В июле пассажиропоток в аэропортах Кипра достиг исторического максимума. Отельеры отмечают высокий уровень заполняемости отелей в июле и августе, а также в осенние месяцы. Какие места выбирают туристы и сколько человек посетили Кипр?
Управляющая аэропортами Кипра компания Hermes сообщает, что июль 2025 года стал самым загруженным месяцем в истории воздушных гаваней Кипра: через Ларнаку и Пафос прошло в общей сложности 1 653 880 пассажиров.
С января по июль 2025 года оба аэропорта обслужили 7,3 миллиона пассажиров, что на 11,4% больше по сравнению с аналогичным периодом прошлого года.
Компания Hermes объясняет столь значительный рост несколькими ключевыми факторами, включая растущий спрос на основных рынках, таких как Израиль, Великобритания, Польша, Греция, Армения и Германия, на которые в совокупности пришлось 70% общего роста в этом году.
Также отмечается, что 40 из 58 авиакомпаний, работающих на Кипре, улучшили свои показатели в этом году. Основной вклад внесли Wizz Air, Aegean, Cyprus Airways, TUI Group, LOT и Air Haifa, которые в совокупности обеспечили 60% роста рынка.
По данным Hermes, за первые семь месяцев 2025 года на Кипр стали летать пять новых авиакомпаний, появилось шесть новых маршрутов.
В отношении успехов гостиничного бизнеса отмечается, что регион Фамагусты по-прежнему остается излюбленным местом как киприотов, так и иностранных туристов, желающих провести летний отпуск и расслабиться на острове. Среди отелей лидируют четырехзвездочные. Киприоты также регулярно арендуют жилье в приморских районах на несколько ночей.
Как сообщает издание Brief, согласно заявлениям Христоса Ангелидиса, директора Ассоциации отельеров Кипра, Пафос занимает второе место по популярности как среди местных, так и среди иностранных туристов.
Христос Ангелидис подчеркнул, что заполняемость отелей резко выросла в июле и августе, достигнув примерно 85%. Большинство гостей – это иностранные туристы. «Наши отели заполнены туристами из Великобритании, Германии, Польши, скандинавских стран и Израиля», – отметил Ангелидис.
Четырехзвездочные отели на побережье остаются самым популярным выбором, за ними следуют трехзвездочные отели, где свободных мест почти не осталось. Пятизвездочные отели в Лимассоле и Пафосе также пользуются высоким спросом.
Директор Ассоциации отельеров добавил, что высокий уровень бронирования сохраняется в сентябре и октябре, когда Кипр остается излюбленным направлением для скандинавских туристов. Христос Ангелидис заявил, что предпринимаются усилия по увеличению заполняемости отелей до конца ноября.
Текст подготовлен по материалам Fastforward.
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Кипрские международные трасты (CIT) широко используются в различных сценариях благодаря их гибкости, налоговым преимуществам и защите активов. Вот четыре реальных примера их использования:
Защита семейного капитала
Глава состоятельной семьи из Восточной Европы создал кипрский международный траст для защиты своего состояния, включающего недвижимость и инвестиционные портфели. Активы переданы в траст, чтобы защитить их от потенциальных судебных исков или политической нестабильности в стране проживания. Траст структурирован так, чтобы обеспечить регулярные выплаты детям как бенефициарам и сохранить капитал для будущих поколений, минимизируя налоги на наследство.
Управление международным бизнесом
Предприниматель из Азии, владеющий холдинговой компанией с активами в нескольких странах, создал CIT для владения акциями этой компании. Траст позволяет уйти от «ручного управления», демонстрировать независимость холдинга от учредителя, защитить активы от кредиторов и оптимизировать налогообложение дивидендов. Например, доходы от иностранных дочерних компаний, поступающие в траст и выплачиваемые бенефициарам, не облагаются налогом на Кипре, что повышает эффективность структуры.
Планирование наследства для сложной семейной структуры
Глава семьи с несколькими наследниками из разных юрисдикций (родители в одной стране, дети в другой) создал кипрский траст для структурирования передачи активов, включая недвижимость, банковские счета и бизнес. Учредитель определяет условия распределения доходов и капитала, чтобы избежать споров между наследниками и упростить процесс наследования, избегая сложных процедур в разных странах.
Конфиденциальное владение активами
Известная публичная личность использует CIT для анонимного владения дорогостоящей недвижимостью за границей, чтобы избежать внимания СМИ и сохранить конфиденциальность. Траст управляется профессиональным трасти на Кипре, который действует в интересах бенефициара, а информация о владельце активов остаётся скрытой благодаря правилам о конфиденциальности.
Несколько этих примеров иллюстрируют, как кипрские трасты применяются для защиты активов, оптимизации налогов и упрощения управления сложными финансовыми структурами. Однако в каждом случае требуется тщательное юридическое сопровождение, чтобы обеспечить соответствие местным и международным законам, включая правила против отмывания денег и прозрачности.
3 сентября пройдет онлайн-семинар
«Траст: инструкция по применению для семьи и бизнеса»
Что вы узнаете:
- Как траст работает и в каких ситуациях он действительно нужен.
- Виды трастов и особенности их применения.
- Как с помощью траста обеспечить финансовое благополучие семьи и бизнеса, минимизировать налоги и защитить активы от рисков.
- Как правильно выбрать юрисдикцию и не допустить типичных ошибок при создании траста.Какие есть альтернативы, если траст не подходит.
Почему стоит присоединиться:
- Пошаговое объяснение сложной темы простыми словами.
- Практические советы от эксперта с многолетним опытом.
- Возможность задать свои вопросы заранее и получить разбор именно вашей ситуации.
- Ведущие: Михаил Соболев — специалист по структурированию бизнес-групп и управлению капиталом, Наталия Кардаш – гл.редактор журнала «Успешный бизнес», эксперт по Кипру.
Дата и время: 3 сентября, 15:00
Формат: онлайн-встреча
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Стоимость: 50 евро. Для членов уровня Vestnik Premium – 25 евро.
Важно: Михаил и Наталия не продают трасты, не предлагают свои услуги по их созданию. Они – консультанты, прожившие на Кипре по 30 и 26 лет, которые могут помочь спокойно и досконально разобраться в теме. Присоединяйтесь!
Continuing my story about Arctic wildlife, I want to tell you about those who live beneath the water’s surface – walruses, seals, narwhals, and whales. I will also talk about foxes and geese, which, as it turns out, are extremely important in the Arctic ecosystem. And I learned something striking – when the ice disappears, ringed seals will die out, and polar bears will decline even faster. I will explain why.
Walruses, Seals, Narwhals, and Whales: The Unseen Heroes of the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic is not only glaciers and rocky shores – it is also the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas. Here live marine animals that are hard to see in all their beauty. They may briefly appear at the surface, only to vanish again into the depths.
