Swan Hellenic: Diana, Vega and Minerva

Alex Burridge – June 2026

Swan Hellenic Luxury-Expediton Ships: Diana, Vega and Minerva

Swan Hellenic has been operating for over 70 years.  In 2021 Swan Hellenic launched its first purpose-built luxury Polar Expedition ship SH Minerva.  She was quickly followed by SH Diana and SH Vega.

All three ships are classic in design and built to a very high standard in a shipyard in Helsinki Finland.  All three ships are ice-strengthened vessels (Diana PC6 & Vega and Minerva PC5).

Swan Hellenic Diana (launched in 2023) is the largest of the three ships a maximum of 192 guests.  Sister ships Swan Hellenic Vega (launched in July 2022) and Minerva have a maximum of 152 guests.

We have classified these ships as Luxury-Expedition as they offer a range of very comfortable cabins many with balconies, with suites having a flame-effect fireplace (which grows on you as the cruise progresses and makes you feel very cosy in your cabin) with on-board cuisine of a high standard.All cabins have a curtain to separate the bed from the living area and room service is also offered – so whether you are feeling the effects of the sea or simply want to indulge in some room service it’s simple as calling room service.  They ships and cabins are very well designed – with polar expedition travel in mind.

The cuisine on-board is of a very high standard, there are two (three if the weather is kind) dining areas.  The range and quality of the food really is a step or two above any of the ‘expedition-luxury ships’.

One of our past clients who had previously travelled on an older ‘Expedition-Luxury’ ship said that they were ‘very happy with the ship upgrade’.

Swan Hellenic Minerva

Purpose-Built Luxury-Expedition Ships

The observation lounge is spacious, comfortable and perfect for presentations and updates on the off-ship activities.  Basecamp – is the name for the ship’s mudrooms, where you store all your gear and get ready for zodiac cruises and excursions from the ship.  There is a mini-laboratory, a well-stocked library, a heated outdoor pool, spa and beauty salon and a club lounge, in addition to the main dining room the Swan Restaurant.

The expedition side of things is led by a team of experienced polar expeditioners from around the globe.  Each ship has a fleet of zodiacs (13 on Vega and Minerva and 15 on Diana) which are used to get you ashore and to take zodiac excursions.  The Swan Hellenic jacket that awaits you in your cabin is excellent – really well thought out – practical as well and warm and well-suited to the possible conditions.  You also get a ‘dry-bag’, yet again it’s been really well thought out and is very useful.

In combination the Swan Hellenic ships are really very good.  The Vega and Minerva with just 152 guests have the added advantage of fewer guests given the 100 client ashore limits.
All three ships operate in Antarctica, with the SH Vega and SH Diana also heading to the Arctic.

In Antarctica you can choose from cruises into the Weddell Sea, a Semi Circumnavigation voyage, and voyages that combine Antarctica with the Falklands and South Georgia as well as the traditional Antarctica Peninsula and Circle Crossing voyages.  They also offer the opportunity to kayak and snow-shoe (conditions permitting).

Gentoo penguin Antarctic Peninsula

In the Arctic there are voyages from Norway to Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and the British Isles (including voyages that take in the Northern Lights).

In combination these three Swan Hellenic ships offer excellent value – with prices that are significantly lower than some of the expedition-luxury ships – and you get a purpose-built expedition ship with great cuisine, very comfortable cabins and ample time off the ship exploring.

Swan Helenic Vega

Each ship currently has excellent offers on the 26/27 Antarctica season and Early Booking Offers for the Arctic 2027 and 2027/28 Antarctica season.

They are proving very popular and in simple terms as the ships fill up the cabin prices go up.

To find out more call 1300 784 794 and speak with one of our specialist consultants or check out the ships on these links.

Navigating sea-ice

Swan Hellenic Diana, Vega and Minerva

Your Expedition Parka will be waiting in your cabin

A range of comortable cabins many with balconies

Swan Restaurant

Outdoor pool – HS Diana

Swan Observation Deck

Mud Room

Click on the buttons below for our dedicated SH Diana, SH Vega and SH Minerva ship pages to see dates, prices and itineraries in the Antarctic and Arctic seasons, as well as more detailed ship information.

Swan Hellenic Diana (192 Guests)

Swan Hellenic Vega (152 Guests)

Swan Hellenic Minerva (152 Guests)