in us all. Swan Hellenicc's unique itineraries offer guests a chance to visit many truly less traveled locations around the globe from the Arctic to Antarctica. Onboard, Swan Hellenic's team of expert and insightful experts will share their intimate knowledge and provide a scientific, geographic and historical understanding of the remote polar regions explored. Onboard you will also find the Expedition Lab offering a state-of-the-art photography lab where you can learn more about the art of photography to ensure that you capture the best images possible. Ashore guests will explore in 12-person hard-hulled zodiaks and will even have the opportuniy for polar yakaing and trekking.

Want to relax on board? Enjoy the on-board fitness and spa. Take advantage of instructor-led classes and stay fit in the state-of-the-art gym including everything from cardio machines and stretch bands to weights.

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LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISES Swan Hellenic Cruises elevates expedition cruises to a new level with exotic destinations that include Antarctica, the Arctic, the Russian Far East as well as sailings in Europe, Mexico, Alaska and the South Pacific.

ALL INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE To make your experience truly effortless, Swan Hellenic cruises include a one night pre-cruise hotel with breakfast, airport transfers, all meals and most beverages, lecture programs led by an experienced expedition team, wi-fi, gratuities, and more.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises 60% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + FREE GRATUITIES OR Onboard Credit

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10 Reasons Why Cruising Is The Best Way To See The Norwegian Fjords

V isiting the Norwegian fjords is the penultimate thing for any traveler to have on their bucket list. The stunning vistas and rolling green grass hills dotted with small Norwegian fishing towns are sites that are unique to the coastal inlets of this part of Scandinavia. However, reaching these small towns to see breathtaking cliffs and snowcapped peaks is not an easy feat; though scenic, it takes hours of driving through small winding roads from the "gateway" of the fjords (aka the city of Bergen), to reach even some of the most southernmost mountains. And to see the most breathtaking of these glacial valleys, travelers would have to drive further and further into remote Norway.

Want an easier, more comfortable way to see these amazing sites? Try cruising! And more specifically expedition cruising. Expedition cruising and river cruising—both kinds of cruises use smaller, often more luxurious boats than larger, more commercial cruise lines—offer a hassle-free way to visit the fjords and see them up close and personal all from comfortable quarters on the ship.

Cruise companies like Swan Hellenic and Hurtigruten Group Norway , are crafting a whole new industry of expedition cruising with sights on Norway. And even though many travelers are not "cruise people," cruising the Norwegian fjords is truly the best way to see these sites—here's why!

Related: 10 Stunning Fjords Tucked Away In New Zealand's Largest National Park

Small Ships Can Access Towns That Bigger Cruises And Cars Can't

Dotted along the inlets where the fjords give way to grassy, agricultural oasis, lie dozens of cozy, under-explored towns eager to welcome visitors to share their handicrafts and town culture.

Sometimes though, it's difficult to access these towns by bigger cruise ships due to the lack of deeper water ports or by driving given the cliffy roads and weather conditions. Often, expedition cruising is the only way visitors can come ashore to these scintillating small towns.

• Best Towns To Visit: Mandal, Ulvik, Tromsø, and Trollfjorden
• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic and Seabourn

Curated Experiences Onshore Takes The Hassle Out Of Planning

Cruising is a comfortable way of seeing any locale (especially if travelers abide by expert cruiser tips and tricks ) and one of the most convenient things about cruising in general are the curated expeditions that voyagers can choose from once at port.

Expeditions take the guesswork out of visiting a new location since everything is already planned—just show up and the guide will take it away!

• Best Expeditions To Take: Glacier Walks, Zodiac Boat Tours, and History/Cultural Walking Tours
• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: National Geographic and Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions

No Need To Pack And Unpack Between Towns

When road-tripping, travelers often move from town to town and hotel to hotel from day to day. This means lots of packing and unpacking of suitcases. Nothing is less appealing than driving a winding mountain road for hours and then having to unpack and get sorted.

Being on a cruise ship to the fjords means travelers get to enjoy the majestic mountains all from a space that travelers can call their own for the week or two they are on board. Some cruise lines have better storage than others, so be sure to book a room that makes sense!

