ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE
Swan Hellenic
About Swan Hellenic
See What Others Don't With Swan Hellenic
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.
Swan Hellenic is an established, well respected owner-operated heritage brand with more than 7 decades of expertise in undiscovered destinations.
OUR VISION IS SIMPLE
To Be The World Leader In Cultural Expedition Cruising
Swan Hellenic is proud to return to the waters 70 years after its first pioneering cruise. Our brand new fleet of expedition ships are cutting edge, but the core values that underpinned the brand and served its guests so well from its inception remain in place. As does the passion for exploratory travel to the globe’s furthest far flung places.
Constructed in the Helsinki shipyard, our expedition ships combine the latest polar ice-class technology with stylish, sophisticated interiors. Think high-end boutique hotel with contemporary sophistication. Chic, spacious and well-planned cabins feature generously sized bathrooms, comfortable in-room dining facilities and unobstructed views of the incredible destinations we visit.
Understated elegance might be another way of phrasing what awaits a Swan Hellenic guest.
At the very heart of our brand is the onboard team with our guests’ personal wellbeing their foremost priority. The service on board embodies the same values, being attentive, personal and intuitive but discreet. There’s no fuss or formality, just focused dedication to understanding our guests’ preferences and anticipating their needs, always aiming to exceed and surprise expectations.
Swan Hellenic prides itself on taking its guests to see what others don’t, visiting small and lesser-known ports of special cultural, geographical or wildlife interest as well as bucket list famous cities. Above all, our guests visit many uniquely remote places beyond these ports of call, boarding Zodiac boats and exploring at sea level to come ashore in rich unspoilt areas of our planet that often cannot be accessed in any other way.
Our History
Our story begins in the 1950s when a British travel agent, Swan’s Tours, operated by a father and son (W.F. Swan and R.K. Swan), were invited to organise a tour of the antiquities in Greece. Following its success, a full programme of cruises was developed with writers, academics and clergymen invited to feature as guest lecturers.
A key difference to other commercial cruises was that Swan Hellenic cruises endeavoured never to repeat the same itineraries twice. It also landed frequently at unusual destinations affording guests the opportunity to explore first hand places that at the time remained unknown to the intrepid traveller. Initially these new lands, were primarily the classical sites in the Aegean sea, around the coasts and islands of modern Greece and Turkey.
Over time The Swan Hellenic brand became known for combining bold, intriguing itineraries with expert academic lecturers all the while enjoying a sophisticated on board experience.
Almost 100 years on the compelling mix of cultured luxury and trailblazing experiences continues to inspire our travellers.
Swan Hellenic Intro Video
Why Choose Swan Hellenic
Why book with Swan Hellenic?
Unique Experiences
Swan Hellenic stood out from other commercial cruises by making a point never to repeat the same itineraries twice. We also visited unusual destinations, giving guests the chance to explore places most travellers had never even heard of. Over time, Swan Hellenic became known for combining bold, intriguing cruises, exclusive lecturers, and sophisticated onboard comfort. Now, over 70 years later, it is this compelling mix that continues to inspire our guests.
Culture
With over 70 years navigating the world’s waters, Swan Hellenic’s passion for expedition cruising is second to none. So you can travel with us knowing you’ll get to explore far-flung places and experience special, one-of-a-kind adventures in the company of our exclusive onboard experts. Over the years we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the world, which helps us create our unique cultural experiences. We’ll take you to some of the most remote, inaccessible places on Earth, where you’ll be immersed in rich, diverse cultures, ancient sites, and fascinating civilisations.
History
Crafted over 70 years, our itineraries offer a unique fusion of historical wonders and architectural delights. Plus, our onboard experts will enrich your expedition experiences with incredible stories and unmatched knowledge of the places we visit. Prepare to discover the mysteries of legendary civilisations, trace the footsteps of illustrious leaders, and explore iconic landmarks. From perfectly preserved Roman towns, and Viking burial mounds, to Gothic cathedrals and ancient temples, we visit extra-special places that have intrigued curious travellers for centuries.
Destinations
Wherever you want to go, Swan Hellenic have you covered. From the Arctic to Antarctica, and Africa to Latin America – our unique voyages will take you to remote destinations and rarely-visited places most people only ever dream of seeing…
Nature
The wonders of the natural world really come alive on a Swan Hellenic cruise. The Scandinavian inspired design on board our boutique ships offers dramatic, panoramic views, and oceans of outside space – meaning you’re fully immersed in the sights and scenery of your voyage, and nature is never far away.
