SH Minerva Receives DCA ESG Certification

SH Minerva Is the First Cruise Ship in the World to Receive DCA ESG Certification

A cruise ship can look almost stationary from the deck: there is no roadside scenery, and its size smooths out much of the motion. In ordinary service, many ships cover 18 to 20 nautical miles an hour, roughly 20 to 23 mph or 33 to 37 km/h. For most travelers, the useful figure is the typical cruise ship speed in knots, not the theoretical maximum.

Smoking has not disappeared from cruise ships, but the days of treating an open deck as fair game are largely over. On most vessels, it is permitted only in a small number of clearly marked places. Cabins, balconies and nearly all indoor public rooms are normally smoke-free. Any cruise ship smoking policy should be checked for the specific vessel and itinerary.

For most international cruises, the uncomplicated answer is yes: travel with a valid passport book. The confusion comes from a limited rule that allows some US citizens to return from certain round-trip cruises using other documents. That exception is real, but it is much narrower than the phrase “cruise without a passport” makes it sound.

Packing for a cruise becomes much easier once you stop trying to prepare for every imaginable situation. The useful question is not “What might I possibly want?” but “What would be difficult to replace once the journey has begun?”

Sail Africa’s Atlantic coast from Cape Town to Angola—discover deserts, wildlife and rich cultures along one of the world’s most striking shorelines.

Andreia Sousa discusses sea-borne connections, cultural exchange and the power of ocean journeys to unite communities.

Sail the South Atlantic where oceans meet ice—explore remote islands, wildlife and polar frontiers on a Swan Hellenic expedition.

Wade Davis has spent his life following the threads of culture, story and human connection. From his years as Explorer-in-Residence at National Geographic to his time teaching thousands of young students, Wade has carried one mission: to reveal the beauty, resilience and brilliance of human cultures. On Swan Hellenic voyages, he brings that spirit to sea.

Atlantic Africa brings together land, sea, and people in ways that feel both natural and surprising. Traveling along the coastline means encountering deep history alongside everyday modern life, from places connected to humanity’s earliest past to cities shaped by long-standing global links.

From an early age, Philip K. Allan found himself captivated by the sea. What began with sailing on the Atlantic coast of France gradually became something deeper – a fascination with the sea as both a setting and a character. Here he reflects on the experiences that led him toward a life shaped by maritime history.

An Antarctica expedition cruise offers an extraordinary journey unlike any other. It’s a chance to explore the planet’s most remote and pristine wilderness in unparalleled comfort. For travelers cravi