Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Few travelers can claim to have sailed through iceberg-filled fjords, witnessed narwhals in the wild, or crossed the Drake Passage six times—but for Bill and Karen Boswell, these incredible experiences are part of their life-changing journey with Swan Hellenic’s expedition cruises. They embarked on two remarkable voyages: the Canadian Northwest Passage & Northern Lights voyage in 2024 and the Expedition to Antarctica: Weddell Sea cruise in 2025. Each journey was a chance to explore some of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring wilderness.
Sailing Through the Northwest Passage
One of the highlights of their Canadian Northwest Passage voyage was a boat tour through the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Greenland. “The sight of the icebergs, the low angle of the sun, and the incredible variety of shapes was simply awe-inspiring,” said Karen. The couple also visited a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post and an ice museum, offering a glimpse into the hardships early explorers faced in these extreme environments.
One of the most poignant moments was learning about Sir John Franklin’s Arctic expedition, which ended in tragedy. “Visiting gravesites and abandoned settlements made the challenges these explorers faced feel real,” Bill reflected.
Perhaps the most breathtaking sight on this journey was the Icy Arm on Baffin Island, a narrow passage flanked by towering cliffs and glaciers. The Boswells spent hours on deck, soaking in the beauty of this frozen paradise and spotting narwhals—an unexpected and thrilling sight for the couple.
The Northern Lights and Wildlife Encounters
During their Northwest Passage voyage, the Boswells were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights three times. The most magical moment came on their final night at sea, when the aurora borealis danced across the sky. “We stayed up late, photographing and enjoying the show,” Bill recalled.
Wildlife encounters were equally thrilling. The Boswells had an unforgettable experience observing northern bottlenose whales at sunrise, and they also saw 12 polar bears—including a mother bear and her injured cub, a poignant reminder of the fragility of nature.
Crossing the Drake Passage to Antarctica
Bill and Karen’s Expedition to Antarctica: Weddell Sea cruise took them to one of the most remote regions on earth. They crossed the Drake Passage six times, with this journey providing the full “Drake Shake” experience—rough seas and 8-meter waves, which only added to the excitement. “We saw waves above our heads while having dinner on deck,” Karen recalled.
The Antarctic voyage also brought unforgettable wildlife experiences, including watching orcas teaching their young to hunt penguins. “It was exhilarating to see nature in action,” said Bill.
Top 3 Moments of Their Expedition Cruises
The Boswells’ top moments include enjoying a barbecue lunch with friends while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, photographing penguin mothers with chicks at Port Lockroy, and standing in the Swan’s Nest as the captain navigated the ship through the tabular icebergs of the Weddell Sea.
Tips for Future Travelers
Bill and Karen’s advice for those considering an expedition cruise is simple: “Wear layers, bring a 100-400mm lens for wildlife photography, and take time to attend the onboard lectures to understand the history behind what you see.” Their advice underscores that for them, expedition cruising isn’t just a way to travel—it’s a way of life.
