Explore and Restore

If you’re picturing a trip on a mega cruise ship, think again! Our three new ice-class ships – SH Minerva, SH Vega and SH Diana – are a world away from other mass-market vessels. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will stay with you forever, a voyage with Swan Hellenic is just what you need.

When you sail with us, your journey is all about your experience. You’ll get to explore magical places with knowledgeable experts, connect with breathtaking scenery and wildlife, and make unforgettable discoveries as you visit special, out-of-the-way destinations. Wherever your Swan Hellenic adventures take you, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be traveling in elegant, intimate surroundings, sharing your trip with under 200 other passengers, and receiving a truly outstanding personal service.

We understand that the environmental impact of cruise ships is a matter of increasing importance, and we are committed to taking significant steps to minimize our footprint.

We want to assure you that one of the major factors in choosing Swan Hellenic as a partner is their commitment to their rigorous sustainability practices. Swan Hellenic goes above and beyond in adopting all the additional voluntary standards of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Thanks to advanced hydrodynamic design Swan Hellenic ship’s fuel consumption is 20-40% more efficient than the current standard. All Swan Hellenic ships feature Tier III diesel-electric generation with Selective Catalytic Reduction units to reduce harmful emissions. These include a Urea Injection System to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions where required.

Dynamic positioning systems mean every Swan Hellenic ship can stay in position avoiding dropping anchor in fragile environments and preventing damage to delicate ecosystems.

Also, our ultra-low consumption LED lighting and intelligent climate control systems are used throughout our fleet. Advanced potable water treatment systems purify, mineralize, and carbonate freshly prepared pure drinking water, eliminating the need for bottled water. Water dispensers are provided throughout each ship for our guests’ convenience.

The interior design of every Swan Hellenic ship prioritizes sustainability-certified natural, recycled, and recyclable materials, together with low-solvent textiles and surface coverings. Stateroom toiletries, including shampoo and body wash, are provided in reusable dispenser units made of recycled plastic. All toiletries and soap products provided and used are free of cocamide, EDTA, formaldehyde, parabens, silicone, and colorants.

All cleaning products used are Ecobal certified, fully biodegradable, and made from raw materials of natural origin. Single-use plastics are reduced to an unavoidable bare minimum on board. Swan Hellenic makes every effort, working closely with supply chain partners, to continually reduce this still further. We use paper straws and refillable glass water bottles in our guest staterooms and refillable water carafes in our restaurants.

Complimentary metal water bottles are provided for all guests to use on their expeditions and excursions. Swan Hellenic has a paperless policy and where unavoidable aims to print on recycled or forest-certified paper. This paperless policy is supported by providing comprehensive guest information on our stateroom Smart TV system and Smartphone App. Also, all onboard waste is recycled in accordance with the latest MARPOL regulations.

All our sustainability commitments are constantly aligned with the latest advances, which Swan Hellenic monitors constantly to ensure a steadily reducing environmental footprint. We have an Officer with specific responsibility for environmental matters on every ship in our fleet, both to ensure full compliance with all the above and to actively support continuous improvement.

Additionally, we are collecting Cloud Data for Climate Research. Clouds affect how much sunlight is absorbed by the earth and how much heat escapes back into space. By observing and recording cloud cover timed to NASA satellite flyovers, we can help scientists understand how surface and air temperatures are affected by cloud cover, and how clouds respond to climate change.

Guests on our cultural expedition cruises exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, Svalbard Archipelago, and Greenland are accompanied to the top deck twice a day by their designated expedition guide when the satellite is passing over. They are then guided to use the NASA Globe Observer App to upload Cloud Observations and Atmospheric Measurements during each 10–15-minute session.

We only use WWF-approved sustainable fish and source the food we serve locally whenever possible. Striving to always offer a selection of prime local specialties, wines, beers, and spirits, we aim to take our guests on voyages of gastronomic discovery that reduce food miles and support local economies.

All Swan Hellenic expeditions and excursions by Zodiac follow strict biosecurity protocols that reduce any impact on the environment to a minimum and fully comply with the standards of and our obligations as members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

Finally, we are members of the Save the Ocean initiative of the EU Commission and will start seawater sampling in remote areas for research on microplastic and heavy metal pollution in partnership with EU universities. We would like to also note that at Swan Hellenic we don’t use high-energy consumption vehicles, such as helicopters and other toys.

Yes, you need to book your own flights to and from the destination port. Unless otherwise stated within the itinerary details, these airfares aren’t included in the cruise fare. When you book your trip, our reservations staff will be able to advise you on the best routes, timings and hotel options for your travels.

You can hold your booking free of charge for 48 hours. Bookings can be reserved with a 15% deposit, with full payment taken 60 days prior to departure.

We pride ourselves on offering you an extraordinary culinary experience. We combine international trends – sometimes with a local accent – with healthy, energy-packed ingredients, and plenty of protein for the explorer in you. Our menus please the most discerning palates, showcasing healthy, fresh, local ingredients, and serve special dietary requirements.

Breakfast includes 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, 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, along with coffee and tea. House wines and beer are served with lunch or dinner.

Dinner is served à la carte. Expect nothing but the finest dishes – creative, healthy and with service to match. Enjoy our choice of fine wines, served throughout the meal.

Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and diabetic will be catered for, as well as 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.

Your breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Swan Restaurant. The Club Lounge offers 24-hour dining, and features 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.

Your cabin is a cosy home away from home, where sophisticated design and intuitive technology blend with the natural world to create modern 5-star comfort. This is a place to relax, recharge and admire the ever-changing scenery. Each cabin has a welcome bottle of Champagne, snacks, and a well-stocked minibar. There’s also an Illy espresso coffee machine, tea facilities, smart HDTV, free Wi-fi, personal safe, and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars to help you watch out for wildlife!

We know how important comfort is when you’re relaxing in your room. So expect superb beds, minimum noise and vibration, and interconnecting suite and balcony rooms for families and groups. Each cabin features individually-controlled air-conditioning, and has fluffy bathrobes and bedroom slippers for each guest, a hairdryer, and a selection of high quality towels. There are also high quality Lajatica toiletries to transform your ensuite into a personal spa, including hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

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 welcoming retreat. All have wardrobes, a desk, comfy seating areas and our luxurious ensuite bathrooms feature large sinks, glass-enclosed rain showers and plenty of storage space.

Yes, all Swan Hellenic ships have a medical room and a ship's doctor on board.

Each Zodiac boat nudges up to a 'beach' or an island. Sometimes the boat’s 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 your 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’s plenty to do on the ship. Many of our voyages 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 lectures, watch a film in your room, or enjoy the amazing views!

Yes! 8 years and up are welcome on any cruise.