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Swan Hellenic reveals Diana launch date and godmother

Swan Hellenic expedition cruise

Swan Hellenic has revealed that the naming ceremony and launch of its third expedition ship, Diana, will take place in Amsterdam on 4 May 2023.

In addition, the expedition line has confirmed that luxury travel expert Valerie Ann Wilson will be the ship’s godmother, and will lead the naming ceremony alongside the Swan Hellenic senior management team.

Wilson, the founder of Valerie Wilson Travel, has more than 40 years of experience in the sector, and is also chairman emeritus of the global member advisory board of the Virtuoso global network of luxury travel agents.

Diana, like sister ships Minerva and Vega, has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, Swan Hellenic said.

Swan Hellenic opens a ‘new chapter’

Diana’s maiden cruise will be the Norway Explored itinerary, also setting sail on 4 May.

It will explore Germany’s Heligoland archipelago and then call at Mandal, the southernmost town in Norway, before making its way up the Norwegian coast.

After completing its Arctic season of seven expedition cruises, Diana will cruise to the Mediterranean, marking Swan Hellenic’s return to the region.

According to the line, the ship has been designed to “investigate the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth”, with extensive outside deck areas and multiple observation points.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “We’re truly honoured to have Valerie as godmother to this very special new ship, considering her iconic status in the US travel industry and the importance of the US and worldwide markets for Swan Hellenic.

Diana proudly takes us back to where our story began, while also opening a new chapter that takes cultural expedition cruising worldwide in exceptional comfort and style.”

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