Swan Hellenic Cruises

Swan Hellenic Cruises FZCO (founded in 1950 as "Swans Tour Agency," relaunched in 2020 / swanhellenic.com) is a 5-star luxury all-inclusive cruise travel brand and a British company registered in Dubai, UAE.

Swan Hellenic has offices in Europe (London, England, UK, Dusseldorf, Germany, Monte Carlo, Monaco, Copenhagen, Denmark), as well as in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA (serving North America/USA and Canada), Hong Kong, China (serving Southeast Asia), and Sydney, NSW (serving Australia and New Zealand). The company also serves the Indian and Japanese markets through partnerships.

The company's current fleet includes three newbuilds: SH Minerva (2021), SH Vega (2022), and SH Diana (2023). "SH" stands for "Swan Hellenic." Destinations include the Arctic and Antarctica, the Russian Far East, East Asia (Japan, Thailand, Philippines), South Pacific Islands (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu), Australia, New Zealand, Atlantic Europe, and the UK (British and Scottish Islands).

The new brand primarily targets English-speaking source markets, including North America (USA, Canada), the UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Swan Hellenic's main competitor is Lindblad-National Geographic, particularly in terms of vessel types and capacities, culture- and nature-themed onboard enrichment programming, and Zodiac-based shore excursions.

Company History

P&O Cruises acquired Swan Hellenic Tours in 1983, and in 2003, P&O merged with and became part of Carnival Corporation (currently the world's largest cruise ship owner). The "Swan Hellenic" brand was discontinued by Carnival in March 2007. The brand was then purchased by ALG (All Leisure Group), and cruise operations were restarted. At that time, ALG also owned and operated the "Voyages of Discovery" brand (founded in 2003, and defunct by 2016). Swan Hellenic planned to restart operations in May 2008 with the MV Minerva (1996-built) and an inaugural European season based on itineraries in the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean.

Next is the brand's old logo.

In January 2008, Swan Hellenic announced that in 2009 start voyages on the Danube River (roundtrips from Vienna, Austria) and the Rhone River (roundtrips out of Lyon, France). These voyages were via a partnership (time-charter) with Arosa Cruises. The cruisetour package deals were inclusive of all shore excursions, fees, taxes, and gratuities.

In February 2017 (after ALG filed for bankruptcy in January), Swan Hellenic Cruises was acquired by G-Adventures. The new owner announced plans to restart operations (with Minerva) in 2018. In July 2022, G-Adventures sold Swan Hellenic to a private British investment group led by Andrea Zito (previously employed by Silversea and V-Ships Leisure). V-Ships (part of V-Group Holdings Ltd, founded in 1984) is a cruise ship management company (Monaco-registered, London-headquartered) with 60+ offices in 30 countries.

Next is the brand's new logo.

Initially, it was announced that Swan Hellenic's owners/shareholders were associated with Vodohod Ltd (owner of the Russian river cruise brand "Vodohod"), Helsinki Shipyard Oy (a shipbuilder, currently owned by Algador Holdings Ltd, a Russian company owned by Vodohod's co-owners), and some international investors.

As later confirmed by Swan Hellenic officials, the company's ownership is now split between three Cyprus-based companies (shareholders, also listed as shipowners): Capstans Ltd (incorporated in 2018, registration number HE384194), Valbridge Ltd (incorporated in 2004, registration number C145148), and Diamant Trading Ltd (incorporated in 2016, registration number HE356719).

Swan Hellenic Cruises FZCO (license No. 16758, registration No. DSo-FZCO-15443) is the full owner (100%) and manager of the 3-ship fleet.

Swan Hellenic's CEO is Andrea Zito (former employee of Silversea and V-Ships).

Next is the company's management team.

