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Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique 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.
Our brand new ship, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.
The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.
This ship picked me. As a travel advisor I was given the opportunity to join several other advisors on this voyage. This line and ship are 5 star all the way. Fly from US to Argentina and after that Swan Hellernic took care of everything else. Transportation to hotel, hotel and meals before getting on ship as well as flight to get to vessel, all included in price of cruise. Alcohol beverages and tipping also included. We had a balcony room,very large even a crackling fireplace ( no real flame) Small refrigerator and coffee pot. Meals were buffets breakfast and lunch, including served outside on nice days. Dinner: first and last night buffet others sit down with several options each evening, all very good to excellent . Many lectures and personal very friendly and often stayed and talked with guests after. Excursions twice daily and only 1 time deemed unsafe and moved to another location. Not much night life but not needed after full day ready to return to our cabin by 10. I would highly recommend this line for Antartica and will hopefully try it again to other destinations
I had always had an interest in seeing Antarctica and through a group I chose this cruise. It was very well organized and everyone involved was both professional and FUN! The ship itself was beautiful, the cabins very nice and of the food and drink wonderful. But it was the Antarctic in all its splendor that made this cruise so memorable. I’ve told family and friends that they absolutely must put the Antarctic on their travel list! Our excursions to land via Zodiacs were wonderful and very well organized by our amazing guides and the assist staff. They provided us with hiking poles once we arrived on land and were right they to answer any questions and provide their knowledge around that particular visit. One of our excursions did not include a land visit but instead was a whale and leopard seal watch along with some spectacular icebergs. Penguins everywhere!
Sarah was exceptional in knowledge, friendliness, approachability. Managed the whole expedition team seamlessly and had great stories. Seb was equally as good, incredible knowledge base; shared his personal expedition in re-enacting Shackleton's voyage to save self and crew. Sasha shared his experience of spending a year or more on the Ukranian station, which we did a drive by; couldn't stop because of covid issues. The people on station don't get covid because they are TRULY isolated . . . . and if a few bumbling fools like us visited, that blows their isolation. Whole expedition staff was international: UK, Canada, Ukranian, Russian, Argentine, and others; and that added a great flavor. Pablo and Javier were likewise knowledgeable and hilarious. They all added a level of humor and you could tell they enjoyed each other and worked well together. Every daily expedition, the expedition crew were sprinkled across the site to provide insight. Sue was incredible with her knowledge of birds ("they aren't far from home; the sea is there home!) The zodiac crew was great and the zodiac expeditions (when we didn't go for a land expedition) led us thru ice fields, humpbacks, 3 types of seals (including one munching on a penguin), Petrels walking on water, and so much stuff. Rooms had a TON of storage space. Food was excellent, good variety and quality. Packed too much. When done, pull out one of everything and leave it at home: long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, polar tech, long pants, socks, shoes. It is so cold (surprise!) that you never sweat so it's not like you are soiling your clothes. Expedition clothes were identical every day, and if I'm out in 32F or 0C temps, I am not sweating. It's fairly cool in the ship, too. If you are on expeditions for about half the day and on the ship about half the day, each set of clothes can last for days. Oh of course, on ship don't be wearing the same shirt every day, but one t-shirt can last 3 days and still be fresh. And expedition clothing, all anyone sees is your huge double-layered parka, your rain pants, and your cap. Couple of suggestions: if your hands get cold, bring a few of those handwarmer pellet things (I didn't); and bring ski goggles I used sunglasses and for the Zodiac rides, it would have been so nice to have goggles on so the eyeballs aren't watering, and they can handle the bit of sea spray that happens occasionally. Food service staff was super nice and helpful. Crossing the Drake Passage was a monster and I was in my stateroom, flat on my back and sleeping for the better part of two days The return crossing, however, smooth as silk.
True to its slogan, “See what others don’t”, my Antarctica voyage opened my eyes to the incredible scenery and wildlife in Antarctica. My February voyage started with three days sailing toward the Antarctic Circle and further south, an unexpected and very welcome surprise. We reached Stonington Island where we had our first encounter with penguins. On this occasion, we saw Adelie penguins marvel at us with their blue eyes. This is one of the highlights of any trip to Antarctica, and onboard the SH Minerva, we had it on our first landing! And from here, everything got better and better during the seven days of exploration in Antarctica. Swan Hellenic has truly fulfilled our expectations with their Scandinavian style ship, with a 5 star restaurant, and the invaluable crew that always made us feel at home. The expedition team was very knowledgeable and helped us have many unbelievable experiences on Antarctica. It was an unforgettable experience!
We had a great time on this cruise. The service, the rooms, the food was all five star. Enjoyed the small boat atmosphere. Because of this size it was easy great to get to know everyone. The crew was always there to help and educate us on our trip to Antarctica. I would travel with them again. The best part of the trip was the expeditions onto shore. They always picked great spots to land on, the wild life was always abundance. The scenery and vastness of Antarctica is hard to put into words if you have not been there and the photos do not do it justice. When we return back from our explorations the crew was always there to greet us with a warm Cup of cheer. When weather provided we would eat out on the back deck and enjoy the wonderful scenery. This was definitely in my top trips I’ve ever taken!
The Elegant Scandi interior is designed in neutral tones using natural textures. The smooth lines and rounded walls allow for a relaxing yet light ambience. The rich textiles, varied textures and intimate lighting create a harmonious, comfortable environment. Lighting options for every mood, along with a mesmerizing holographic fireplace create the perfect relaxing space.
For the comfort of our guests, suites have a separate living room and bedroom. All staterooms are equipped with spacious wardrobes and bathrooms.
Swan Hellenic’s plethora of dining options provide guests with an appetite for global flavours a tempting variety of options, from sun chasing early riser’s breakfast through to late dinner and 24 hour room service.
The onboard restaurants serve modern international delicacies featuring regional cuisine and ingredients creating a unique once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
World renowned chefs will prepare culinary experiences from the destinations visited, pairing the latest international trends with untasted regional delights.
Bespoke & private dining experiences will be offered both inside and outside (depending on the weather conditions and routing). Offering guests superb the opportunity to enjoy and explore top-tier culinary skills and the local landscape that is home to distinctive unique flavours of seasonal ingredients, alongside fine wines.
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.
We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.
Fitness is a key part of the daily routine for many. Just because you’re on holiday your wellbeing routine need not stop.
SH Minerva and Vega’s state-of-the-art gym will please the most discerning of fitness fiends. Here, you will find everything from cardio machines and stretch bands to weights. We will also be offering a range of instructor-led classes. Why not try a morning stretch class or book a fitness assessment with one of our specialist body coaches?
You don’t have to be pounding the treadmill to enjoy our fabulous on-board fitness and spa facilities. Relax and revive in the sauna, outdoor pool or one of the jacuzzis and book yourself in for a healing massage or facial.
Our fitness areas are spotlessly clean, with luxurious changing facilities, water and towels provided.
Please note: there are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