An Enriched Experience
As well as taking you to unusual, off-the-beaten-track destinations, Swan Hellenic offers the company of like-minded people, and acclaimed experts, who give eye-opening lectures, and are on hand to chat throughout your voyage.
Our onboard experts are renowned in their fields and bring unparalleled knowledge to your adventures. Each moment with us is enriched by real insights into the peoples, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of each amazing place we visit. Wherever you choose to go, sailing with Swan Hellenic is a voyage of discovery, which is what makes us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide.
World-Class Cuisine
When it comes to dining on your expedition cruise, our ships have a variety of welcoming venues.
From the gourmet offerings of the Swan Restaurant, and the Pool Bar & Grill’s delicious dishes, to the relaxed tapas-style dining of the Club Lounge, you’ll find exquisite cuisine, skillfully prepared by top chefs.
Plus, our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom
Over 70 years of cruise expertise offering the highest, safety standards in the industry.
New 5 star expedition ships featuring modern Scandinavian inspired design showcasing unobstructed views and oceans of outside space.
Intuitive & unobtrusive service as our onboard team strive to anticipate our guests’ unspoken needs & provide a truly personal service.
Enriching cultural expeditions around the world with unique and spectacular itineraries
Rewards Programmes
Why book with Swan Hellenic?
Unique Experiences
Swan Hellenic stood out from other commercial cruises by making a point never to repeat the same itineraries twice. We also visited unusual destinations, giving guests the chance to explore places most travellers had never even heard of. Over time, Swan Hellenic became known for combining bold, intriguing cruises, exclusive lecturers, and sophisticated onboard comfort. Now, over 70 years later, it is this compelling mix that continues to inspire our guests.
Culture
With over 70 years navigating the world’s waters, Swan Hellenic’s passion for expedition cruising is second to none. So you can travel with us knowing you’ll get to explore far-flung places and experience special, one-of-a-kind adventures in the company of our exclusive onboard experts. Over the years we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the world, which helps us create our unique cultural experiences. We’ll take you to some of the most remote, inaccessible places on Earth, where you’ll be immersed in rich, diverse cultures, ancient sites, and fascinating civilisations.
History
Crafted over 70 years, our itineraries offer a unique fusion of historical wonders and architectural delights. Plus, our onboard experts will enrich your expedition experiences with incredible stories and unmatched knowledge of the places we visit. Prepare to discover the mysteries of legendary civilisations, trace the footsteps of illustrious leaders, and explore iconic landmarks. From perfectly preserved Roman towns, and Viking burial mounds, to Gothic cathedrals and ancient temples, we visit extra-special places that have intrigued curious travellers for centuries.
Destinations
Wherever you want to go, Swan Hellenic have you covered. From the Arctic to Antarctica, and Africa to Latin America – our unique voyages will take you to remote destinations and rarely-visited places most people only ever dream of seeing…
Nature
The wonders of the natural world really come alive on a Swan Hellenic cruise. The Scandinavian inspired design on board our boutique ships offers dramatic, panoramic views, and oceans of outside space – meaning you’re fully immersed in the sights and scenery of your voyage, and nature is never far away.
An Enriched Experience
As well as taking you to unusual, off-the-beaten-track destinations, Swan Hellenic offers the company of like-minded people, and acclaimed experts, who give eye-opening lectures, and are on hand to chat throughout your voyage.
Our onboard experts are renowned in their fields and bring unparalleled knowledge to your adventures. Each moment with us is enriched by real insights into the peoples, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of each amazing place we visit. Wherever you choose to go, sailing with Swan Hellenic is a voyage of discovery, which is what makes us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide.
World-Class Cuisine
When it comes to dining on your expedition cruise, our ships have a variety of welcoming venues.
From the gourmet offerings of the Swan Restaurant, and the Pool Bar & Grill’s delicious dishes, to the relaxed tapas-style dining of the Club Lounge, you’ll find exquisite cuisine, skillfully prepared by top chefs.
Plus, our carefully curated in-room menu offers a relaxing dining experience in the comfort of your own stateroom
Over 70 years of cruise expertise offering the highest, safety standards in the industry.
New 5 star expedition ships featuring modern Scandinavian inspired design showcasing unobstructed views and oceans of outside space.
Intuitive & unobtrusive service as our onboard team strive to anticipate our guests’ unspoken needs & provide a truly personal service.
Enriching cultural expeditions around the world with unique and spectacular itineraries