Key Takeaways
- The SH Vega, part of the Swan Hellenic line, completed its first Antarctic season, taking around 1,200 guests on 11 cruises to explore unique locations, including the Falklands, Portal Point, Port Lockroy, and the volcanic Deception Island.
- The vessel is built specifically for polar expeditions with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers for steadiness.
- Guests were treated to unforgettable moments during the Antarctic season, such as a two-hour Orca encounter and stopping in the middle of a group of over 100 playful humpback whales.
- The SH Vega offers an intimate and comfortable cruising experience, with 75 cabins holding up to 150 guests and amenities like electric fireplaces in cabins, free onboard laundromats, and a mud room with lockers for outdoor gear.
- Swan Hellenic is relying on travel advisors and consortia to help fill its three ships, including the SH Vega, which will embark on unique cultural expedition cruises of the West Coast of Africa and other destinations before returning to the Antarctic in December.
Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega recently completed its first Antarctic season, taking around 1,200 guests on 11 cruises to explore unique locations, including the Falklands, Portal Point, Port Lockroy, and the volcanic Deception Island.
The vessel is now headed for the west coast of Africa and the Canary Islands for a series of cultural expedition cruises.
Unforgettable Antarctic Experiences
The SH Vega, launched in July, is part of the relaunched Swan Hellenic line and built specifically for polar expeditions.
The vessel boasts a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers for steadiness even across the treacherous Drake Passage.
During the Antarctic season, guests were treated to memorable moments such as a two-hour Orca encounter at Useful Island and a hike from Whalers Bay to a stunning viewpoint.
One cruise even stopped in the middle of a group of over 100 playful humpback whales.
Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega recently completed its first Antarctic season, taking around 1,200 guests on 11 cruises to explore unique locations, including the Falklands, Portal Point, Port Lockroy, and the volcanic Deception Island.
Intimate and Comfortable Cruising Experience
With 75 cabins holding up to 150 guests, the SH Vega offers an intimate and comfortable cruising experience.
On a recent fam sailing with 109 guests, the guest-to-staff ratio was 1:1, further enhancing the personalized experience.
Guests enjoyed amenities like electric fireplaces in cabins, free onboard laundromats, and a mud room with lockers for outdoor gear.
Outdoor open spaces were designed with enough room for all guests to experience the stunning scenery. The vessel also features a heated pool, spa, and a menu designed by a Michelin chef.
Swan Hellenic Counting on Travel Advisors
As a new company with a product selling for about $25,000 per couple, Swan Hellenic is relying on travel advisors and consortia to help fill its three ships.
CEO Andrea Zito describes the SH Vega as a “very intimate vessel” designed for serial travelers wanting full immersion in their experiences.
West African Coast and Beyond
After its Antarctic season, the SH Vega has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, and will embark on unique cultural expedition cruises of the West Coast of Africa.
The ship will eventually sail to the Canary Islands, Western Europe, Britain, Ireland, the Arctic, Greenland, Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, and Brazil before returning to the Antarctic in December.