Take narwhals, for example – known as the “unicorns of the Arctic” for their long, spiral tusk. What makes them unique is that the tusk is not a weapon, but a sensor. It can detect the slightest changes in water temperature, pressure, and salinity. In essence, narwhals are nature’s own hydrological instruments.
We saw many walruses. These massive animals may seem clumsy on land, but they are surprisingly graceful underwater. Their whiskers are sensitive sensors, helping them locate molluscs on the seabed. The sounds they produce are far from random noise – they are a means of communication in fog, under water, during courtship, or when threatened.
Arctic seals spend the winter under the ice, keeping breathing holes open so they can surface from time to time. They maintain these openings all winter, carefully scraping them with their claws to avoid suffocating. If a hole freezes over, the animal dies. From spring to autumn, they often haul themselves out entirely onto ice floes to bask in the sun. We once saw a polar bear hunting a seal: it caught the scent, slowly moved off to find its prey, lay down on the ice by a hole in the surface, watching, listening, and waiting.
Whales are the barometers of the climate. They are becoming increasingly rare in the latitudes frequented by sea vessels. Bowhead whales, belugas, and orcas all respond to changes in water temperature and ice cover. I interviewed zoologist Liya Pokrovskaya, who explained how a whale’s tail can identify an individual: tails are like fingerprints – unique. That is why Liya and other scientists photograph every whale they encounter, upload the images to the Happy Whale database, and in this way create a research log tracking the movements of each animal.
I too saw tail flukes and water spouts above the surface, but I couldn’t get a clear view – though I would have loved to. Whales truly are extraordinary creatures.
Photo: happywhale.com
Photo: happywhale.com
Foxes and Geese – Vital Links in the Arctic Ecosystem
At first glance, the roles of foxes and geese in the ecosystem might seem secondary, but in reality, without them, the Arctic would not be the same. The Arctic fox is a scavenger, a hunter, and an opportunist, while geese are an important element of the food chain.
The fox regularly appears near bird colonies, looking for the right moment to snatch an egg or chick. It can be a dramatic sight – especially when gulls swoop at it, screaming to drive it away. We observed such a scene in the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. In the photo I took, the birds are visible but the fox is hidden. Expedition leader Rayanm Elzein was luckier – he managed to capture a fox stealing an egg from a nest and watched as it hid its prize among the stones and moss before heading off to hunt again.
The fox is not just a hunter – it regulates bird colony numbers, catches the weak, eats the dead, and cleans up any leftover food.
Interestingly, foxes have seasonal dens: in spring, they prefer areas close to bird colonies, while in autumn they move towards the coast, where they can find washed-up fish and seals. We were also told that foxes are displacing the Arctic fox. This northern animal is well adapted to the extreme cold of the Arctic but is not good at competing. In the past, they had no such rivals. Red foxes are now moving further north – they are craftier and more intelligent, taking over Arctic fox dens, stealing their food, and even eating their young. As a result, Arctic foxes are gradually dying out. In some regions of Norway, red foxes are now deliberately culled to give the Arctic fox a chance of survival.
Geese are a seasonal food source for polar bears. In summer, when the ice is almost gone and hunting seals is impossible, goose colonies become a vital food supply for the bears. In the past, polar bears did not eat on land in summer, spending their time entirely on the ice. Now they are forced to feed on eggs and chicks. This is not their natural diet, but hunger dictates new strategies.
In Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard archipelago, we saw geese strolling calmly through the streets – almost like pigeons in European cities. But outside the town, in the open tundra, they become part of the food chain.
Geese also play another important role – they fertilise the tundra. Their droppings are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which stimulate the growth of mosses, grasses, and dwarf plants. Where geese spend the summer, the tundra looks greener than in neighbouring areas.
The Arctic, then, is not held together by giants but by the connections between all living things. Every gull, every goose, every fox – all are parts of one system, in which there are no “important” or “secondary” players. There is only interdependence.
What Is Changing in the Arctic?
When we were told that in just five – at most ten – years it would be hard to find ice in the Arctic in summer, we were saddened. But it took us a while to grasp the full depth of the tragedy.
Walruses have become less vocal – and that is a bad sign. Vocal activity is an important indicator of a colony’s wellbeing, and its absence points to stress, illness, or a shortage of resources.
New, more southern bird species have appeared here – ones that previously never ventured this far north. On one hand, this is an expansion of their range. On the other, it means the displacement of native species that have nowhere else to go.
But the hardest hit are polar bears and seals.
One of the Arctic’s most vulnerable species is the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). This is the species that polar bears rely on most for food – the success of their hunts depends largely on it. But the future of these seals is becoming increasingly bleak.
The main threat is the disappearance of spring ice. Ringed seals don’t just live among the ice – they give birth to and nurse their pups in special “ice lairs” that they dig into snowdrifts on top of sea ice. These shelters protect the young from wind, cold, and predators.
To build a lair, a very specific structure is needed: thick and stable ice covered with a sufficient layer of snow. If the ice disappears too early in spring – which is happening more and more often – the lairs collapse, leaving the pups exposed on bare ice or in open water, where they are easily killed by predators or die from hypothermia.
Photo: ornella.club
Photo: ornella.club
The problem lies in timing. In the past, a mother seal had around 6–8 weeks to nurse her pup and prepare it for independent life. Today, due to warming, this has been reduced to 3–4 weeks. The pups do not have time to gain the necessary weight and die even if they never encounter a predator.
This is what ecological extinction looks like: not sudden, but gradual – and all the more frightening for it. Scientific data confirms that in some areas of Spitsbergen, seal survival rates in recent years have dropped by 50%. And these animals are not some exotic rarity – they are the foundation of the food chain for bears, foxes, and even gulls.
What We Lose When the Ice Disappears
The Arctic is not simply “ice and cold.” It is a web of interconnected life forms, where a change in one element resonates throughout the system. The disappearance of ice is not only a change in the landscape – it is a rupture in the ecosystem.
1. When the ice vanishes, seals lose their lairs. Without stable spring ice, they cannot raise their pups.
2. Fewer seals mean less food for bears. They are forced to seek alternatives on land – eggs, birds, rubbish. They lose body mass, reproduce less often, and die more frequently.
3. Fewer seal pups mean less food for foxes and gulls. The diversity of feeding strategies drops sharply. Small predators begin to compete more, breaking out of their usual behavioural patterns.
4. Changing ice changes the sea’s acoustics. Walruses, narwhals, and belugas rely on sound to navigate and communicate. Thinner, melting ice and loose ice crystals create a new soundscape in which their echolocation becomes less accurate.
