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If you are looking to experience the remote Polar regions or explore truly off-the-beaten path destinations and cultures of our spectacular planet, then you are in great company. Swan Hellenic is an established, well respected owner-operated heritage brand with more than 70 years of expertise in undiscovered destinations.
Our vision to be the world leader in cultural expedition cruising remains constant offering unrivalled service whether we take inquisitive travellers to encounter a beautiful, frozen wilderness or to meet indigenous people in remote islands, always respecting the environment and the locals we are visiting.
The ships are being built in the Helsinki shipyard in Finland and will combine the latest polar ice-class technology with stylish sophisticated interiors. Think boutique luxury hotel with contemporary sophistication! Which we call ‘Scandi-design’ Chic.
We sail to places unreachable by others, seek immersive experiences, and make discoveries that change the way we see the world. Through a discerning eye, the wonders of the world take on a richer hue.
Travel with Swan Hellenic, and you’ll see what other's don't.
Our two, new intimate boutique ships, SH Minerva and Vega Class, are quite different from the mega cruise ships you might see in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Expedition cruises are all about the destination and discovery. Your holiday itinerary will focus on the magical places you have travelled to see and will aim at getting you off the ship and into the spectacular scenery as much as possible.
With Swan Hellenic you get to do so in elegant and refined surroundings. You will share your space with no more than 152 other passengers. SH Minerva and Vega Class are the newest expedition ships in the business, built in our shipyards in Helsinki.
At Swan Hellenic, we want to ensure your experience with us is an effortless experience, leaving you to make the most from your expedition cruise, which is why we have included the following within your cruise fare:
• Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, plus private Zodiac tours, cost extra.
In destinations outside of polar regions, we will have a series of shore excursions available to book for each port of call 9-12 months prior to departure. Within each of those destinations, there will be an activity or transfer included free of charge. All others will be chargeable.
Yes. There are no single rooms on board. The single supplement will be at a rate of 1.5.
Antarctic
The Arctic
The average Arctic summer hovers around 0°C in June through September. In general, Arctic summers are short and cool.
In destinations outside of polar regions, we will have a series of shore excursions available to book for each port of call 9-12 months prior to departure. Within each of those destinations there will be an activity or transfer included free of charge. To ensure you do not miss out, we would recommend booking ahead of your cruise.
We offer an Oceanview cabin that’s been specifically designed to be completely ADA compliant and therefore includes a fully operable wheelchair access wet unit.
The ship itself has two lifts serving every passenger deck except the Stargazing top deck, which is therefore more difficult to access, as are the Aft Marina and Swan’s Nest forward observation platform. Moreover, we do not have any special equipment facilitating access to the swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Otherwise our ship is entirely at your disposal.
Many of the expeditions ashore in remote places are by zodiac. Boarding them and returning aboard can present challenges for wheelchair users. In addition, polar expedition terrain can of course itself be problematic. But these challenges are by no means always insurmountable. Our highly-experienced crews are trained to provide reliable advice and assistance. They will always make every effort to ensure our wheelchair-using guests enjoy a memorable experience of each destination.
Our general guidance, however, is to recommend that wheelchair users travel with a companion for their ease and enjoyment.
At the same time, guests who prefer to remain aboard, where we naturally continue to provide a complete service, can fully appreciate the beauty of the magnificent remote areas visited in a way that’s worlds apart from any towering giant cruise liner. Our panoramic interiors and ample open decks enable you to enjoy a truly immersive and intimate experience of the inspiring surroundings.
Antarctica is the southernmost of the world’s seven continents and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The Antarctic Peninsula is the closest point to land and can be reached in two days from the tip of South America.
Guests will fly to Argentina, or Chile, and then take an onward flight to Ushuaia , located at the very tip of South America. Your ship will depart from Ushuaia.
Kayaking in the polar regions will be mainly focused on experiencing the polar regions from water level with all your senses and without any interference with artificial sounds.
Having the unique opportunity to kayak in the world’s last great wildernesses , is often described as a spiritual experience slowing down to the rhythm of the paddles, you are able to observe and soak in the natural wonders of the polar regions like very few have experienced before you. Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak.
Conditions permitting, your Expedition Leader and Kayak guide will make sure you will be kayaking as often as possible throughout of the voyage.
Whilst some kayak excursions are designed to allow guests to disembark on shore and discover the area, most of the kayak excursions will be mainly focusing on experiencing the polar regions, from water level, with all your senses.
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
The international allowance (and the number of checked bags) will depend on your airline and class of travel. When booking onwards internal flights to your departure port, check that airline’s allowance. Some only permit 15kg per person. It is usually possible to buy an extra 5kg but be sure to do this online for both the outward and return flights, before you travel, and keep a copy of the confirmation number and/or email.
Our typical guest is well-travelled, curious and eager to learn about the places they visit. Our passengers care about the environment, too, which is why our expert wildlife guides always travel ashore with passengers. In this more intimate cruising environment, where like-minded people are seeking genuine destination immersion, good relationships are easily formed.
Due to the small-group touring philosophy, there will also be opportunities to meet fellow passengers on your trips ashore, and in the evening, at the daily/evening recap.
No vaccinations are required for visiting The Arctic or Antarctic. However, it is recommended that you have all your up-to-date vaccinations for tetanus and flu.
Unfortunately, you cannot bring nor fly drones onboard. The flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited or strictly regulated in several countries we sail to.
