All Aboard Swan Hellenic – Next stop Antartica
Stepping off the charter flight from Buenos Aires onto the tarmac at Ushuaia, reality finally set in as my brain and eyes tried to make sense of this foreign landscape. Beautiful, rugged and just exuding adventure. I rubbed my eyes, grabbed my bags and alighted the awaiting bus which would take me to the port.
First sighting
The short bus ride gave me a glimpse of Ushuaia. It gave the impression of a frontier town, wildly untamed and the gateway to adventure. I wish I’d spent a night here before the cruise – the stories the local could tell me!
Ships packed the port, some brands that I recognised, others I didn’t. The beautiful Vega, easy to recognise with her striking dark blue hull. We’d have to tender out on a catamaran, which only meant the journey would start early!
As we neared, the excitement bubble grew and soon we were right up alongside the sparkling ship and boarding via gangway. When it was my turn, one of the crew noticed my shoelace undone and bent down and laced it! I was embarrassed and very grateful, sheepishly thanking the lovely guy. If this was the standard of service that I was to expect, then Swan Hellenic have set it very high indeed.
All aboard Vega
Crossing the gangway, I was greeted with a raucous “WELCOME ABOARD HONEY” from the waiting crew and even the Staff Captain. Wow, just wow! I felt like a minor celebrity. Don’t they know I’m just a mum from the suburbs of Sydney?
Stateroom of dreams
A light snack at the Club Lounge on Deck 7 while I waited for check-in and I was soon heading to my stateroom, balcony mid-ship Deck 5.
And just like that, as I swung my stateroom door open, I fell deeply and madly in love. The bed, the space, the Scandinavian décor, the bathroom the carpet, the desk, the balcony, THE FIREPLACE! The neutral colours, wood accents and modern features. The fireplace does not emanate any heat, but a real looking flame and it actually crackles. I can’t tell you how soothing and comforting the fireplace is and such a clever addition to the stateroom.
For more photos of my cabin, click here
Safety First
After unpacking, there was the mandatory and the most thorough safety drill I’ve ever attended on a ship, including wearing life jackets and walking single file in groups to the lifeboats. It was very professional and reassuring.
Expedition full steam ahead
This was no ordinary cruise. Usually on a regular ocean or river cruise, passengers aren’t briefed on the navigation, the weather or really any of the voyage detail. Cruising on an expedition cruise is different.
Guests were invited to attend the first briefing in the Observation lounge where Expedition Leader Dr Antoni Jinman gave a very thorough presentation on the next 24 hours, explaining the route – first through the Beagle Channel – and then by about 11pm we’d enter the infamous Drake Passage.
Wind maps were shown which showed the ‘wind levels’ ranging from green to dark purple, purple being the most severe. Luckily, conditions were yellowy-green for us and favourable. Let’s hope the Drake is a lake and not a shake! The next 48 hours will be a test of my sea sickness and achieving a personal goal. Could I handle the Drake?
Dinner in Style
Vega's Swan Restaurant is a beautiful, stylish, elegant space on Deck 4. Waiters look stunning in their white jackets and the smiles are wide. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is buffet style, however some dishes are made to order. Ranging from hot, cold and dessert, the selections were delicious and of very high quality.
Wine is included at meals, and every day there are two white and two red to choose from. Large windows are wonderful for gazing out into the wide expanse. It’s sophisticated but not pretentious.
There are also three other dining options; the Club Lounge (aft) on Deck 7. Lighter snacks, light breakfast and desserts are available during the day. There is also a self-serve coffee, tea and juice station that is available 24 hours a day.
In addition, there is the Pool Bar and Grill (aft) on Deck 7. Its opening hours are weather dependent.
And of course 24 hour room service, which has no charge. How awesome is that?
Rocked to sleep
I promise I tried to stay awake - well long enough till 11pm when Vega was supposed to enter the Drake Passage. So far, the Beagle Channel was as smooth as glass and the gentle rock was making my eyelids drop.
Whether it was a combination of jet lag, the soothing crackle of the fireplace or the extra comfortable bed, sleep came quickly and very deeply, enveloped in my warm cocoon.
