SH Vega

The 2022-built SH Vega cruise ship is the second of the three Swan Hellenic Cruises newbuild vessels/sisterships. The first vessel in this series is named SH Minerva (2021-built, launched in August and inaugurated in December). The third vessel (SH Diana) was ordered in October 2020 and scheduled for completion and delivery in Q1 2023.

While Minerva and Vega feature PC5 ice-classed hulls and 76 staterooms (maximum 152 passengers), the third ship (SH Diana) is slightly larger (12,100 vs 10,600 GT) with a PC6 ice-classed hull and 96 staterooms (maximum 192 passengers).

The Vega vessel (IMO number 9895252) is currently Panama-flagged (MMSI 352001684) and registered in Colon. Before delivery to Swan Hellenic, Vega was Malta-flagged (MMSI 215616000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

On June 13, 2022, the shipbuilder Helsinki Shipyard Oy (still the owner of the vessel, referred to as "Expedition Cruise Ship Hull No 517") published a tender announcement on its website (helsinkishipyard.fi) stating that the newbuild would be auctioned and sold to the highest bidder on July 19.

The shipowner reserved the right to reject any or all bids. Each bidder was allowed to submit only one bid. The tender announcement also stated that "The vessel is offered for sale and will be sold 'As Is' and 'Where Is' without representation, warranty, or guarantee as to quantity, quality, title, character, condition, size, or kind, or that the same is in condition or fit for the intended purpose. No claim for any allowance or deduction upon such grounds will be considered after the bid opening or conclusion of the auction."

The tender process was conducted online (with bids submitted by email), with the final submission deadline on June 24 (midnight). The winner—Swan Hellenic—was announced on June 27.

On June 20, Swan Hellenic announced plans to purchase SH Vega through the auction, stating: "As a consequence of the (anti-Russia) sanctions in April, the leasing company GTLK Europe defaulted on the payments under the newbuilding contract for NB 517 (SH Vega). Moreover, as all GTLK assets must be frozen in the EU, GTLK will not be able to take delivery of the ship. In view of GTLK's default, Helsinki Shipyard has initiated the legal process for auctioning the newbuild, as envisaged in the shipbuilding contract. While the tender process is ongoing and will be officially completed soon, Swan Hellenic, as a priority buyer, has already submitted its bid and is at an advanced stage of preparing the documents for the transfer of 'SH Vega' and is ready to take full control of the vessel upon completion of the tender."

Note: In March 2022, Swan Hellenic exercised the buyout (irrevocable purchase) option for its two vessels—Minerva (March 13) and Vega (March 31)—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 and EU sanctions lists following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ownership of the vessels was officially transferred on March 13 (SH Minerva) and March 31 (SH Vega).

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

Swan Hellenic Minerva (hull/yard number NB516) and her sistership SH Vega (hull number NB517) are ice-class expedition vessels designed for operations in extreme environments—from tropical climates to polar regions with heavy ice conditions. These modern ships are also specifically designed to minimize environmental impact in the ecosystems they visit.

The Swan Hellenic brand has British roots and specializes in culture-themed cruise vacations. Its purpose-built expedition ships feature elegant Scandinavian-style interiors, large outdoor observation areas for wildlife viewing, scientific and expedition facilities, and three dining venues (Dining Room Restaurant, Club Lounge & Bar, Pool Bar & Grill). Each ship's crew includes 12 tour and expedition specialists (guides, guest speakers, and lecturers).

Swan Hellenic Vega (hull/yard number NB517) and her sistership SH Minerva (hull number NB516) are ice-class expedition vessels designed for operations in extreme weather conditions—from tropical climates to polar regions with heavy ice fields. These modern vessels are also designed to minimize environmental impact in the regions they visit.

The SH Vega vessel was named after the brightest star in the Lyra constellation—Vega (Alpha Lyrae). The star is located approximately 25 light-years from the Sun and is among the most luminous stars in the night sky, along with Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris, the brightest star) and Arcturus (Alpha Bootis). Vega is the fifth-brightest star overall and the second-brightest visible from the northern hemisphere (after Arcturus).

Decks and Cabins

SH Vega staterooms (76 total) are all 5-star accommodations providing max passenger capacity of 152. All cabins (70) and suites (6) are double-occupancy, and most feature step-out balconies. The vessel is maintained by 120 staff and crew accommodated in 73 crew cabins.

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

(From highest to lowest) cabin categories include Premium Suite (49 m2 / 525 ft2 with 12 m2 / 130 ft2 terrace), Balcony Suite (44 m2 / 470 ft2 with 12 m2 terrace), Balcony D6-M5-D5 cabins (28 m2 / 300 ft2 with 6 m2 / 65 ft2 terrace), and Oceanview staterooms (19 m2 / 205 ft2). Each Oceanview cabin features two large vertical (elongated rounded) windows.

