Swan Hellenic Cruises

Both sail to Antarctica and the Arctic, but the experience is very different. Hurtigruten operates much larger ships (over 500 passengers) with a more mainstream expedition feel. Swan Hellenic carries 152–192 guests, with a higher crew-to-guest ratio, all-inclusive fares covering drinks, excursions, and gratuities, and a culturally focused programme of lectures and expert-led landings. If intimate ships and personal service matter to you, Swan Hellenic is the stronger choice. If you want a wider range of cabin types and a busier social atmosphere, Hurtigruten may suit you better. We work with both and can help you choose the option that suits the type of experience you want.

Ponant is the closest competitor in terms of ship size and positioning. Both offer boutique expedition ships with a premium feel, though Ponant leans French in style and cuisine, while Swan Hellenic has a more understated, Scandinavian-designed aesthetic. Swan Hellenic’s all-inclusive fare is generally more comprehensive, covering drinks, excursions, and gratuities as standard. Ponant charges supplements for some of these. Itineraries overlap in the polar regions, but Swan Hellenic tends to venture further into off-the-beaten-track destinations such as West Africa and Papua New Guinea.

These are premium voyages, typically starting from around £5,000–£9,000 per person depending on the itinerary and cabin. But the fare includes almost everything: connecting or internal flights to remote ports, transfers, a pre-cruise hotel night, all meals, drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. When you factor in what other lines charge as extras, the gap narrows considerably. For the level of access, expertise, and personal service you get on a ship with fewer than 200 people, we think it represents genuine value in the expedition market.

For polar voyages, Swan Hellenic provides a parka and rubber boots, so you don’t need to buy specialist outerwear. Pack thermal base layers, warm mid-layers, waterproof trousers, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. For warmer itineraries (West Africa, Asia-Pacific), lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are more appropriate. Onboard dress is relaxed throughout, with no formal evenings. Charter flights to remote ports have a 20kg baggage limit, so packing light is important. We can send you a full packing list when you book.

No specific fitness level is required, though you should be comfortable stepping in and out of Zodiac boats, which involves stepping down from a platform at water level. Shore landings vary in difficulty, and the expedition team briefs you before each one so you can choose the one that suits you. Swan Hellenic also offers excursion options for those with lower mobility. If you have specific concerns, let us know, and we can recommend itineraries and ships that work best for you.

SH Minerva and SH Vega are sister ships carrying 152 guests in 76 cabins. They’re the more intimate option. SH Diana is slightly larger at 192 guests in 96 cabins, and adds a few features, including Junior Suites, a dedicated lecture theatre, and onboard tender boats alongside the Zodiacs. All three share the same Scandinavian design, service standards, and inclusion package. The choice usually comes down to itinerary rather than ship, but if you have a preference for size or specific cabin types, we can guide you.

Swan Hellenic doesn’t have dedicated single cabins, so solo travellers will pay a supplement on a double-occupancy stateroom. However, if you are looking to sail solo, the intimate ship size and communal nature of expedition cruising make it a sociable experience. You’ll share Zodiac landings, lectures, and meals with the same small group of people, and conversations happen naturally. If the solo supplement is a concern, we can check whether Swan Hellenic is offering reduced single-supplement rates on specific departures.

Relaxed throughout. There are no formal evenings, no black-tie dinners, and no dress code in any of the restaurants. Daytime is practical expedition wear; evenings are smart casual at most. Most people change into something comfortable for dinner but nothing beyond that. It’s one of the things that sets Swan Hellenic apart from traditional luxury cruise lines.

Quite a lot. SH Minerva launches Swan Hellenic’s first Asia-Pacific programme in 2026, sailing to the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, the Philippines, and Japan. The Explore Space at Sea Series returns with SETI Institute scientists joining ten voyages. Snowshoeing excursions debut in Antarctica, SCUBA diving programmes launch on East Asia sailings, and Photojournalism at Sea starts on SH Vega. Two West Africa Grand Voyages (51 nights and 35 nights) are also available on SH Diana.

Antarctic voyages and Grand Voyages book 12–18 months ahead, particularly suites and Premium Suites. The 2026 Asia-Pacific programme is new and generating strong interest, so early booking is advisable there too. Shorter European and Arctic itineraries can sometimes be found closer to departure. If you have a specific voyage, cabin position, or date in mind, it’s worth getting in touch sooner rather than later. We can hold options while you decide.