About Swan Hellenic
“For those who know Swan Hellenic , a cruise aboard the newly refurbished Minerva is the ultimate in well-planned and meticulously executed discovery cruising. With more than 50 years' experience this British company has perfected the art of small ship discovery cruising to a point where every cruise delights, surprises and satisfies curious minds – and where you can be assured of travelling in comfort and style, backed up by high standards of service from friendly staff in our two UK offices and on board Minerva. A Swan Hellenic cruise also represents excellent value for money, with so much included in your cruise fare: flights to and from Minerva (where applicable), a considered, tailor-made itinerary to fascinating ports of call that includes evenings in port and overnight stays, an integrated programme of shore excursions , a stimulating programme of Guest Speaker talks, a Swan Hellenic on board team to ensure that each day of your cruise lives up to expectations, all gratuities on board and ashore and all port and airport taxes.” — Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic traces its story to 1950, when the British travel company Swan's Tours organized a voyage for members of the Hellenic Society, with famed archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler aboard to bring the ancient world to life. That trip pioneered what the company calls cultural expedition cruising — the idea that a voyage should be led by historians, scientists and naturalists whose eye-opening lectures transform scenery into understanding. Relaunched in 2019 by an entrepreneurial consortium, the line now sails under the fitting motto: See What Others Don't.
Its three boutique ships were purpose-built for the task. SH Minerva and SH Vega, launched in 2021 and 2022, each host just 152 guests, while SH Diana, the largest, was christened in 2023 and carries 192 guests with 127 crew — nearly one crew member per guest. Ice-strengthened polar-class hulls carry them from the Arctic to Antarctica, while panoramic saunas, infinity pools, spacious balcony staterooms and elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors keep the journey supremely comfortable.
Fares are generously inclusive: meals, wines and spirits, expedition landings by Zodiac, a shore excursion in each port, lectures, gratuities and even a keepsake polar parka. Swan Hellenic suits curious, well-traveled guests who measure a voyage in insights gained — boots on the ground, as one guest put it, rather than sailing by and waving.
Save on Swan Hellenic with Pavlus Travel
Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book Swan Hellenic through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows Swan Hellenic inside and out, from first quote to final port.
- Exclusive Pavlus savings on every Swan Hellenic sailing
- Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
- Never any service or planning fees
- A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
- 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
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Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a QuoteThe Swan Hellenic Experience
Cultural Expedition Heritage
Swan Hellenic pioneered expedition cruising in the 1950s, pairing remote destinations with expert-led insight from historians, scientists and naturalists.
Ice-Class Boutique Ships
Three purpose-built vessels with polar-class hulls — SH Minerva, SH Vega and SH Diana — reach the world's most inaccessible regions in comfort.
Nearly One-to-One Service
With almost one crew member for every guest, service on board is warm, personal and intuitive, from restaurant to expedition deck.
Zodiac Landings Included
All expedition landings and Zodiac outings are part of the fare, alongside a selected shore excursion in every port of call.
Wellness at the Ends of the Earth
Panoramic saunas, infinity pools, open-deck jacuzzis, gyms and premium spas bring quiet luxury to polar and tropical seas alike.
What's Included with Swan Hellenic
- All meals on board
- Hot and cold beverages, beer, wine and spirits throughout the cruise
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings and Zodiac outings
- Lecture programs by the expedition team and guest speakers
- 24-hour room service
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- Standard WiFi
- 24/7 self-service laundry
- Gym, sauna and pool access
- Branded expedition parka to keep and rubber boot use in polar regions
- Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle
The Swan Hellenic Fleet (3 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
SH Diana
Looking for next-level expedition cruising? SH Diana offers just that. The newest addition to the fleet combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design, featuring an ice-resistant PC6 hull that allows access to some of the world's most inaccessible regions. As the largest polar-class ship in the fleet, SH Diana boasts elegant interiors, exclusive onboard art, wide unobstructed views, a grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, ensuring exploration in both style and comfort.
Ship details, decks & staterooms →
SH Minerva
This 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique SH MInerva ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. For now, sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know your expedition ship.
Ship details, decks & staterooms →
SH Vega
Named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, SH Vega was designed for journeys to faraway places and remote polar regions in style and comfort. This 5-star expedition ship features elegant Scandinavian design paired with the latest cruising technology, including a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers to ensure a smooth voyage.
Ship details, decks & staterooms →Where Swan Hellenic Sails
Good to Know Before You Book
Gratuities & tipping
Cancellation policy
Cancellation By Guest
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 120 days before cruise departure | A USD 300 / EUR 300 / GBP 300 / CAD 300 / AUD 300 / NZD 300 administrative fee is assessed for all cancellations up to 120 days before cruise departure |
| 119–60 days prior to departure | 20% of the cruise package price |
| 59–30 days prior to departure | 75% of the cruise package price |
| 29 days or fewer prior to departure | 100% of the cruise package price |
For “Specials,” the terms for cancellation will be published in the detailed product description of the “Special.”
Smoking on board
Traveling with minors
Pregnancy policy
Policies are provided by Swan Hellenic and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.