On our
elegant expedition ships, we pride ourselves on offering an extraordinary
culinary experience that combines varied international trends in food and
drinks, sometimes with a local accent, with healthy, energy-packed ingredients
and plenty of protein for the explorer in you. Menus will please the most
discerning of palates, with healthy menus showcasing fresh, local ingredients
and menus to serve special dietary requirements.
Breakfast will include a wide range of hot, cold and
cooked-to-order items. Expect daily chef ‘specials’ and eggs cooked to order.
As well as plenty of fruit, nuts, sprinkling seeds (such as chia) and fresh
juices there will be home-made bread, granola and other cereals, salmon and
cooked meats and cheeses, yoghurt and porridge/oatmeal.
Lunch might
consist of a salad bar and soup and other starter items followed by pasta,
fish, meat, veggie options and a variety of hot and cold desserts. There will
always be a cheese board and coffee and tea. House wines and beer are served
with lunch or dinner.
Dinner is
served a la carte, and will be akin to fine dining, with friendly informality.
Expect nothing but the finest dishes – creative, healthy and with service to
match. Enjoy our choice of fine wines, served throughout the meal.
Dietary requirements - most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and diabetic will be catered for and there will also be gluten-free options. Please make clear any special requests at the time of booking as we cannot guarantee options will be available once the cruise departs.
The Swan Restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our restaurant is free seating.
The Club Lounge will offer 24-hour dining, lighter dishes and snacks.
Expedition passengers are generally outgoing and friendly and like to mingle with fellow passengers. In the evening our maître d’ can accommodate any special requests.
Room service is also available as and when you're in the mood for some quiet time.
Our ships have a very well stocked bar with a selection of soft drinks, wines and beers included within your cruise fare. A selection of premium beers, wine and spirits are available at an additional cost.
Expedition passengers are generally outgoing and friendly and like to mingle with fellow passengers. In the evening our maître d’ can accommodate any special requests.
Our cabins range from 19 sqm (Oceanview cabins) to 49 sqm (Premium Suite). The stylish and contemporary Scandi-design decor is on a par with the best of the world’s boutique hotels. Softwood fittings, earthy tones and textures and thoughtful lighting make the rooms a place of retreat, rather than just somewhere to sleep. All have wardrobes, a desk, comfy seating areas and personal safes and mini-bars. There will be USB ports for charging devices.
Ensuite bathrooms are equally roomy with large sinks, glass-enclosed rain showers and plenty of storage space.
Our Suites and Balcony cabins have a balcony with chairs and a small table. Depending on your cabin category balconies range from 6 to 12 sqm.
Take time to relax in one our spacious viewing areas and enjoy our wide selection of rich reference and other reading materials in the stylish library. We make guest wellbeing our priority, so you can work out in our state-of-the-art gym, enjoy a massage or enjoy the thermal suite, and try some yoga or stretch classes. Or just kick back in the elegant bar area or your scandi-design cabin retreat.
All ships have a medical room and a ship's doctor on board.
Both ships will be compliant with the strictest Public Health and hygiene standards of the industry for all the activities on board including all the food handling and processing.
We go to great lengths to ensure cleanliness and sanitation onboard. The air distributed on board is disinfected by latest generation of advanced oxidation UV cells for the maximum protection against viruses and bacteria.
There are plenty of hand sanitiser stations around the ship and you will be encouraged to sanitise your hands before and after going ashore and always before mealtimes. In order to protect the environment, we also adhere to strict biosecurity rules. You will be asked to walk through a cleaning solution on leaving and re-boarding the ship.
Our ships have been designed and built in accordance with the latest sustainable practices.
Onboard we are reducing the use of paper and single-use plastic onboard the ship
Our ships use dynamic positioning technology which allows our ships to remain in locations without dropping anchor, which in turn reduces our environmental impact.
Whilst in port, we use batter power which reduces the burning of fuel. As our ships are new, they are fitted with SCRs (Selective catalytic reduction units)
Water filtration onboard allowing guests to choose between still and sparkling water. Guests can use their complimentary refillable bottles to reduce the amount of plastic bottled water in use.
Finally, our staff follow strict guidelines to limit our footprint in the destinations we visit. We are constantly reviewing our sustainability policy and always looking at ways we can leave a positive impact wherever we take our guests.
From penguins, seals and whales in Antarctica, to walruses, polar bears and Arctic foxes in the Arctic, your Swan Hellenic cruise will guarantee you see plenty of wildlife. For more about what wildlife you’ll see, check out our blog.
The Zodiac nudges up to a ‘beach’ or an island. Sometimes the boat captain will use the tide to push the boat ashore. Expedition guides and crew will hold the Zodiac stable while passengers slide their legs over the side and wiggle toward the front of the boat before stepping out. This may mean stepping into the water but there will be someone to help you and the muck boots will prevent you from getting wet.
Most guests will want to partake in at least one excursion per day but if you wish to sit some excursions out there is plenty to do on the ship. Many of our cruises also have sea days, when we do not land. Visit the library, get to know your fellow guests, attend the photography lab or one of our scientific-based lectures, watch a film on your in-room TV or enjoy the views from the observation lounge. You will never be bored.
Smoking is permitted in designated areas on Deck 8 aft portside and on Deck 4 mid ship portside.
There is no smoking in any indoor area nor on balconies.
