Frequently Asked Questions

Swan Hellenic is a well-respected brand with over 70 years of expertise exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations. The company offers boutique 5-star ships built in Helsinki combining polar ice-class technology with sophisticated interiors, enabling access to unique destinations others cannot reach.

These are intimate vessels unlike mega-ships, carrying under 200 passengers with a 0.8 crew-to-passenger ratio — one of the highest in the cruise industry. Experiences emphasize knowledgeable experts, breathtaking scenery, and personal service.

Yes, you need to book your own flights to and from the destination port. Unless specified otherwise in itineraries, airfares aren’t included, though reservations staff provide routing advice.

Inclusions cover regional flights for select polar voyages, pre-cruise accommodation, all onboard meals, beverages, lectures, standard WiFi, gratuities, port taxes, one shore excursion per port, and in polar regions, expedition parkas and rubber boots.

Premium alcohol, boutique purchases, laundry, premium WiFi, spa treatments, visas, travel insurance, international flights, domestic transfers, and pre/post-cruise hotels aren’t included unless specified.

Solo travelers are subject to a supplementary fee known as a Single Supplement. However, specific departures offer waived supplements. Check promotional offerings for solo travelers.

Children aged 6–16 occupying third/fourth berths with two full-paying adults receive 35% of the adult fare. Single-occupancy scenarios offer no savings. Children under 8 require parental liability waivers.

These additional guests are offered a discount of 50% of the standard per person cruise fare in this stateroom.

Polar expeditions are unsuitable for children under 8 without captain permission (minimum 6 years). Children may not remain unaccompanied on board during excursions. Zodiac participation requires sufficient height and comprehension.

We recommend booking at least six months up to one year in advance to secure preferred dates, flights, and cabin categories. Suites and interconnecting rooms face high demand.

Bookings hold free for 4 working days (excluding Sundays). A 20% deposit follows written confirmation, due within 5 working days. Full payment required if booking within 120 days of departure.

Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express. Foreign transaction fees charged by some providers remain customer responsibility.

Prices are capacity-controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before the departure date.

Confirmation emails arrive with booking reference numbers needed for deposit and final payment processing.

Arctic summer averages 0°–10°C (June–September). Antarctic Peninsula ranges 0–+15°C; prepare for −5°C with wind chill. January offers warmest conditions.

One complimentary shore excursion per port is included; others require advance booking with limited availability. Zodiac excursions do not need to be pre-booked.

Yes, Swan Hellenic ships are wheelchair accessible in many onboard areas, although some operational requirements and limitations apply. We warmly encourage guests with mobility needs to contact us before booking (at least 45 days ahead) and complete our Mobility & Medical Disclosure Form so our team can review individual requirements and offer thoughtful guidance on what the voyage can comfortably support.

Guests who use wheelchairs are asked to bring their own, as those kept aboard are reserved strictly for emergencies. For safe navigation throughout the ship, mobility aids should not exceed 65 cm in width. All medical or mobility equipment must be declared in advance and be suitable for secure transport.

To support safe evacuation procedures, wheelchair users can be accommodated only in our designated accessible staterooms. SH Vega and SH Minerva each offer one wheelchair-accessible Oceanview Stateroom; SH Diana provides one Oceanview and one Balcony accessible stateroom. These accommodations include fully accessible wet-room bathrooms.

Our ships feature two lifts serving all passenger decks, with the exception of the Stargazing Deck. Some areas may therefore be more challenging to access, including the Stargazing Deck, the Aft Marina, and Swan’s Nest observation platform. Please also note that we do not provide assistive technology for access to the swimming pool, whirlpool, or sauna.

Port and destination accessibility can vary widely. While our team provides the best information available, the Ship’s Master holds final responsibility for all safety decisions, assessing conditions on the day.

For the well-being of all guests, those who require assistance with basic daily needs must travel with a capable companion. Our onboard medical team is equipped to handle emergencies and provide care in the ship’s Medical Center when necessary, but they are not available for routine daily support. In rare situations where safety criteria cannot be met even with appropriate aids, we may need to arrange alternative travel plans. This approach helps ensure a safe, enjoyable voyage for everyone.

Participation in Zodiac operations, shore landings, and excursions depends on a range of factors, including sea and weather conditions, landing-site characteristics, port infrastructure, the nature of the activity, and each guest’s individual mobility requirements.

Many expedition activities take place in remote environments and require transferring between the ship and a Zodiac while both vessels are moving. As a result, participation may not always be possible or safe for every guest. While crew assistance may be available where operationally feasible, such assistance cannot be guaranteed.

The Ship’s Master has final authority to determine whether participation is safe for any guest on any given day. Information provided before departure is intended to help guests plan their voyage but should not be interpreted as a guarantee of participation in specific activities.

Guests with significant mobility impairments are strongly encouraged to contact us before booking. Our operations team will review the Mobility & Medical Disclosure Form and provide as much guidance as possible regarding the suitability of the itinerary and expected expedition activities.