5. Shifts in temperature alter bird and whale migration routes. Some Arctic species lose their nesting grounds, while others face competition from southern species. The delicate balance between timing, location, and food availability is disrupted.
When the ice goes, the foundation of life in the Arctic goes with it. Birds, mammals, plants, and even microorganisms in this region are all tied to the rhythm of freezing and thawing. And when that rhythm is broken, the entire northern “orchestra” begins to play out of tune. I very much hope it will not fall silent forever.
For those who have never been to the Arctic but are planning to go, I will say this – there isn’t much time left. Try to make the journey soon, to witness the stark beauty of glaciers and the life of Arctic animals in their natural habitat.
Natalia Kardash
Articles from this series:
At the Edge of the World: Little-Known Facts About Arctic Animals and Birds
At the Edge of the World: The Arctic – A Place Where You Are Not Allowed to Die
In this article, I will share what I learned about Arctic wildlife from conversations with scientists, naturalists, and guides of the Swan Hellenic expedition. When you stand on the deck, gazing at the coastline, it may sometimes seem that there is no life there. But after spending even just a couple of days in the Arctic, you begin to realise that it has its own rules – very different from those we are used to.
Talking to zoologists, ornithologists, naturalists, and expedition members changed my perception of this place. This article is not an encyclopaedia – rather a collection of little-known facts that surprised me personally.
The Polar Bear – Symbol of the Arctic
When we think of the Arctic, the first image that comes to mind is the polar bear. Powerful and majestic, it has become the visual emblem of the North and the icon of the polar climate.
Speaking to me during an interview, guide Alena Antonova explained: the polar bear does not adapt to change – it suffers from it. This is an animal for which ice is not just a surface, but the foundation of its ecosystem, its hunting method, its survival strategy, even its migration routes. “It is born, hunts, and dies on the ice. Ice is vital for it,” she said.
Expedition leader Rayann Elzein confirmed: “We are seeing more and more encounters with bears in places where they shouldn’t be. These are the unlucky ones – those that have failed in hunting and have come closer to people. We don’t celebrate such encounters – we worry about them.”
Another often-overlooked fact: the polar bear is silent. It does not make sounds or growl the way films suggest. It can watch for long periods and approach almost noiselessly. This is why strict safety rules apply on board an expedition ship: landings are only permitted with trained and armed bear guards.
The Arctic is not a zoo. And the polar bear is not a model for selfies.
The Arctic Is Noisy – You Just Have to Listen
If the polar bear is the symbol of the Arctic, then in summer, the true masters of this region are the birds. As the ice melts, the cliffs become alive. In thousands of calls, the clap of wings, and swift arcs over the sea, an invisible order emerges – strict, noisy, and intricate.
I spoke with zoologist Liya Pokrovskaya, a field researcher with extensive experience. She spoke about birds with both excitement and concern. Many species of Arctic birds are extraordinarily finely tuned “instruments”. Even the slightest change in climate, food supply, or nesting conditions disrupts their populations like a wrong note in a symphony.
Here is what I learned from her – and what might surprise you:
1. Guillemot chicks cannot fly – but they jump from 100-metre cliffs. Brünnich’s guillemots do not build traditional nests. They lay their eggs directly on rocky ledges. When the time comes, the chick simply… jumps down – sometimes from 80 to 120 metres height. This is not a mistake; it is a strategy. Its father is waiting below. He will care for the chick for another two months, teaching it how to survive.
2. The noisiest place in the Arctic is not a city, but a cliff. The Alkefjellet cliff colony has more than 60,000 pairs of birds. They arrive for the short summer to raise their chicks. But this is not chaos – it is an orderly, time-tested system. Every pair has its own place.
3. Little auks fly – and dive – with equal skill. These unique birds move underwater almost like penguins, using their wings to “row”. They can dive up to 100 metres and spend more than 70% of their time at sea – even sleeping on the water.
4. Bird colonies are the main source of life for the entire ecosystem. While feeding their chicks, little auks bring in tonnes of fish from the sea. Fish scraps and guano are a vital nutrient source for Arctic vegetation, enriching the thin tundra soil with minerals that feed mosses and lichens. These attract insects, which in turn draw other birds and small mammals. It is, in a way, a biological pump transferring life from sea to land.
5. Eiders line their nests with their own down. Females pluck down from their own bodies to protect the eggs from the cold. This down is considered one of the warmest natural materials in the world and is used to make luxury duvets. It can only be collected by hand, and only when the birds leave their nests. In Norway, families have passed down this skill for generations, gathering it carefully without harming the birds.
6. Many Arctic birds are monogamous and return to the same nests year after year. Liya showed me photos of ringed birds she has seen on the same cliffs for over a decade. In a world where the ice melts, only the rock remains a constant point of return.
The Alkefjellet cliffs, which I was able to see up close from a kayak at water level, became for me the loudest place in the Arctic. Thousands of birds – calling, flying, and guarding their young – are a reminder that even at the edge of the world, life never stops; it is simply organised differently. I was lucky enough to get very close by kayak: in these parts, the birds are not afraid of people.
The article about Arctic animals and birds turned out to be quite long, and I have many photos. That is why I have divided it into two parts. In the next part, I will tell you about walruses, seals, and whales, as well as foxes and geese. Walruses, like humans, enjoy “chatting” – they have a complex vocal communication system. Arctic seals make breathing holes in the ice – a task that requires precision down to the centimetre. The Arctic fox is not just a hunter but also the “clean-up crew” of bird colonies. About this and other little-known facts – in the continuation.
Natalia Kardash
Лимассол готовится принять матчи группы C чемпионата Европы по баскетболу EuroBasket 2025, которые пройдут с 28 августа по 4 сентября. Это событие обещает стать не только спортивным праздником, но и мощным экономическим стимулом. По оценкам, вложения в модернизацию инфраструктуры и организацию турнира принесут Кипру от 13 до 17 млн евро. О преимуществах рассказал оргкомитет FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
Матчи турнира EuroBasket, которые пройдут в Лимассоле c 28 августа по 4 сентября, дадут хороший импульс спортивному туризму и местной экономике. Это стратегическая возможность укрепить международный имидж страны и создать перспективы для будущего.
Кипр станет самой маленькой страной, когда-либо проводившей это крупное баскетбольное мероприятие. Таким образом, остров укрепит свои позиции в сфере спортивного туризма. Инвестиции, которые включают модернизацию спортивного центра им. Спироса Киприану в Лимассоле, где будут проходить все игры группы C, принесут экономическую выгоду в размере 13-17 млн евро.
Кипр примет тысячи любителей спорта, которые, помимо значительных вливаний в туристический и местный сектор, выступят амбассадорами острова среди своих соотечественников. Телевизионные и онлайн-трансляции покажут Кипр примерно 300 миллионам зрителей по всему миру.
Помимо финансовой выгоды страна приобретает опыт в организации крупных спортивных мероприятий,, который будет полезен в будущем в десятках областей.
Председатель оргкомитета Маркос Клиридис заявил, что их усилия направлены на то, чтобы сделать турнир незабываемым для кипрских болельщиков и спортсменов мирового класса.
Экономический эффект крупных спортивных мероприятий давно доказан на примерах Олимпийских игр, чемпионатов мира по футболу и континентальных турниров. Исследования показывают, что такие события стимулируют рост ВВП принимающих стран, увеличивают занятость, дают импульс развитию малого и среднего бизнеса. Помимо прямых расходов болельщиков на проживание, питание, транспорт и развлечения, в экономике остаются долгосрочные инвестиции в модернизацию стадионов, улучшение транспортной сети и развитие туристической инфраструктуры.
EuroBasket, хотя и уступает по масштабам Олимпиаде или чемпионату мира, обладает схожим эффектом. Кипр, будучи самой маленькой страной в истории турнира, может получить непропорционально высокую отдачу за счет компактности территории: расходы и доходы будут концентрироваться в Лимассоле и его окрестностях, создавая заметный локальный эффект.
Опыт других стран показывает, что эффект от крупных спортивных событий продолжается в течение нескольких лет после их проведения. Туристический поток в регионы-организаторы может увеличиться на 5-15% в течение 2-3 лет благодаря узнаваемости, полученной через трансляции и СМИ. Для Кипра это означает потенциальный прирост десятков тысяч дополнительных гостей ежегодно. Успешная организация турнира повышает доверие инвесторов: гостиничные сети, спортивные бренды и компании, связанные с ивент-индустрией, чаще рассматривают такие места для долгосрочных проектов.
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Исторический визит премьер-министра Индии на Кипр
Captain of the Swan Hellenic expedition vessel SH Diana shares his journey to polar waters and the secrets of ice navigation. He first sailed to Antarctica in 2007, almost by chance, and since then has been unable to imagine his life without the icy latitudes. Today, Captain Votiacov says that for him the polar regions are not just a place to work, but a way of life, where danger and beauty coexist.
The Captain’s Path to the Polar Regions
— How did you first find yourself in Antarctica?
— To be honest, it was more of a coincidence than a deliberate choice. In 2007, the company I was working for at the time was given a contract for a vessel bound for Antarctica. I had never sailed in icy conditions before and had no experience in polar navigation. But when I first saw Antarctica, I realised it was a truly special, unique place. Since then, I have returned there regularly, worked on various ships, and gradually built up the necessary experience.
— Why did ice navigation become so special for you?
— First and foremost, I was drawn by the very nature of the polar regions. It is a unique environment, a completely different world compared to the seas we are used to. Working with ice requires a captain to have special skills, intuition, and caution. You can never truly relax. You must always be alert, understand how the ice behaves, and be able to predict weather changes. This is what makes such work both challenging and incredibly fascinating.
I gradually realised that ice navigation was what truly interested me. There is always something new to encounter, and each voyage is different from the last. It captures you and never lets you go.
— How many years have you been working in the polar regions?
— For more than 15 years now. Since starting in 2007, I have been sailing to both Antarctica and the Arctic almost every season. You could say the Arctic and the Antarctica have chosen me themselves. Today, this is my main field, my specialisation, and I have no plans to change it.
“Our ship, SH Diana, is a hybrid capable of sailing both in ice and in the Mediterranean”
The Specifics of Ice Navigation
— How does ice navigation differ from ordinary navigation?
— The differences are huge. First of all, the conditions are completely different. In open seas, there are fewer dangers and navigation is simpler. In icy waters, the captain must constantly analyse the situation: take into account ice thickness, wind direction, and temperature. Even a small patch of ice can be extremely dangerous for a modern vessel, so there is no room for mistakes.
— What is an ice class and why is it so important?
— Ice class is a special classification of ships that indicates the conditions in which they can operate safely. For example, there are ships with an icebreaker class, like Ponant’s vessel Le Commandant Charcot. It can pass through almost any ice, even the most challenging. Our ship is not an icebreaker, but it has an ice class and special ice protection, allowing us to operate safely in polar regions for extended periods.
Ice class refers not only to the hull structure but also to equipping the vessel with special systems: heated liferafts, enhanced safety measures, and advanced navigation systems. All of this is regulated by the Polar Code — a dedicated set of rules mandatory for all polar ships.
— What other challenges come with ice navigation?
— Ice is constantly changing. You can never predict exactly what the ice conditions will be like in a few hours. We regularly receive ice chart data, use radar and visual observation, but even that can be insufficient. Sometimes the ice situation changes abruptly, and we must quickly decide to change course.
— How is the crew prepared for work in icy conditions?
— We regularly hold drills and training sessions, practising various emergency scenarios. We run exercises involving helicopters, rescue equipment, and even have special programmes for simulating collisions with ice. The crew must know exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
Recently, we had a joint exercise with a coastguard helicopter that came to practise a rescue operation. We were moving at full speed in open waters, and the crew trained to receive people and cargo from the helicopter in those conditions. Such training helps everyone feel more confident and be prepared for anything.
— What is the most important piece of advice you would give a captain navigating polar waters for the first time?
— Be cautious and never overestimate yourself. In ice navigation, there is no place for overconfidence. You must always be ready for nature to prove stronger than you expect. It is essential to have clear backup plans and not be afraid to retreat if it is necessary for the safety of the ship and the people on board. Ice and the polar environment are not enemies but partners — you must learn to interact with them with respect and care.
What Makes Swan Hellenic Different from Other Ships
— How does the Swan Hellenic expedition vessel differ from regular cruise liners?
— In essence, SH Diana is not so different from any other passenger ship. It has all the same features: comfortable staterooms, restaurants, public areas, technical systems. But the key difference is that this vessel was designed specifically as an expedition ship. That means it has an ice class and special ice protection, allowing it to operate for extended periods in temperatures down to minus ten degrees Celsius. In addition, it is equipped with specialised systems for working in polar conditions.
— What kind of equipment is that?
— First of all, inflatable Zodiac boats, used for landing guests ashore and for excursions at sea. We also have special heating and protection systems. All this allows us to work safely and effectively in cold regions. At the same time, the ship remains a hybrid, which means we can easily switch from polar expeditions to regular cruises in more comfortable climates, such as the Mediterranean. Right now, we are finishing the polar season and will soon head south, where the standard cruise season begins – a new port every day, regular routes, and completely different conditions.
— Why is a smaller ship more convenient for expeditions?
