SH Minerva

The SH Minerva returned to the Swan Hellenic fleet in November 2025 after nearly three years laid up, marking a significant milestone for the British expedition cruise brand. This 152-passenger vessel, built by Helsinki Shipyard in 2021, is the sister ship to SH Vega and features a PC5 ice-strengthened hull designed for polar exploration.

Accommodating guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites across three cabin decks, the majority featuring private balconies, SH Minerva maintains one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in its category with 120 crew members. The ship's nine decks include an observation lounge, expedition laboratory, marine life library, club lounge, and The Swan Restaurant serving international and regional cuisine.

Designed for minimal environmental impact, SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction. The vessel carries 15 Zodiacs for expedition landings, 8 kayaks, and 2 tender boats. Daily shore excursions are led by an expedition team of guides, naturalists, and guest lecturers continuing Swan Hellenic's 70-year tradition of culturally enriching voyages.

The ship operates expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and will expand to Asia-Pacific cultural expeditions in 2026.