Whether she is gracing arena stages across Canada or quietly soaking in the thermal pools of Reykjavík, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, actor and author Jann Arden is also an avid traveller. Celebrated for her soulful voice and razor-sharp wit, the Canadian icon finds her second home on the open sea, having partnered with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours on intimate, world-class voyages.
Scenic Eclipse
As she prepares to host her seventh sailing aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse through the Norwegian Fjords, Arden trades travel stories with our Editor-in-Chief, Vivian Vassos, revealing her guilty pleasures, favourite escapes and why she left her heart in Iceland.
Where in the world have you felt the happiest?
I am always happiest when I am with my fiancé, whether that is here in our home in Canada, or in our home in Iceland. I have the best of both worlds.
Where have you just come back from?
I just got home from my other home in Reykjavik. It was fantastic. Lots of time spent in thermal pools.
What’s your idea of getting away from it all?
Reading a good book, either in Reykjavik or Rockyview [Alberta]. Simply dreamy.
What’s the one thing you pack for every trip?
I never thought I’d be saying this, but a bathing suit!
What’s your guilty pleasure while travelling?
Going to new restaurants. One of my favourite things to do is to dine out in some zany place.
Finish this sentence: I lost my heart in…
Iceland.
A breathtaking view of Kerid Crater for a Canadian icon. Jann Arden sits comfortably, taking in the serene blue waters and the ancient, 6,500-year-old volcanic slopes. It is a moment of pure wonder in one of Iceland’s most stunning natural landmarks. Photo by @thordiselva
You’re about to embark on your seventh voyage with Scenic. What is it about cruise travel that you love?
For starters, no matter the destination you choose with Scenic, it’s always about the people I meet along the way. The Scenic experience, whether it’s on one of their extraordinary river cruises, or on their ultra-luxurious yachts, or on a five-star coach line, the entire staff is brilliant. They give you the sense that you are with family. They call you by your name on day 1! They know how you take your coffee, they know what you use in your room – it’s always the smallest details that are attended to. Trust me when I say, it’s always hard to go home! The people are amazing.
When you partner with Scenic, do you have a say in the destinations? And what is it like sharing your music in such an intimate setting at sea?
Great question. Yes, indeed I have been given choices as to what cruise or voyage I would like to go on. I had taken several river cruises with Scenic and was of course thrilled with every single experience. When the opportunity was presented to go on their ultra-luxury discovery yacht to Fiji, I couldn’t resist. I had never been there before and was not disappointed. The ultra-luxurious yacht allows the band and I to take advantage of their beautiful state-of-the-art theatre, it was much easier for us to do a show, and a much better experience for the passengers as well. To play a concert for such an intimate audience is quite nerve-racking to be honest. People are right there in front of you!
What’s the one place you would go back to that you’ve visited while on a cruise?
I would go back to every single location. And I am not kidding. You never get to see enough of where you are.
Wise words to share? What has travel taught you?
I have always been so grateful to be able to see the world. It has made me more altruistic, empathic and grounded in a way that is hard to describe. To witness other cultures and taste new flavours and hear new sounds, it changes how you see yourself and the world around you. You become grateful in a way that stays with you forever.