• Best Cruise Lines Accomodation: Swan Hellenic's SH Diana

The Perspective From The Water Is Unreal

There really is something surreal about being right in the middle of two mountains rising vertically above everyone's heads. It's a feeling of being enveloped that really can't be appreciated unless completely in the middle of it all.

And, getting to see the glittering water stretched out in front of the boat is a completely unique experience while in the fjords. Ships like the SH Diana, SH Minerva, and SH Vega of Swan Hellenic's fleet feature mostly balcony rooms which come in handy when seeking out these stunning views.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic and Viking Cruises

Cruise Food Steps It Up On Expedition Cruises

Smaller format cruising means there is space and time for culinary staff to really cater to the tastes of its clientele. No mass buffets with ready-made pizzas or stale cookies; rather, think of an elegant menu featuring local Scandinavian tastes and ingredients all carefully crafted by world-renowned chefs.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Hurtigruten Expeditions , Seabourn, and Swan Hellenic

Related: 10 Scenic Towns in Norway To Spark Wanderlust

Use Travel Time For Fun, Not Wasting Away Behind The Wheel

Rather than spending hours and hours driving to reach a destination, cruising allows for travel time to become exploration time or fun time! Want to dance the night away while in-between ports? How about sipping a mimosa while mountain-watching? Or getting a luxurious array of spa treatments from Balinese massages to a fab mani/pedi?

On a cruise, all of that is possible in the time it gets to travel from town to town.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Seabourn and Swan Hellenic

All-Inclusive Pricing Allows Travelers To Plan

A hallmark of many cruises, the all-inclusive price model allows travelers to plan their finances for a trip and takes the sometimes nerve-wracking variable out of the holiday.

When cruising, travelers don't have to worry about keeping money on hand for necessities like food, beverage, and housing; no matter how much a traveler eats or drinks, the price is all the same. So instead, voyagers can set a more sure budget for other things!

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Viking Cruises and Seabourn

Lecturers Onboard Give Cultural Experiences Between Ports

Norway's fjords cruises, especially expedition cruises, often feature scientists, historians, and lecturers on staff that provide cultural classes on board for guests to enjoy between ports.

These cruises really want their travelers to be immersed in the nature and culture of their destinations and providing these educational outlets really elevates the learning experience.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Swan Hellenic, Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and National Geographic

Fjord Spot From The Hot Tub

How else can an avid traveler roll through the vistas of the Norwegian Fjords from the warmth and luxury of a hot top or swimming pool? This unique experience is singular to cruising through the fjords; some ships (like the SH Diana from Swan Hellenic) have outdoor hot tubs and panorama saunas to experience this extremely special way of viewing the landscape.

Expedition Cruises Are Sustainable For Conscious Travelers

The cruise industry is notorious for being wasteful in their mass production of things, but expedition cruising-- especially itineraries through the fjords and parts of the Arctic and Antarctic, aims to make their ships as sustainable and undetectable as possible.

CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, Hedda Felin , has led the charge in her company to reduce waste by 80% on ships; the company's first zero-emission vessel is set to sale by 2030. Rest assured, expedition cruising through the fjords means minimal environmental impact.

• Best Cruise Lines to Try For This: Hurtigruten, National Geographic , and Swan Hellenic

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* Terms & Conditions: No purchase is necessary to enter or win a cruise. By simply signing up to our e-newsletter, you will automatically be entered into the random “lottery”, which will take place at 12:00pm EST May 7, 2024. There is a limit of one entry, per valid email address, per eligible person. Existing Cruise Norway guests will automatically be qualified to be part of the lottery. You can pass along your prize to your friends or family in case you cannot travel yourself. The cruise can not be redeemed for cash. Swan Hellenic Vega, Svalbard Explored July 7-14, 2024 for two travelers.

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Swan Hellenic Cruise guests among first to experience 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Guests aboard Swan Hellenic’s boutique expedition cruise ship SH Diana were among the first in the world to witness the 2024 total eclipse of the sun. Grouped in the comfort of spacious decks, they enjoyed an immersive private experience with open views across the Gulf of California.

At just past 11 o’clock PDT, as the Swan Hellenic boutique expedition cruise ship SH Diana was sailing down the Gulf of California, it’s lucky guests were immersed in one of the longest total solar eclipses in recent years. At approximately 4 minutes and 25 seconds, today’s total eclipse was almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of 21 August 2017, and the last visible from the USA until 2044. What’s more, SH Diana’s guests were quite possibly the first people in the world to see it.

Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society has been accompanying guests throughout the cruise and was on deck with them again this morning to offer insights and pointers. Also there was Dr. Michael Shara of the American Museum of Natural History, who previously gave an expert talk so guests could experience the moment in even greater depth. Dr. Shara has also socialized with guests throughout their cruise in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

Marking the occasion, CNN interviewed Paul D. Maley aboard SH Diana on the day itself.

The eclipse occurred on the seventh day of a sellout 8-night cultural expedition cruise from Acapulco to La Paz (Pichilingue). At the time, SH Diana was sailing from Isla San José, in Espiritu Santo National Park, to the uninhabited Isla Las Animas, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, sea caves and mini fjords.

Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society comments: “What a fantastic experience! I’ve now been privileged to see 84 eclipses of the sun, but this one was by far the longest and most awesome. Experiencing it from the sea put it in a class of its own!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito adds: “It’s been a pleasure to offer our guests this very special private eclipse experience in the waters of the Gulf of California. And for them to have perhaps been the first in the world to see it! We always aim for Swan Hellenic guests to see what others don’t.”

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• Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Swan Hellenic Guests Among First to Experience It
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At just past 11 o’clock MST this morning, as the Swan Hellenic boutique expedition cruise ship SH Diana was sailing down the Gulf of California, it’s lucky guests were immersed in one of the longest total solar eclipses in recent years. At approximately 4 minutes and 25 seconds, today’s total eclipse was almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of 21 August 2017, and the last visible from the USA until 2044. What’s more, SH Diana’s guests were quite possibly the first people in the world to see it.

Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society has accompanied guests throughout the cruise and was on deck with them again this morning to offer insights and pointers. Also, there was Dr. Michael Shara of the American Museum of Natural History, who previously gave an expert talk so guests could experience the moment in even greater depth. Dr. Shara has also socialized with guests throughout their cruise in the Swan Hellenic tradition. Marking the occasion, CNN interviewed Paul D. Maley aboard SH Diana on the day itself.

The eclipse occurred on the seventh day of a sellout 8-night cultural expedition cruise from Acapulco to La Paz (Pichilingue). At the time, SH Diana was sailing from Isla San José, in Espiritu Santo National Park, to the uninhabited Isla Las Animas, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, sea caves and mini fjords.

Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society comments: “What a fantastic experience! I’ve now been privileged to see 84 eclipses of the sun, but this one was by far the longest and most awesome. Experiencing it from the sea put it in a class of its own!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito adds: “It’s been a pleasure to offer our guests this very special private eclipse experience in the waters of the Gulf of California. And for them to have perhaps been the first in the world to see it! We always aim for Swan Hellenic guests to see what others don’t.”

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Swan Hellenic's ship SH Diana hosts 2024 Solar Eclipse Cruise

Guests aboard Swan Hellenic ’s expedition ship SH Diana were treated to a rare celestial spectacle as they witnessed the 2024 total eclipse of the sun. Positioned comfortably on spacious decks, they were afforded panoramic views across the Gulf of California, creating an immersive private viewing experience.

At ~11 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 8, while SH Diana traversed the Gulf of California, her fortunate passengers were enveloped in one of the most prolonged total solar eclipses in recent memory. Lasting ~4 minutes and 25 seconds, this celestial event surpassed even The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, making it the longest eclipse visible from the USA until 2044. Remarkably, the guests aboard SH Diana may have been among the first individuals worldwide to witness it.

Accompanying the passengers throughout the cruise, Paul D. Maley of the NASA Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society provided valuable insights and guidance during the eclipse observation. Dr. Michael Shara from the American Museum of Natural History, who had previously delivered an expert lecture to enhance guests' understanding of the event, was also present on deck. Dr. Shara, adhering to the Swan Hellenic tradition, engaged with guests throughout the cruise.

The eclipse unfolded on the 7th day of a fully booked 8-night cultural expedition voyage from Acapulco to La Paz/Pichilingue . At the time, the ship was en route from Isla San Jose in Espiritu Santo NP  to the uninhabited Isla Las Animas, renowned for its stunning coral reefs, sea caves, and miniature fjords.