• John Warner (General Manager), former GM of Vodohod and G-Adventures
• Mario Bounas (General Manager for UK & Ireland), previously employed by RCI/Royal Caribbean and Vodohod
• Patrizia Iantorno (Senior VP of Global Sales & Marketing), who in September 2023 succeeded Alfredo Spadon (formerly with Silversea and MSC). The newly created position of "Senior VP of Sales Europe & UK," introduced in September 2023, is held by Anna Wolfsteiner (formerly with Scenic Group), who reports directly to the SVP of Global Sales.
• Joe Maloney (VP of North America Sales), previously worked at AAA Auto Club Group (Assistant VP) and at Scenic Cruises USA (VP of Sales & Marketing)
• Patrizia Iantorno (VP of Global Marketing), previously employed by Nestlé's Purina PetCare (as Strategy Director) and also worked at Now Available Africa (Neutral Advertising)
• Pierre Thomas (Expedition Director), formerly with several premium brands, including Lindblad and Silversea
• Tom Russell (General Manager for North America/Fort Lauderdale office and call center), formerly with "Cruise & Travel Executives" (President), Global Voyages Group (COO), Silversea North America (COO and Managing Director)
• Mitchell Schlesinger (Sales Director for North America), previously worked for NCL-Norwegian, Orient Lines (1991-founded/2008-defunct), and Voyages to Antiquity (2010-founded/2019-defunct)
• Andrea Corman (Customer Relations Director), previously worked for Voyages to Antiquity (2010-2019), Uniworld, and Oceania
• Nick Giersdorf (Marketing and Digital Director), previously employed by Global Voyages Group
• Lori Sheller (VP of Sales & Marketing for North America), previously employed by MSC Cruises USA (as Senior VP of Strategic Sales) and by Hotelbeds Group (as Tourico Holidays' VP of Global Cruise Development)
• Gordon Dirker (VP of Sales for North America), previously employed by Celestyal Cruises (as VP of Business Development) and by Hurtigruten (as VP of Americas). In 2023, two additional North America Sales Directors were appointed: Eric Bacon for the Western USA (formerly with Celestyal, AOV/Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Hurtigruten) and Kelly Predmesky for the Eastern USA (formerly with Celestyal, Mejdi Tours Israel, Contiki Tours NZ, STA Travel UK).
• Cheryl Topalian (Director of Operations for North America), previously worked for AOV, Silversea, RCI
• Lisette Martinez Rusian (Senior Director of North America Sales), previously worked for Princess Cruises, American Queen Voyages/AQV, Atlas Ocean Voyages/AOV, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings/NCLH.
• Rolf Logan (Director of Group Sales for North America), previously worked for AOV, Hurtigruten, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Delta Vacations (subsidiary of Delta Air Lines), and RCI
• Thomas Harrison (Sales Director for Europe, since July 2024), previously worked with Silversea, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Uniworld

Other company executives include Hans Heger (VP of Hotel Operations), Philipp Reutener (Fleet Hotel Director), Adria Bono (Shore Excursions Director).

Company Changes in 2023

In April, a partnership deal was signed with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs (founded in 1974, an association of 375 restaurants) for the food-themed "Maris Cruises" on the ships Vega and Diana. These Maris-themed voyages are accompanied by some of JRE's star chefs from Italy (Manfred Kofler, Luca Marchini), France (Clement Bidard), Spain (Manu Nunez, Carles Ramon, Borja Marrero), Germany (Michael Ammon, Andreas Hillejan), Holland (Edwin Soumang, Arjan Kuipers), Switzerland (Daniel Lehmann), and Slovenia (Sabina Repovz, Tomaz Bratovz). Maris-themed voyages also feature onboard cooking shows and culinary-themed shore excursions exploring the region's traditions and specialties. The first "Maris Cruise" took place on SH Diana (April 15th).

Company Changes in 2022

In March, Swan Hellenic exercised its buyout/irrevocable purchase option for its two vessels (Minerva and Vega) from GTLK (ГТЛК-Государственная транспортная лизинговая компания/State Transport Leasing Company). JSC GTLK, Russia's largest leasing company, and its subsidiaries were included in the UK's and EU's sanctions list due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ownership of both vessels was officially transferred on March 13th (SH Minerva) and March 31st (SH Vega).

Company Changes in 2021

In mid-January 2021, Swan Hellenic opened a North American sales office (with a call center) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA to serve the company's USA-Canada-Mexico operations.

On February 8, 2021, Swan Hellenic signed a partnership with Nordic Cruise GSA (founded in 1996) for a direct presence in Northern Europe (Iceland and Scandinavia).

In April 2021, Denise Landau was hired to create the "Cultural Expedition Partner Program," a training program for travel agents and advisors. The company also began developing "preferred supplier" partnerships with large cruise travel agencies.

In May 2021, Pablo Brandeman became Swan Hellenic's "Antarctic Expedition Team" leader.

In late-May 2021, a deal was signed with "V-Ships Leisure" (Ship Management and Marine Services) and "Oceanic Catering" (Marine Hospitality and Catering Services). Both companies are subsidiaries of V-Group and were contracted for year-round management of Swan Hellenic's entire fleet (all three expedition ships).

Company Changes in 2020

In May 2020, Helsinki Shipyard Oy (with all its assets) was acquired by Algador Holdings Ltd from Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy. Algador Holdings Ltd is owned by VODOHOD's co-owners Rishat Bagautdinov (Ришат Диасович Багаутдинов) and Vladimir Kasyanenko (Владимир Касяненко), whose companies specialize in cruise shipping and shipbuilding businesses.

In early October 2020, Swan Hellenic signed a partnership with Tam Wing Kun Holdings Ltd to represent the brand in Asia. Tam Wing Kun Holdings represents many of the world's leading logistics companies and airlines in Asia through offices or partners in China (Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai), Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and The Philippines.