— Because on a ship like ours, guests are much closer to the water. If we encounter whales, passengers can see these animals literally ten metres away. On a large cruise liner carrying one or two thousand passengers, such closeness and interactivity simply aren’t possible. Even if such a liner is near whales, the distance will still be significant due to the vessel’s height and size. SH Diana is purpose-built for expeditions, which means it allows guests to feel a much stronger connection with nature.
SH Diana – Part of Swan Hellenic’s Arctic Fleet
SH Diana is a state-of-the-art expedition ship built for polar voyages. Launched in 2023, it is one of the most advanced in its class, with a reinforced hull for ice navigation (ice class PC6) and an innovative stabilisation system that ensures a smooth ride even in the harsh conditions of the northern seas. Aboard such a vessel begins a true journey into the unknown – under the command of a captain for whom the northern wind has become a familiar companion.
Technologies in the Heart of the Arctic
The ship is equipped with hybrid engines that can switch to a low-noise, eco-friendly mode – an essential requirement when observing wildlife in the Arctic and Antarctic. In addition, the vessel carries high-tech Zodiacs for shore landings and a scientific laboratory for studying ice, water, and soil samples.
The interior of SH Diana combines functionality with the understated elegance of Scandinavian design. The décor features light, natural tones, panoramic windows, natural materials, and cosy relaxation areas.
For passengers, the ship offers:
– Simple yet stylish staterooms with balconies
– Spacious lounges and a library
– A sauna, swimming pool, and spa area
– An observation deck for watching whales, icebergs, and the Northern Lights
With a maximum capacity of 192 passengers, SH Diana creates the atmosphere of a genuine scientific expedition – complete with lectures, briefings, and first-hand stories from researchers.
Organisation of Operations and Management
— What departments make up your ship’s crew?
— The crew is divided into three main departments: deck, engine, and hotel. The deck department is responsible for navigation and the safety of the vessel, the engine department handles technical maintenance and the operation of all machinery, and the hotel department ensures the comfort and service for our guests.
The deck department is headed by the chief officer, who oversees the watch officers and deckhands. The engine department is led by the chief engineer, responsible for all technical systems and machinery on board. In the hotel department, the hotel director manages guest comfort and coordinates all passenger and crew service teams.
— What are your main responsibilities as captain?
— First and foremost, I am responsible for the safety of the vessel and everyone on board. I make navigational decisions, oversee arrivals and departures from ports, and organise the work of the crew. In addition, I have a significant amount of administrative duties: liaising between departments, planning the day, and resolving ongoing matters. I also interact actively with guests and company partners, help them plan itineraries, and advise on the capabilities of our ship.
— How often do you conduct drills and training?
— Drills are held on board regularly – they are an essential part of our work. We practise different scenarios: fire, evacuation, collision with ice, and the use of rescue equipment. This is extremely valuable, as the crew must be prepared for absolutely anything.
A Captain’s Typical Day
— What does your usual working day look like?
— I wake up early to get some quiet work done in the morning, when fewer people are using the internet and communications, so I can calmly go through emails and documents. If we are approaching a port, I am always on the bridge, overseeing manoeuvres. During the day, there are many administrative tasks and conversations with the crew. After lunch, I always try to rest a little – it helps keep my mind fresh.
I make sure to visit the gym regularly, because three months at sea require maintaining good physical shape. In the evenings, I sometimes talk with guests or attend events. But even when I’m not on the bridge, I am always on call – my position requires being available 24 hours a day. In case of any unusual situations, the watch officers immediately contact me so that I can make the final decision.
— What does your work and rest schedule look like?
— I work for three months on the ship and then have three months off at home in Barcelona. This allows me to fully recover and return to the next voyage with renewed energy. Such a schedule is common in our industry and has proven to work very well.
Key Skills of a Passenger Ship Captain: Empathy, Flexibility, and the Ability to Make Quick Decisions
— What key skills are necessary to be the captain of a passenger vessel, especially in polar regions?
— The main difference between commanding cargo ships and passenger ships is that here you are responsible for hundreds of lives on board. Your decisions directly affect people’s safety and comfort. This requires the ability to make calm decisions under pressure and a genuine skill in communicating effectively – both with the crew and with passengers.
Flexibility is crucial, especially in expedition cruises. Weather conditions, ice situations, and encounters with wildlife can change our plans instantly. You must always have several backup options ready. The ability to assess a situation quickly and adjust the course calmly is probably the most important skill for a captain in polar waters.
— How are cruise itineraries planned given such unpredictability?
— When planning itineraries, we always include several backup scenarios. We choose routes that allow us to change course if ice conditions or weather become an issue. Guests often don’t even notice how quickly we adapt, because everything is thought through in advance down to the smallest detail.
Maritime Adventures and Unforgettable Experiences at Sea
— Over the years at sea, you must have had some memorable moments. Can you recall a particularly vivid one?
— I always say: my goal as a captain is to avoid adventures. Because an “adventure” at sea almost always means that something hasn’t gone according to plan. That said, there have certainly been difficult and memorable situations that have tested my skills and composure.
— For example?
— The most striking, of course, is crossing the Drake Passage. This stretch between South America and Antarctica is notorious for its extreme weather conditions. We have often faced waves six to eight metres high and the fiercest storms. The ocean there is truly unpredictable. You very quickly come to understand why sailors have always both feared and respected these waters.
— Have there been moments when you actually felt afraid?
— Fear is not quite the word. I would say – deep respect. In such moments, you rely on your training, experience, and your crew. If you are prepared and keep calm, even difficult situations can be overcome. Panic is what makes situations dangerous. I always choose the path of clear planning and cool-headed calculation. Of course, I don’t seek to find myself in such storms again – but if they do happen, the key is to maintain composure and control.
The Captain’s Favourite Places and Dreams
— Do you have a favourite place among all those you’ve visited?
— I’ve been very fortunate to travel to many corners of the world. I like Australia and New Zealand – the scenery there is stunning. The Amazon River in South America is also a fascinating place. It’s not entirely navigable, but what I have seen so far left a strong impression. If I had to name my favourite destination, it would definitely be Antarctica. Nowhere else do you feel so small and yet so alive. The nature there is pure and untouched. Icebergs, mountains, the whiteness all around… it’s as if you’ve stepped onto another planet.
— And looking to the future – are there any places you dream of visiting?
— I’ve been almost everywhere, but one place still on my dream list is the Eastern Canadian Arctic. The logistics are challenging, but the landscapes, culture, and history are absolutely unique. I would very much like to work in that region and perhaps in Alaska. Although, of course, it cannot quite compare to Svalbard – this archipelago has truly remarkable places.
— What makes these places special?
— It’s simple: the silence, the vastness, and the sense of the present moment. There is no rush, no noise. Just you and the world. And when you are in such an environment, everything else fades away. You are truly present in the here and now.
