Adventure Explorations of the Maritimes and Greenland with Swan Hellenic

A Swan Hellenic cruise to Greenland is meant for the explorer at heart, and the seeker of the extraordinary. While others follow well-worn paths, Swan Hellenic takes you beyond ordinary, revealing the unseen wonders of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations aboard their boutique expedition ships. On May 18, 2026, embark on a captivating journey from the vibrant port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia to charming Reykjavik, Iceland, which takes you across the North Atlantic, and visits various scenic destinations such as St. John's, Newfoundland, the oldest city in North America, a slice of France in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and the intriguing south shores of Greenland before reaching Iceland's contemporary capital. 

Along the way, discover the friendliness of 'Newfies', Canada’s colourful maritime history, and the rugged beauty of Newfoundland and Greenland. May is also the perfect time to marvel at nature's raw power as you witness majestic icebergs gliding through Iceberg Alley, a 1,000-kilometer stretch of coastline along the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The wonders of the natural world really come alive on a Swan Hellenic cruise. The Scandinavian inspired design on board offers dramatic, panoramic views, and oceans of outside space allow guests to be fully immersed in the sights and scenery of their voyage. SH Vega is a 5-star Polar Code (PC) 5 expedition cruise ship with an ice-strengthened hull launched in 2022. She accommodates 152 guests in 76 spacious ocean-view suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies, and amenities such as glass-enclosed rain showers, fluffy bathrobes, bedroom slippers, minibar with snacks and Illy Espresso coffee machines with pods and Kusmi tea bags ensconcing her guests in comfort and style. Dining is a highlight, with menus offering French and international fare, as well as Asian and Italian fusion. Guests dine at leisure with whomever they like in one of the ship’s three dining venues - the main restaurant, the laid-back Club Lounge, or poolside, and they can also indulge in the 24-hour room service. 

Numerous activities await throughout this journey. With each stop, site tours and cultural explorations promise fascinating insights into the region’s vibrant history and natural beauty. Optional adventures like kayaking offer an exciting encounter with the coastal environment and marine life. And on sea days, savour serenity with observation deck views of the passing ocean, mingle with other guests, engage in onboard lectures, or hone your photography skills with invaluable advice from professional photographers at one of their workshops. Do not miss out on visiting the Swan Nest, a unique bow-located observation platform which offers 180-degree panoramic views, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing.

From Canada to Iceland
12 days from Halifax to Reykjavik aboard SH Vega
May 18 – May 29, 2026

Voyage Highligths:

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Founded as a naval base in 1749, Halifax’s seafaring history is well-grounded with the Canadian Museum of Immigration, where one million Europeans landed up until 1971, and the Noon Gun that has fired from the Citadel fortress since 1857, serving as a reminder of past military practices. When the Titanic struck the iceberg at 11:40 pm, April 14, 1912, ships set sail from Halifax to aid in recovery operations and many victims are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, while the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic displays rescued artefacts.

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
A French archipelago south of Newfoundland offers diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Marked trails traverse bogs, subarctic meadows, undergrowth, and coastal paths with chances to spot seals, dolphins, whales and rorquals (baleen whales), as well as many of the over 300 bird species inhabiting the archipelago. Discover the charm of Saint-Pierre from the relaxed atmosphere of a comfortable bus tour, capturing picturesque scenery at various stops, delving into its rich culture and history, and showcasing the island’s vibrant colours and architecture. Alternatively, opt for a downtown walking tour and stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the Musée Héritage and learn about the fascinating Prohibition era. You can also choose to recharge amid stunning natural landscapes and absolute tranquility on an excursion to Sailor’s Island, a short boat ride from Saint-Pierre to Île-aux-Marins.

St. John’s, Newfoundland
North America's easternmost city and capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, traces its history to John Cabot's 1497 voyage. Thriving in the 18th and 19th centuries with the cod fishing industry, the town's architecture, like the row houses on George Street, echoes its maritime past. Water Street, once a bustling port, now hosts shops and galleries in converted warehouses. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the city and its rugged coastline with a visit to the charming village of Quidi Vidi, with its historic fishing harbour and stunning natural beauty. Or take a boat tour adventure to visit North America’s largest puffin colony on famous Bird Island.

St. Anthony, Newfoundland
Dating back to the 16th-century, this former fishing villages brims with excitement despite its sleepy facade. From April to June, this Arctic gateway offers front-row views to a dazzling natural wonder - the flowing Iceberg Alley, where towering frozen giants glide past. Enjoy a moderate hike along the Tea House trail with stunning views of St. Anthony and visit the Grenfell’s House Museum which chronicles the life of British Dr Grenfell’s medical missions. You can also embark on a 2-hour long cruise along the serene coastline accompanied by a live interpretive program by a Marine Environmentalist. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, whales, sea turtles and seabirds.

Narsarsuaq, Greenland
This gateway to South Greenland is rich in history and biodiversity. Founded by the American Air Force in 1941, the airbase played a major role for troops heading to and from Europe during WWII. Close to the Greenland Ice Sheet and Erik the Red's Norse settlement, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, it bears reminders of its wartime past. Explore Narsarsuaq Museum's photographs and artifacts highlighting the Norse settlers and WWII military history and Discover Erik the Red's legacy, having founded Greenland's first European settlement over 1,000 years ago. 

Qassiarsuk, Greenland
Surrounded by fjords, mountains and glaciers with breathtaking views, Erik the Red’s Norse ruins of Brattahlíð,  draw visitors to this Greenlandic village situated on Tunulliarfik Fjord. Erik's 10th-century estate grew into a 5,000-person Viking settlement, once Greenland's largest, and the traces of Norse buildings still dot the landscape. Qassiarsuk's subarctic mix of Norse and Greenlandic farming on the Edge of the Ice Cap is part of UNESCO-listed Kujataa Greenland. Visit Illunnguujuk farm, whose owner Ellen, shares her family's multi-generational sheep farming legacy.  Experience a traditional Greenlandic Kaffemik (social gathering) with coffee and homemade cakes, and learn about wool preparation, Greenlandic culture, and Ellen's national costume during this unique visit.

Qaqortoq, Greenland
The largest city in South Greenland and the perfect base to explore the Norse (Viking) ruins encompassed by the extensive UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage Site, a sub-arctic farming landscape. The town is home to 18th-century colonial buildings and the oldest fountain in Greenland; completed in 1932, which depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes.  Join a Kaffemik at a private home, with a welcoming family showcasing traditional Greenlandic hospitality, where warmth and community are paramount. You can also enjoy a scenic boat ride through tranquil fjords near Qaqortoq, with views of icebergs and Arctic nature or stroll through the "Stone & Man" art exhibition, featuring over 30 outdoor sculptures and lithographs created by local and Nordic artists.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Make sure you leave sufficient time to explore this dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. Take the elevator to the top of the most distinctive building in town, the 244 ft tall Hallgrímskirkja church designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson. Visit the city’s renowned Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. Your stay in Iceland would not be complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, geothermal baths located close to the international airport. There is so much to see and do in Iceland, consider extending your stay to enjoy it all.

Swan Hellenic’s all-inclusive fare takes care of pre-cruise hotel accommodations, all meals, select wine and beer, non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, and a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port. Guests sailing on Polar region expeditions also receive a complimentary branded parka as a keepsake.

Book by September 15th and enjoy a Free Balcony Upgrade, premium unlimited Wi-Fi, and US$250 per guest shipboard credit with Swan Hellenic's Luxury Unlocked promotion! Find complete details here or contact your Travel Professional today!