In October 2020, VODOHOD and Swan Hellenic both joined CLIA Europe (a division of CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, which includes all the world's largest cruise shipping companies).

In mid-December 2020, Swan Hellenic signed a partnership with Travel Planners (Eastern India) Pvt Ltd for a direct presence in India. Travel Planners (E.I.) is part of Sinclair & Co (owned by SBG-Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc/fka Chesapeake Television Corporation) and is headquartered in Kolkata, India.

Ships

All Swan Hellenic ships are Malta-flagged and registered in Valletta. Each unit costs EUR 98 million (USD 115 million). The fleet's deck and engine operations are managed by V-Ships Leisure.

The vessels were originally ordered as projects "Vega 1" (Minerva), "Vega 2" (Vega), and "Vega 3" (Diana). The shipbuilder is Helsinki Shipyard Oy (owner of the Wartsila Hietalahti Shipyard/fka "Arctech Helsinki Shipyard" in Helsinki, Finland). Helsinki Shipyard specializes in building icebreakers, ice-class support vessels, and smaller-sized (expedition) cruise ships.

The company "Tillberg Design of Sweden" was contracted to design the boats' interiors. The design was based on a PC5 (Polar Class 5) ice-strengthened hull (Polar Code Category A allows navigation in polar waters with medium first-year ice), LOA length 115 m (377 ft), GT tonnage 10,500 tons (volume), larger stabilizers, 9 decks (2 crew-only, 7 passenger-accessible, 3 with cabins), 76 staterooms (cabins and suites), max passenger capacity 152, crew capacity 120, 2x midship lifts, stairs (forward-midship-aft).

The propulsion is a diesel-electric hybrid, with total power output 4.6 MW. The vessels are SOLAS-certified (with SRtP-Safe Return to Port). SRtP is required for passenger ships (built in 2010 or later) with an LOA of 120 m (or longer) or with three or more above-water decks.

The third ship (SH Diana) is slightly larger (12,100 vs 10,600 GT tons/volume), with more staterooms (96 vs 76), a higher ice-classed hull (PC6 vs PC5), a larger passenger capacity (192 vs 152), and crew capacity (140 vs 120).

Each boat features Swan Restaurant (Dining Room), Marine Life Library, Expedition Laboratory, Club Lounge, Observation Lounge (for expert lectures by renowned specialists and the ship's expedition team), wellness complex (Spa, Sauna Room, Hair Salon, Gym), Pool Deck (with outdoor Pool Bar, Grill, Jacuzzi/whirlpool hot tub, and heated infinity pool), Zodiacs (high-speed motorboats for coastal cruising and passenger tendering), aft marina platform (for launching watersports activities), Clinic (Infirmary), Mud Room (expedition equipment storage).

Staterooms feature mood lighting (LED ceiling lights), holographic/electric fireplace, contemporary furniture (made of natural textures), a 2-seater couch (with cushions), glass-top coffee table, wall-mounted smart HDTV (satellite internet, infotainment system), direct-dial phone, premium carpet flooring, binoculars, electronic safe box, minibar/refrigerator, large bathroom (glass-enclosed shower cubicle with rainfall showerheads, luxury brand bath products), and individually controlled air conditioning.

The construction of the first unit (SH Minerva) began on April 27, 2020, with the steel-cutting ceremony at Helsinki Shipyard Oy. The ships are assembled from blocks (33 total per unit) pre-fabricated in Klaipeda, Lithuania (at Western Baltija Shipbuilding), where they are outfitted and painted, then loaded onto heavy-lift barges and shipped to Helsinki.

For Swan Hellenic's shipbuilding projects, Helsinki Shipyard Oy subcontracted the following companies:

• MHI-MME (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery and Equipment) to supply the retractable fin stabilizers
• Valmet Oyj to supply the marine automation and information management systems, as well as for project engineering, factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and staff training
• ALMACO Group to design, build (as prefabricated modules), and deliver all crew cabins (and crew public spaces) and all passenger cabins

Swan Hellenic river cruises

In January 2008, the company announced that in 2009 it would start voyages on the Danube River (roundtrips from Vienna, Austria) and the Rhone River (roundtrips out of Lyon, France).

These voyages were via a partnership (time-charter) with Arosa Cruises.

The Danube itineraries visited port cities in Hungary (Budapest), Austria (Melk, Linz) and Germany (Passau),  with two nights in Vienna (pre- and post-cruise).

The Rhone and Saone cruises (in France) visited Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone, Avignon (overnight) and Arles (overnight).