Региональная администрация Ларнаки получила в общей сложности 1250 заявок на новые инвестиционные проекты, четверть из них планируется на территории бывших нефтеналивных терминалов. В то же время местные власти приняли принципиальное решение не пускать в черту города высотки, чтобы не нарушать его самобытного характера.
По словам председателя Региональной организации самоуправления Ларнаки Ангелоса Хаджихараламбуса, в последние годы им поступает множество заявок от инвесторов. В настоящее время на рассмотрении организации находится 1250 заявок, поданных консорциумами кипрских и иностранных инвесторов. 650 из них были поданы в бумажном формате, 600 ― в электронном виде.
«Ларнака сегодня стала главным инвестиционным направлением на Кипре, как для местных жителей, так и для иностранцев», ― отметил Хаджихараламбус. Интерес к ней резко возрос, когда начался вывод нефтеналивных терминалов с берега Ливадии, Ороклини и Пилы. Из 1250 заявок 300 предполагают строительство небольших или больших отелей, туристических комплексов смешанного типа, жилых комплексов, офисных зданий, многоквартирных домов, вилл.
Юго-западная часть региона, особенно у моря, также пользуется большим спросом. 200 заявок предполагают развитие на территории Кити и Дромолакши-Менеу. В основном это малые и крупные туристические объекты. Однако пока что селениям за пределами города не хватает критически важной инфраструктуры ― нет современных медицинских центров, университетов, центров реабилитации и ухода за больными, детских площадок и других объектов для нормальной повседневной жизни.
Отдельная тема будущего развития Ларнаки ― строительство высоток. «Мы постараемся сохранить самобытный характер города. Конечно, если местный план развития предусматривает строительство восьми- или десятиэтажного здания, мы не можем этого запретить. Но все здания выше 20 этажей мы вынесем за границы города», ― сказал глава региональной администрации.
Перспективы Ларнаки как экономического и инвестиционного направления огромны, и этот факт находит отражение во множестве инфраструктурных проектов, осуществляемых местными властями. Такими проектами стали модернизация дорожной сети по всему городу бюджетом в 3 млн евро, модернизация и усовершенствование «Зеленых точек» бюджетом 29 млн евро. В стадии реализации находится проект канализация в селениях Дромолакша, Менеу, Кити, Перволия и Терсефану, бюджет этого начинания составляет 110 млн евро. Ожидается, что работы будут завершены к концу 2026 года. Также ожидается, что в ближайшее время Генеральное казначейство завершит аудит проекта четвертой очереди канализации в Арадиппу, Ливадии, Пиле и Ороклини, стоимость которой 270 млн евро. Проект финансируется на 80% государством и на 20% европейскими фондами.
Власти также взялись за проблему наводнений в районе Камарес. Возведение защитных арок обойдется в 7 млн евро.
По материалам StockWatch
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Падение в рейтинге инноваций: в чем причина?
How life is organised on the island of Spitsbergen and why the Arctic is a unique place on our planet. This is the second article in the series about travelling to the Arctic aboard the expedition ship SH Diana of Swan Hellenic.
In the Arctic, everything is different – the rhythm of life, the laws of nature, the rules of conduct, and even the attitude towards life and death itself. Once you have been here, you begin to feel your inner compass shift.
The Arctic has no precise borders – unlike Antarctica, it is not a continent, but an immense area surrounding the North Pole. Geographically, it includes the northern parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the USA (Alaska), as well as the Spitsbergen archipelago, which is now officially called Svalbard.
The Arctic in Summer Is Full of Life
For those who have never been to the Arctic, it may seem that there is only permafrost and endless drifting ice. I thought so too – until I set out by kayak to the cliffs of Alkefjellet in Spitsbergen. There, life was in full swing. I had never seen so many birds at once: more than 100,000. Just look at the photo. In this region, it is one of the largest bird colonies nesting on the cliffs during the brief northern summer.
The Arctic is also home to polar bears, walruses, narwhals, loons, and Arctic foxes – all perfectly adapted to the extreme conditions of the North. As for flora, it is minimal – mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs.
There are no trees at all on the Spitsbergen archipelago.
Where Do People Live?
In the capital of the archipelago – Longyearbyen – about 2,400 people reside. It is the northernmost settlement in the world served by regular civilian flights. Here you can find shops, a school, a kindergarten, a university campus, and a museum. To my surprise, I saw children’s playgrounds near the houses (I had imagined there would be nothing for children to do here). But no – everything is just like in an ordinary little town, where residents know each other by name. The only difference is that the streets are sometimes crossed by reindeer, and leaving the town’s limits for the wilderness without a rifle is forbidden. While we were walking around Longyearbyen, we saw flocks of geese here and there. And in another town – Ny-Ålesund – we watched gulls dive-bombing a fox that was trying to snatch their chicks.
Other settlements have far fewer residents – for example, the abandoned Soviet settlement of Pyramiden has only 10 inhabitants, while Barentsburg is home to around 300 Russian-speakers. I will write separately another time about how it happened that there were towns on Spitsbergen founded by the USSR and what their status is today.
Why You Cannot Die Here
This is not a metaphor. In Longyearbyen, it is officially forbidden to die. The reason lies in the permafrost – bodies do not decompose. When a cemetery was established here in the early 20th century, it turned out that even decades later, the remains of the deceased were almost perfectly preserved. This became particularly evident during the Spanish flu epidemic – the virus continued to live in the frozen bodies.
Today, anyone who is terminally ill is transported from the archipelago to the “mainland” – to Norway. These are the rules.
To be continued.
Natalia Kardash
The first article in the series “At the Edge of the World: First Encounter with the Arctic” can be read at this link.
Если вы храните деньги в кипрском банке, то с большой вероятностью вы получаете меньше начислений, чем среднестатистический европеец. Но если вы берете кредит для покупки дома или открытия малого бизнеса, вы, скорее всего, заплатите за него больше. Такая ситуация описана в свежем отчете Центробанка. Документ показывает увеличивающийся разрыв между Кипром и еврозоной.
В июне средняя процентная ставка по депозитам сроком на один год для домохозяйств на Кипре снизилась до 1,13%, в то время как в среднем по еврозоне она составляла 1,77%. Некоторые банки предлагают ставку даже ниже 1%, например, Societe Generale Bank Cyprus выплачивает всего 0,62%. Самая большая ставка по депозитам ― в Eurobank Cyprus (1,5%).
Ситуация для бизнеса аналогична. Ставки по корпоративным депозитам также снизились, составив в среднем 1,18% по сравнению с 1,93% в еврозоне.
Средняя процентная ставка по новым жилищным кредитам на Кипре в июне выросла до 3,97%. В еврозоне она снизилась до 3,61%. Bank of Cyprus возглавил рейтинг самой дорогой ипотеки с 5% годовых. Astrobank предлагает наиболее выгодный вариант с 2,21%. Тем не менее, большинство крупных банков в своей ставке по ипотеке по-прежнему значительно превышают средний показатель по еврозоне.
