Swan Hellenic, the luxury expedition cruise operator, unveiled its latest ship, SH Diana, at a naming ceremony in Amsterdam this week. The vessel was named by Valerie Ann Wilson, the CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel. It was attended by Swan Hellenic Senior Management, VIP guests, local dignitaries, media personnel, and travel industry members worldwide.
At the following Gala Dinner, Maris, a new partnership with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, was officially launched. The program offers Swan Hellenic guests an exceptional dining and discovery experience led by world-famous chefs from JRE. Maris brings aboard a different JRE leading light on each cultural expedition cruise, where they take guests on a parallel voyage of discovery, exploring culinary creativity driven by a passion for tradition, sustainability, and local ingredients.
Swan Hellenic’s new expedition vessel, SH Diana.
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito introduced Maris, with speeches by JRE CEO Hans Van Manen and JRE Italy Vice President Daniel Canzian. The launch event featured a showcase of Maris gastronomy, presented by five JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs, including Edwin Soumang, Daniel Canzian, Sabrina Schanz, Patrick von Vacano, and Michael Ammon.
Following SH Minerva and SH Vega, SH Diana is the third in a series of three elegant, ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels designed for premium discovery experiences worldwide. At 125 m long, the ship is fitted with extra-large stabilizers for exceptional passenger comfort. It has a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull. She has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
SH Diana is self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles and complies with the latest environmental regulations. In addition, the vessel is equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. The cruise company has also prepared to implement zero-emission battery technology, making it possible to run silently in port, marine reserves, and other sensitive natural areas.
SH Diana provides spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. The vessel is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service. Like her siblings, SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room, and swimming pool with poolside grill.
Valerie Ann Wilson speaking at the naming ceremony.
Commenting on her new status as godmother to the vessel, Valerie Ann Wilson said:
“I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship. It takes Swan Hellenic’s hallmark contemporary lifestyle elegance to new levels and is a fabulous expression of the way Swan Hellenic really want us to be explorers and discover the world. I’m not just excited to depart on the Norwegian cruise this evening, but also look forward to joining SH Diana’s explorations worldwide to places that even an industry veteran like me has never heard of!”
With Swan Hellenic’s CEO, Andrea Zito, added:
“I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to the new era SH Diana heralds, taking cultural expedition cruising worldwide.”
Following the naming ceremony, SH Diana departed Amsterdam on the cultural expedition cruise “Norway Explored,” an 11-day voyage through the fjords that will reach Tromsø, Norway, on the 14th of May 2022. Dr Terje Leiren, Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, will accompany the maiden cultural expedition cruise, sharing his expert knowledge, insights, and company with the guests on board.
For more information regarding Swan Hellenic or SH Diana, please call us on 0800 008 6677.
