Swan Hellenic is continuing to strengthen its leadership in Antarctic expedition cruising as it prepares for the upcoming 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The company reported strong results from the recently completed 2025–2026 season, with guest numbers up by 53 percent and net revenue rising 66 percent year over year. Bookings for the 2026–2027 season have already reached 65 percent of capacity, 20 percent higher than last year’s total.
“We are thrilled with the outstanding results achieved this season and the positive trend for the year ahead,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, in a press statement. “Our guests’ enthusiasm for the authentic discovery possible on our PC5 ice-class ships, and our team’s passion for delivering extraordinary journeys continue to drive our success in Antarctica. With three ships exploring the region and a range of new itineraries, we’re more committed than ever to taking our guests to ‘See what others don’t’.”
Swan Hellenic’s Fleet
Operating three ice-class boutique expedition ships—SH Minerva, SH Vega and SH Diana—the company will continue exploring the White Continent with a total of sixty-seven departures across two seasons. The 2026–2027 program features 33 sailings, including 29 round-trip voyages from Ushuaia lasting 9-17 days, plus 4 Grand Voyages. SH Vega will travel from Ushuaia to Montevideo on a 14-day journey, SH Diana will link Cape Town and Ushuaia on a 20-day exploration via Saint Helena and the Falklands, and SH Minerva will cross from Ushuaia to Dunedin, New Zealand, on a 32-day semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica.
For 2027–2028, the line adds a 34th voyage to the schedule. SH Vega will operate a 17-day itinerary between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, while SH Diana repeats her route between Cape Town and Ushuaia, calling at Tristan da Cunha and South Georgia. SH Minerva will again sail a 32-day semi-circumnavigation through the Ross Sea, the southernmost sea on Earth.
SH Minerva and SH Vega hold Polar Class 5 ice-class certification, tested to maintain speeds of about six knots through nearly two feet of sea ice and nearly four feet of brash ice. The ships’ sizes—accommodating between 152 and 192 guests—enable efficient Zodiac operations, with travelers able to reach landing sites within minutes and typically enjoy two excursions daily. Optional 90-minute snowshoe treks provide additional onshore exploration, while kayaking excursions offer close-up perspectives of humpback and killer whales, seals and other wildlife.
In early March, SH Minerva reached new navigational limits in George VI Sound, marking Swan Hellenic’s southernmost point to date in the Antarctic Peninsula. With crew complements of up to 140 and among the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the segment, each voyage combines expert-led learning with attentive service.
For more information, visit swanhellenic.com.