Для малых предприятий, желающих взять в долг менее 1 млн евро, средняя процентная ставка по кредитам на Кипре снизилась до 4,56%, но это все равно почти на целый процентный пункт выше, чем в среднем по еврозоне (3,73%). Banque SBA и Astrobank взимают более 5,9%, Alpha Bank Cyprus и Hellenic Bank предлагают более выгодные ставки ― ниже 4,2%. Для крупных компаний ситуация та же: кипрские заемщики платят больше, чем их европейские коллеги.
Для киприотов этот растущий разрыв означает, что деньги чаще работают против них. Сбережения растут не так быстро, а кредиты на важные начинания типа покупки дома или открытия своего дела обходятся дороже. Это может иметь негативные последствия для экономики, так как снижает доверие потребителей и негативно влияет на готовность предпринимателей к риску.
В долгосрочной перспективе, если разрыв с еврозоной будет расти, Кипр рискует столкнуться с утечкой капитала за рубеж и усилением конкурентного давления на свою банковскую систему, особенно с учетом того, что в эпоху цифровых финансов все больше клиентов готовы переводить деньги туда, где условия выгоднее.
По материалам «Катимерини»
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Банковская система устойчива, но ЦБ призывает к бдительности
Here silence is never empty. It crackles through the pack ice and drifts over glaciers. In the Arctic nature reveals itself slowly, if you’re paying attention. You won’t find guarantees or easy drama; instead, you might witness a bear leave its meal not because of your presence, but because it caught another scent. You might discover that the most powerful moment is not what you see — but what you don’t disturb.
Rayann Elzein is the Expedition Leader aboard SH Diana. He makes dozens of decisions each day, is responsible for the safety of guests and crew, checks ice maps, plans landings — and still speaks about the silence of pack ice, the Northern Lights, and his dream of spending a year in Svalbard with boyish wonder. Formerly a civil engineer from France, today he lives between two poles — but his heart belongs to the North.
From office to glacier: how one trip changed everything
— Rayann, how did you end up in the polar world?
— Completely by chance. I used to be a civil engineer and consultant, working on engineering projects, and living in the Netherlands. Then I moved to Saint Petersburg for a couple of years — and from there, I planned a short vacation to the North. I just wanted to see the Northern Lights. That was in Sapmi (Finnish Lapland), near Inari. All I wanted at the time was a beautiful sky.
But after that trip… I couldn’t stop. I went again. And again. The North drew me in. In 2015, I travelled to Svalbard as a tourist to see the solar solar eclipse. And three years later, I booked a cabin on a polar cruise — just as a regular guest. That was the turning point.
— Why?
— I really fell in love with Svalbard. I wanted to keep coming back year after year, taking pictures of the polar bears, foxes, and birds. I wanted to experience these deeply unique moments in the Arctic. Since travelling to the Arctic each year is expensive, I figured that the best way to keep experiencing it is to just work there. So, I went through extensive training, got certifications, and found my first job on board a ship. First as a photography guide — and then I became more involved in expedition logistics. Now, I am the expedition leader. And I feel I have found my place.
Leading in polar conditions means staying one step ahead
— What are your main responsibilities?
— Everything that has to do with the program and the guests’ experiences. I’m responsible for route planning, landings, checking ice and weather forecasts, working with the captain, managing the expedition team, and ensuring guest safety. I wake up early — sometimes at 5:30 a.m. — to scout out landing zones. Especially when there is a chance of spotting a polar bear.
— So your team goes ashore first?
— Always. We cannot allow guests to unexpectedly come face-to-face with a bear. We scan the coastline with binoculars, look for tracks, survey the area. If there is any risk at all, we cancel the landing or find another location. Our job is to protect both the people and the bear.
— That sounds intense.
— It is. But that’s the beauty of it. My job is like being an orchestra conductor. Everything needs to be in harmony: the plan, the team, timing, mood, weather, ice conditions. You’re always thinking ahead, but always immersed in nature.
It is necessary to choose a visual aid that is appropriate for the topic and audience.
— What qualities would you like to see in your team members?
— First and foremost, we look for people who are reliable in unpredictable situations. Out here, we need calm minds, quick reactions, and good judgment. It’s also important that they’re respectful: of the environment, the wildlife, and our guests. Experience and knowledge help, of course, but attitude matters just as much. You have to genuinely enjoy working as a team, sharing knowledge, and staying flexible, because plans change constantly. We want people who can handle pressure without ego and who understand that we’re here to observe nature, not control it.
Presenting the team of SH Diana
Behind the scenes: decisions, weather, and moving targets
"NOTHING HERE IS PREDICTABLE — AND THAT’S WHY I LOVE IT"
— Rayann, most guests see only the smooth execution — landings, lectures, excursions. What does you day look like? What happens behind the curtain?
— A lot. It’s like a concert — and I’m both backstage and conducting. Every day starts with a deep weather and ice review. I speak with the captain early in the morning, we check forecasts, ice concentration charts, fog reports, swell conditions. Based on that, we plan: where we will go, if we can land, what we will do if things change.
— Do they often change?
— Constantly. This is the Arctic — nothing is guaranteed. Maybe the forecast looked great last night, but by 6 a.m., there’s thick fog in the fjord. Or the ice has shifted overnight and blocked a landing site. You need two or three backup plans at all times. Adaptability is not a bonus — it’s essential.
— How do you know which sites are available?
— There is a booking and scheduling system made available by AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators). Most ships in Svalbard are members of AECO and therefore have to use it. We apply for our desired landing sites months in advance — like booking time slots. But if the weather forces us to abandon a site, we need to act fast and see what else is available — without conflicting with other vessels.
— It sounds stressful.
— It is. But it’s also satisfying. When it works — when you pull off a perfect day despite changing ice or wind — it’s magic. And the guests don’t know how close we were to calling it off. That’s the goal: make it seamless for them, no matter how chaotic it is behind the scenes.
IN A WAY, WHEN IT COMES TO WILDLIFE, ANTARCTICA IS “PREDICTABLE”. IN THE ARCTIC, YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR IT REALLY HARD" — Rayann Elzein
The soul of the Arctic: pack ice and impossible dreams
— What is your favorite experience in the Arctic?
— It is the pack ice. It’s the most unpredictable, raw, and remote environment we can access. It’s never the same. Sometimes it’s dense and majestic, stretching as far as the eye can see. Sometimes it’s thin and fragmented, like a broken mirror. And we just drift through it, silently.
— What is it like?