All staterooms feature modern hotel-style amenities, including queen-size double beds (convertible to two twin beds), bedside cabinets (two-drawer units with wall-mounted contemporary reading lamps), seating area with a two-seater couch, glass-top coffee table, mirrored vanity desk/dressing table with chair, electric fireplace, wall-mounted smart HDTV (satellite Internet and infotainment system), premium sound system, espresso machine, direct-dial phone, premium carpet flooring, LED ceiling lights, binoculars, electronic safe (in the closet), minibar/refrigerator, hairdryer, en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, mirrored single-sink vanity, glass-enclosed shower with rain shower head, luxury bath products, towels, bathrobes, slippers), and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Cabin balconies (accessed via sliding floor-to-ceiling doors) are furnished with two lounge chairs and a low table. All Suites are two-room accommodations, each featuring a separate bedroom (Super King-size double bed) and living room (three-seater couch, two armchairs, dry bar, coffee machine, walk-in wardrobe), as well as two TVs (one in each room) and double-sized balconies accessed from both rooms.

Room Service is complimentary and available 24 hours, with ordering from a dedicated In-Cabin Dining Menu (available 24 hours) and from the restaurant menu during regular dining hours.

Shipboard facilities

Swan Hellenic's Vega cruise ship represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, designed for worldwide operations with a focus on high-latitude regions.

Swan Hellenic's SH Vega features a PC5 ice-class hull, a 4.6 MW diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, a 3 MW maximum battery package, maximum cruising speed of 16 knots, draught 5.7 m (19 ft), length overall (LOA) 115 m, and gross tonnage 10,500 GT. The ship's interiors and venues were designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden (Hoganas-based company specializing in interiors for luxury cruise ships, hotels, and restaurants).

As with most small expedition cruise ships, SH Vega features an aft Marina Deck (for launching watercraft), a Pool Deck/Sundeck with an aft infinity pool (heated swimming pool) and Pool Bar with outdoor seating, indoor bar lounge, Lecture Hall (used for cruise director briefings, lectures, and presentations), and Swan Restaurant (full-capacity Main Dining Room located aft on Deck 4). The wellness complex (on Deck 8) includes spa treatment rooms, a gym (equipped with cardio machines and free weights, plus complimentary instructor-led classes), and a sauna room (all with floor-to-ceiling windows), as well as a large outdoor whirlpool/Jacuzzi with a sunbathing area. Forward on Deck 8 is the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse), along with the Captain's Suite and officers' quarters.

All 9 decks (2 crew-only, 7 passenger-accessible, 3 with cabins) are interconnected via two midship elevators and staircases (forward, midship, and aft). Deck 3 is divided into Marina Deck (aft launch platform for Zodiacs and kayaks) and Expedition Deck (midship) featuring the Mudroom (two Basecamps used as heated expedition preparation and equipment rooms managed by dedicated concierges), Marine Life Library, Expedition Lab (educational facility doubling as a photo studio), Hair Salon, and Clinic (Infirmary/ship hospital). The Mudroom is used for passenger embarkation and disembarkation on Zodiacs, as well as for tour preparation and equipment storage.

Swan Hellenic's Vega carries 2 tender boats (each with capacity for 48 passengers), 2 fully enclosed lifeboats, 8 kayaks, and 15 Zodiacs (12-seat rigid inflatable boats used for landings, coastal cruising, and passenger transport).

The forward-located Observation Lounge features its own bar and floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating (including window seats and sofas), a transparent acrylic grand piano, a large LED screen for entertainment and presentations, and a drop-down projector screen.

Swan's Nest is a bow-located observation platform on Deck 6 providing 180-degree views. On Pool Deck (Deck 7) are the Observation Lounge (forward), Shop, Club Lounge (aft-starboard), and Pool Deck (aft), served by an outdoor bar (beverages) and grill (food). The Club Lounge doubles as a Lido Cafe/Patisserie offering 24-hour dining (fresh pizzas, burgers, wraps, tapas, salads, desserts, and a 24-hour self-service coffee, tea, and water station) as well as daily Afternoon Tea service with pastries and light bites. Deck 9 is designed as a Stargazing Deck—a forward outdoor space with four-seat tables and bar service. Aft on Deck 9 is the Helideck (helicopter landing platform used in emergencies).

Midship on Lobby Deck (Deck 4) are the two ship entrances (for embarkation and debarkation at ports with docking facilities) and the Reception Desk (24-hour guest services). In the Oceanview cabin area (forward on Deck 3) is the Laundernet (self-service laundry room). On Deck 5 are stored all service boats—2 lifeboats (midship) and 6 Zodiacs (aft).

Swan Hellenic deals

Wines by the glass are served complimentary with all meals; premium-brand wines are available for an additional charge from a separate list. Also available at extra cost is the Chef's Table dining experience (gourmet food paired with premium wines) offered in the Swan Restaurant.

Swan Hellenic cruise deals include stateroom accommodation, all meals (including room service), open-bar beverages, shore excursions, onboard entertainment (including expert lectures), gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Expedition gear (rubber boots) is provided during polar voyages, and each passenger receives a complimentary parka coat to take home.

