This Elegant 96-Room Ship Is Putting a Stylish Spin on Expedition Cruising

When I boarded Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana for its christening journey in May 2023, I was instantly struck by how elegant the ship was.

Thanks to the work of renowned firm Tillberg Design of Sweden, Scandinavian-inspired interiors are understated, with abundant wood, natural materials, clean lines, and neutral hues. Just the staircase alone, black in color, contrasted by light filtering through wooden slats, is a thing of beauty. Details like this for what would otherwise be an inconspicuous element were a sure sign that this vessel was crafted with no stone left unturned.

I marveled at the beautiful finishes as I walked through the various spaces. Leather straps on backrest cushions, touch-activated table lamps in the Swan Restaurant, and an incredible array of plush seating and concealed TVs in the Observation Lounge make for a modern marvel. However, the real show is outside, of course, so you’ll find large picture windows affording panoramic vistas at every turn.

But I’ve digressed. If you haven’t heard of Swan Hellenic, you’re not alone. Dating back to the 1950s, the cruise line started as an extension of Swan’s Tours, a British travel agency operated by father and son. The duo leaned into “cultural cruising,” providing guests with the experience of on-board lectures with well-known academics and writers and near-daily port calls in ancient sites along the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea.

However, once it was acquired by P&O in 1983, Swan Hellenic began to lose its identity, particularly when ship capacity swelled to nearly double. Over the decades, ownership continued to shuffle, and the brand was even repositioned as a river cruise line at one point. It eventually fell into a three-year limbo while in the hands of G Adventures. But when 2020 came around, Andrea Zito, who had helped broker the sale to G Adventures, scooped up Swan Hellenic and promised to bring it back to its roots, but with a luxurious twist.

Now the CEO of Swan Hellenic, Zito plans to breathe new life into the storied brand, especially with SH Diana, the latest addition to the company’s fleet. Like her two sibling ships, SH Diana sails to both the Arctic and Antarctica, but will also venture to a mix of remote and familiar destinations around parts of Europe and Africa. While aboard, the exploration continues. Zito affirms that “the core offering for [Swan Hellenic] is education.” As such, the company will bring on either a scientist from SETI Institute or an esteemed academic to lead lectures centered around the destinations being visited. For example, on the post-naming cruise through the Norwegian fjords, Dr. Terje Leiren, professor emeritus of Scandinavian studies and history at the University of Washington, hosted daily presentations. It’s a meaningful component that not only caters to curious minds but also helps keep the brand’s legacy alive.

Here, find out what it’s like aboard SH Diana.

The Staterooms

All 96 staterooms boast ocean views, and the majority have furnished balconies, which not only afford great views but also serve as the perfect location for a private meal. Accommodations start from 215 square feet, which is fairly spacious by cruise standards. They feature a living area that can be curtained off from the bedroom, ample storage space, and either burnt orange or moss green accents.

For those who choose to upgrade to a suite, there are three categories to choose from. The Junior Suite starts at 344 square feet, and both the Suite and Premium Suite come in at 441 square feet, but the latter has a significantly larger balcony. In addition to more space, suite guests will enjoy the comforts of a separate bathtub, a walk-in closet, and a soothing digital fireplace.

Bars and Restaurants

The Swan Restaurant is the ship’s primary dining space and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. International cuisine is offered daily, and local ingredients are utilized where possible. All three meals are included in the rate, as well as drinks and a rotating selection of wines by the glass. Small bites, pastries, and refreshments are also available in the Club Lounge throughout the day should you want something to snack on outside of dining hours.

On select days, weather permitting, the al fresco Pool Bar & Grill also serves a pared-down selection of what’s offered at Swan Restaurant alongside pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. There’s also an open bar (premium spirits call for an additional fee) in the Observation Lounge. Otherwise, 24-hour room service is available at no extra cost.

But the highlight of select voyages is the Maris dinner. A culinary program designed with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, these itineraries will feature a different chef from the organization’s portfolio of 375 restaurants, many of which have been awarded Michelin stars. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the chef and embark on a gastronomic experience for the special evening, while some voyages may also include cooking demonstrations and culinary excursions.

Where SH Diana Sails

Taking advantage of its PC6 ice-class status, the vessel’s signature destinations are the Arctic and Antarctica. As the ship moves between these two frigid destinations, SH Diana spends most of its time in Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and northern, western, and southern Africa.

Shore Excursions

On my sailing from Amsterdam to Norway, included shore excursions were largely more leisurely, mainly consisting of scenic drives with multiple stops for photo opportunities led by local guides, with the option to upgrade to more immersive and adventurous activities for a supplementary fee. There were a couple of walking tours and the ship did stop for an Arctic plunge.

However, excursions become more exhilarating once the vessel heads to the polar regions. With onboard expedition leaders at the helm, be prepared for Zodiac outings and wet landings to explore the ends of the earth.

Amenities and Entertainment

Despite being a relatively small ship, SH Diana has some great amenities. A stern-facing heated infinity plunge pool tends to be a preferred hangout spot, particularly on sunny days at sea. You’ll also find a wellness complex with a spa with two treatment rooms, a salon, an ocean-facing sauna, an outdoor whirlpool, and a sizeable gym with equipment facing the water. There’s also a self-service laundry room, which is handy if you have additional travel plans after disembarkation.

When it comes to additional outdoor spaces, nestle into one of the daybed nooks on the promenade, swaddled in a cozy blanket, walk out onto the Swan’s Nest, an observation deck at the bow, or head up to the stargazing deck on a clear night.

As for entertainment, if you’re searching for casinos or a club, this is not the ship for you. In the basecamp area, you’ll find a library stocked with books about nature and travel and a laboratory that includes guests in onboard research projects. By day, the Observation Lounge offers expert-led lectures and discussions while a crooning pianist sits at the grand piano every night.

Family-friendly Offerings

Children aged 6 and up are welcome on non-polar voyages, but the age requirement increases to 8 years old for Antarctic and Arctic cruises. However, it’s worth noting that the ship doesn’t offer any specific programming, babysitting services, or dedicated facilities for kids.

Accessibility

The SH Diana has two ADA-compliant accommodations — one an Oceanview cabin and the other a Balcony room — with wheelchair-accessible wet units. The ship also has a pair of elevators that access all levels except for the top deck. Some observation areas are only accessible by stairs; however, specific amenities like the pool, hot tub, and sauna may be challenging to access.