Swan Hellenic releases complete information on its much-anticipated first ever Asia-Pacific voyages

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer reveals full details of SH Minerva’s first four voyages in the region, exploring untouched landscapes and ancient cultures with a rich spiritual heritage – all led by international experts

Swan Hellenic has now released full details of its first four cultural expedition cruises of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. These exclusive voyages, all on the elegant boutique ship SH Minerva, explore some of the region’s most remote and captivating areas, taking guests to discover lands where natural splendor meets ancient traditions, living spirituality and timeless rituals.

The isolation of these exceptional destinations means that the first three cruises in the series are only provided in Swan Hellenic’s complete Cruise Plus formula, which includes specially booked hotel accommodation, charter flights and transfers to reach the departure ports. What is more, they can each and all be combined into inspiring longer voyages as desired, never visiting any destination more than once.

Here’s a brief rundown of the four cruises, spanning April 05 through to May 20 2026.

Honiara to Jayapura | April 5–18 | 13 nights
Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea

This island-hopping odyssey begins in Honiara, Guadalcanal, capital of the Solomon Islands, following an itinerary that weaves World War II history with secluded areas of pristine wilderness and the vibrant cultures of Melanesia and Polynesia. Threading through the volcanic islands and crystal-clear lagoons of this secluded paradise, SH Minerva’s guests will explore Tulagi’s famous waters and snorkel among Njari Island’s untouched reefs.

In Papua New Guinea, highlights include Rabaul’s volcanic landscapes, Kimbe Bay’s coral-rich waters, Garove’s sunken caldera, the artistry of the Tami Islands, and isolated tribal villages along the Sepik River which offer rich insights into ancestral rituals.

The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Brisbane, all transfers, a charter flight from Brisbane to Honiara to join SH Minerva, and lastly, a charter flight to Bali for international connections after the cruise.

Jayapura to Sorong | April 18–28 | 10 nights
Secrets of the Coral Triangle: West Papua and Raja Ampat
Papua New Guinea & Indonesia

Created for curious explorers, this Raja Ampat cruise combines adventure and cultural immersion with extraordinary pristine beauty. Sailing westward from Jayapura, SH Minerva will take her lucky guests to discover the untouched wonders, vibrant marine ecosystems and spiritual depths of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and lesser known, less accessible islands.

Traditional temples and sacred natural sites will introduce them to an Indonesia shaped not only by geography, but by centuries of spiritual devotion and community heritage. Then they’ll have the chance to swim alongside giant whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, trek rainforest trails, and marvel at the karst pinnacles of Wayag and Misool. Waigeo’s Aljui Bay will enchant with mangroves and orchids, while Ayu Atoll promises ivory beaches and nesting turtles. Lastly, they’ll meet face to face with remote traditional island communities, enriching their cultural perspectives as SH Minerva gradually makes her way to Sorong, heart of the Raja Ampat archipelago.

The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Bali, all transfers, and a round-trip charter flight from Bali to Jayapura to join SH Minerva and then return home after the cruise.

Sorong to Manila | April 28–May 9 | 11 nights
Raja Ampat and the Philippines cruise: the Last Paradise on Earth
Indonesia & Philippines

Spellbound by the biodiverse waters of Raja Ampat, one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, SH Minerva’s guests will discover secluded coral islets, unspoiled forests and diverse island cultures, exploring the atolls of Ayu, the jewel-like karsts of Misool, and Palawan’s palm-fringed beaches. Cenderawasih Bay promises whale shark sightings, while the reefs and villages of northern Indonesia and the Philippines offer snorkeling excursions and cultural encounters that reveal the delicate yet powerful interplay between humanity and nature that has sustained this region for centuries.

This varied cruise concludes in Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, where colonial history, buzzing modernity and culinary creativity converge. Guests are invited to explore its lively markets, historic landmarks and vibrant cultural diversity, all a striking contrast to the serene wildness of their days at sea.

The Cruise Plus package provided includes 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Bali, a charter flight from Bali to Sorong and all transfers.

Manila to Hiroshima | May 9–20 | 11 nights
Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery Cruise
Philippines & Japan

Sailing through lesser-travelled seas during the calm, temperate days of early summer, this cruise will immerse guests in rare history and fascinating ancient traditions rooted in the splendors of the natural world. From the otherworldly Hundred Islands National Park to Vigan at the northern tip of the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage site described as the best-preserved planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. From the striking beauty of the windswept Batanes and Sabtang Islands in the Philippines, where the Ivatan people maintain centuries-old customs, to the volcanic majesty of Japan’s tropical islands, including Amami Oshima and Okinawa, site of a famous World War II battle. And from Sakitsu’s historic Christian sacred sites to the sparkling cityscape of Kagoshima and poignant history of Hiroshima.

Perfect for culturally curious travelers seeking depth, authenticity and comfort, this Philippines to Japan cultural expedition cruise is an intimate, revealing voyage. Combining remote island exploration with thought-provoking indigenous encounters, it brings guests an unforgettable experience of the rich traditions, stunning landscapes and unique heritage of the Philippines and Southern Japan’s tropical islands.

Opening this inspiring part of the world to cultural expedition cruises for the very first time, SH Minerva brings Scandi design to the spirit of thoughtful adventure that has always defined Swan Hellenic. Created for a select community of just 152 guests, she offers a unique experience of exploration in elegance and refined comfort, distinguished by the onboard presence of experts in culture, history and natural science, who enrich every voyage with their insights and company.

“We’re so proud that SH Minerva, the emblem of Swan Hellenic’s renaissance, is bringing the magic of this extraordinary region to our enthusiastic guests for the first time,” says Swan Hellenic Chief Commercial Officer Patrizia Iantorno. “These first four cultural expedition cruises of the Asia-Pacific offer deep explorations of its immense cultural diversity and natural beauty, while launching a new chapter of global exploration for Swan Hellenic.”

Bookings for all these Asia Pacific 2026 cruises are now open on the Swan Hellenic website and through authorised travel agents.