5 OF THE BEST
SUMMER EXPEDITIONS Expedition cruises often conjure up images of Antarctica in the depths of our winter season, but there are plenty of adventures to enjoy come summer, writes Sara ace eld
1 Clockwise from bottom left (this page): Swan Hellenic expedition team; suite on Minerva; Zodiac trip; Scenic Eclipse
ICELAND AND EASTERN GREENLAND SWAN HELLENIC
This venerable British brand relaunched in July 2020 as an expedition cruise line with plans for three new purpose-built ships. The first, Minerva, debuted last December and is followed by Vega in July on an Arctic summer season of voyages, marked by a sale with up to 70% off brochure fares for bookings before June 20. A 13-day round-trip voyage from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik goes to the country’s rarely visited Westfjords region, before sailing to Greenland’s remote east coast. Prices start at £4,559 per person (reduced from £10,669) for an August 18 departure and include pre-cruise overnight hotel stay, all meals on board, beverages and selected alcoholic drinks, gratuities and a shore excursion or expedition activity in each port. Flights extra (swanhellenic.com).
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ARCTIC IN DEPTH SCENIC
With dual onboard helicopters and a nine-person submarine, Scenic’s expeditionary ship Scenic Eclipse promises the very best in ultra-luxury exploration. Its 200 guests enjoy suites with butler service, 10 dining experiences and a spa. This sailing through the Svalbard archipelago starts with an overnight stay in Oslo before passengers join Scenic Eclipse in Longyearbyen for a 10-night voyage showcasing the Arctic’s icy beauty, as well as having the chance to spot polar bears and marine life including walruses, seals and whales. The 12-night package, which includes overnight stays in Oslo pre and post-voyage, departs on July 12, 2022, and July 1, 2023. Prices start from £8,922 per person, including flights, gratuities, drinks and selected shore excursions (scenic.co.uk). CRU ISE -I N T ER NAT IONA L .COM
