The SETI Institute is a proud partner with Swan Hellenic, a cruise company that allows people to explore truly off-the-beaten path destinations and cultures of Earth.
In our partnership, we aim to provide our guests with expert insights into the history and latest discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology and planetary science. As you know, while SETI stands for the ‘Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence,’ our research also includes the search for basic life forms within our solar system and the study of life and habitability on our own planet.
SETI Institute scientists will be guest speakers on a select Swan Hellenic voyages. Through our research, our scientists gather data from some of the most extreme and remote environments on our planet to better understand the prospect of life elsewhere and how to look for it. Swan Hellenic sails to many of these faraway destinations, offering our scientists a chance to conduct research and speak to guests about their findings.
These scientists will engage guests with never-before-seen presentations on explorations around Earth and beyond. Our guests will also receive a demonstration of the SETI Institute equipment installed on board, including an advanced, portable, deep-space telescope.
Upcoming Expeditions:
From Chile to Peru
March 27 - April 5, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Dana Backman, SETI Institute Astronomy Activation Ambassadors Program
Topics:
- Astronomy & Planetary Science in Chile
From discovering extrasolar planets and studying primordial galaxies that formed soon after the Big Bang, to testing Mars rover astrobiology experiments, Chile is where it’s happening. Learn about some of the incredible discoveries being made in the Southern Hemisphere. - Ocean Worlds
There is evidence that some of Jupiter’s and Saturn’s moons have subsurface oceans with more total water than Earth. How did those extraterrestrial oceans form, and how do they bear on the question of life’s prevalence in the Universe? - Good planets Gone Bad
It’s understood that surface conditions on Venus, Earth, and Mars were once quite similar, including the presence of water on all three planets. Explore the effects of global climate changes extending over billions of years on these sibling worlds.
Set sail from Valparaíso, Chile on a mesmerizing voyage along the arid coastline to Peru. Experience the Atacama, the driest desert in the world. See prehistoric geoglyph line drawings in the Paracas desert. And stand under towering peaks and dramatic volcanoes of the Andes, as the beauty of the region washes over you. Your journey ends in the bustling port of Callao, Lima.
From Canada to Iceland
May 22 - June 2, 2025
Speaker: Ms. Pamela Harman, SETI Institute Director of Education
Topics:
- Introduction to the SETI Institute and Astrobiology
What is life? What conditions are necessary to support ongoing life on a planet or moon? Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field of research that has capitalized upon the discovery of extremophiles on Earth and correlating environments in our solar system. - Visible and Invisible Light: Multiwavelength Astronomy
Why do glaciers appear blue? How can astronomers know about the chemical composition of different stars? Learn about the amazing technology that allows astronomers to investigate the universe’s biggest mysteries. - Moon and Mars Trivia Contest
The red planet and the Moon have long captured our imaginations - from ancient spiritual and religious significance to inspiring modern film, TV, literature and music. Explore how these celestial bodies are interwoven into our culture an take part in an interactive trivia contest with prizes.
Set sail on a spectacular voyage through North Atlantic landscapes. Starting in Canada's maritime region, you'll sail from lively Halifax to Saint John's and historic L'Anse-aux-Meadows. Explore Greenland's rich traditions and stunning scenery in Qaqortoq and Narsarsuaq, uncover Viking history, marvel at glaciers and enjoy local coastal culture. Finally, relax at sea en route to Iceland's breathtaking Westfjords region and modern Reykjavik.
British Isles & Iceland Cruise
June 1-13, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Derek Kozel, SETI Institute GNU Radio Project
Topics:
- Eyes on Earth: NASA’s view from above
Explore how NASA and global partners utilize cutting-edge satellites to unravel the secrets of our planet. From awe-inspiring images to mind-blowing data, discover how space technology helps us understand Earth’s oceans, climate, and the icy wonders of Antarctica. - Waves across waters: the evolution of shipboard radios
Discover the captivating story of radio and wireless technology aboard ocean ships. From the pioneering days of Marconi to the modern era of satellite communication, explore how these waves have connected mariners across vast oceans.
