Cultural Expedition Cruising · The World’s Most Remote Destinations

Swan Hellenic

Discover the spirit of cultural expedition cruising with boutique ships, expert-led exploration, and voyages to the world’s most extraordinary and hard-to-reach destinations.

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Cultural Expedition Cruising Reimagined

Swan Hellenic is a heritage expedition cruise line that traces its roots back to 1954, when it pioneered the concept of cultural cruising. Relaunched in 2021 with a fleet of purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessels, Swan Hellenic combines a rich legacy of intellectual exploration with modern, environmentally conscious ship design. Their intimate ships carry fewer than 200 guests, ensuring deeply personal experiences guided by expert expedition teams, guest speakers, and cultural historians.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Swan Hellenic – Cultural Expedition Cruising

Fleet: Purpose-built ice-class expedition ships: SH Vega, SH Diana, and SH Minerva, carrying 152 to 192 guests

Destinations: Antarctica, the Arctic, remote Atlantic islands, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, and beyond

Service: Boutique experience with expert expedition teams, guest speakers, and attentive crew

Signature Feature: Heritage of cultural enrichment dating back to 1954, combined with modern ice-class expedition vessels and a focus on meaningful, immersive exploration

  • All shore excursions and Zodiac landings as part of the expedition program
  • Expert expedition team and guest speakers on every voyage
  • Complimentary use of expedition equipment (parkas, boots on polar voyages)
  • All meals in multiple dining venues
  • Complimentary wines, beer, and spirits
  • Gratuities included
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Onboard enrichment lectures and cultural programming

*Inclusions may vary by fare type and voyage. Contact our team for full details on your preferred sailing.

  • A heritage brand with nearly 70 years of cultural expedition cruising expertise
  • Brand-new, purpose-built ice-class expedition ships designed for the world’s most remote destinations
  • Intimate ship sizes (152–192 guests) for deeply personal, uncrowded exploration
  • Expert-led cultural enrichment program with historians, scientists, and naturalists
  • Comprehensive all-inclusive fares covering excursions, beverages, gratuities, and more

The Restaurant: Elegant main dining venue with open seating and international cuisine

The Club Lounge: Casual all-day dining with panoramic views

The Pool Bar & Grill: Relaxed outdoor dining by the pool

All dining is included in the fare, featuring regionally inspired menus that reflect each voyage’s destinations. Complimentary wines, beers, and spirits accompany every meal.

SH Vega: The most intimate vessel in the fleet, carrying 152 guests with a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, ideal for deep polar exploration.

SH Diana: A slightly larger expedition ship accommodating up to 192 guests, featuring enhanced public spaces and advanced environmental technology.

SH Minerva: The fleet’s largest vessel at 192 guests, offering additional suite categories and expanded expedition capabilities.

All three ships are built to the highest environmental standards with low-emission engines, advanced wastewater treatment, and dynamic positioning systems to protect fragile marine environments.

At a Glance

All-Inclusive Expedition

Explore Further

Cultural enrichment meets expedition adventure

  • All shore excursions & Zodiac landings
  • Expert expedition team & guest speakers
  • Complimentary wines, beer & spirits
  • Gratuities included
  • Polar expedition gear provided
  • Multiple dining venues
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

*Inclusions vary by fare type

Explore

Discover Swan Hellenic

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A Legacy of Cultural Exploration

Swan Hellenic’s story began in 1954 when it launched the first-ever cultural cruise, bringing together curious travelers with expert lecturers and historians to explore the Mediterranean’s ancient sites. That pioneering spirit endures today. Each voyage features a carefully curated program of guest speakers—ranging from archaeologists and geologists to wildlife experts and former diplomats—who bring every destination to life with context and depth. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s meaningful discovery that stays with you long after you return home.

Purpose-Built for Expedition

Swan Hellenic’s fleet of three ice-class expedition vessels—SH Vega, SH Diana, and SH Minerva—were designed from the keel up for exploration. With Polar Class ratings, advanced stabilization systems, and state-of-the-art environmental technology, these ships can venture where few others dare. Dynamic positioning systems allow anchoring without dropping anchor, protecting delicate seabeds. Zodiac fleets enable close-up shore landings in the most remote locations. Yet onboard, you’ll find refined Scandinavian-inspired interiors, spacious suites with ocean views, and all the comforts of a boutique hotel—proving that adventure and elegance can coexist beautifully.

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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Greenland Glaciers
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Voyages to the Ends of the Earth

Swan Hellenic takes you where mainstream cruise lines simply cannot go. From the frozen majesty of Antarctica and the Arctic’s midnight sun to the volcanic landscapes of the remote Atlantic islands, the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean, and the wild coastlines of West Africa, every itinerary is crafted to reveal destinations in their most authentic form. With ice-class vessels carrying fewer than 200 guests, you’ll experience landings and excursions that feel truly exclusive—guided by an expedition team that brings decades of polar and cultural expertise to every voyage.

Experience

The Swan Hellenic Experience

Expert-Led Enrichment

Every Swan Hellenic voyage features a curated program of guest speakers—archaeologists, historians, naturalists, and scientists—who bring each destination to life with lectures, guided excursions, and intimate conversations that deepen your understanding of the places you visit.

