< >Rebecca Barnes delves into the heritage of Swan Hellenic and steps on board new ship SH Vega to find out what the future holds for the line that decided to make its comeback during a global pandemic.
Arguably the founders of cultural cruising, the history of expedition pioneers Swan Hellenic dates back to 1954 when British travel agent Swan’s Tours, which was operated by a father and son, organised a discovery cruise on a ship called Miaoulis and sailed to Greece’s historical sites, with 128 university society members and three guest lecturers on board for enrichment.
Marketed as a ‘brand for the thinking person’, the line’s USP was to never repeat the same itineraries twice, taking guests to places that at the time were undiscovered by even intrepid travellers. After being catapulted from one owner to another, including P&O Cruises at one point, the line closed in 2017 but relaunched mid-pandemic in July 2020 with the vision to build on its British roots and offer guests the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t.’
The Observation Lounge: catch a lecture, enjoy a cocktail
Named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, the lines’ second new-build vessel SH Vega follows in the wake of twin sister SH Minerva which launched in December 2021, and represents a step change for the brand as it moves towards a more premium proposition.
However, the line does not wish to be viewed as luxury per se: “The word luxury sometimes has a negative connotation and isn’t always authentic,” says CEO Andrea Zito. “We prefer understated elegance – the decor should not distract from the real show, which is outside.”
Featuring the latest polar ice-class technology, superior sustainability standards and boutique ‘Scandi-luxe’ interiors which are as Zito says, understated in style so as not to distract from the ever-evolving vistas outside, the 152-guest ship is built to sail to the globe’s most remote destinations and lesser-known ports of social cultural, geographical or wildlife interest.
With a heavy focus on immersion, the expedition team and lecturers are, in Zito’s words, “key players for guest satisfaction.” There are three dining venues on board, while suites are spacious and tastefully furnished: it’s clear there was no expense spared in creating a high-spec, welcoming environment. The majority have large balconies, and all suite categories feature flame-effect holographic fireplaces which are a real focal point of interest.
Other features include The Swan’s Nest, a striking observation platform at the bow of the ship, a stargazing deck, advanced wastewater treatment systems, extra large stabilisers and dynamic positioning technology that allows the ship to remain in place without having to drop anchor into fragile seabeds. “The ship will never be trapped – it can maintain six knots in one metre of ice,” says Zito. “This part of the world knows how to build ice breakers.”
The main dining venue The Swan Restaurant
Already under construction in Helsinki shipyard, Swan Hellenics’ slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel, SH Diana, will accommodate 192 guests in the same comfort and understated style. The ship is scheduled to be christened in March 2023 and will, says Zito, return to the origins of Swan Hellenic which was to take Brits to archeological sites in the East Mediterranean.
Itinerary highlights will include Greek temples; the theatres of Taormina; the coast of Algeria ‘including some very nice Roman archeological sites’; Spitzbergen, the East and West Mediterranean; the Red Sea, ‘which has probably the best corals in the world’; Seychelles; Kenya; Zanzibar; Madagascar; Mozambique and Antarctica.
All staterooms and suites feature holographic fireplaces