Swan Hellenic rises to strong demand following success of SH Minerva’s maiden cruise

 

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer schedules new February cruise and opens limited unused charter capacity to meet surge in demand. Staterooms and suites still available.

  Swan Hellenic announced that the 9-day maiden cruise of its new ship SH Minerva had been a huge success, with guests expressing their delight both in person and in many enthusiastic social media posts during and after their cultural expedition cruise.   Swan Hellenic announced that the 9-day maiden cruise of its new ship SH Minerva had been a huge success, with guests expressing their delight both in person and in many enthusiastic social media posts during and after their cultural expedition cruise.http This is, of course, exactly what Swan Hellenic had planned for over many months, building a world-class team while its next-generation ice-class ship was being built. The resurgent expedition cruise pioneers were therefore delighted, but not surprised. What did, however, catch them unawares was the almost instantaneous surge in demand as word spread.   Swan Hellenic has responded promptly, laying on a new 13-day polar cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, Beyond the Antarctic Circle, departing Ushuaia on the 20th of February, while also opening to bookings the limited remaining accommodation on its chartered 13-day Antarctic Peninsula Discovery Cruise , departing Ushuaia on the 8th of February. As a result, a choice of staterooms and suites is at present still available.   The company’s new wave of cultural expedition cruise aficionados thus have two opportunities to ride high on Swan Hellenic’s return, seeing what others don't in unique experiences of Antarctica.   Our CEO Andrea Zito explained

SH Minerva’s maiden cruise exceeded our guests’ high expectations, and we’re determined to keep going above and beyond, including by ensuring they can enjoy a great escape exactly when they want. That’s why we’ve created these extra opportunities for new guests to join our adventure right from the start.

  Helsinki Shipyard floats out second of three next-generation ships for cultural expedition cruise pioneer   Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Vega out of dry dock. SH Vega is the twin ship of SH Minerva, launched at the end of last year and now exploring Antarctica. Steelwork production for the third slightly larger vessel commissioned from Helsinki started last Summer, and about 50% of the blocks are now ready at the yard. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together smoothly to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises.   All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.   SH Vega features a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 113 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.   Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.   Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, SH Vega features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, library, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.   SH Vega will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in May 2022. Departing on her 11-day maiden cruise on the 29th of May, she will sail from Leith, the port of Edinburgh, to explore the Faroe Islands and Iceland, docking in Reykjavík on the 8th of June. The third ship in the fleet, temporarily named Vega 3, will be delivered in early 2023.  

SH Vega is a next-generation ship that advances the Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruising tradition in the inspired mould of her sister ship. We are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents

commented Simo Rastas, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard

We are again delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work. Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, everyone at the shipyard has maintained an ambitious schedule to the very highest standards. It’s wonderful to see our vision come together so well. We know our guests will love how such similar ships as SH Minerva and SH Vega can also be so different, enriching their voyages with us worldwide to see what others don’t.

added Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito

Swan Hellenic has announced its presence in North American with the opening of an office in South Florida. The Fort Lauderdale office covers business operations in the US, Canada and Mexico, including a dedicated call center. The office is headed by General Manager, Tom Russell, who was previously North America COO and Managing Director for Silversea. "It is a privilege for me and my new team to bring the iconic Swan Hellenic to North America," Russell said. "We can't wait to introduce cruise-goers across the States, Canada and Mexico to the unique exploration, cultural and creative possibilities of expedition cruising." Other members of the team include Mitchell Schlesinger as Sales Director and Andrea Corman as Customer Relations Director, who previously worked at Uniworld River Cruises and Oceania Cruises. The line has three expedition ships under construction in Finland with the first, SH Minerva due to commence service in November. A second ship will launch in April 2022.   Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor