The Swan Hellenic name is set to return in the guise of a new cruise line operating newbuilding expedition ships.
Two 152-pax expedition ships – ‘Vega 1’ and ‘Vega 2’ – are currently under construction at Helsinki and will be delivered in November, 2021 and April, 2022, respectively.
Once delivered, they will offer voyages to the Antarctic, the Arctic and the Russian Far East, as well as South America and the South Pacific, the company said
Andrea Zito, Swan Hellenic’s new CEO, said: “I am proud to announce the re-birth of Swan Hellenic a pioneering iconic travel brand with the mission to be the leader in cultural expedition cruising.
“The new Swan Hellenic, retains its British heritage whilst being international in outlook. Aimed at the traveller, who wishes to explore, experience and enrich whilst the infinite beauty of the world and its inhabitants in a safe and sustainable way,” he said.
The new ships will be aimed at the luxury end of the expedition market and will have 120 crew. They will carry Zodiacs and have experienced expedition guides on board. However, they will not carry submarines or helicopters, thus giving a more ‘hands on’ experience, Swan Hellenic claimed.
Originally, Swan Hellenic operated the ‘Minerva’, before its demise, along with Voyages of Discovery, in 2017.
The brand was subsequently bought by G Adventures and then sold to a consortium of cruise industry veterans, including UK Manager, John Warner, who formerly worked with G Adventures.
