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Doumer Island in the Lamaire Channel, visited by Swan Hellenic Antarctica cruises

Seventy years of perfectly curated cultural expeditions

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic organised the first expert-led cultural voyage in 1954, changing the idea of what an expedition journey could be. Seventy years later, three purpose-built ice-class ships bring that same conviction to its collection of Antarctica cruise itineraries.

Plenau Island, Antarctica

A Voyage That Gives Something Back

With Swan Hellenic, the difference is that Antarctica is treated with respect as a place of continuous research, not just a setting. Guests can take part in citizen science projects, such as krill biomass surveys and penguin population counts, that are directly input into databases maintained by the British Antarctic Survey. It’s part of the Cruising4Oceans initiative, where SH Vega and SH Diana are collecting live oceanographic data that’s being stored by the European Marine Observation and Data Network. Partnerships with the SETI Institute, Polar Bears International and the Pew Charitable Trusts add astrobiology lectures and funded conservation work to the itinerary. It is a journey that leaves a photograph and not a trace.

Highlights

The Pioneer of Cultural Expedition Cruising

Perfecting the expedition cruise model, Swan Hellenic stands as the leading line from which every cultural voyage at sea can trace its heritage. Its culturally focused blueprint has inspired Antarctic cruises for decades. Three specially designed ships operate in Antarctica: SH Minerva and SH Vega, each accommodating 152 guests, and SH Diana, which can host 192 guests. Each ship provides a tailored experience while maintaining the same standard and ease of being all-inclusive. The expedition programme, expert-led lectures, Zodiac landings, and sea kayaking are integral components of your voyage, rather than supplementary additions.

Kayaking through the Weddell Sea in Antarctica

Kayak through the Ice

Antarctic Peninsula, as visited by Swan Hellenic cruises

Hiking

A humpback whale breaching next to a Zodiac from a Swan Hellenic Antarctica cruise

Zodiac landings

Tristan Da Cunhaby, St Helena

Remote Places

A woman taking the polar plunge, jumping into the water off the in Antarctic Peninsula

Polar Plunge

Fleet

The Swan Hellenic Fleet

Three purpose-built expedition ships, each designed for the Southern Ocean rather than adapted for it. Guest numbers stay low across the fleet, and so does the distance between you and the crew.

With a guest capacity of 152 and 117 staff onboard, there's nearly a 1:1 ratio of guests to staff. Across the ship's nine decks, you'll find 76 spacious staterooms, most with balconies, restaurants, a spa, a lecture theatre and a library.

A Fantastic Experience

This bucket list of mine has well and truly been ticked off…thanks to the great work of Alicia James and her team for making it possible. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night, if I had a problem or question Alicia would handle it with professionalism and good humour. Thanks for all your support…it was a fantastic experience for me to step on my 7th continent…let us all preserve this wonderland.

William H

Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go

If you're looking for a travel company that genuinely understands and caters to your unique travel needs, Antarctica Cruise Company is the way to go. From my first inquiry about options for solo travelers to just days before embarking on what promises to be the trip of a lifetime, their service has been exceptional. They’ve been incredibly responsive, always ready to answer my questions, connect me with other travel opportunities, and keep me informed about any updates. Their support has truly enhanced what is set to be an unforgettable holiday.

Jillian R

The trip was amazing and would highly recommend Antarctic Cruise.

What a trip to Antarctic it was amazing. We used Antarctic Cruise, they were so helpful. Ben helped us book the cruise and flights that suited us, as we stayed in South America for a couple of weeks. Ben worked hard to get us a great price. Alicia was super helpful with the trip we were going on. Alicia has also helped us with a couple of things after the cruise. The trip was amazing and would highly recommend Antarctic Cruise. Thank you Ben & Alicia

Skye Parry

Designed for passengers who want to truly understand what they are seeing and not just photograph it, guests onboard are exceptionally well served. Lecture-led and built around expert knowledge, Swan Hellenic’s expeditions are ideal for budding naturalists, historians and marine biologists. SETI scientists are also part of the ship's permanent team. 

More than just gourmet onboard meals, all expedition activities, Zodiac landings, kayaking and expert lectures are included for all guests. The price at booking reflects the actual cost of the voyage without any unwanted surprises at the end of the journey.

With a maximum of 152 or 192 guests depending on the ship, Swan Hellenic offers a boutique service at sea with more Zodiac rotations per landing site than most larger expedition vessels. Passengers spend more time ashore at each site and less time waiting at the gangway.

Each itinerary visits breathtaking destinations in and around the Antarctic, catering for otherworldly landscapes, unique wildlife and breathtaking iceberg views. The 9- to 17-night round-trip programs from Ushuaia covers the Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Circle across different itineraries. The 32-night Grand Semi-Circumnavigation is the line's deepest Antarctica commitment.