Expedition cruising to the cold destination of Antarctica is becoming hotter than ever before. More brands are entering this segment offering travelers options to check off a visit to the “White Continent” from their bucket list.
I recently had the opportunity to experience Antarctica on Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega and below I’ve included some key takeaway points.
The SH Vega (named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage) is Swan Hellenic’s second-newest ship and made her maiden voyage in July 2022. The vessel’s equipment and hardware is quite advanced when compared to other expedition ships that sail to Antarctica.
Andrei Kohut, a 3rd Officer, met with me to share details on the technical specifications of the ship. Kohut noted that the SH Vega boasts a unique PC5 ice-strengthened hull, which is rare because only five passenger ships have this rating. The PC5 hull allows the vessel to operate year-round in first year ice of up to 5’11 thickness. This allows guests to experience traveling further into icy waters and exploring more of the Antarctic Peninsula up close.
Additionally, the vessel has extra-large stabilizers to make the guest sailing experience as smooth as possible. Kohut explained that the SH Vega far exceeds standard requirements with 12 stand-alone Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems used for navigation (industry standard is at least one backup).
There are two different types of radars and an ice radar that is capable of detecting various ice formations in conditions with no visibility. The vessel also has a sonar, and a dynamic positioning system. All of these features collectively help to ensure the safety and comfort of the guests and also aid in protecting the environment and wildlife.
SH Vega Bridge. (Photo Credit: Terika Haynes)
Sustainability efforts are made through their use of ultra-low sulfur fuel (as opposed to diesel), a specialized anti-fouling hull paint, and their no ballast exchange policy.
Onboard there are no plastic bottles and there is no incinerator. The ship’s engines are run at maximum efficiency with the lowest emissions possible while not compromising on the comfort of the guests. Kohut affirmed that the SH Vega is not considered to be a cruise ship by the crew, but rather an exploration ship based on all of the technology and safety features.
Staterooms: There are 76 total staterooms on the SH Vega with 80 percent of those rooms being balcony rooms. Each room includes a desk area as well as a seating area along with the bed. There are neutral tones and wooden notes throughout the room and the staterooms feature a unique fireplace which is electric and adds to the cozy ambiance of the room.
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Norwegian Viva is the newest vessel of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and the second ship in its award-winning Prima Class. Following its debut this past August and its inaugural summer season of European voyages, the ship hosted over 1,500 guests at the ceremony held in the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami.
When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably imagine sailing the tropical waters of the Caribbean, or navigating around the Greek islands. Your brain likely isn’t conjuring images of the sandswept deserts of Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Arabia strives to make itself more attractive for international tourism — making the process of getting a visa very easy, and establishing tourism-specific destinations like NEOM and AlUla. And thanks to its efforts, it’s become a desirable new destination for Red Sea cruises. Since the first cruise to Saudi Arabia in January 2022, sailings to the kingdom have multiplied. Right now Jeddah is the country’s main cruise port, though as tourism development continues throughout the region, more ports are likely to open. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast or a newbie, now’s the time to consider a Saudi Arabia cruise.
As a kid, I’d write letters to George Bass, an American professor of underwater archaeology who used to contribute to National Geographic magazine. He actually responded, and we carried on this correspondence for many years — me begging him to take me along on one of his expeditions, him always finding a reason not to. Until, many years later [following Mensun’s studies in ancient history and archaeology], he asked if I could be on the Greek island of Kos in a week’s time. I didn’t ask any questions. This was my open door, and I walked through it.
Travelers sailing to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions next season can sip free drinks and surf the web while gazing out at passing icebergs and watching for whales. The expedition travel company is offering complimentary Wi-Fi and alcohol to all guests starting with its 2024-25 Antarctica season, it announced today.
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CLIA meets with Greek Ministers, for the first time after the elections in June, to discuss how to maximise the benefits to Greece from cruising and help to unlock its potential for sustainable growth as a cruise hub.