Swan Hellenic’s Minerva is an elegant expedition ship designed for adventure in remote polar regions and other far-flung destinations. It’s equipped with a strengthened hull and extra-large stabilisers to make for smoother sailings.
SH Minerva accommodates 152 guests across nine decks, and is one of three ships in the Swan Hellenic fleet. The ships are all identical in design, although SH Diana is slightly bigger, with space for 192 guests.
Through 2026 and 2027, SH Minerva will cruise through Antarctica, including the Peninsula and Antarctic Circle, as well as visiting Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.
Overall score 8/10
Style and Character 8/10
The shared spaces have a contemporary feel with an earthy palette of cream, brown, terracotta and green, and they’re designed for comfort. There’s plenty of plush seating in the Observation Lounge to take in the views through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. I was on board for the ship’s second voyage, and everything felt brand new and fresh.
Cabins 8/10
Balcony cabins have a living room area, separated from the bed by a curtain, with a sofa, table and desk, and a table and chairs on the balcony. A flickering flame-effect fire is a lovely, atmospheric touch and, unusually for cruise ships, there’s a kettle in each room. Storage space is abundant with wardrobes and drawers that span the length of one wall.
The bathroom is luxurious with a large shower and free-standing bottles of toiletries.
Food and Drink 7/10
All dining on board is open seating. The Swan, the more formal of the two, serves breakfast, buffet lunches and à la carte dinners. The wide-ranging menu changes daily, served alongside themed buffets and a selection of always-available favourites. Some of my most memorable dishes included excellent lamb chops and prime rib, perfectly grilled lobster on gala dinner night and an impressive whole suckling pig on my last night on board.
For breakfast, there’s a generous buffet or passengers can order from a menu of classic options, including freshly prepared eggs Benedict and omelettes. One of the highlights is the freshly squeezed juice station, where passengers can create their own perfect blend from an array of fruits and vegetables.
The Club Lounge on deck seven is always open and serves an early and late breakfast as well as buffet lunches. There’s a grill on the terrace with an à la carte menu – think succulent burgers and beef skewers. Eating outside here on sunny days is a must; the views are truly spectacular.
Service and Facilities 7/10
The Observation Lounge, with its inviting bar, serves as the hub for lectures and recaps. It’s just opposite the aforementioned Club Lounge, which offers tea and coffee around the clock, and leads out to the terrace and outdoor heated pool.
The heart of the action is on the third deck. Here, everyone gathers in Base Camp, is assigned a locker and provided with muck boots before boarding the Zodiacs for landings and ice cruises. A super-warm excursion jacket (from which a puffer jacket unzips) and a waterproof backpack are yours to keep.
Adjacent to BaseCamp is a laboratory where I met with scientists to hear about their latest findings from the voyage. The library next door is stocked with a wealth of books on Antarctica and beyond.
The Swan’s Nest, at the front of deck six, and the stargazing deck are ideal for wildlife watching and taking in the spectacular vistas. Meanwhile inside, there’s a sauna with a view, a whirlpool and a spa that offers everything from massages to facials and even hairdressing.
Service on board is friendly and efficient; I was always greeted with smiling faces and soon everyone knew my name. The expedition team’s knowledge of the natural world made my voyage both informative and entertaining.
Entertainment and Excursions 8/10
It’s difficult to imagine how excursions could possibly surpass the ones experienced here. From sitting in the Zodiac in a bay full of whales and wandering among nesting penguins, to climbing snowy slopes and visiting research stations, the adventure is endlessly awe-inspiring.
The expedition team, made up of experts from around the globe, includes marine biologists, ornithologists and historians, each bringing their wealth of knowledge to enrich the journey. Daily talks in the Observation Lounge offered fascinating insights, while each evening, the expedition leader recapped the day’s highlights.
Other entertainment is limited. There is an excellent pianist, but after dinner it’s very quiet. This cruise is all about discovering the magnificence of the Antarctic wilderness.
Value for Money 8/10
Swan Hellenic expedition cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, drinks (including alcoholic ones) and excursions included. Additional excursions (outside of the polar regions) cost from $150 (£113).
Access for guests with disabilities?
The ship is accessible for those with mobility problems. However, to enjoy the excursions, a certain level of fitness and agility is required. Boarding Zodiacs and participating in landings often involve navigating uneven or slippery terrain, though the expedition team is always there to lend a hand. All guests are required to undergo a health check before boarding many of the expedition cruises.
Family-friendly?
There is no kids’ club, or other facilities for children on board, and those under eight aren’t permitted on expedition cruises. This is a cruise for adults or older, mature children seeking to discover new lands.