SH Minerva

The 2021-built SH Minerva cruise ship is the first of three newbuild vessels in Swan Hellenic's fleet. The ship was launched in August and inaugurated in December 2021. The second vessel (SH Vega) entered service in 2022 (launched in January and inaugurated in July). The third ship (SH Diana) was ordered in October 2020 and scheduled for completion and delivery in Q1 2023.

While SH Minerva and SH Vega feature PC5 ice-classed hulls and 76 staterooms (max passenger capacity 152), the third vessel (SH Diana) is slightly larger (12100 vs 10600 GT) with a PC6-class hull and 96 staterooms (max passenger capacity 192).

The Minerva vessel (IMO number 9895240) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 215615000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner Swan Hellenic Cruises FZCO (founded in 1950 as "Swans Tour Agency", relaunched in July 2020) is a luxury travel brand and British company registered in Dubai UAE. The company maintains offices in Europe (London UK, Dusseldorf Germany, Monte Carlo Monaco, Copenhagen Denmark), as well as in Fort Lauderdale Florida USA (serving North America), Hong Kong (serving Southeast Asia), and Sydney NSW (serving Australia and New Zealand). Additional markets in India and Japan are served through partnerships.

Swan Hellenic's SH Minerva (hull number NB516) and sistership SH Vega (NB517) are ice-class expedition vessels designed for operations in extreme climates—from tropical waters to polar regions with heavy ice conditions. These modern ships are also designed with strong environmental considerations to minimize impact on sensitive ecosystems.

The vessel was named after the 1989-built MS Minerva, which sailed for Swan Hellenic between 1996 and 2020.

The Swan Hellenic brand has British roots and specializes in cultural expedition cruising. Its purpose-built expedition ships feature Scandinavian-inspired interiors, large outdoor observation areas (for wildlife viewing), science and expedition facilities, and three dining venues (Dining Room Restaurant, Club Lounge & Bar, Pool Bar & Grill). Each voyage is supported by a team of approximately 12 expedition specialists, guest lecturers, and guides.

Decks and Cabins

SH Minerva staterooms (76 total) provide a maximum passenger capacity of 152 guests. The accommodation mix includes 70 cabins and 6 suites, with most featuring private step-out balconies. The ship carries 120 crew members accommodated in 73 crew cabins.

The vessel has 9 decks, of which 7 are passenger-accessible and 3 contain guest cabins.

Cabin categories (highest to lowest) include Premium Suite (49 m² with 12 m² terrace), Balcony Suite (44 m² with 12 m² terrace), Balcony cabins D6/M5/D5 (28 m² with 6 m² terrace), and Oceanview cabins (19 m²). Oceanview cabins feature two large vertically oriented windows.

All staterooms include modern luxury amenities such as convertible queen/twin beds, bedside cabinets with reading lamps, pillow menu, seating area with sofa, coffee table, vanity desk, electric fireplace, smart HDTV with infotainment system, premium sound system, espresso machine, telephone, minibar, safe, hairdryer, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Bathrooms include walk-in glass showers with rain heads, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and towels.

Balconies are accessed via floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and are furnished with lounge chairs and a small table. Suites are two-room accommodations featuring a separate bedroom and living room, dual TVs, walk-in wardrobes, and large balconies accessible from both rooms.

Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day, offering both a dedicated in-cabin dining menu and selections from the main restaurant menu during regular dining hours.

Shipboard facilities

SH Minerva represents the new generation of polar expedition cruise ships designed for worldwide itineraries with a focus on high-latitude exploration.

The ship features a PC5 ice-class hull and a 4.6-MW diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system equipped with selective catalytic reduction and a 3-MW battery package. The vessel has a maximum cruising speed of 16 knots, a draft of 5.7 m, a length of 115 m, and a gross tonnage of approximately 10500 GT. Interior spaces were designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden.

Typical of expedition vessels, SH Minerva features an aft Marina Deck for launching Zodiacs and expedition craft, a Pool Deck with infinity pool and pool bar, an indoor lounge bar, lecture theatre for presentations and briefings, and the Swan Restaurant (main dining room) located aft on Deck 4.

The wellness complex (Deck 8) includes spa treatment rooms, a fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, a sauna, and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The forward section of Deck 8 houses the Navigation Bridge and the Captain's Suite.

The ship's 9 decks are interconnected by two midship elevators and multiple stairways. Deck 3 contains the Expedition Deck and Marina Deck, including the Mudroom (heated preparation area for expedition activities), Marine Life Library, Expedition Lab (also used as a photography studio), hair salon, and medical clinic.

SH Minerva carries 2 tender boats (48 passengers each), 2 enclosed lifeboats, 8 kayaks, and 15 Zodiacs used for landings and coastal exploration.

The forward Observation Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating, a grand piano, and audiovisual equipment for lectures and entertainment.

Swan's Nest (Deck 6) is a bow observation platform offering 180-degree views. Deck 7 houses the Observation Lounge, ship's Shop, Club Lounge (which also serves as a Lido Café offering 24-hour dining), and the outdoor Pool Deck with grill and bar service. Deck 9 is dedicated to stargazing and includes a forward observation terrace and an aft helideck used for emergency helicopter operations.

Midship on Deck 4 (Lobby Deck) are the ship's two main embarkation points and the Reception Desk providing 24-hour guest services. A self-service laundrette is located forward on Deck 3 near the Oceanview cabin section. Deck 5 stores the vessel's service boats, including lifeboats and Zodiacs.

Swan Hellenic deals

Complimentary wines by the glass are served with meals, while premium wines from an extended list are available for an additional charge. A Chef's Table dining experience with gourmet menu and wine pairing is also offered at extra cost.

Swan Hellenic cruises include accommodation, all meals (including room service), open-bar beverages, shore excursions, onboard lectures and entertainment, gratuities, and Wi-Fi access. For polar voyages, expedition gear such as rubber boots is provided, and each passenger receives a complimentary expedition parka.

SH Minerva does not offer dedicated children's facilities. Infants and children under 8 are not permitted. Children aged 8–12 travel free when sharing a cabin with an adult, while teenagers aged 13–16 incur a daily surcharge of USD 100. Port taxes are charged to all passengers and added automatically to onboard accounts.

Itineraries

SH Minerva's itinerary program focuses primarily on expedition cruises to Antarctica. The main homeport for Antarctic voyages is Ushuaia Argentina, with many itineraries also visiting the Falkland Islands. The route typically crosses the Drake Passage, connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Scotia Sea) with the Pacific Ocean between Cape Horn and Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands).

SH Minerva's maiden voyage departed from Ushuaia on December 30, 2021.

Following the Antarctic 2025-2026 season (November–March), SH Minerva launched Swan Hellenic's first Asia-Pacific expedition program in March 2026, visiting destinations such as the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia's Raja Ampat, the Philippines, and Japan.