This Stylish 96-Room Vessel Is Redefining Expedition Cruising

Stepping aboard Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana for its inaugural voyage in May 2023, I was immediately captivated by the ship’s elegance.

Thanks to the renowned firm Tillberg Design of Sweden, the Scandinavian-inspired interiors are subtly luxurious, featuring rich wood, natural materials, sleek lines, and a soothing color palette. The staircase, in striking black and illuminated by light through wooden slats, is a stunning focal point. Such meticulous attention to what could have been a simple element was a clear indication that every detail was thoughtfully considered in the vessel's design.

As I wandered through the various areas, I was in awe of the exquisite finishes. Leather straps adorning backrest cushions, touch-sensitive table lamps in the Swan Restaurant, and a stunning selection of plush seating with hidden TVs in the Observation Lounge showcase modern luxury. Yet, the real spectacle lies outside, where large picture windows offer breathtaking views at every corner.

But I digress. If Swan Hellenic is unfamiliar to you, you’re not alone. Established in the 1950s, the cruise line originated as a branch of Swan’s Tours, a British travel agency run by a father-son duo. They embraced “cultural cruising,” offering guests enriching on-board lectures by renowned scholars and regular port visits to ancient sites in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

However, after its acquisition by P&O in 1983, Swan Hellenic began to lose its unique identity, especially as ship capacities nearly doubled. Over the years, ownership shifted multiple times, and the brand was even rebranded as a river cruise line for a while. Eventually, it entered a three-year hiatus under G Adventures. In 2020, Andrea Zito, who played a key role in the sale to G Adventures, reclaimed Swan Hellenic with a vision to restore its heritage, now with a touch of luxury.

Currently the CEO of Swan Hellenic, Zito aims to rejuvenate this historic brand, particularly with the introduction of SH Diana, the newest member of the fleet. Like her two sister ships, SH Diana will explore both the Arctic and Antarctica, while also visiting a blend of remote and familiar locales across Europe and Africa. The exploration doesn't stop there. Zito emphasizes that “the core offering for [Swan Hellenic] is education.” Consequently, the company plans to feature either a scientist from the SETI Institute or a distinguished academic to conduct lectures focused on the destinations. For instance, during the post-naming cruise through the Norwegian fjords, Dr. Terje Leiren, professor emeritus of Scandinavian studies and history at the University of Washington, delivered daily presentations. This meaningful aspect not only appeals to inquisitive minds but also helps preserve the brand’s legacy.

Discover what it’s like on board SH Diana.

The Staterooms

Each of the 96 staterooms features ocean views, with most offering furnished balconies that provide stunning vistas and a lovely setting for private dining. Ranging from 215 square feet, these accommodations are quite spacious for a cruise ship. They include a living area that can be separated from the bedroom by curtains, generous storage options, and accents in burnt orange or moss green.

For guests opting for a suite upgrade, three categories are available. The Junior Suite begins at 344 square feet, while both the Suite and Premium Suite measure 441 square feet, with the latter featuring a notably larger balcony. Along with increased space, suite occupants will benefit from a separate bathtub, a walk-in closet, and a relaxing digital fireplace.

Bars and Restaurants

The Swan Restaurant serves as the main dining venue aboard the ship, welcoming guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily offerings feature international cuisine, highlighting local ingredients whenever possible. All meals, drinks, and a rotating selection of wines by the glass are included in the fare. Additionally, the Club Lounge provides small bites, pastries, and refreshments throughout the day for those seeking snacks between meals.

On select days, weather permitting, the al fresco Pool Bar & Grill presents a simplified menu inspired by the Swan Restaurant, featuring pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. The Observation Lounge also hosts an open bar (with premium spirits available for an extra fee). Alternatively, 24-hour room service is offered at no additional charge.

A highlight of certain voyages is the Maris dinner. This culinary experience, developed in collaboration with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, showcases a different chef from their esteemed collection of 375 Michelin-starred restaurants on select itineraries. Guests can interact with the chef and partake in a unique gastronomic event, with some cruises offering cooking demonstrations and culinary excursions as well.

Destinations of SH Diana

Leveraging its PC6 ice-class designation, the ship primarily explores the Arctic and Antarctica. While traversing between these icy realms, SH Diana also navigates through Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and various regions of northern, western, and southern Africa.

Shore Adventures

During my journey from Amsterdam to Norway, the included shore excursions were mostly relaxed, featuring scenic drives with several stops for photos, all guided by locals. For those seeking more excitement, there were options to upgrade to adventurous activities for an extra fee. There were also a few walking tours, and the ship even paused for a polar plunge.

Excursions become truly thrilling as the ship journeys to the polar regions. With onboard expedition leaders guiding the way, get ready for Zodiac rides and wet landings to uncover the planet's most remote corners.

Amenities and Entertainment

Though relatively small, the SH Diana offers impressive amenities. A heated infinity plunge pool at the stern is a popular spot, especially on sunny days at sea. Additionally, there’s a wellness center featuring a spa with two treatment rooms, a salon, an ocean-view sauna, an outdoor whirlpool, and a spacious gym with equipment overlooking the water. A self-service laundry room is also available, perfect for those with further travel plans after disembarkation.

For extra outdoor enjoyment, curl up in one of the cozy daybed nooks on the promenade, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, stroll out to the Swan’s Nest observation deck at the bow, or ascend to the stargazing deck on a clear evening.

If you’re looking for casinos or nightclubs, this ship isn't the right choice. In the basecamp area, you'll discover a library filled with books on nature and travel, as well as a laboratory that invites guests to participate in onboard research projects. During the day, the Observation Lounge hosts expert-led lectures and discussions, and each night, a talented pianist entertains at the grand piano.

Family-friendly Offerings

Children aged 6 and older are welcome on non-polar voyages, but the minimum age increases to 8 for Antarctic and Arctic cruises. It’s important to note that the ship does not provide any specific programming, babysitting services, or dedicated facilities for children.

Accessibility

The SH Diana features two ADA-compliant accommodations: an Oceanview cabin and a Balcony room, both equipped with wheelchair-accessible wet units. The ship also has two elevators serving all levels except the top deck. Some observation areas are only reachable by stairs, and certain amenities like the pool, hot tub, and sauna may present accessibility challenges.