Bucket-list expeditions with Swan Hellenic

A Swan Hellenic luxury expedition cruise takes you to the far-flung locations you’ve always dreamed of.

With new boutique ships, the latest polar ice-class technology, sophisticated interiors and 70 years of experience in immersive expeditions – it’s little wonder Swan Hellenic is increasingly enticing the discerning traveller. Its high-end boutique ‘hotels at sea’ have five-star features in a modern Scandinavian-inspired design.

Boutique cruising

Intimate in size, Swan Hellenic’s three vessels host only 152 – 192 guests, where you’ll find elegant staterooms reminiscent of a high-end boutique hotel. Rooms are spacious and well-planned, with separate living rooms, generous ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, and a dedicated dressing room. Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets and a customised pillow menu ensure utter comfort.

How many ships does Swan Hellenic have?

Swan Hellenic has just three ships, hosting 152 – 192 guests. Journeys traverse the Arctic and Antarctica, Asia and Australia via the sun-drench ports of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the exotic East Coast of Africa. All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact.

SH Diana

SH Diana is the cruise line’s newest and largest ship. SH Diana has a capacity of 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites. Her maiden voyage in April 2023 was the 10-night Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors, which took guests to explore some of the most fascinating locations in North Africa before crossing the “Pillars of Hercules” to Seville and Lisbon.

SH Vega

SH Vega first sailed in July 2022 and is the “twin ship” of SH Minerva. The ship offers five-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. SH Vega features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by Zodiac are a central feature of the programs, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The onboard amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, library, panoramic restaurant and club lounge, as well as a pool deck with a bar.

SH Minerva

SH Minerva first sailed in December 2021. She was the first in a series of three high ice class cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium cruise experiences worldwide. SH Minerva accommodates up to 152 guests in 76 cabins and suites and is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles.

Life on board Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic’s ships have a heated outdoor pool, panoramic view indoor sauna, and state-of-the-art gym. The elegant interior is designed in neutral tones, with rich textiles and natural textures, bringing the outside in through oversized windows. Sea days are spent lounging on the large balconies and plentiful outdoor decks – where there’s always a staff member on hand to provide the cruise line’s signature service.

Expedition cruises

Swan Hellenic’s luxury expedition cruises take you to some of the world’s most remote and culturally significant locations. Delving deep into each destination, Swan Hellenic expeditions focus on wildlife, sustainability and science. Visiting all seven continents worldwide – with journeys traversing the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, South Pacific, New Zealand, and South America. Qualified expedition leaders guide you at every port with information about each destination’s rich culture, history, and extraordinary wildlife.

Antarctica cruises

Antarctica is a never-to-be-forgotten destination. The sights of this vast frozen landscape and the wildlife spotted along the journey are incredible. Guests have the chance to set foot on the white continent and nearby islands with Zodiac expeditions. The expert team of expedition leaders and naturalists will take you to penguin rookeries, beaches of lazing elephant seals and Port Lockroy research station. There are seven Antarctica cruise itineraries to choose from, ranging from 9 to 17 nights and starting from $19,424 per person. All Swan Hellenic’s cruises are fully inclusive, including all transfers, pre-cruise accommodation and charter air in polar regions.

Swan Hellenic’s Antarctica cruises visit:

• Ushuaia
• Punta Arenas
• Buenos Aires
• Falkland Islands
• Stanley
• South Georgia
• Grytviken
• Drake Passage
• South Shetland Islands
• Port Stanley
• Weddell Sea
• Marguerite Bay
• King George Island
• Deception Island
• Antarctic Peninsula

History of Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was founded in the 1950s by a British travel agency named Swan Tours. A full program of tours was released after a successful tour of the antiquities in Greece. A key difference to other commercial cruises was that Swan Hellenic Cruises endeavoured never to repeat the same itineraries twice and to explore unique and unusual destinations. Its reputation grew as a cruise line offering intriguing itineraries with an educational aspect.

An expedition with Swan Hellenic is made for the adventurous traveller who craves discovering parts of the world where few have been before, all in opulent style. Find all of Swan Hellenic’s extraordinary voyages here.