After a prolonged and complex hiatus Swan Hellenic’s flagship and first expedition vessel is back! The SH Minerva is making a triumphant return to the seas this November. The relaunch marks a pivotal moment not only for the expedition cruise line, as Minerva reclaims her place among the elite 5 star expedition vessels exploring the world’s most remote destinations. As Swan Hellenic re-launches the SH Minerva along side the SH Vega and SH Diana, Swan Hellenic is offering some awesome reduce price fares to Antarctica and the Asia Pacific region. Private pricing is only available from select travel advisors, including Scott and Thomas Travel.
SH Minerva Reborn
Originally launched in late 2021, SH Minerva is a 5-star, PC5 ice-class expedition ship built at the Helsinki Shipyard. If you’ve sailed on the SH Vega, Like I did when I sailed from Angola to Ghana, the two ships are very similar. The ship is designed for both polar and tropical exploration. The Sh Minerva can accommodate a max of 152 guests in 76 suite-style cabins. With 122 crew members there is almost a 1:1 staff to guest ration. The newer ship also boasts hybrid propulsion systems, advanced stabilizers, and refined interiors tailored for immersive cultural travel.
The SH Minerva is basically a brand new vessel. Her journey was interrupted in 2022 when international sanctions froze the lease agreement with her Russian bank loan, GTLK Europe DAC. The ship was laid up in Uruguay for over three years, sidelining Swan Hellenic’s ambitious plans as Swan Hellenic worked with regulators and sanctions. In July 2025, following a court-supervised liquidation and rigorous compliance checks, Swan Hellenic reacquired Minerva using shareholder funds—severing all ties with sanctioned entities and restoring its full fleet to three vessels.
The relaunch of SH Minerva is more than a fleet expansion—it’s a symbol of resilience and strategic foresight. By owning the vessel outright, Swan Hellenic mitigates future geopolitical risks and positions itself for sustainable growth. The Asia-Pacific deployment not only diversifies revenue but also sets the brand apart in a crowded polar cruise market.
As CEO Andrea Zito aptly put it, “Minerva’s return is a moment of immense pride—a symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth and global ambition.”
The SH Minerva is basically a brand new ship with little use. She is getting dusted off and coming back to welcome guests this November. With the launch of the third ship, Swan is ready to fill cabins and is reducing prices on select sailings to encourage you to explore the world in 5 star all inclusive luxury!
SH Minerva Antarctic Comeback
The SH Minerva will reenter service in November 2025, joining sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia, Argentina, for the 2025–26 Antarctic season. Her itineraries will include 9-13 days expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula. Guests will be able to explore the white continent, get up close and personal to penguins, whales, seals and of course sea ice and ice bergs. A perfect way to restart. Guests will experience the pristine beauty of the White Continent with enhanced flexibility and cabin availability.
SH Minerva Asia-Pacific Debut
After a busy season in Antarctica, Swan Hellenic is making their debute in the Asia Pacific region. In March 2026, SH Minerva will embark on Swan Hellenic’s first-ever Asia-Pacific season, a strategic expansion into new markets. This is very exciting as we’ve seen other operators like Lindblad leave these markets. The ship will reposition across the pacific and begin a series of 10 to 16 night voyages through:
- Melanesia
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- The Philippines
- Japan
Check out these maps of their upcoming Asia cruises.
These itineraries promise rare cultural encounters, WWII heritage sites, vibrant marine ecosystems, and immersive onboard programming featuring anthropologists, marine biologists, and historians. These trips are going to be epic. I did a trip through Melanesia on Lindblad- Nat Geo a few years ago and it still remains among my favorite vacations ever!
Special Rates & Swan Hellenic Sale
To celebrate the relaunch, Swan Hellenic is offering special rates through select advisors. If you want to explore the Pacific or visit Antarctica in all inclusive luxury you now can and save thousands while doing so. Like many of my deals I cannot advertise the price publicly. You can either email me for pricing or join my private Facebook group where I can share more pricing and information.
A preview of these special deals are below. Note my prices on average are $1000 or more in savings per person! All rooms are on sale, including suites.
| Route | From | To | Departure | Arrival | Ship Nights | Suites Less than | Balcony less than | Oceanview Less than |
| Antarctic Wonders: roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | 02 Dec 25 | 11 Dec 25 | 9 | 11K | 8K | 7.5K |
| Antarctic Wonders: roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | 20 Dec 25 | 29 Dec 25 | 9 | 15K | 9K | 9K |
| Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey cruise | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | 29 Dec 25 | 08 Jan 26 | 10 | 16K | 10K | 9K |
| Antarctic Wonders: roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | 08 Jan 26 | 17 Jan 26 | 9 | 15K | 10K | 9K |
| Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea cruise | Honiara | Jayapura | 05 Apr 26 | 18 Apr 26 | 13 | 17K | 11K | 10K |
| Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat cruise | Jayapura | Sorong | 18 Apr 26 | 28 Apr 26 | 10 | 11K | 9K | 8K |
| Raja Ampat and Philippines cruise: the Last Paradise on Earth | Sorong | Manila | 28 Apr 26 | 09 May 26 | 11 | 14K | 10K | 9K |
| Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery cruise | Manila | Hiroshima | 09 May 26 | 20 May 26 | 11 | 17K | 12K | 11K |
| Hidden Japan: from Hokkaido to Hiroshima | Hiroshima | Otaru | 20 May 26 | 30 May 26 | 10 | 14K | 10K | 9K |
Swan Hellenic is also amazing, because the price includes nearly everything from staff gratuities and excursions. Pay upfront and forget about it!
what’s INCLUDED in every Swan Hellenic fare
- Your selected stateroom
- All meals onboard + room service
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, espresso/coffee, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- Daily zodiac rides and landings in Antarctica
- use of Gym, sauna, jacuzzi and pool
- 24/7 self service laundry with soap
- Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep;
- In polar regions: Swan Hellenic branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot;
- Memory Package/video/photos of trip taken by professional photographer
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes.
- Charter flights to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires
- Pre-cruise night hotel on Antarctica Expedition and in remote destinations
- Airport transfers
Bottom Line
Swan Hellenic is relaunching the SH Minerva November 2025. This will bring the Swan Hellenic fleet back to three ships which offer all inclusive 5 star luxury expeditions. With the re-launch of the SH Minerva, Swan Hellenic will start the ship in Antarctica and then launch cultural expeditions across the South Pacific and Asia. Swan Hellenic will be among the only operators in the world which offers expeditions to all 7 continents.
If you’re looking for a vacation idea, now is your chance to save big and sail on Swan Hellenic’s newly refreshed and relaunched SH Minerva. Contact Rocky for the best pricing on polar and cultural expeditions.