From Iceland to Svalbard
June 2 - June 13, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Madhulika Guhathakurta, Heliophysicist
Topics:
- Solar eclipses: celestial marvels and cultural legends
Embark on a celestial journey to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of solar eclipses. Discover how ancient cultures interpreted these rare events and how modern science unveils their mysteries, creating unforgettable momentsnunder the darkened skies. - Auroras: nature’s spectacular light symphony
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of auroras, where Earth’s magnetic fields create vibrant curtains of light. Explore the folklore and science behind these breathtaking displays, capturing the imagination with stories of the Northern Lights dancing across Arctic skies. - NASA’s mission to touch the Sun
The Parker Solar Probe Embark is on a groundbreaking mission with NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, as it ventures closer to the Sun than any spacecraft before. Discover the revolutionary technology behind this daring quest to unlock the Sun’s deepest secrets. - Solar folklore: myths and legends of the Sun
Uncover the rich tapestry of cultural stories and myths woven around the Sun throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern folklore, delve into tales of sun gods, solar eclipses as omens, and the enduring fascination with our life-giving star. - Solar flares: fireworks of the Sun
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness the spectacular beauty of solar flares, and explosive bursts of energy from the Sun’s surface. Explore how these cosmic fireworks illuminate the solar atmosphere, showcasing the Sun’s dynamic and breathtaking nature.
Board our Arctic Discovery cruise in the land of fire and ice, and explore regions in the northernmost part of the world, from Iceland to the rarely visited Jan Mayen Island, and Svalbard inside the Arctic Circle. On your adventures, you’ll encounter some of the world’s most interesting indigenous cultures and ways of life, as well as national parks, protected areas for wildlife, and the planet’s most extensive fjord system.
Iceland to Greenland Roundtrip Cruise
July 31 - August 10, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Joe Spitale, SETI Institute Senior Scientist
Topics:
- Evolution and the Tree of Life
How far has our understanding come along since Darwin’s theory of evolution was conceived? We’ll look at the incredibly diverse flora and fauna that have populated Earth since life began, and the scientific methods used to discover their origins. - Abiogenesis
How did life start on Earth? Or did it start on Earth at all? We’ll look at the building blocks of life, the earliest evidence of life on Earth and take a deep dive into the theory of abiogenesis - the origin of life from non-living matter. - Ocean worlds
Earth is one of the nearly ten known ocean worlds in our solar system. We’ll travel these worlds looking for clues that might hint at their potential to host life. Next, we’ll tour further, beyond our solar system in search of other ocean worlds across the galaxy.
Embark on this Arctic wilderness cruise from Reykjavík to Greenland’s Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system with towering glaciers and icebergs. Visit one of the world’s most remote towns before heading north to King Oscar Fjord watching for white foxes, bears and seals. Return to Iceland, and the Westfjords region with its charming towns, impressive waterfalls and seabird colonies, before concluding in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital.
Iceland to Greenland Rountrip Cruise
August 10 - August 20, 2025
Speaker: Mr. Bill Diamond, SETI Institute CEO
Topics:
- The search for life beyond Earth - how it works, how it’s going, and why it matters
The SETI Institute is the only organization in the world devoted solely to discovering life and intelligence beyond Earth. Find out what tools and technologies SETI scientists use to investigate one of life’s most profound questions - are we alone in the universe? - Astrobiology, field expeditions and the search for life beyond Earth
How does the fieldwork conducted by astrobiologists all over the world - from the extreme cold of the polar regions to the extreme heat of the Atacama Desert - relate to SETI’s search for life beyond Earth? - Your extra-terrestrial questions answered - fireside chats with Bill Diamond
This is your chance to ask one of the world’s leading experts anything you’ve ever wanted to know about the SETI Institute, astrobiology, life on other planets, UFOs, aliens and beyond.
