For over 70 years, Swan Hellenic has pioneered a style of cruising designed to immerse guests in the world’s most captivating destinations. Now, with two new 5-star expedition ships – SH Minerva and SH Vega – the famous heritage operator invites you to explore further than ever before; with authentic adventures available in the Polar Regions – including the Russian Far East – and exotic destinations such as the Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea.
What to expect with Swan Hellenic:
Swan Hellenic promises an effortless experience for all guests, with every detail considered in order to maximise both the time spent onboard and ashore.
Life onboard
It’s the relaxed, informal nature of life onboard a Swan Hellenic ship that sets them apart from other operators offering similar, destination-rich experiences. The first thing you will notice is the exceptional level of service, which is highly personalised and never obtrusive. You will also fall in love with the range of facilities; from the boutique hotel-style restaurants and lounges to the lavish spa and sophisticated accommodation, Swan Hellenic’s ships exude a unique casual elegance.
To further enhance your time with Swan Hellenic, every voyage is accompanied by a highly-trained Expedition Team. On an almost daily basis, they will host presentations and talks focused on the destination you are exploring, while selected sailings will also feature a guest speaker, hand-picked by Swan Hellenic for their knowledge of a particular region.
Exploring ashore
Swan Hellenic’s comprehensive shore excursion programme is available to all guests, with specific activities dedicated to those with a lower level of mobility. Curated by Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Team, every shore excursion is designed to showcase an element of a destination few will experience.
In Antarctica, land by Zodiac on glaciers for photo opportunities with willing penguins, or walk in the footsteps of legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The Arctic voyages offer their own sprinkling of magic, with trips to Tromo’s Arctic Cathedral and mesmerising Svalbard, while venturing to Papua New Guinea will present a variety of options including jungle treks, snorkelling and encounters with local tribes.
Swan Hellenic Cruises 2025 / 2026
Starting off 2025, Swan Hellenic will present a variety of distinctive expedition cruises, including several Antarctic journeys. Highlights feature an eleven-night voyage from Ushuaia and other notable routes like the “Weddell Sea Discovery” and “In Shackleton’s Footsteps.” For those seeking more extended adventures, options include the twenty-one-day “Africa to America Antarctic Epic,” travelling from Cape Town to Ushuaia, and the eighteen-day “Long Arc to Antarctica” departing from Buenos Aires, all designed for those who appreciate cultural and natural exploration, featuring expert-led activities and lectures throughout the expeditions.
In 2026, Swan Hellenic will continue offering cultural expedition cruises to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations. Itineraries will include Antarctic explorations, such as journeys through the Weddell Sea, as well as Arctic adventures featuring Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic. The programme will also offer South America cruises along the Brazilian coast, the Amazon, and routes between Argentina and Chile. For those keen on African expeditions, there will be voyages visiting Madagascar, the Skeleton Coast, and the South Atlantic, promising immersive experiences in each unique destination.
Included with Swan Hellenic:
When you choose to cruise with Swan Hellenic, you can look forward to the following inclusions in the price you pay at the time of booking:
- All overseas transfers
- All meals and 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and selected alcoholic beverages
- Lecture programme and talks from guest speakers
- Complimentary expedition parka
- Use of rubber boots for wet landings in the Polar Regions
- Basic WiFi (Premium packages available)
- Onboard gratuities
In addition to the above, itineraries in the Polar Regions include a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and domestic flights (if required).
For further information regarding Swan Hellenic’s cruise expeditions, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please make an online enquiry for one of the itineraries on our website.
