Swan HellenicA new beginning for the heritage brand

To many people, Swan Hellenic is a household name. The company first began taking guests on expeditions in the 1950s and - under new ownership - is now doing so again with one of the world’s most modern expedition fleets. 

Its ships, the Minerva, Vega and Diana, are kitted out with everything that a modern day explorer needs, from zodiacs to infinity pools. Sustainability plays a huge part, too, with the company upholding the highest environmental standards set by the industry and local governments. 

Onboard, the decor is elegant and stylish. The staterooms are split between Oceanview and Balconies with Suites available for those who want the extra space. There is a rotating team of experts onboard with guest scientists able to work in the ship’s own mini laboratory while travelling. Guests are able to interact with them and learn more about their work and to really get under the skin of the destination. 

Five facts about Swan Hellenic 

• Swan Hellenic was founded by a British travel agent (W.F. Swan) and his son (R.K. Swan) who had been asked to organise a tour of Greece in the 1950s.
• Swan Hellenic has three ships, the Minerva, Vega and Diana. All of its ships are intimate with Minerva and Vega holding just 152 guests and Diana holding 192.
• Swan Hellenic sails in the Antarctic in the winter and the Arctic in the summer. In-between those seasons, guests get the chance to explore Asia, the Americas, Africa and Europe.
• Swan Hellenic is committed to sustainable travel practices. The company supports local communities and looks to minimise its environmental footprint with the latest technology.
• Swan Hellenic partners with the Nasa citizen science programme for collecting climate data.

Who is Swan Hellenic for? 

Swan Hellenic is for people who want to travel to the world’s most inhospitable places, and want to do so in a certain level of luxury. It’s also for those who want to really learn about a destination, from world-renowned experts. Not only is there an excellent guest lecture programme with those who know a place best, but there is also the mini laboratory and a partnership with the Secchi disk study, the world's largest citizen science study of phytoplankton, 

Where can you sail to with Swan Hellenic? 

Guests can visit Antarctica in the winter and the Arctic in the summer season. The three ships sail between the poles on different routes, opening up the opportunity to take an expedition cruise in South America, Africa and the Pacific Islands.

What’s included onboard?

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation
• All meals
• 24-hour rooms service
• Coffee, tea, soft drink and select alcoholic beverages
• Wifi
• Gratuities
• Minimum of one selected shore excursion per port of call
• Swan Hellenic parka(Polar Regions only), water bottle and drybag