On her wonderful trip to the Antarctic this year, our Senior Polar Specialist Lucy sat down to speak with Swan Hellenic’s Polar Guide, Richard Simpson, to learn more about his working life of outdoor pursuits and expeditions to Antarctica. After a full career in the British Army where he was awarded numerous awards for exemplary service, Richard moved on to the military’s adventure training foundation wing where he worked instructing and leading small groups, before joining Swan Hellenic in his current role guiding passengers from ship to shore. Lucy: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what attracted you to work in this part of the world? Richard: I am a two-time Antarctic explorer, and I was given the opportunity to work with Swan Hellenic after they helped evacuate me and seven other teammates in the Antarctic Peninsula on our last expedition. When I was given this…
We delve into the ship highlights of AE Expedition’s brilliant new vessel AE Expedition’s newest ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle’s dedication and passion for the oceans have made her a leading figure in the field of marine science and a tireless advocate for ocean conservation. Her work continues to inspire people around the world to appreciate and protect our planet’s precious marine environments. Cutting Edge Technology The ship’s design incorporates the Ulstein X-BOW, which cuts through swell to decrease vibrations and turbulence, whilst reducing fuel consumption by up to 60%. The X-BOW shape also provides expansive windows…
…with Senior Polar Specialist, Lucy The latest edition of this series offers personal insights into an adventurous expedition cruise by our Senior Polar Specialist Lucy Yeoman, who enjoyed a penguin chick-filled 13-day voyage with Swan Hellenic sailing from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT? A 12-day Antarctic Circle expedition with Swan Hellenic on the SH Vega HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew to Buenos Aires and spent a couple of days there exploring the city. Swan Hellenic arranged a charter flight to take the guests from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia where we boarded our ship, the SH Vega and set sail that evening across the Drake Passage, heading towards the Antarctic Circle. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? This was my fourth expedition to Antarctica; previous ones were in November and December. There was less sea ice, the chicks had hatched although further south towards the circle many of the…
In March of 2023, our Co-Director Martin Johnson and his wife Sarah lived the polar dream with PONANT aboard their magnificent Le Commandant Charcot flagship, which sailed from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. Read on for Martin’s personal take on the many plus points of expedition cruising on this unique vessel, as well as their memorable days in the Antarctic sun spotting penguins, whales, and seals amongst the stunning vistas. I first visited Le Commandant Charcot at its launch event in 2021, in a cold and windy northern French port called Le Havre. Despite the less-than-illustrious surroundings, from the minute I stepped on board, I could tell this ship was something special. As you enter, you’re greeted by a soaring 5-storey atrium space, with cool lines, stylish furniture, and a huge digital art installation that runs the full height of this space, I had never seen anything like it before on…
…with Polar Specialist, Ben The latest edition of this series offers personal insights into an adventurous expedition cruise by our Polar Specialist Ben Rowley, who enjoyed his amazing 12-day journey with AE Expeditions sailing from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT? The Antarctic Peninsula. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew from London to Buenos Aires and on to Ushuaia, before boarding Greg Mortimer and crossing the Drake Passage. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? First time! FAVOURITE LOCATION? Neko Harbour – the huge glacier looms close and the backdrop is immensely beautiful. Paradise Bay is a very close second! MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? We came across a female blue whale with her calf on the Drake Passage on the way south. The marine biologist on our expedition was over the moon with this sighting and said she’d never seen a blue whale calf in this area. In truth,…
…with Senior Polar Specialist, James The latest edition of this series offers personal insights into an exceptional polar expedition cruise by our Senior Polar Specialist James Townsend, who set sail with his partner on an epic 16-day journey with PONANT that took them from the southernmost point of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing for a full discovery of the most beautiful sites of these southern lands. WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT? I joined Ponant on their Great Austral Loop itinerary, which is a 16-day expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires, where I checked in for an included overnight stay at the 5* Sofitel Recoleta. The next day all passengers flew together on a charter flight to Ushuaia (the southernmost point of Argentina), where we boarded our ship, L’Austral. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?…
We spoke to Photography Guide Michelle Sole to find out how she spends her time snapping wildlife on her many trips to the polar regions. From the age of thirteen Michelle spent 10 years chasing winters around the world and competed for Great Britain as a downhill ski racer. Having always had a love for animals and the outdoors, in 2011 Michelle moved to South Africa to learn the ropes as a safari guide and wildlife photographer. In 2017 Michelle swapped elephants and lions for penguins and polar bears and started working for Quark Expeditions. She now divides her time between the icy Polar Regions and the African sun. Michelle’s photographic work has been published in Africa Geographic and The Guardian. How does a typical day start for you? Being British a typical day starts with a good cup of tea! Each morning we monitor the weather and the ice…