SH Vega
SH Vega offers laidback Scandi elegance with a contemporary boutique feel, for those wanting style and comfort without ostentation.
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Swan Hellenic are one of the oldest names in cultural expedition cruising, having invented the concept single-handedly back in in the 1950s. While they only began operating in Antarctica in years, they have quickly established themselves as a high quality player, with some of the most modern and best ice-rated ships in the Southern Ocean.
Swoop began partnering with Swan Hellenic the year after the success of their inaugural Antarctic season, and we’re proud to have quickly built a close working relationship with one of the oldest and most trusted names in cultural expedition cruising.
Proudly working with every operator in the industry
Swoop says
With their new fleet of super-modern and stylish ships, Swan Hellenic have finally brought their years of cultural expedition cruising to Antarctica, and we're thrilled to be partnering with a brand with such a fantastic heritage.
Heather Moult Antarctica Specialist
Who are Swan Hellenic?
Swan Hellenic are one of the oldest names in expedition cruising. In 1954, they operated the world’s first cultural expedition cruises when they chartered a ship to travel around the Greek Islands, with onboard lectures provided by classicists and other experts. Over the years, they have been owned by by P&O Cruises and G Adventures, but were reborn as an independent company in 2020.
Swan Hellenic burst on to the Antarctic expedition cruises scene in 2021, with a fleet of three newly purpose-built ships. Of these the SH Minerva and SH Vega are two of the highest rated cruise ships for ice in the polar fleet, allowing them to range in comfort where many ships are unable to safely visit.
Why Swoop loves working with Swan Hellenic
- Swoop know that Swan Hellenic's reputation as a pioneering cultural expedition cruise line means they'll also go beyond what our guests expect when they're sailing in Antarctica.
- Swan Hellenic including a first night in Buenos Aires followed by charter flight to join the ship in Ushuaia, to make everything seamless from the moment of arrival in Argentina.
- Swan Hellenic’s ships are some of the highest ice-rated ships in the polar fleet, with cosy Scandi-chic interiors to give a relaxed, rather than expeditionary, vibe.
- When we sail with them, we love the thoughtful extra touches you only get with long experience as a cruise operator, from the Crow’s Nest viewing platform, to the unbeatable storage in the suites – and even the free launderette.
- The onboard team always encourages guests to spend as much time enjoying Antarctica even when there isn't an excursion, with plenty of cosy blankets to rug up outside with a hot drink surrounded by iceberg and glaciers.
- The all-inclusive nature of the cruises means that guests don't have to worry about getting their wallets out once onboard.
- Swan Hellenic match Swoop's passion for polar science, with citizen science offered on their ships, plus guest researchers on many voyages to give an insight into cutting edge Antarctic science.
- Swan Hellenic offer one of the best value kayaking programmes of any Antarctic cruise operator.
What Swoop travellers think about Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic trips scored 4.6/5 from 67 reviews
Swoop's trips with Swan Hellenic
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Swan Hellenic's ships
SH Diana
SH Diana offers relaxed elegance with a contemporary feel, for those desiring style and comfort without pretension.
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SH Minerva
SH Vega blends relaxed Scandinavian elegance with a modern boutique aesthetic. Perfect for travellers who value style and comfort without the fuss.
Discover MoreSwoop works with every major Antarctic operator
Swoop’s unrivalled network of trusted partners across the polar fleet make it easy to find your dream Antarctic adventure.
Our expertise means we can offer impartial advice on which operator, ship, and departure is best for you.
And our Price Match Promise means that we’ll always match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
