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Looking for next level expedition cruising? SH Diana is just what you need! The newest addition to our fleet combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design, and the ship’s special ice-resistant PC6 hull means it’s able to visit some of the world's most inaccessible regions. This new generation polar class ship is our largest, and features elegant interiors – including exclusive onboard art – wide unobstructed views, a spectacular grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, so you can explore the world in style and comfort.
The service on board was exception. The meals were fantastic and catered for everyone. The staff from the stewards looking after your cabins to the wait staff in the restaurant made your time so enjoyable and were so welcoming and helpful. The on board entertainment and information lectures were great. It was great to have experts on board to share their knowledge of such a unique place. We got to land and explore different sites and see the wildlife in their natural habitat. The scenery was spectacular. The off ship experiences in the zodiacs were out of this world up close to such amazing wildlife and with expert drivers able to tell you about the different wildlife and ice formations. Getting on and off the ship was streamline. The staff were there to help at any stage with suggestions to make things easier. I can only emphasis how wonderful the whole experience was.
We recently completed an Expedition Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsular with Swan Hellenic, aboard ‘SH Diana’. We had high expectations for this trip based on what we had read, however nothing could have prepared us for the true extent of the experience. Every element of the trip exceeded our expectations. The ship was five star plus. The crew were very professional, yet accommodating in ensuring the maximum experience for everyone. The service delivery staff displayed a level of commitment that made every aspect of the trip a wonderful and relaxed experience. The Expedition Team were truly amazing in their efforts to deliver the ultimate experience for the 186 guests. We spent five days on the Antarctic Peninsular, there two excursions each day in a different location. Five excursions were zodiac cruises, and five involved shore landings. There were also daily kayak trips. The logistics involved in the safety and smooth running of the excursions were considerable. The Expedition Team worked incredibly well together and deserve maximum credit for the delivery of an outstanding result. Getting amongst the icebergs, the penguins, seals and whales was undertaken responsibly, safely and with an eye to providing the ultimate experience for all concerned. It was a sensational trip and we cannot speak too highly of Swan Hellenic. I would recommend to anyone considering a trip like this, read up on what Swan Hellenic provide, then be prepared for them to deliver well in excess of your expectations. The few photos I have attached provide a small glimpse of elements of the trip. It is rare for an assessment of a trip like this to yield a maximum score on every assessment point, however this is exactly our impression of this trip.
This cruise line and Staff were exceptional. Friendly and very accommodating. A few things I did not find in any reviews, so I will list them here for future passengers: 1) There is a full room service with an extended menu, including a full breakfast. (The OJ is fresh squeezed!) 2) Our balcony room was great with its fireplace. However, with an Antarctic itinerary, a Window would have been fine. 3) You do not need to bring boots. They provide them for excursions, just good gripping shoes when out on deck. They also provide walking poles, no need to bring them. 4) The included beverages include mid-shelf alcohol and specialty coffee, and the bar staff will know your drink of choice by day one. The wines were of very good quality, as was the champagne. 5) The Parka you get to keep was very well made. No need to bring a heavy coat unless you are staying in Ushuaia. Buenos Aires is hot in Dec-Feb. The waterproof backpack was nice, but you are normally only out for 1 hour, so we did not use it. 6) The Drake Stright was a little bumpy, but this ship is well balanced, of course weather can chnage but the captain did a great job. All of the staff commented that the Diana is the smoothest ship in these waters. 7) The basic internet was pretty good for basic stuff, but if you want to post videos on social media not the best. Did fine for still pictures and e-mail. 8) Traditional Dinner with a nice variety and quality was excellent. All other meals are buffet. 9) Only about 170 passengers total. So you get to know folks quickly. Very International. 10) 2-3 treks were of a moderate level. Do some walking 30-45 days before you go, and you'll be great. 11) The scenery is off the chart, take time to put down the camera and just soak it in. 12) If they offer the Polar Plunge, "Do it!" It was not that bad, you are in and out so quickly.
This cruise with Swan Hellenic has surpassed our expectations. A comfortable, luxurious small ship with great rooms and excellent service, an amazing restaurant, and friendly, professional staff. The expedition team was fantastic, very professional and always looking to offer us the best experiences and knowledge. There were many different zodiac expeditions, almost always twice a day, each lasting about 2 hours. The places were well chosen, with beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. We saw at least 8 different penguin species, lots of seals, seabirds and even whales. On the different islands and Antarctic Peninsula, we had very close contact with the nature, fauna and flora. This type of exploration of the wild was much more profound and totally worth the investment, given the small ship, the zodiacs' ability to reach untouched places, and the high-level expedition team. We have done a lot of cruises in our lifetime (around 30), with a lot of different cruise lines, but this has been the best of them all. For anyone who wants a genuine and real Antarctica experience, Swan Hellenic is certainly the best choise.
Everything was superb on the cruise. The organization was great: all the details were covered very well - hotel, charter flights, buses, disembarkation, luggage, and enough people helping at every step of the process. The organization of life on the ship was also superb: handling landings and zodiac boarding by groups, very well explained and prepared. The choice of landings and places for zodiac cruising was amazing every time. Every day impressed us beyond our imagination. The lectures during the sea days were so interesting, every one of them: historic lectures by Sasha, Antarctic station experience by Sanna, Bird life by Ab, Dogs in Antarctica by Mark, marine life by Dmitry, and every other lecture. The food was delicious and always available. The cleanliness of our cabin and of the entire ship was marvellous. Big thanks to the entire expedition team: to the leader, Mark, and the guides Ab, Sanna, Sasha, Dmitry, Maxim, Emil, Michael, Ilene, and everyone else!
Each cabin welcomes you with a bottle of Champagne (75cl – Premium Suites, Suites, Junior Suites/37.5cl – Balcony, Oceanview) and there’s also free Wi-Fi, personal safe, and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars to help you watch out for wildlife!
Amenities also include a smart HDTV, individually-controlled air-conditioning, stocked minibar with snacks, soft drinks & beer, Illy Espresso coffee machine with pods, kettle and Kusmi tea bags, towels for cabin, pool and gym, bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and toiletries by Lajatica.
When it comes to dining on your expedition cruise, our ships have a variety of welcoming venues.
From the gourmet offerings of the Swan Restaurant, and the Pool Bar & Grill’s delicious dishes, to the relaxed tapas-style dining of the Club Lounge, you’ll find exquisite cuisine, skillfully prepared by top chefs.
Plus, our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom
If you are looking to experience the remote Polar regions or explore truly off-the-beaten path destinations and cultures of our spectacular planet, then you are in great company. Swan Hellenic exists to provide its guests with authentic, intimate and unforgettable moments in extraordinary locations and remote landmarks.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
Take time to indulge and invigorate your senses…
Please note: there are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
