Swan Hellenic: Our Cruise Line Guide

The back story

Fleet: SH Vega (152), SH Minerva (152), SH Diana (192) (swanhellenic.com, Oct 2026) · Ice class: PC5 (Vega, Minerva); PC6 (Diana) (swanhellenic.com) · Since: 1954 (swanhellenic.com) · What’s included: Meals, drinks, standard Wi-Fi, gratuities, port taxes, one excursion per port (swanhellenic.com FAQ) · Sails to: Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe, Africa, Asia & Pacific, Latin America

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   Swan Hellenic: the back story

   Swan Hellenic·

   Cultural expedition cruising since 1954, now aboard three ice-class ships built in Helsinki: SH Vega, SH Diana and SH Minerva.

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The fleet

Who it suits. On a budget: An Oceanview stateroom on a non-polar cultural voyage, or a family booking with children aged 6–16 at 35% of the adult fare. Mid-range: A Balcony stateroom on SH Diana in the Arctic, with drinks, gratuities and a shore excursion in every port included. Luxury: A Premium Suite on SH Vega or SH Minerva in Antarctica and South Georgia.

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   152 guests

   SH Vega

   Swan Hellenic·Expedition ship·€€€

   An ice-class ship for 152 guests, with a PC5 hull, built at the Helsinki Shipyard.

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   152 guests

   SH Minerva

   Swan Hellenic·Expedition ship·€€€

   Vega’s sister, for 152 guests, with the PC5 ice-resistant hull.

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   192 guests

   SH Diana

   Swan Hellenic·Expedition ship·€€€

   The largest Swan Hellenic ship, for 192 guests, with a PC6 hull.

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The suites

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   Balcony

   Premium Suite, Swan Hellenic

   Swan Hellenic·Signature suite·€€€€

   A suite category on all three ships, with a private balcony.

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   SH Diana

   Junior Suite, SH Diana

   Swan Hellenic·Suite·€€€

   One of the suite categories on SH Diana, the largest ship in the fleet.

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Dining on board

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   Open seating

   Swan Restaurant

   Swan Hellenic·Main restaurant·€€€

   The main restaurant, with 152 seats and open seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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   24 hours

   Club Lounge

   Swan Hellenic·Lounge dining·€€€

   A 24-hour lounge for pastries and coffee, British afternoon tea, tapas and freshly made pizza.

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   Alfresco

   Pool Grill & Bar

   Swan Hellenic·Outdoor grill·€€€

   Alfresco dining with local, seasonal dishes, grilled classics and handcrafted cocktails.

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   Panoramic

   Observation Lounge, Swan Hellenic

   Swan Hellenic·Lounge and bar·€€€

   Panoramic sea views and deep seating for a quiet drink or a good book.

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   In your stateroom

   In-room dining, Swan Hellenic

   Swan Hellenic·Room service·€€€

   A curated in-room menu, from breakfast to late-night snacks.

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Spa and wellness

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   Panoramic sauna

   Swan Hellenic spa

   Swan Hellenic·Spa and wellness·€€€

   Spa and beauty salon, sauna, open-deck Jacuzzi, infinity pool and gym, with yoga classes.

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Life on board

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   Cultural expeditions

   Lecturers and expedition team

   Swan Hellenic·Enrichment

   Lecturers and guest speakers chosen for each itinerary, daily recaps and expedition labs for photography.

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   IAATO and AECO

   Polar rules on board

   Swan Hellenic·Polar regions

   IAATO and AECO rules apply: at least five metres from wildlife, no drones, and strict biosecurity.

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Where it sails

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   Polar and cultural

   Where Swan Hellenic sails

   Swan Hellenic·Itineraries

   Antarctica, the Arctic, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America.

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What’s included and how to book

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   Gratuities included

   What the Swan Hellenic fare includes

   Swan Hellenic·Inclusions

   Pre-cruise accommodation, all meals, drinks, standard Wi-Fi, gratuities, port taxes and one shore excursion per port.

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   Minimum 6 on polar voyages

   Children and age rules

   Swan Hellenic·Age policy

   Children aged 6–16 sharing with two adults pay 35% of the adult fare; polar voyages need captain’s permission under 8.

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