Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic: the back story
About Swan Hellenic: the back story
Swan Hellenic has been sailing to remote and fascinating places since 1954, with an emphasis on culture as much as wildlife. Its three Helsinki-built ships carry 152 to 192 guests, with a guest-to-crew ratio the line puts at nearly one to one.
Culture first
Swan Hellenic has been taking curious travellers to the world’s more remote corners since 1954, and its voyages have always put people and places alongside wildlife. Lecturers and guest speakers are chosen for each itinerary, so the talks on board match the coast outside.
Three ships from Helsinki
The fleet is SH Vega and SH Minerva, each for 152 guests with a PC5 ice-class hull, and SH Diana, for 192 with a PC6 hull. All three were built at the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, with wide views, a heated infinity pool, sauna, open-deck Jacuzzi, gym, spa and the Swan’s Nest observation platform, which gives 270-degree views.
“See What Others Don’t”, in Swan Hellenic’s own words.
At the table
The Swan Restaurant, with 152 seats and open seating, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dinner à la carte. The Club Lounge is open round the clock for pastries, afternoon tea, tapas and pizza; the Pool Grill & Bar cooks outdoors; and there is an in-room menu.
In the ice
Polar voyages leave from Ushuaia (some from Buenos Aires or Puerto Williams) for Antarctica, and from Tromsø, Svalbard, Kangerlussuaq or Reykjavik for the Arctic. Parkas and rubber boots are provided in the polar regions, Zodiac cruising needs no booking, and kayaking runs as often as conditions allow. Swan Hellenic follows the IAATO and AECO rules, including keeping at least five metres from wildlife in Antarctica.
Easy to plan
The fare includes pre-cruise accommodation, all meals, drinks, standard Wi-Fi, gratuities, port taxes and one shore excursion per port, plus regional flights on select polar voyages. The dress code is relaxed, with no formal mealtimes.
Our advice: choose SH Diana if you want the most space, or SH Vega and SH Minerva for their PC5 hulls on the deepest polar routes; book six months to a year ahead for suites and interconnecting rooms, which Swan Hellenic says are in high demand.
Why it's on our list
- Since 1954
- Three Helsinki-built ships
- Lecturers chosen for each voyage
- No formal dress code
- Gratuities included
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Swan Hellenic: the back story before you go.