Swan Hellenic expands its fleet and expedition cruise destinations

‘British in heritage, international in outlook’

Heaven Publicity is excited to announce it has been appointed by Swan Hellenic to lead its PR activity in the UK and Ireland. Heaven Publicity will work with Swan Hellenic to promote it as the expedition cruise company to travel with to see the Artic, Antarctic, and Rest of the World – from Brazil to Papua New Guinea, Norway to New Zealand, Australia to Africa, and Madagascar to the Mediterranean.

With more than seven decades of expertise in exploring undiscovered destinations, Swan Hellenic has added a range of new and exciting itineraries across the seven continents to its extraordinary portfolio, plus will launch a brand-new expedition cruise ship next year.

Following the successful launches of two state-of-the-art expedition ships, SH Minerva in November 2021, and SH Vega in July 2022, Swan Hellenic has announced the inauguration of a new ship to its impressive fleet, SH Diana, which is set to enter the water in early 2023. Its ships are cutting edge and offer the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful and unreachable destinations in the world.

Operated by an onboard team of 140 experts, SH Diana will offer 192 guests elegant and spacious five-star accommodation in 96 generous staterooms and suites, many with balconies. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting, and the wilderness, SH Diana has been specially designed to investigate the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth, with extensive outside deck areas and multiple observation points for a truly immersive experience. She also features a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders – a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. Importantly, a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull plus extra-large stabilisers make the journey as smooth as possible.

Together, these three, boutique expedition ships will travel the world in 2023, including to Swan Hellenic’s flagship destinations, the Arctic and Antarctic regions, on a series of unforgettable, epic voyages. Choose from a range of brand-new itineraries such as New Zealand In Depth and explore The Land of the Long White Cloud, full of majestic mountains, bubbling mud pools, and Māori culture. Head to Papua New Guinea, which promises wild and impressive horizons in Oceania. Hike around an active volcano, see a spectacular array of birds (including Blyth’s hornbill and Eclectus parrots) and find out about the enthralling history of the remote island nation. Absorb a more cosmopolitan experience during the Japan Across the Ages voyage – travel from neon-lit cities to sacred sites where traditional Japanese gates lead to majestic Shinto shrines. Stop at smoking volcanoes, exquisite gardens, ancient Buddhist temples, and the fascinating forested island of Yakushima. On Iceland in Depth, encounter stunning landscapes forged by fjords and steeped in Viking culture, hike to plunging waterfalls listening to the thunderous roar, spot wild Atlantic birds including the characterful puffin, and trek across remote locations inhabited only by the arctic fox. Soak up the Spirit of Brazil home to rhythms, beats and buzzing cities, keeping an eye out for stately humpback whales in the Abrolhos Archipelago. And discover the diversity and Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa, home to elephants, buffalos, lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. Plus, land at the West African nation of Benin, where Voodoo remains the state of religion.

Throughout all these journeys, warm, friendly, and knowledgeable staff will make sure everything runs without a hitch. First-class chefs will create exceptional, energy-packed, culinary experiences serving worldwide cuisine and qualified photographers will run workshops, so guests can capture the hidden magic and create an everlasting connection. Swan Hellenic also works with specialist lecturers and guest speakers, who have been chosen to give engaging and stimulating talks relevant to each itinerary. They will feed the guests’ thirst for knowledge, teaching them about the scientific, geographic, and historical understanding of the regions and wondrous environments in which they are travelling.

When it comes to exploring the world, especially the polar regions, Swan Hellenic recognises it is a rare privilege. The Arctic and Antarctic are very delicate and are facing huge challenges with climate change. Scientific research is paramount for the future of these areas and the future of the planet; Swan Hellenic has created a Citizen Science Programme to help. Scientists will travel to the Arctic and Antarctic with Swan Hellenic, using the onboard Expedition Laboratory to log results and involve guests in their ongoing research. Information about the work being carried out will be included in the lectures and reinforced with first-hand experience. Guests that travel to these destinations are conscientious explorers, and the experience will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the area and stay with them when they return home.

Prices range from £2,500 pp to £19,000 pp (two sharing) depending on the length and location of the expedition cruise. These costs include return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified), group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a four/five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day, lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic’s experienced expedition team and guest speakers, Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities and port taxes, one selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call, and branded Swan Hellenic expedition parkas and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.

Heaven Publicity was established in 2011 and is one of the leading destination marketing representation firms in the UK, Europe, and further afield. The agency has extensive experience working with polar expedition cruise lines, adventure travel clients, and tourist boards, bringing a wealth of relevant media expertise to the role.

Senior Account Director, Rosie Barcroft, will lead the PR function with Founder and Chief Executive, Lynsey Devon.

Lynsey says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Swan Hellenic to promote its fleet of luxury ships and all the inspiring destinations it offers. Swan Hellenic was originally founded in the 1950s by Swan’s Tours and operated by father and son. The award-winning company created waves by exploring the Aegean Sea, ancient sites in North Africa and cities in the Eastern Mediterranean – and we can’t wait to get journalists to these destinations, and others, along with the unbelievable Arctic and Antarctic. We are delighted to work for such an authentic company that prides itself on sharing life-changing experiences while preserving the rich heritage for future generations. We look forward to sharing Swan Hellenic with a wide range of relevant media to increase bookings in 2023 and beyond”.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com or call. +44 (0) 207 846 0271.