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What to expect on a cultural cruise Ignite your imagination and follow in the footsteps of the intrepid explorers of the past. Explore countless UNESCO world heritage sites, immerse yourself in fascinating cultures and discover ancient civilisations, all from the comfort of your boutique cruise ship. Russian Far East Uncover the ancient folklore associated with this mysterious corner of the world on a cruise through Russia’s far east. Meet the isolated indigenous populations who have hunted whale and herded reindeer here for centuries. Hear the tales of the displaced Alutiiq and Yupik...

Swan Hellenic announces generous Spring Sale celebrating its return to the wavesIconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer combines 20% savings with big gifts, no singles supplement and reassuring cancellation policyNicosia, Cyprus: Starting today, Thursday the 3rd of June,Swan Hellenic announced a big Spring Sale celebrating the iconic company’s return with three new five-star ships and cultural expedition cruise itineraries across the globe. Running until 16th June, the generous celebration sale includes 20% off the brochure value of all cruises and a gift of $300 on-board spending for every ...

SWAN HELLENIC: PRESS-RELEASE (27th May 2021)Swan Hellenic engages V.Ships Leisure & Oceanic to ensure exceptional on-board serviceNicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 27th of May,Swan Hellenic announced that V.Ships Leisure, together with sister brand Oceanic, have been awarded the ship and hotel management of its three forthcoming cultural expedition cruise ships. Swan Hellenic’s historic project to revive the iconic brand has been supported by V.Ships Leisure from the outset with their team already on site at Helsinki Shipyard, supervising the construction of Swan Hellenic’s fleet to ens...

SWAN HELLENIC: PRESS-RELEASE (20th May 2021)Seasoned hospitality and fine dining expert Philipp Reutener joins Swan Hellenic as Hotel DirectorCultural expedition cruise pioneer brings its first ship the leadership of a truly international professionalNicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 20th of May,Swan Hellenic announced that internationally-experienced hospitality and fine dining expert Philipp Reutener has joined the iconic company as Hotel Director of the first of its three new cultural expedition cruise ships, the five-star SH Minerva which will be embarking on its fully-booked maiden cru...

SWAN HELLENIC: PRESS-RELEASE (12th May 2021)Polar Expedition Expert Pablo Brandeman joins Swan HellenicCultural expedition cruise pioneer enhances expert team with seasoned expedition leaderNicosia, Cyprus: Today, Wednesday the 12th of MaySwan Hellenic announced that polar expedition expert Pablo Brandeman had joined its ranks. An all-rounder born in Patagonia, Pablo has had a strong love of the wild since young, making his way into Expedition Cruising as an Expedition Leader in his early twenties. Since then, he has completed over 170 trips with specialist cruise operators all over the Antarc...

SWAN HELLENIC: PRESS-RELEASE (11th May 2021)Swan Hellenic partners with award-winning Oasis Travel NetworkCultural expedition cruise pioneer announces partnership offering superior support to Travel Advisors and their customersUS Office, Fort Lauderdale, USA: Today, Thursday, the 29th of AprilSwan Hellenic, the iconic brand with a long and rich history of pioneering cultural expedition cruises, announced it has formed a preferred supplier partnership with OASIS Travel Network, the award winning, independent contractor division of the Smart Traveler Group, bringing its customers attentive exper...

What’s the dress code on board the ship? Expedition cruises are primarily concerned with what happens outside the ship, so dress codes are relaxed. There are no formalities at mealtimes. At breakfast and lunch, you wear the clothes you are going outside in (minus the outer gear).  On board the ship, you will want to put on something casual and comfortable - trousers, jeans or smart sportswear, long-sleeve tops and thin jumpers plus a bodywarmer and/or other layers. It will be warm and comfortable inside, and some find short-sleeve polo shirts are sufficient. If you want to rush out ...

Some countries on our expedition cruises require a tourist visa. Requirements vary according to nationality and cruise departure country and port. Check your itinerary which countries are covered, and look up the consular services at their embassy in your home country. Most countries require you to have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport. Prior to boarding, at the departure port, you may be asked to present return tickets and show evidence of your itinerary. Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica? No visa is required to visit Antarctica. The same goes for South Georgia and the...