Svalbard June 7th to 15th with Swan Hellenic onboard SH Diana

Our journey to the pristine Arctic wilderness of Svalbard began with excitement in our hearts and a twinkle of adventure in the eyes of my 8-year-old son, Remy. We boarded the small expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, ready for nine days of unforgettable experiences.

But before diving into the icy unknown, we embarked on a pre-night stay in Oslo. The city's vibrant culture and history set the stage for our Arctic adventure. From the Munch Museum to exploring the charming streets, Oslo was the perfect prelude to our journey.

From Oslo, we took a charter flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard's largest settlement. Here, we encountered the rugged Arctic beauty that awaited us. Longyearbyen's colorful houses nestled against snow-covered peaks were a stark contrast to the landscapes I'm used to. Our excitement reached its peak when we spotted reindeer just moments after leaving the airport heading to our ship. A special reunion awaited in Longyearbyen. Meeting an old friend and former colleague, we savored a special beer in the northernmost pub, a heartwarming start to our Arctic expedition.

Our days on SH Diana were filled with breathtaking encounters with Svalbard's history, wildlife, and natural wonders. Every day held new wonders. We explored glaciers and witnessed the mesmerizing blend of ice and sea. Our first day of exploration took us up close to magnificent glaciers. The Zodiac rides got us up close and personal to witness the sere size of the glacier, as the winds changed the sea ice started to gather and almost blocked our path back to the ship. Remy, with boundless energy, reveled in the Zodiac boat zooming back to our ship.

History of Svalbard: We delved into the rich history of Svalbard, a land steeped in tales of mining, whaling, and old Russian settlements. The remnants of coal mining operations bore witness to the hardships of life in the Arctic. As we sailed, we heard stories of daring whalers who once braved these icy waters. And then there was Pyramiden, a unique Soviet-era ghost town frozen in time. It was a glimpse into the past that sent shivers down our spines.

Food on Board: The culinary experiences onboard SH Diana were a delightful surprise. The food was a gastronomic adventure, with fresh seafood, Arctic delicacies, and international dishes that catered to all tastes. Remy, always an adventurer, tried reindeer stew and Arctic char. Yet, his love for cheese pizza and french fries remained unshaken. As for me, I reveled in daily servings of succulent ribeye steak, cooked to perfection.

Wildlife Encounters: Svalbard's diverse wildlife was a highlight of our journey. We chuckled at the unforgettable "aroma" of walrus colonies, a sensory experience like no other. Beluga whale sightings were moments of pure magic, as these elusive creatures gracefully graced us with their presence. Zodiac boat excursions allowed us to get up close and personal with the Arctic's wonders.

One remarkable aspect of our voyage was SH Diana's ability to sail quietly through the Arctic waters. The ship's technology allowed us to glide silently, ensuring minimal disturbance to the serene Arctic environment. As we sailed with bearded seals resting on their small icebergs, all we heard were the mesmerizing cracks of ice - a symphony of nature.

A highlight for Remy was visiting the captain's bridge. It was an unforgettable moment when Captain Diana allowed him to sit in the captain's chair and even stir the ship out of a fjord. It was a dream come true for my young adventurer.

Ship Facilities: Onboard SH Diana, we made the most of the ship's facilities, from the gym to the sauna and hot tub. But what truly stood out was the heated pool and sauna with a view of the icy landscape. It was the perfect place to unwind while surrounded by the Arctic's frozen beauty.

Polar Bear Sighting: Our Arctic adventure reached its zenith when we finally spotted a polar bear. The ship came alive with excitement as we gazed at this magnificent creature, a symbol of the Arctic's grandeur.

As our voyage came to an end, we said goodbye to the Arctic and SH Diana. We returned to Oslo for a post-night stay, a chance to reflect on the incredible journey we'd just completed.

Comfortable Cabin: Our Balcony D6 cabin on SH Diana was a cozy retreat. It was a joy to sip coffee on the balcony while watching seals on ice floes against a backdrop of majestic mountains. It was a front-row seat to the beauty of the Arctic.

Our journey to Svalbard on SH Diana was a testament to the power of exploration, the wonders of the Arctic, and the enduring memories created while traveling with a curious 8-year-old adventurer named Remy. It's a trip we'll cherish forever, a reminder that the world's most captivating stories are often found in the places less traveled.

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