We also want to reassure you that choosing not to join certain landings does not mean missing the experience. Panoramic lounges, observation decks, and outdoor viewing areas offer excellent opportunities to experience the surrounding landscapes, wildlife, and seascapes.

No. Our accessible staterooms are priced the same as comparable categories; the accessible features do not carry a premium.

Yes. Shipboard wheelchairs are for emergency use only. Your personal wheelchair or mobility aid must be no wider than 65 cm and declared in advance.

A fully accessible stateroom is thoughtfully designed to support guests with mobility impairments. It typically includes wider doorways, ample turning space, lowered countertops, grab bars in the bathroom, and a roll-in shower.

Our expedition cruises operate in some of the world’s most environmentally sensitive regions, including Antarctica and the Arctic, where strict biosecurity regulations apply. Animals are not permitted to go ashore, and onboard operational requirements create challenges in protecting local wildlife and ecosystems. International maritime and permitting regulations for animals are also highly complex. To ensure all guests are safely and comfortably supported during their voyage, we recommend that guests requiring assistance travel with a companion or support person. We must also consider the wellbeing of fellow travellers, including those with allergies or sensitivities. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us preserve these extraordinary destinations.

Antarctica is the southernmost of the world’s seven continents and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Fly to Argentina or Chile, then to Ushuaia (South America’s southernmost tip) for ship departure. Some cruises start from Buenos Aires or Puerto Williams.

The best time is during the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer (November to March). November to mid-January brings sea ice and icebergs with breeding season for seabirds. Late January to March features whale sightings and penguin chicks.

Yes, kayaking provides a unique opportunity that few people experience from water level. Expeditions lead kayaking as often as possible. Duration runs 1.5–3 hours.

Expedition cruises prioritize flexibility. Weather conditions such as ice conditions, drift, wave height, wind direction, and visibility may necessitate rescheduling. Medical emergencies or official restrictions can alter routes; captains maintain alternative solutions.

If you enjoy immersing yourself in pristine, off-grid wilderness and seeing extraordinary wildlife, both destinations appeal similarly. You’ll only see penguins in the Antarctic, not the Arctic. Drake Passage crossing and extreme temperatures warrant consideration.

Avian Flu is currently present in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Staff monitors conditions and scouts locations pre-activity. Distance/viewing regulations (5m from wildlife) apply; severe cases may restrict activities to zodiac cruising only.

Book flights to primary departure points: Tromsø, Svalbard, Kangerlussuaq, or Reykjavik. Flights to and from your ship are not included in your cruise fare unless otherwise specified.

Yes; kayaking enables water-level observation of scenery, ice formations, and wildlife in silence. Under normal conditions, at least one kayak session per cruise per guest occurs. Duration runs 1.5–3 hours.

Both destinations share pristine wilderness appeal. You’ll only see polar bears in the Arctic, not Antarctica. Arctic flights are typically shorter; the midnight sun affects body clocks. Life onboard follows similar patterns.

Many of our guests are well-traveled, curious, and eager to learn about the places they visit. Small-group touring fosters friendships; environmental consciousness unites passengers. Daily recaps facilitate mingling.

Dress codes remain very relaxed; no formal mealtimes. Bring casual layers, sportswear, and minimal footwear. Onboard lightweight trainers suffice; slippers for cabins. Polar regions supply expedition parkas and muck boots.

International allowances vary by airline and class. Charter flights included with packages allow 20kg economy. Business passengers (32–40kg limits) pay excess fees. Purchase additional baggage online pre-travel.

Our ships feature PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilizers, ensuring a smooth journey. Preventative medication is recommended; consult doctors pre-travel. Drake Passage crossings can prove rough; hydration and rest help. Avoid screens, alcohol, and spicy foods.

Requirements vary by destination. For the time being, no vaccinations are required for visiting the Arctic or Antarctic, though yellow fever applies to African countries. Consult local practitioners for current recommendations.

Remote regions offer limited or nonexistent sophisticated medical assistance. Our expedition cruises are designed for guests in reasonably good health. IAATO/AECO membership requires health certifications. VIKAND Medical Services partnerships streamline evaluations.

The use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage for safety and wildlife protection. Regulations vary by country; personal liability applies.

Requirements depend on nationality and itinerary. The company notifies customers of legal requirements post-booking. Some ports issue special cruise-passenger visas. Costs fall on passengers; timely applications are essential.

Onboard currency operates in USD. Antarctica lacks official currency; Falklands/South Georgia use GBP. Arctic destinations include Norway, Greenland (Denmark), Canada, Alaska with varying currencies.

Menus emphasize international trends with local accents and fresh ingredients. Breakfast offers hot/cold items and cooked-to-order options. Lunch provides salads, soups, pasta, fish, meat, vegetarian options. Dinner serves à la carte finest dishes. Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and diabetic, will be catered for.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all passengers. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Policies should specifically cover expedition cruise activities and remote destinations.

Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Swan Restaurant. Club Lounge offers lighter dishes 6am–6pm. Cookies and tea are available nightly. Room service is available for privacy preference.

Our ships have a very well stocked bar with a selection of soft drinks, wines and beers included. Premium selections cost extra.

Cabins feature Scandi-design with welcome Champagne, snacks, stocked minibars, Illy espresso machines, HDTV, free WiFi, safes, Nikon binoculars. Amenities include superior beds, individually controlled air-conditioning, fluffy robes, slippers, premium toiletries, large rain showers, and ample storage space.

Suites and Balcony cabins include balconies with chairs and tables ranging 6 to 12 sqm depending on category.

Libraries, viewing areas (Swan’s Nest offers 270-degree views), gyms, massage/thermal suites, yoga classes, lectures by experts, expedition labs for photography assistance, bars, and staterooms provide relaxation options.

SILVER CONNECT (complimentary) allows text messaging and select news only at 1 Mbps. GOLD CONNECT ($25/device/day) enables internet browsing and social sharing at 2 Mbps. PLATINUM CONNECT ($37/device/day) includes streaming at 7 Mbps. Performance depends on satellite line-of-sight and weather.

There is a modern ship’s emergency room on board under the supervision of an experienced ship’s doctor and an assisting nurse via VIKAND partnership. Posted consultation hours are available.

Ships comply with the industry’s strictest public health and hygiene standards. Advanced oxidation UV cells disinfect distributed air. Hand sanitizer stations are abundant. Boot decontamination walks protect polar ecosystems.

Dynamic positioning prevents anchor dropping. Ships achieve 15%–30% lower fuel consumption versus older vessels through advanced hydrodynamics and engine technology. SCRs and urea injection minimize NOX. Onboard plastic reduction includes refillable bottles. Staff follow strict destination impact guidelines.

Expect penguins, seals and whales, to walruses, polar bears and Arctic foxes depending on destination.

Adjust steps to ship movements; use handrails constantly. Observe wet deck warnings. Doors to outer decks can be dangerous in wind. Follow announcements restricting outer access.

Good mobility is essential, particularly for getting on and off the Zodiacs ashore. Superior Zodiacs enable exciting landings. Walking sticks are available; guided walks offer various difficulties. Kayaking requires prior experience.

Expedition guides and crew will hold the Zodiac stable while passengers slide their legs over the side and wiggle toward the front before stepping out, possibly into water with muck boot protection.

Participation in excursions is optional; onboard activities include libraries, guest interactions, photography labs, lectures, and films. Sea days provide respite without landings.

Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 aft portside and on Deck 7 Observation Lounge’s starboard side. Indoor areas and balconies prohibit smoking.

Cruise cards issued per ISPS maritime security serve as control system on the gangway and stateroom keys/payment method. Visa, Amex, or Mastercard required for deposit; debit cards only settle final invoices. Arrange cash pre-embarkation or at ports.

SWAN SPA onboard includes hairdressing and barbering. Separate sauna and outdoor jacuzzi are available. Consult daily programs for hours.

The use of the sauna and large outdoor jacuzzi on our luxury ships is free of charge. Personal bathrobes are provided in staterooms.

Reservations are made onboard only. First-day consultations arrange appointments.

The primary language is English. Staff speak Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, French, and Russian. Lectures are generally in English; translated via mobile apps for other languages (bring earplugs). Foreign-language zodiacs are available without guarantee.

Standard suitcases store easily below the bedframe.

Paid laundry, dry-cleaning, and ironing services are available. Self-service Laundromat and ironing station (Deck 4) operate free of charge.

Cashless transactions in USD via Mastercard, Amex, or Visa. Invoices for drinks, laundry, boutique, excursions, photos, spa, and hospital are signed onboard and debited to your account. Check balances via guest portal or reception. Final settlement at trip-end via card or USD cash.

Your travel fare already includes the tip and daily service fees. Discretionary tipping remains an individual choice; contact reception to debit amounts to onboard accounts for equal crew distribution (excluding officers and expedition team).

Basic medication supplies are available; carry sufficient personal prescriptions as storage prioritizes acute illness.

Carry English doctor proof for prescribed medications. Import restrictions vary; check country regulations. Cannabis- and cannabis-containing medication is strictly prohibited despite medical prescription due to international legal consequences.

Treatment is equivalent to foreign doctor visits (flag-state regulations apply). Private travel health insurance is recommended. Payments are debited to onboard accounts; EU/international insurance cards are not accepted.

Yes, decontamination follows strict industry guidelines created to protect the environment. Seeds, microorganisms, and insects on footwear risk introducing non-native species.

Official guidelines require a minimum of five meters away from wildlife. Antarctic rules vary by species and breeding status. Arctic standards: polar bears 200m, walrus 300m. Approach slowly, minimize noise, and back away if wildlife exhibits behavior changes. Your guides will keep a watchful eye at all times.

North American sailings: 21 years minimum. South American, European, Asian, Australian, and New Zealand sailings: 18 years minimum.