Sail to the Heart of Asia - Pacific Culture

Some ships take you places. SH Minerva takes you further – into the heart of cultures, across seas few ships have sailed, and into moments that feel like they were made just for you. In 2026, Swan Hellenic’s boutique expedition flagship will embark on its first-ever cultural expedition cruises of the Asia-Pacific region. Offered over two seasons, you have a choice of seven expertly-curated cultural cruises, five in April and May, followed by a further two in September, all of which can be combined to give you longer explorations as desired.

This isn’t just a cruise – it’s a masterwork of exploration, weaving together volcanic islands, coral kingdoms, ancient traditions, and moments of deep human connection. Each voyage is a world of its own; where every port is new, every view is yours, and every day brings the thrill of seeing what others don’t.

On April 5, 2026, fresh from her Antarctic season, SH Minerva will set sail from Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, on a remarkable series of five cultural expedition cruises. Together, they trace a path through the pristine nature, spiritual heritage, and layered history of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan.

True to Swan Hellenic tradition, no port is visited twice – making it possible to link the cruises seamlessly into a single, 55-day grand voyage that concludes in Otaru, Japan.

Because the first three cruises venture into some of the most remote corners of the Pacific, they’re offered as exclusive Cruise Plus journeys, complete with hand-picked hotels, charter flights, and transfers. The final two voyages, departing from Manila and Hiroshima, are offered as Cruise Only, with easy connections via regular scheduled flights.

Let’s take a closer look at the five April to May 2026 voyages – each one offering its own blend of remarkable landscapes, cultural treasures, and rare wildlife encounters. From island-hopping through pristine tropical archipelagos to uncovering the heritage of vibrant port cities, every itinerary has been designed to immerse you deeply in the spirit of each destination. Whether you choose a single voyage or combine them into the full 55-day grand journey, these sailings promise a rare and enriching perspective on the Asia-Pacific.

Sail from the Solomon Islands into a realm where over 850 languages flourish and nature still reigns supreme. Explore history at Kennedy Island, snorkel among UNESCO-listed reefs in Kimbe Bay, and witness Sepik River cultural celebrations in villages where ritual and art endure unchanged for centuries. Immersed in a true island-hopping experience, guests will explore worlds shaped by rich oral tradition, ritual dance and spiritual practices deeply rooted in the ocean and land. This Cruise Plus package includes pre-cruise accommodation in Brisbane, charter flights, and transfers – seamlessly connecting you to the heart of Melanesia and Papua New Guinea.

• Honiara to Jayapura | 13 nights

Departing Jayapura, the explorations continue west to Sorong and the spiritual riches of Indonesia's vast island chain, from sacred landscapes to the power of traditional dance in which movement becomes a storytelling performance across centuries. Enter the legendary Coral Triangle, the epicentre of the planet’s marine biodiversity. Swim alongside gentle whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, paddle by jungle-clad limestone cliffs in Raja Ampat, and climb Wayag Island for one of the most iconic views in Southeast Asia. This Cruise Plus voyage includes a Bali stay, charter flights, and exclusive access to some of Indonesia’s most remote shores.

• Jayapura to Sorong | 10 nights

From the sculpted karsts of Misool to the white sands of Palawan, this voyage sails through one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. Encounter stingless jellyfish in hidden lakes, discover ancient rock art, and immerse yourself in vibrant island cultures. The final experience is Manila, famous for its varied architecture, bustling markets and thriving culinary scene. A Cruise Plus journey with pre-cruise Bali stay and charter flight to Sorong.

• Sorong to Manila | 11 nights

This voyage is a celebration of island landscapes, cultural heritage, and coastal beauty, beginning with the coral-ringed Hundred Islands National Park, the UNESCO-listed streets of Vigan, and the windswept Batanes Islands, famed for their stone houses and dramatic cliffs. Sailing north, you’ll discover the turquoise waters and white sands of Zamami Island – the “Japanese Maldives” – before continuing to the subtropical charm of Amami Oshima, the Christian village of Sakitsu, and the volcanic scenery of Kagoshima. The journey concludes in Hiroshima, where the city’s legacy of peace and resilience offers a profound and unforgettable finale. Offered as a Cruise Only package with convenient flight connections.

• Manila to Hiroshima | 11 nights

The final cruise of SH Minerva’s Asia-Pacific season is a journey deep into the cultural heart of northern Japan and beyond. From Hiroshima’s serene gardens, historic castles, and vibrant streets, sail through the Kanmon Strait to Busan, South Korea, alive with art and energy. Continue to the artisan towns and ancient temples of northern Honshu, then on to Hokkaido’s wild northern reaches. The voyage ends in Otaru, a charming canal city famed for its glassware, fresh seafood markets, and historic ambiance. This voyage is a Cruise Only package.

• Hiroshima to Otaru | 10 nights

In September 2026, SH Minerva returns to Japan for two back-to-back cultural expedition cruises, each revealing a different facet of the nation’s coastal beauty. Sailing consecutively, they can be enjoyed as standalone journeys or combined into a single, seamless exploration – from Hokkaido’s northern horizons to the storied shores of Hiroshima and beyond.

A reverse journey of May’s northern exploration, revealing Japan’s seasonal shift into autumn. Sail south from Otaru’s historic canals through Hokkaido’s wild coasts and Honshu’s artisan towns to vibrant Busan, South Korea. Continue via the Kanmon Strait to Hiroshima, where serene gardens and a spirit of resilience bring SH Minerva’s Asia-Pacific season to a close.

• Otaru to Hiroshima | 10 nights

From the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Kerama Archipelago to Nagasaki’s storied harbours, this journey continues through the Kanmon Strait to Beppu, famed for its breathtaking hot springs and steamy mountain landscapes. It concludes in Onomichi, where hillside temples, historic streets, and sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea create a memorable finale.

• Hiroshima to Itozaki–Onomichi | 10 nights

Built at the legendary Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva blends the soul of a classic expedition vessel with the comfort and style of a modern boutique hotel. Wide, uninterrupted views spill into every space, with inviting interiors, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that dissolve the line between ship and sea. Whether you’re gazing at a South Pacific sunrise from the Observation Lounge, unwinding in the panoramic sauna, or chatting with expedition leaders over an evening cocktail, the ship is designed for connection – to the world around you, and to the people sharing the journey.

Purpose-built for remote exploration, SH Minerva carries a full fleet of Zodiacs for landings in seldom-visited coves, an onboard science lab, and a welcoming Basecamp for gearing up between adventures. Life on board is equal parts exploration and indulgence – world-class dining in the Swan Restaurant, expert lectures in the Observation Lounge, a library curated for the curious, and spacious staterooms and suites with a calming Scandi-inspired aesthetic. Every detail reflects Swan Hellenic’s hallmark: personal service, genuine hospitality, and an unshakable commitment to expedition cruising.

With SH Minerva, every detail is handled – from your morning espresso just the way you like it, to Zodiac landings that take you ashore where no one else goes. Your guides aren’t just lecturers – they’re companions in exploration, sharing stories over dinner or pointing out a rare bird mid-expedition. And the ship itself is more than transport – it’s your floating sanctuary, your place to reflect, connect, and dream about what’s next.

This is more than a cruise. It’s a season of discovery – seven rare voyages across seas few ships sail, through cultures and landscapes that remain gloriously themselves. Join Swan Hellenic and explore the Asia-Pacific as it should be experienced – deeply, authentically, and with the quiet confidence of knowing you’re in the hands of true pioneers.