Swan Hellenic
Fodor’s Expert Review
Swan Hellenic’s curious name comes from the British Swan family who in the 1950s specialized in Classicism cruises to the Greek islands—and thus they added Hellenic to their own. Cultural and educational cruises, along with expedition experiences, are still the ethos behind the company, which was reborn in 2020 after various ownerships and a brief dormant spell. Following the launch of the SH Minerva in November, 2021 and the SH Vega in July, 2022, the SH Diana took to the seas in 2023. The three new ships sail to both Poles where they spend several months every year, and everywhere in between, from the Mediterranean to the South Pacific.Read More
Swan Hellenic’s tagline is “See What Others Don’t.” Indeed, the line’s small ship size—Diana is the longest at 410 feet—allows entry into narrower ports and tighter fjords that are not visited by larger vessels. While known as an expedition line, SH splits the difference between adventure and understated luxury, which means that following a vigorous day of kayaking and hiking or navigating the waters in Zodiacs, passengers return to dine on superb meals.
Adding to its roster of guest experts, the line has started a series with visiting astronomers from the California SETI Institute to explore the heavens. Some cruises also have a Citizen Science Program for collecting data such as recording whale sightings.
A number of green initiatives are in place as well, such as advanced wastewater treatment systems and zero-emission battery technology for silent operation in polar regions and other sensitive areas.
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What to Expect on Board
For small ships, Swan Hellenic manages to always keep provisioned with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, often locally purchased.
The dining experience ranges from white-tablecloth dinner to buffet lunches and poolside grilling on occasion, with an array of lounge food items available for those on the go.
The launch of SH Diana also ushered in their Maris program, a collaboration of visiting chefs from the JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs gastronomic organization with 375 restaurants and 180 Michelin stars under its toque. Guest chefs will sail onboard the Diana and Vega for the duration of voyages to prepare their signature dishes and a gala dinner. They will also give cooking demonstrations and lead culinary excursions ashore.
Whether it’s over drinks at the bar, or quiet time of just putting together puzzles, guests make the Observation Lounges the center of social life.
Following the evening preview of the next day’s itinerary and dinner, a piano player/singer provides a few hours of live entertainment. There isn’t a dance floor per se, but anyone is welcome to cut some moves. Smart TVs in the cabins are loaded with a full schedule of movies and more. The ship libraries have extensive collections on travel, wildlife and plenty of fiction. As an expedition cruise line, Swan Hellenic’s “entertainment” is more of the cultural sort; i.e., lectures and discussions on history, geography and the sciences.
The small Swan Hellenic ships pack a lot into their spa and fitness area.
A steam room and full service salon on the new SH Diana rounds out SH offerings already on all ships, such as an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and cardio and weight training workout machines that rival those at your local gym. On shore, lots of urban walking, nature hikes, biking, kayaking, and other calorie-burning adventures, such as snorkeling in warmer climes, keep guests fit and looking forward to an onboard massage treatment.
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Your Shipmates
Coming largely from North America, SH passengers skew demographically more toward those deep in careers or retired. Already well-traveled, they select the cruise line for its emphasis on learning about destination history, culture and geography, as well as the chance for hands-on exploration of flora and wildlife.
Dress code
There isn’t any specific dress code onboard. The wish is that guests feel comfortable, without being expected to dress to impress anyone. Smart casual dress is usually in order for dinner, with every guest free to interpret that as they wish.
Junior Cruisers
Passengers span generations and families are certainly welcome, as are older teens with a well developed curiosity for culture and science who might not mind that the majority of guests are middle aged and seniors. However, with the minimum age for kids being eight years old, there are no dedicated children’s facilities on board or programs for those young ones.
Service
While these are expedition vessels, the service level is that of a luxury ship where everyone on the hotel and dining crew side always knows your name. There is general 24-hour room service in lieu of over-the-top personal butler service.
Tipping
Gratuities are included in the fare, but guests who wish to give an extra tip to individual crew members, such as housekeeping, are welcome to do so. Same holds true for guides, drivers and any onshore excursion personnel.
Past passengers
As of 2023, Swan Hellenic is preparing a club program for frequent passengers which they expect to roll out by end of year.