Embark on this Arctic wilderness cruise from Reykjavík to Greenland’s Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system with towering glaciers and icebergs. Visit one of the world’s most remote towns before heading north to King Oscar Fjord watching for white foxes, bears and seals. Return to Iceland, and the Westfjords region with its charming towns, impressive waterfalls and seabird colonies, before concluding in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital.
Greenland in Depth
August 20 - August 30, 2025
Dr. Steve Croft, SETI Institute Senior Astronomer
Topics:
- Is there anybody out there?
As early explorers journeyed into the polar unknown they were struck by the immense emptiness. Modern astronomy has revealed a vast Universe, in which we, as humans, feel small and utterly alone. However, upon closer observation - life is everywhere in the Arctic. Can the same be said for the universe at large? - What time is it? Where am I?
Our journey on the SH Vega is a voyage in both space and time - we’ll change our clocks several times, and cross the Arctic Circle. Learn about the history of timekeeping, time zones, and their connections to the challenges of determining one’s precise position in the vastness of the ocean. - Expecting the unexpected
We’re hoping for some spectacular wildlife encounters on this journey. But being “lucky” often involves both serendipity and preparedness. Find out how cutting-edge telescopes like the Allen Telescope Array, enable us to probe the weird and wonderful in the Universe. - Sailing on cosmic winds
The Sun brings light and life, even to remote polar regions. But our nearest star is not always as benign as it seems. Learn how stellar activity on other stars can determine whether planets orbiting them are suitable places for life, and how our own Sun could even threaten our way of life here on Earth.
Escape to a remote and remarkable part of the world on this fascinating Greenland Discovery voyage. Sail through an intricate fjord system, and discover the pathways of Inuit migrations, Viking ruins, and settlements that are over 4,500 years old. Learn about local traditions against a backdrop of immense mountains and stunning Arctic scenery. And explore UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites and pristine waterways packed with floating icebergs.
Canadian Arctic and Northern Lights
September 15 - September 30, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Rosalba Bonaccorsi, SETI Institute Research Scientist
Topics:
- The Drake Equation and the search for life in the Universe: from stars to whales
The Drake Equation explores the probabilistic number of alien civilizations we could detect within our galaxy. We can relate this to the habitable environments, extreme life, and intelligent behavior on our planet, and how observing life on Earth can help us find it elsewhere. - Making the Arctic (& Antarctica) work for ocean worlds.
Discover how Earth’s polar environments serve as models for exploring icy moons like Enceladus and Europa. Explore various polar environments and their marine life, and consider the possibility of similar life in the ice-covered oceans of our solar system. - Protecting environments on Earth and the solar system
Explore how future missions will search for life on other planets by drilling for underground samples while avoiding the problem of contamination. Learn about planetary protection protocols, sterilization technique and their applications. - Astrobiology science expeditions to planetary analogs
Discover how life detection technologies for Mars and beyond are tested in Earth’s extreme environments, from the Atacama Desert to the Tibetan Plateau. Learn about field expeditions that deepen our understanding of life, test innovative technologies, and inspire future scientists and the public.
Visit parts of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers on this epic Northern Canadian Discovery voyage. Sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, and gaze in awe at the straits and fjords crammed with huge icebergs. Watch out for caribou and polar bears on the northern Canadian coast, listen to stories of the indigenous Inuit people and discover whaling sites in Newfoundland before arriving in Halifax.
The Long Way cruise: from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
November 14-December 1, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Pascal Lee, SETI Institute Planetary Scientist
Topics:
- Alone in the Milky Way
Are we alone in the universe? Dive into humanity’s search for extraterrestrial intelligence, exploring our progress, the factors shaping our odds and Dr Lee’s compelling “best guess” on the chances of discovering another advanced civilization in the cosmos. - Planet Earth and Antarctica Through Time
Earth’s story is one of incredible transformation, from its fiery beginnings and the formation of the Earth-Moon relationship to the emergence of life and the evolution of its diverse continents. This lecture journeys through Earth’s history, focussing on the remarkable story of Antarctica.
