70-year-old British expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic Tours partnered with CLIA Europe (following the parent company Vodohod Russia/shipowner) to build its profile and relationships with travel agents. Joining CLIA Europe under "European Regional Cruise Lines", the new partnership brings Swan Hellenic into the wider community of CLIA operators, executive partners and travel agencies.
The Swan Hellenic Cruises brand is relaunching with two newbuilds currently under construction in Finland (at Helsinki Shipyard). The two 5-star expedition cruise ships have max passenger capacity 152 (each) and the first vessel is to be named SH Minerva. Minerva is scheduled for launch in November 2021, while the second vessel/sistership (yet to be named) is planned for April 2022.
Andy Harmer (CLIA UK and Ireland's Director) said they were excited to have Swan Hellenic join CLIA and looked forward to supporting the team as they developed and built relationships with trade across Europe.
Andrea Zito (Swan Hellenic's CEO) added that they were delighted “to join hands with so many distinguished names in cruising,” and to express their “confidence in the industry’s ability to constantly innovate and create special travel experiences even in the most challenging times.”