Swan Hellenic's river cruise prices started from GBP 1,500 (France) and GBP 2,200 (Danube). The cruisetour package deals were inclusive of all shore excursions, fees, taxes, and gratuities.

Swan Hellenic 2025-2026-2027 Cultural Expedition Cruises

Swan Hellenic scheduled for the ships SH Diana and SH Vega ~60 voyages in 2025.

Among the notable additions are an Amazon River expedition (Brazil) and two Mediterranean routes exploring the region's heritage. In the Med, SH Diana allows exclusive access to Venice City, where guests can disembark directly in downtown.

The 10-night "Contrasts of Mediterranean Culture" voyage (SH Diana) traverses the Sicilian, Montenegrin, and Croatian coastlines from Palermo to Venice. The itinerary visits historical cities such as Lipari, Taormina, Dubrovnik, and Split.

The 19-night "Exploring South America from Barbados to Brazil" expedition (SH Vega) departs from Bridgetown and ends in Salvador de Bahia. The itinerary visits Port of Spain, Georgetown, Paramaribo, Belem, and the Lencois Maranhenses NP. The pinnacle of this voyage is a 4-day Amazon River excursion, offering an unparalleled exploration of Macapa, Iquique, and Gurupa amidst the lush jungle landscapes.

The company's 2025-2026 itineraries visit 34 rarely accessed destinations, including Hermanus in South Africa, a town southeast of Cape Town that no other cruise company has visited. SH Diana is scheduled to make her maiden call there in November 2025, and again in 2026, allowing tourists to explore Hermanus’s marine life, historic harbor, and scenic natural landscapes, including the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, known for its flora and dramatic views of whale migrations.

In Brazil, SH Vega's 2025-2026 program also features less-visited spots, including the Abrolhos Archipelago, Trancoso, Itacare, and Morro de Sao Paulo.

Notable upcoming ports include Vaeroy (Lofoten Islands, Norway), Donana NP (Spain), Elmina (Ghana), several remote sites in Gabon and Angola, Kalso (Faroe Islands), Kinsale (Ireland), Batz-sur-Mer (France), Pantelleria (Sicily Italy).

The company's 2025–2026 Antarctic program grous 12 expeditions ranging from 9 to 20 nights. The first voyage departs from Buenos Aires on November 14th, 2025, with the final departure from Ushuaia on March 17th, 2026.

Curiously, in November 2025, SH Minerva (2021) rejoins the fleetmates SH Vega (2022) and SH Diana (2023).

The 2026-2027 Antarctic svchedule groups 24 voyages (9 to 13 nights) out of Ushuaia. Additionally, a 20-night semi-circumnavigation voyage from Cape Town (South Africa) to Ushuaia is available.

The roundtrips from Ushuaia are 5 distinct itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula, with 3 routes approaching from the Weddell Sea, renowned for its pristine waters and historical significance.

Special themed cruises include a 13-night Christmas and New Year journey on SH Vega (December 22nd to January 3rd, 2027). The 20-night semi-circumnavigation voyage on SH Diana explores Saint Helena Island, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, the South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia Island.

A new feature for the 2026-2027 season are the expert-led snowshoeing excursions. Typically lasting around 1.5 hours, they are suitable for both beginners and experienced participants and are contingent on snow conditions.

In March 2026, with SH Minerva, Swan Hellenic starts its first Asia‑Pacific program of voyages to exotic destinations in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia's Raja Ampat, the Philippines, and Japan.

West African Grand Voyages 2026

Northbound Grand Voyage: Cape Town to Lisbon (51 nights)

Departing on March 25, 2026, this 51-night journey combines 5 consecutive itineraries:

• Cruising in Namibia: The Skeleton Coast (11 nights) – Cape Town to Luanda
• Southwest Africa Cruise (13 nights) – Luanda to Tema (Accra)
• Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast (13 nights) – Tema to Dakar
• Cruise from Senegal to Morocco (7 nights) – Dakar to Casablanca
• Morocco to Portugal Cruise (7 nights) – Casablanca to Lisbon

This voyage encompasses over 30 ports, including the Bijagós Archipelago, Benin's stilt villages, and historic sites along the transatlantic slave trade routes.

Southbound Grand Voyage: Lisbon to Luanda (35 nights)

Commencing on September 7, 2026, this 35-night expedition comprises:

• Atlantic Cruise from Portugal to Senegal (9 nights) – Lisbon to Dakar
• The Slavery Coast: from Senegal to Ghana (13 nights) – Dakar to Tema
• West Africa Cruise from Ghana to Angola (13 nights) – Tema to Luanda

The itinerary includes visits to the Bijagós Islands, Ghana's coastal forts, and Angola's capital, Luanda.

Both voyages are enriched by expert-led excursions and onboard lectures, providing cultural and historical context to the regions visited.