Swan Hellenic
Expedition Cruising
Swan Hellenic fills a very specific gap — it's for the client who wants genuine expedition capability with polar-class ships and Zodiac landings, but also wants a proper lecture programme, a decent wine list and a cabin that doesn't feel like a research station. The new-build fleet is gorgeous, and the itineraries go places other expedition lines overlook, from the Amazon to the deep Mediterranean.
Swan Hellenic traces its heritage back to the 1950s, when it pioneered the concept of cultural expedition cruising by taking guests to the ancient sites of the Mediterranean with expert lecturers on board. After a period of dormancy, the brand relaunched in 2020 with an ambitious vision and an entirely new fleet: the polar-class 5 SH Vega (152 guests), the slightly larger SH Diana (192 guests), and SH Minerva, all purpose-built in Helsinki by specialists in ice-class vessels. These are among the newest expedition ships afloat, featuring Scandinavian-inspired interiors, 80 percent balcony cabins, Zodiac fleets, kayaks, and all the hardware needed for serious polar and remote-region exploration.
What distinguishes Swan Hellenic from other expedition operators is the depth of its enrichment programme. Each voyage carries a team of 12 expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers who provide historical, scientific and cultural context that transforms a port call into genuine understanding. Shore excursions are included in the fare, and the itineraries are carefully designed to combine headline destinations with maiden-call ports that no other line visits — from the Abrolhos Archipelago off Brazil to remote stretches of the Montenegrin and Croatian coasts.
On board, the atmosphere is refined but never stuffy. Three dining venues, an infinity pool, a panoramic sauna with sea views and a well-stocked club lounge create a boutique-hotel ambience that appeals to well-travelled guests who have outgrown mainstream cruising but do not want to sacrifice comfort for adventure. The staff-to-guest ratio is outstanding, and the international passenger mix skews toward curious, well-read travellers in their 50s to 70s.
Swan Hellenic’s programme now spans nearly 60 itineraries across all seven continents, including an ambitious Antarctic season, Amazon exploration, and deep-Mediterranean cultural voyages that echo the brand’s original mission. For travellers who believe that where you go matters as much as how you get there, Swan Hellenic offers one of the most compelling propositions in expedition cruising today.
Tell us your travel dates and our Swan Hellenic specialists will create a tailored proposal.