— Magical. The engine stops, the ship drifts, and all you hear is the soft crackling of the ice. It is meditative. You might see a seal. A bear. Or nothing at all. But you always feel something. I think many people come to the Arctic expecting wildlife. But what actually changes them is the silence.
— Do you have a favorite island?
— I used to dream of landing on Kvitøya — the White Island, the easternmost point of Svalbard. It’s remote, often inaccessible due to ice. I have been there several times, without landing because of polar bears on the beach. And now it's off-limits — new regulations prohibit landings there to protect the environment. So it remains… a dream. A white spot on my personal map of Svalbard.
— Any favorite places you do visit?
— Many. I love Alkefjellet, the bird cliff. It’s alive with tens of thousands of birds, noise, motion. I love the northernmost archipelago within Svalbard called the Seven Islands, and of course seeing massive glaciers everywhere is fascinating. But more than anything, I love the uncertainty — when I don’t know what the day will bring, and then nature surprises us all.
The Arctic vs. Antarctica: silence and surprise
— Rayann, you've worked in both poles. How would you describe the difference between Antarctica and the Arctic?
— From the point of view of being a guide or Expedition Leader, it is night and day. In a certain way, Antarctica is more predictable at least when it comes to wildlife. You’re almost guaranteed to see penguins, seals, whales — wildlife is abundant and easy to spot. It’s photogenic, cinematic. It delivers what people imagine when they think “polar expedition”.
But the Arctic makes you work for finding wildlife really hard. It’s more like a visual treasure hunt. You’re scanning the shoreline for movement. You’re searching. Hoping. And when you do spot something — a bear in the distance, a seal slipping between ice floes or a fox snatching an egg from a bird nest — it feels like you earned it. There’s emotion in that. You remember it.
— So in Antarctica you may expect to see more animal life, in the Arctic – more stunning landscapes?
— When it comes to wildlife, yes, you can expect more in Antarctica. People who have travelled to Antarctica first often arrive in the Arctic expecting the same concentration of wildlife but the Arctic is slow, subtle, quiet. It teaches you to pay attention. To stop performing and start observing. When it comes to landscapes, the north and south are so incredibly different that I wouldn’t dare to compare them.
— If you had to choose only one – north or south pole – what would it be?
— Svalbard. No hesitation. I love Antarctica — I really do, and I can’t wait to return there for the next season. But Svalbard… I feel like I belong here. The landscapes, the light, the silence. Maybe it is because I feel more connected in a way, because this is the first place that I visited and truly got to know in depth.
A life of contrast: between chaos and solitude
— What's your life like between expeditions?
— Unusual (laughs). I live in Ohcejohka (Utsjoki) the northernmost village in Finland, not far from the Arctic Ocean. My nearest neighbor is kilometers away. It’s quiet, completely surrounded by nature. That’s where I rest, recharge, reconnect with silence.
— And what’s your yearly rhythm?
— I work about 2-3 months in the Arctic in northern spring and summer. Then I rest for a month or two. In late northern autumn (spring in the south), I head to Antarctica, where I spend another 2 to 3 months on board. Then I take a couple of months off again until the next Arctic season, usually at home in the north. I read, hike, reflect, prepare.
— Sounds like an unusual balance between extremes.
— It is. On the ship, it’s non-stop: decisions, people, movement, risk assessment. At home, it’s the opposite: silence, stillness, space. But I need both. Two sides of my life complete each other. Without the calm, I wouldn’t survive the chaos. And without the chaos — I wouldn’t appreciate the calm.
— Would you like to spend a full year in the Arctic?
— That’s a dream of mine! Maybe in Svalbard, to experience the total darkness. I’d love to see the seasons turn, to feel the long polar night, the slow return of light. People think the Arctic is empty — but it’s full of tiny changes. You just need time to see them.
How to prepare for the polar world: mindset, gear, and one big mistake
— Rayann, what advice would you give someone preparing for their first Arctic expedition?
— I’d divide it into two parts: physical preparation and mental preparation.
Physically, the key is the right gear. Most people do okay with jackets — the parka we give them is great — but the most common mistake is not bringing proper waterproof pants. That’s the one item people forget or underestimate.
You need:
A waterproof outer layer — especially pants
A warm hat, gloves, and neck protection
Thermal base layers, preferably wool
Wool socks
Sunglasses and sunscreen — yes, even here, especially here!
And: a good camera and binoculars. You’ll regret not having them if the moment comes. Of course, we give binoculars to all guests, but you can also bring your own.
— And how to get mentally ready?
— Drop all expectations. Don't come here thinking you’ll see a polar bear or a glacier at sunrise. Nature doesn’t work on your schedule. If you expect too much, you might miss what’s right in front of you.
Instead, come with an open mind. Be curious. Let the Arctic reveal itself to you. That’s when the magic happens.
— Any reading or viewing suggestions?
— Yes. I particularly love "The Frozen Planet" documentary by the BBC, narrated by David Attenborough. It’s beautiful, informative, and moving. But remember — real wildlife doesn’t come that close as it is shown in this film with extremely advanced (and expensive!) camera equipment. It takes time. Patience. Luck. If you want to really feel something: watch the film, come to the Arctic, and stand on the bow in silence. That’s when it all connects.
The moment from our recent trip
— You’ve seen so much. Is there one moment that stands above the rest?
— Yes, and we experienced it together. It was during our day in the pack ice. A polar bear appeared in the distance. We stopped the ship — just drifting. Complete silence. We watched the bear — quietly, respectfully — as it feeded on the remains of a seal, certainly a recent kill. It started to feed. Slowly. Carefully. No noise. No rush. We didn’t move the ship. We just watched from a distance, with binoculars. And then — after a while — it stopped eating, looked up into the distance… and walked away. Not because we were there. Not because we disturbed it. But because it caught another scent, he went to find a seal. He had his own reasons.
We saw the bear. I was on the bridge, observing its behaviour. We saw that the bear was just having its meal and it's very unlikely to stop because the meal is very important for bears. Maybe once it looked at us, just raised the eyes from the meal. Then it finished eating and - at this moment - it smelt something. With the binoculars we could see it hunt some other seals in the distance. So it didn't leave because of us. It lived its life as usual, behaved naturally. And that's what we want to achieve in these expeditions — not to disturb, but observe and respect the nature.
— What did you feel in that moment?
— That we had done it right. That we had been present, but not intrusive. That we had witnessed something natural, without altering it. That is rare. That is the dream. That’s why I do this.
— Was everyone on board aware of the significance?
— I think so. There was this reverent silence. Nobody ran or overreacted. Nobody screamed “bear!” People just… watched. And when the bear walked away, it felt like we’d shared something sacred. It was a confirmation. That humility is the only way to be in the Arctic. That we are not the centre. That we’re the guests. And if we’re lucky — really lucky — the Arctic lets us see a little bit of its soul.
