The High Arctic - By Jane Wilson (Expedition Operations, Swan Hellenic)

The Arctic has been the lure for many explorers over the centuries. And modern-day explorers continue to discover the wonders of this polar region. Swan Hellenic owns newly built Polar Code compliant expedition vessels that provide a safe and elegant platform to explore the Arctic from. The company has been operating cultural and environmental cruises for more than 70 years and draws on their experience to offer you an enriching experience in this remote polar wilderness. Travelling on relatively small ice hardy ships with shallow drafts and a flotilla of zodiacs, Swan Hellenic provides the opportunity to visit places that larger ships cannot even venture to. All this you can experience from the comfort of your well-appointed stateroom and elegant public spaces.

What will I see?

In a ‘nut shell’: unique wildlife, sea-ice, snow, glaciers, mountains, tundra, a remote wilderness, unique First Nations communities and evidence of more recent history of exploration.

There are more than 36 mammals living in the Arctic (17 of them are marine species), and each has successfully adapted to one of the most challenging environments on earth.

A birdwatcher’s paradise, keen-eyed guests will see black-legged kittiwakes, black guillemots, arctic terns, ivory & glaucous gulls, and some tundra shorebirds. High above, peregrine falcons and skuas circle their prey. One of the most unique events occurs in summer when thousands of seabirds like Murres and Guillemots return to shore for mating season. To avoid predators, they nest on cliff faces, and these are a spectacular sight – especially from one of the ship’s zodiacs being guided by your onboard expedition team.

Watch closely ashore for arctic fox, arctic hare and reindeer that track across the tundra which is covered in colourful wildflowers in the high summer. Hardy muskoxen may be seen grazing in the high Arctic. In the inky black waters, bowhead, humpback and minke whales can be seen when they come to the surface to breathe. Orca may also be in the vicinity as they are top predators to some marine life. On the water surface, you'll have the chance to see white belugas, narwhals, ringed seals and walrus. Bearded seals and Walrus are a common site hauled out on ice floes and sometimes beaches.

The Polar Bear is the iconic symbol of the Arctic, and your best chance at spotting one is when they're roaming vast land and sea ice in search for food. Of course, there's no guarantee but there is always a keen lookout among the crew, staff and guests. A region of dramatic scenery forms the backdrop. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers and unique landforms from fjords to monumental cirques are ever present. A destination that was only recently fully-charted by navigators from the last century.

The Midnight Sun is an experience for most who come from lower latitudes. It also means wildlife can be observed at any time of day or night. When the darkness returns in fall, northern lights become apparent - yellow, green, red and violet that fill the sky. On a clear night, Greenland is one of the best places on the planet to view the aurora borealis. Arctic communities may be small, but they're full of life. Longyearbyen, an old mining town, in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, has a university, a sports center, and a modern active community. Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk, in Greenland, offer opportunities to visit rare historical sites and learn about colorful Greenlandic folklore. The smaller Greenlandic communities are picturesque with colourful buildings and fishing boats. The sled dogs are ever present being looked after and waiting their turn to become the winter transport. The Arctic Canadian communities are proud First nations and full of cultural symbols. An area full of legends, the Arctic is rich in historical sites. The region is dotted with abandoned whaling stations, expedition base camps, and hunting and trapping camps. Evidence of early exploration through the Northwest Passage and North Pole endeavours can be seen in local museums and at some historic sites.

Where should I go?

The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents and countries (Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, USA, Canada). The magic Arctic Circle line of latitude is approximately 66°33' N – north of which you will experience the midnight sun. The most popular regions for Swan Hellenic expedition cruising are Svalbard, Greenland and Arctic Canada.

How will I get there?

To join a vessel there are many ports where the journey may begin, sometimes a long way south like Bergen or Reykyavik where you can combine some sub Arctic destinations and travel to the arctic. In the high Arctic you may fly into Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) or Iqualuit (Nunavut, Canada). Once onboard you are well looked after and the expedition team use our zodiacs to take guests off the ship. These small boats have been designed for manoeuvrability so that everyone can get up close and personal with their majestic surroundings.

What activities can I do?

On a typical day we will be arriving at a destination that the captain and expedition leader have chosen (depending on navigation and weather). The expedition team will scout the area for safe landing and absence of Polar Bear, then you will go ashore to explore and hike the magnificent landscape. If Polar Bear are present we will stay a safe distance and zodiac cruise. But there is no typical day as, wildlife and weather dictate. If whales, bears or walrus are spotted, any time of the day or night, the captain may slow the ship down and provide us with an opportunity to view the wildlife in an environmentally sensitive manner. As well as our daily zodiac excursions there are opportunities for polar kayaking, hiking and for the brave… The Polar Plunge. All of our activities are conducted according to safe and environmentally responsible practices for the region that we want to enjoy and preserve. The Swan Hellenic expedition team are your onboard experts who will guide you in the zodiacs and ashore while interpreting the natural wonders onsite and through onboard presentations. Ornithology, history, marine mammals, photography are some of the themes that the team are expert in.

What should I wear?

The climate can be harsh and it can snow at any time, so the best advice is to dress in layers and make sure you are waterproof. Swan Hellenic will provide you with a polar waterproof jacket & bag, and ‘loaner’ boots for zodiac wet landings. Gloves, good socks, head-wear and ‘neck-tubes’ are a must. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessary. An Arctic experience aboard a polar class vessel with your Swan Hellenic experts will be unforgettable. Travel with Swan Hellenic and see what others don’t….

www.swanhellenic.com