SH Minerva & SH Vega
Ship Overview
Operated by: Swan Hellenic
Launched in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the new, 5-star sister-ships SH Minerva and SH Vega feature elegant Scandi-design and offer an intimate setting from which to immerse yourself in all the sights and scenery throughout your expedition. Each ship accommodates no more than 152 guests for a truly boutique experience, and you will be exceptionally well looked after by an international crew of up to 120.
SH Minerva and SH Vega are true expedition ships. Designed to journey to 'off the beaten path' destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort, they have achieved a PC5 rating for their ice-strengthened hulls, which combined with extra-large stabilisers makes your journey as smooth as possible.
Onboard, the 70 staterooms and six suites have all the modern amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. Your home away from home also features a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Discerning travellers will enjoy a choice of restaurants, several bars, and comfortable lounges with panoramic views. To keep active during your expedition, make use of the pool, jacuzzi, spa and fitness gym.
Expedition amenities include a basecamp for storage of gear, lecture lounge, an Expedition Laboratory where guests can take part in scientific research, a reference library and of course a fleet of excursion tenders that will ensure you're never far from the action!
Key Facts
Premium Suite
SIZE:49m2 / 527sqftSLEEPS:2
The two grandest suites feature a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Suite
SIZE:44m2 / 473sqftSLEEPS:2
The ship's four Suites feature a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Balcony D6
SIZE:28m2 / 301sqftSLEEPS:2
Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature two single beds or double bed with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq.m balcony. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Balcony M5
SIZE:28m2 / 301sqftSLEEPS:2
Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature two single beds or double bed with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq.m balcony. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Balcony D5
SIZE:28m2 / 301sqftSLEEPS:2
Located at the forward and aft of deck five, these balcony staterooms feature two single beds or double bed with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq.m balcony. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Oceanview M4
SIZE:19m2 / 204sqftSLEEPS:2
Oceanview staterooms features two single beds or one double bed, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
Oceanview D4
SIZE:19m2 / 204sqftSLEEPS:2
Oceanview staterooms features two single beds or one double bed, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom. There's all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. There's also a desk, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.
When you cruise aboard SH Minerva & SH Vega you are assured of a culinary adventure, with several different dining locations and styles available. You'll also enjoy included tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages right throughout your expedition.
The Swan Dining room
The Swan Dining Room, as the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves international and regional cuisine focused on quality, creativity and flavours.
With an open seating policy, guests can dine at their leisure, from breakfast through to dinner.
Breakfast and Lunch are presented buffet-style, while dinner is a sit-down affair complete with white tablecloths and linen napkins.
All of Swan Hellenic's menus are inspired and created in conjunction with renowned Italian Chef Andrea Ribaldone and Korean Chef Sang Keun Oh and are of international flair and cater to all tastebuds.
See a Swan Hellenic Sample Menu
Club Lounge
Open from the early hours to late at night, this social space has the feel of an expansive living room, leading out to the al fresco Pool Grill and Bar.
The Club Lounge changes its appearance from an early riser to a light lunch and a lavish afternoon tea time to a causal dining experience.
In the evening the Club Lounge entices a social chat while offering an interactive family-style dinner. Piemonte’s famous style of pizza is also served along with a mouth-watering selection of desserts.
Pool Grill & Bar
The al fresco Poolside Grill & Bar couples stunning views of the glistening sea with classics such as hot dogs, burgers and grilled fish – with all the accompanying condiments. A perfect place for that unforgettable BBQ event! The Bar offers handcrafted cocktails and drinks of your choice.
Observation Lounge
Inviting you in with expansive panoramic views, the Observation Lounge & Bar is the natural choice for edutainment by day and cocktails by night.
The Observation Lounge also serves as the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet moment and to read a good book. Or simply reflect on the day’s observations with your newly made friends.
When you cruise aboard the new sister-ships SH Minerva and SH Vega you will enjoy outstanding onboard amenities, all delivered with a touch of luxury and outstanding service.
Staterooms – your home away from home
Expect supremely comfortable beds, luxurious bathrooms, ample storage and a separate living area and bedroom.
Expedition Laboratory
Swan Hellenic invites guest scientists to work from their own mini laboratory while they are travelling. Guests are welcome to interact with these scientists and learn more about the environments that they are exploring.
Library and expedition office
Expeditioners can follow up on their learnings in the ship's onboard library which contains a large selection of scientific literature.
Fitness
Fitness is a key part of the daily routine for many. Just because you’re on holiday your wellbeing routine need not stop.
SH Minerva and SH Vega’s state-of-the-art gym will please the most discerning of fitness fiends. Here, you will find everything from cardio machines and stretch bands to weights. There’s also a range of instructor-led classes. Why not try a morning stretch class or book a fitness assessment with one of the specialist body coaches?
You don’t have to be pounding the treadmill to enjoy our fabulous on-board fitness and spa facilities. Relax and revive in the sauna, outdoor pool or one of the jacuzzis and book yourself in for a healing massage or facial.
The fitness areas are spotlessly clean, with luxurious changing facilities, water and towels provided.
Excursion Tenders
No stone is left unturned when it comes to researching shore excursion programmes. All aspects of the itinerary are carefully planned in detail by a knowledgeable, well-travelled team to ensure each aspect of the expedition is delivered to the highest possible standard.
Swan Hellenic has thought of all their guests, including the less mobile. Their 12-person hard-hulled zodiacs, the boats that take guests off the ship, have been designed for increased comfort and manoeuvrability so that everyone can get up close and personal with their majestic surroundings.
As well as our daily zodiac excursions there are opportunities for polar kayaking and trekking and for the brave… The Polar Plunge.
SH Minerva & SH Vega Expeditions
Weddell Sea Discovery
From AUD $14480.00 Per Person
DURATION:12 Days/ 11 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:SH Minerva & SH Vega
2025/26 EARLYBIRD OFFER BOOK BY 30 JUNE 2024 | Cruise deep into Antarctica’s furthest reaches of the icy Weddell Sea over 12 thrilling days aboard your state-of-the-art expedition ship.
Antarctic Peninsula Discovery
From AUD $11880.00 Per Person
DURATION:10 Days/ 9 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:SH Minerva & SH Vega
EARLYBIRD OFFER BOOK BY 30 JUNE 2024 | For those with limited time, this voyage takes you across the Drake Passage straight to the frozen Antarctic Peninsula.
Svalbard Explored
From AUD $9553.00 Per Person
DURATION:8 Days/ 7 Nights REGION:Arctic SHIP:SH Minerva & SH Vega
SPECIAL OFFER | Explore the High Arctic wilderness within the Arctic Circle between 74° and 81° north on this 7-night Svalbard Discovery cruise on board a boutique expedition ship.
Iceland & East Greenland
From AUD $9500.00 Per Person
DURATION:13 Days/ 12 Nights REGION:Arctic SHIP:SH Minerva & SH Vega
SPECIAL OFFER: RECEIVE $2,000 PER PERSON AIR CREDIT! Experience the wild and fantastic landscapes of Iceland and East Greenland on our 12-night expedition aboard the new SH Vega.
Pristine Islands of West Africa
From AUD $POA Per Person
DURATION:9 Days/ 8 Nights REGION:Africa SHIP:SH Minerva & SH Vega
CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FARES | Board the stylish SH Vega for an 8-day exploration of West Africa's rarely-visited Bijagós Archipelago.