Experience this extraordinary cruise with internationally renowned photographer, Wil Photography, to help you capture your once-in-a-lifetime moments while on this Arctic adventure.
Booking your cruise with the Wil Photography Experience will give you exclusive access to Wil throughout the cruise at no extra cost, from lectures on how to get the most out of your camera, and being in the best places to get the best shots, to small group workshops where you’ll receive personalised guidance from Wil.
With Wil’s expertise, you will work towards capturing those iconic shots on an unforgettable adventure which will inspire and transform your photography.
To go ahead and book this cruise with your exclusive Wil Photography Experience, simply fill in the form below, and a Swan Hellenic representative will be in touch shortly to complete your booking. Only 40 places available for the Wil Photography Experience.
Join Wil on board Swan Hellenic’s boutique luxury expedition ship, SH Vega, on a round trip from Iceland to Greenland and back offering unique opportunities to photograph stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Embark on a captivating Iceland to Greenland round trip luxury cruise, beginning and concluding in the charming capital city of Reykjavík. This journey takes you from Iceland to the breathtaking fjord systems of Scoresby Sund in Greenland, before venturing north to the mesmerizing King Oscar Fjord. Along the return voyage, explore Iceland's stunning Westfjords region.
Discover an array of fascinating locations, starting in the vibrant city of Reykjavík with its Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall. In Greenland, explore the intricate Scoresby Sund fjords in search of wildlife. Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, a remote town brimming with history and unique culture. As you approach Iceland, marvel at the picturesque landscapes of Ísafjörður and the serene Vigur Island, a haven for seabirds. Engage in a variety of activities to enrich your cruise experience.
Onboard, delve into lectures with guest speakers including, Bill Diamond, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute President and CEO. Optional kayaking adventures offer a unique perspective on the polar landscapes. Make the most of time at sea by enjoying the ship's observation decks and mingling with fellow travellers, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1
Make sure there is sufficient time to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
Expedition activities available - speak to the team to find out more
Day 2
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures.
Days 3 - 5
The vast Scoresbysund fjord network is framed by imposing basalt mountains. Serving as a barrier against Arctic winds, the mountains create a haven for Greenland's wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares. The area teems with birdlife like little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, Greenlandic gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are common sightings in the fjord's waters.
Expedition activities available - speak to the team to find out more.
Day 5
In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.
Days 6 - 7
Kong Oscar Fjord forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound. This seemingly endless maze of valleys eventually gives way to the open sea. The imposing mountains, deep waters and sparkling ice create a dramatic and emotive landscape, beautiful and imposingly hostile all at once. The fascinating Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata, formed millions of years ago when the mountains here were once part of the seabed.
Day 8
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures.
Day 9
Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town and cultural centre in northwest Iceland with cafés, restaurants and museums. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.
Day 10
Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.
Day 10
The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.
Day 11
Make sure there is sufficient time to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
When you choose Swan Hellenic to see what others don’t - you can be sure you’ll do so with a full perspective and real insight into the history, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of each destination. Briefings before each disembarkation and recaps afterwards supplement their lectures and talks, stimulating a relaxed social environment that encourages the sharing of experiences.
This is a Cruise Plus sailing, perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of!
What’s INCLUDED:
Cruise fairs include all onboard meals, 24-hour room service, select drinks and more. One shore excursion per port is also included in your price, so you don’t have to worry about escalating costs when exploring your incredible surroundings.
Along with your exclusive Wil Photography experience, there will be a team of friendly experts on board to enrich your expedition experience, offering insight into the wildlife, history and geology of the incredible places you visit.
In Partnership with SETI Institute
As this particular sailing is in partnership with SETI Institute, SETI Institute President and CEO will be on board as a guest speaker, providing guests with expert insights into astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology, and planetary science discoveries.
Wildlife
There are plenty of wildlife experiences waiting for you in the Arctic - like seeing a polar bear for the first time. With an abundance of animals, birds and marine life, you’ll feel closer to nature than ever.
Staterooms
Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom.
A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends with the natural world with exceptional comforts.
Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m2 (215ft2) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Cruise Plus
From £6,735pp
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m2 (269ft2) – including a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Cruise Plus
From £8,085pp
Amenities also include a smart HDTV, individually-controlled air-conditioning, stocked minibar with snacks, soft drinks & beer, Illy Espresso coffee machine with pods, kettle and Kusmi tea bags, towels for cabin, pool and gym, bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and toiletries by Lajatica.
Each cabin welcomes you with a glass of Champagne and there’s also free Wi-Fi, personal safe, and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars to help you watch out for wildlife!
Named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, SH Vega was designed to journey to faraway places and remote polar regions in style and comfort. This 5-star expedition ship incorporates elegant Scandi-design with the latest in cruising technology, and has a PC5 ice-strengthened hull, and extra-large stabilizers, to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Looking for next level expedition cruising? SH Diana is just what you need! The newest addition to our fleet combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design, and the ship’s special ice-resistant PC6 hull means it’s able to visit some of the world's most inaccessible regions. This new generation polar class ship is our largest, and features elegant interiors – including exclusive onboard art – wide unobstructed views, a spectacular grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, so you can explore the world in style and comfort.
When it comes to dining on your expedition cruise, Swan Hellenic's ships have a variety of welcoming venues. From the gourmet offerings of the Swan Restaurant, and the Pool Bar & Grill’s delicious dishes, to the relaxed tapas-style dining of the Club Lounge, you’ll find exquisite cuisine, skilfully prepared by top chefs. Plus, our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom.
As the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Swan Restaurant serves gourmet creations from award-winning chefs. The 152-seat restaurant serves international and regional cuisine, focused on quality local ingredients from the special destinations we visit. With an open seating policy, you can dine at your leisure, from breakfast through to dinner.
Vibrant and welcoming, the Club Lounge acts as a hub for relaxed get-togethers, 24 hours a day. With a variety of delicious food on offer – from freshly baked pastries and coffee, and traditional British afternoon tea, to tapas-style dining, and freshly made pizza – whatever you choose, it’s sure to be the perfect complement to a panoramic view of the glittering ocean.
Swan Hellenic's carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom. From healthy breakfasts, luscious lunches, to divine dinners and late-night snacks, there’s always something tasty to tempt you.
If you’re a fan of alfresco dining, you’ll love Swan Hellenic's Pool Grill & Bar! With stellar views of the glistening sea, this friendly space serves delicious dishes created from local, seasonal ingredients, along with grilled classics and handcrafted cocktails and drinks.
Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality, and the crew on SH Vega are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible. No task is too big or too small: need a double espresso to get you going in the morning? Noted. Prefer your bed made up a certain way? We'll look after it. Absorbed by the views or the conversation at dinner? We’ll take care of everything else. We take pride in our caring, thoughtful approach.
To go ahead and book this cruise with your exclusive Wil Photography Experience, simply fill in the below form, and a Swan Hellenic representative will be in touch to complete your booking.