Boutique Expedition Ships

With just 152 to 192 guests per voyage, Swan Hellenic’s ice-class ships deliver an intimate, uncrowded experience. Purpose-built with the latest environmental technology, Zodiac fleets, and elegant Scandinavian interiors, these vessels are as comfortable as they are capable.

Remote & Extraordinary Destinations

From Antarctica and the Arctic to the remote Atlantic islands, the Mediterranean’s hidden archaeological sites, West Africa, and beyond, Swan Hellenic’s itineraries venture to destinations most cruise lines will never reach—offering truly unique exploration.

Images

Gallery

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Swan Hellenic represents cultural expedition cruising at its finest. With roots dating back to 1954, the line combines a deep heritage of intellectual exploration with brand-new, purpose-built ice-class ships. Intimate ship sizes of 152–192 guests, expert-led enrichment programs, and voyages to the world’s most remote destinations set Swan Hellenic apart. It’s the ideal choice for curious, culturally minded travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

Swan Hellenic offers comprehensive all-inclusive fares that typically include all shore excursions and Zodiac landings, an expert expedition team and guest speakers, all meals across multiple dining venues, complimentary wines, beers, and spirits, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and polar expedition gear on applicable voyages. Inclusions may vary by fare type, so our expert advisors at Cruise Help can walk you through the details for your specific sailing—and help you secure the best possible rate with no booking fees.

Swan Hellenic’s fleet consists of three purpose-built ice-class expedition vessels: SH Vega (152 guests, Polar Class 6), SH Diana (192 guests), and SH Minerva (192 guests). All three ships were launched in 2021–2022 and feature advanced environmental technology, dynamic positioning systems, Zodiac fleets, and elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors with spacious ocean-view suites.

Swan Hellenic offers a range of suite and stateroom categories across its fleet, from comfortable oceanview staterooms to spacious balcony suites and premium owner’s suites. All accommodations feature modern Scandinavian-inspired design, high-quality bedding, and thoughtful amenities. The exact categories and configurations vary by ship, so our team can help you choose the perfect cabin based on your preferences and budget.

Swan Hellenic’s itineraries span some of the world’s most extraordinary and hard-to-reach destinations. Voyages include Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland), remote Atlantic islands (St. Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha), the Mediterranean and its ancient sites, West Africa, the Indian Ocean, and more. Their ice-class ships allow access to polar regions that most cruise lines cannot reach.

Cultural enrichment is at the heart of every Swan Hellenic voyage. Each sailing features a carefully selected roster of guest speakers—archaeologists, historians, naturalists, marine biologists, and cultural experts—who deliver lectures, lead discussions, and guide shore excursions. This intellectual programming transforms each destination visit into a deeper, more meaningful experience. It’s what has set Swan Hellenic apart since their very first cultural cruise in 1954.

All dining on Swan Hellenic is included in the fare and features open seating. The main restaurant offers international cuisine with regionally inspired menus that reflect each voyage’s destinations. The Club Lounge provides casual all-day dining with panoramic views, and the Pool Bar & Grill offers relaxed outdoor options. Complimentary wines, beers, and spirits accompany every meal, and dietary requirements are easily accommodated.

Sustainability is central to Swan Hellenic’s operations. Their fleet was built to the highest environmental standards with low-emission engines, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and energy-efficient designs. Dynamic positioning systems allow ships to hold position without dropping anchor, protecting fragile seabeds. The line follows strict environmental protocols in all destinations, particularly in sensitive polar regions, ensuring the places they visit are preserved for future generations.

Swan Hellenic maintains a relaxed, expedition-appropriate dress code. Daytime attire is casual and practical for excursions—layers, comfortable footwear, and outdoor clothing are recommended. Evenings are smart casual, with no formal nights required. The atmosphere is refined yet comfortable, reflecting the expedition spirit of the voyages. Polar expedition gear (parkas and boots) is provided on applicable voyages.

Swan Hellenic is an excellent choice for solo travelers. The intimate ship size and enrichment-focused culture create a naturally social atmosphere where like-minded guests connect easily over lectures, excursions, and meals. Some sailings offer reduced or waived single supplements, and the open-seating dining format makes it easy to meet fellow passengers. Our advisors can help you find the best solo-friendly sailing and cabin options.

When you book Swan Hellenic through Cruise Help, you get access to exclusive group rates with savings up to 50% off published fares—with just one room. Our team of 23+ expert advisors provides personalized cabin selection advice, itinerary planning, and destination guidance based on real cruise experience. We perform weekly price monitoring on every booking and automatically adjust your rate if the price drops. Plus, we never charge booking, consultation, or change fees—ever. With 365-day support, you’re never on your own from the moment you inquire to the moment you disembark.

Get Started

Ready for a Cultural Expedition?

Discover the world’s most extraordinary destinations with Swan Hellenic’s intimate, expert-led expedition voyages. When you’re ready to explore further, speak with our expert advisors at Cruise Help. With exclusive group rates, weekly price monitoring, and no fees — ever — your next great adventure begins with us!