Swan Hellenic: An Expedition Cruise Line
Swan Hellenic Cruise Line has been around for more than 7 decades, currently providing a unique and deluxe experience in polar regions, Africa, and Northern Europe.
“If you are looking to experience the remote Polar regions or explore truly off-the-beaten path destinations and cultures of our spectacular planet, then you are in great company. Swan Hellenic exists to provide its guests with authentic, intimate and unforgettable moments in extraordinary locations and remote landmarks. All the while enjoying a sophisticated elegant atmosphere onboard.”
Understated elegance awaits the explorers who choose to embark on the company’s three new polar class ships: Minerva (above), Vega and the brand-new SH Diana.
I will have the distinct pleasure of witnessing Diana’s Christening in a few days. My excitement to join the 10-night Norway Explored maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Tromso cannot be contained! Stay tuned for a complete review of this incredible itinerary in a few weeks. Meantime, allow me to share with you a bit more about Swan Hellenic and the fascinating journeys you might enjoy with them.
Your journey will be incredibly inclusive. Gratuities, fine dining, attentive staff, an included tour in every port (every day!), round trip airport transfers, and even a pre-cruise hotel stay in the beautiful Amsterdam Hilton (where John Lennon and Yoko staged their “bed-in” back in the day!). With the polar explorations, your polar jacket is provided, and you take it home!
Other cruise options you might choose include Africa’s Atlantic Islands of Empire, Old World Gateways to the Atlantic, In the Wake of Celts and Vikings, and quite a few more. One that certainly caught my attention was Arctic Odyssey to visit the amazing polar bears in Svalbard. You may also choose to explore the Antarctic region as well.
Swan Hellenic’s impressive fleet is quite new, which translates to a very eco-friendly company. Below is straight from their website and shows the commitment the company has to being as environmentally conscious as possible. Impressive, to be sure.
Ship Technology
• All Swan Hellenic ships feature Tier III diesel-electric generation with Selective Catalytic Reduction units to reduce harmful emissions. These include a Urea Injection System to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions where required.
• The electric distribution plant of each ship is ready for a plug-in battery pack to enable extensive stays in port emission free and cruising at reduced speed for several hours in noise- and emission-free mode through wildlife sanctuaries, while also providing peak shaving for significant fuel consumption reductions in normal operation.
• Dynamic positioning systems mean every Swan Hellenic ship can avoid dropping anchor in fragile environments, preventing damage to delicate ecosystems.
• Ultra-low consumption LED lighting and intelligent climate control systems are used throughout our fleet.
• Advanced potable water treatment systems purify, mineralize and carbonate freshly prepared pure drinking water, eliminating the need for bottled water.
• Water dispensers are provided throughout each ship for our guests’ convenience.
Continuous Improvement
• All our sustainability commitments are aligned with the latest advances, which Swan Hellenic monitors constantly to ensure a steadily reducing environmental footprint.
• We have an Officer with specific responsibility for environmental matters on every ship in our fleet, both to ensure full compliance with all the above and to actively support continuous improvement.
Ready to choose your own expedition? I will be happy to help you…when I return from my own great adventure! I have wanted to explore the Norwegian Fjords since I was a young girl. Seeing the photos of the region in National Geographic was the key to my growing up with a sense of awe and wonder at the natural beauty of our planet.
Peace,
Bobbie, your Active Travel Pro