Swan Hellenic Vega has no dedicated children's facilities. Toddlers, babies, and young children (ages 1–8) are not allowed. Children aged 8–12 travel free when sharing a cabin with an adult, while teenagers aged 13–16 are charged US$100 per child per day. Port taxes (if applicable) are charged to all passengers, including children, and are automatically added to onboard accounts.

Itineraries

SH Vega's itinerary program focuses primarily on voyages to the Arctic (Iceland, Norway, Russia, northern Canada, and the Northwest Passage) and the Antarctic Peninsula. The homeport for Antarctic roundtrip cruises is Ushuaia Argentina, and many itineraries also visit the UK's Falkland Islands. The route crosses the Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn (South America) and Livingston Island (part of the South Shetland Islands), connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Scotia Sea) with the Pacific Ocean.

SH Vega's maiden voyage was originally scheduled for May 29, 2022. The planned 11-day itinerary (departing from Edinburgh Scotland) included visits to the Faroe Islands and Iceland and was scheduled to end in Reykjavik on June 8. Due to construction delays, the inauguration was rescheduled for July 20, 2022, departing from Tromso Norway. The originally planned non-passenger transatlantic repositioning voyage from Helsinki Shipyard directly to Ushuaia (to join Minerva for the Antarctica 2022–2023 season) was canceled.

Next are listed the itineraries that were originally scheduled for SH Vega's inaugural cruise season (2022–2023).

• 11-day "UK and Northern French Coast Highlights" from London to Belfast, visiting Boulogne-sur-Mer, Honfleur, St Peter Port, Isle of Scilly, Pembroke, Port St Mary, Iona, Lunga, Tobermory, Portrush.
• 11-day "Islands of Scotland" from Dublin to Leith (Edinburgh), visiting Portrush (Port Rois), Gigha, Islay, Iona, Lunga, St Kilda, Stornoway, Stromness, Lerwick, Peterhead, Lindisfarne, Farne Islands.
• 11-day "Island Hopping: Scotland to Iceland via the Faroe Islands" from Leith (Edinburgh) to Reykjavik, visiting Aberdeen, Stromness, Fair Isle, Lerwick, Papa Stour, Torshaven, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Vigur Island.
• 8-day "Iceland Circumnavigation" roundtrip from Reykjavik, visiting Heimaey, Vik, Eskifjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Vigur Island, Dynjandi.
• 14-day "Arctic Discovery: Iceland, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen" from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen, visiting Dynjandi, Isafjordur, Vigur Island, Akureyri, Jan Mayen Island, Monaco Glacier, Nordaustlandet, Wijdefjorden, Ny-Alesund.
• 8-day "Svalbard Encompassed" roundtrip from Longyearbyen, visiting Bellsund, Monaco Glacier, Nordaustlandet, Wijdefjorden, Ny-Alesund.
• 11-day "Svalbard in Depth" (Longyearbyen–Tromso and reverse), visiting Bear Island, Hornsund, Bell Sund, Wijdefjorden, Nordaustlandet, Monaco Glacier, Ny-Alesund.
• 19-day "Arctic Discovery: Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya" from Longyearbyen to Dudinka.
• 17-day "Arctic in Depth: Siberia to Norway" from Dudinka to Tromso.
• 19-day "Arctic Explorer – Franz Josef Land, Spitsbergen and Iceland" from Tromso to Reykjavik.
• 11-day "Greenland Discovery" from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq.
• 17-day "Canadian Arctic Discovery: Greenland and Canadian Arctic" roundtrip from Kangerlussuaq.
• 16-day "Northern Canada Discovery: Greenland to Nova Scotia" from Kangerlussuaq to Halifax.
• 20-day "The Caribbean and North Brazil Discovery" from St Maarten to Salvador da Bahia.
• 14-day "South America East Coast Discovery" from Salvador da Bahia to Buenos Aires.
• 22-day "Shackleton's Discovery: Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands" from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

In October 2022, SH Vega sailed from Arctic Canada to the US East Coast (12-day repositioning) to begin a series of 11- to 21-day Antarctic itineraries (November 2022 through March 2023). This was followed by relocation to Europe (via West Africa, the Canary Islands, Western Europe, Ireland, and the UK) before the second Arctic season (summer 2023). Later followed a North Atlantic crossing (Greenland–Canada), relocation to the Caribbean and South America (Brazil) in October 2023, and the second Antarctic season (2023–2024).

In fall 2024 (October–November), SH Vega was scheduled to operate the 4-night "Charms of the Brazilian Coastline" itinerary. The roundtrip from Salvador da Bahia visits Itacare (Day 2), the Abrolhos Archipelago (Day 3 – group of five small islands with coral reefs, landing on Siriba Island with trekking and snorkeling excursions), and Tinhare Island (Day 4 – Ponta do Curral / Morro de Sao Paulo village).