Swan Hellenic to make Asia Pacific debut with ‘soft luxury’ expeditions

• Swan Hellenic’s small ships are about to arrive in the region with fresh itineraries.
• The small-vessel line is well known in America and Europe, but relatively new to Australia.
• Now Australians are in the line’s sight, and a strong range of appealing voyages is set for next year.

When Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva glides into the Asia Pacific region in April, 2026, it will mark yet another moment for Australian cruisers.

The boutique expedition line – long known to academics, explorers and cultural travellers – is embarking on its most ambitious diversification yet. And Australians, says the company, are perfectly suited to its relaxed, intellectually curious style of travel.

“We’ve seen Australia grow very fast for us,” says Patrizia Iantorno, VP of Global Marketing for Swan Hellenic, who spoke exclusively to Cruise Passenger. “Australians love the relaxed environment on board. They appreciate the cultural mix of guests and the sense of home-style comfort – not stiff luxury. It’s an understatement of luxury, you could say.”

A boutique line with big ambitions

Swan Hellenic operates three small expedition ships – SH Minerva, SH Vega and SH Diana – each carrying around 150 guests. The vessels are deliberately kept uncrowded, creating the intimate “club-like” atmosphere that the brand says is its trademark.

“Our crew know your name within hours. They know if you prefer red or white wine, sparkling or still water,” Iantorno says. “It’s not classical luxury with butlers and formality. But the level of service is the same – personalised, intuitive, relaxed. Guests feel as if they’re at home.”

The ships’ Scandinavian-inspired interiors strengthen that feeling: fireplaces, neutral tones, soft textures, and lounges that feel more like a modern living room than a lecture hall. Yet lectures – and the experts who deliver them – are central to the Swan Hellenic experience.

Expedition is the key word

“People choose expedition cruising because they want to explore unconventional routes,” Iantorno explains. “They want to understand the places they visit, not just see them.”

Every sailing features a handpicked team of historians, anthropologists, naturalists and regional experts. In Antarctica, that might mean seasoned polar scientists; in Africa, anthropologists explaining the complex living traditions of voodoo culture. In the Asia Pacific, guests can expect specialists in WWII history, tribal culture, maritime anthropology, and Pacific Island traditions.

This, Iantorno believes, is where modern luxury lies.

“Today, luxury is going where fewer people go – and understanding what you’re seeing. Guests want the meaning behind a landscape or a village.”

Why Asia Pacific?

Swan Hellenic has traditionally focused on the polar regions, but as its fleet expanded, so did its reach. After each Antarctica season (November to early March), the ships will disperse around the world: one to Latin America, one to Africa, and one – for the first time – to the Pacific.

“Diversification is essential,” says Iantorno. “Guests who do Antarctica with us want something new when they return. Asia Pacific offers history, culture, wildlife, and extraordinary landscapes – all in unconventional, less-visited areas. It’s perfect for expedition.”

The April-to-September 2026 season

• Papua New Guinea, including the WWII battlegrounds of Guadalcanal
• Raja Ampat, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions
• The Philippines, rich with tribal culture, volcanic landscapes and pristine islands
• Japan and South Korea, but via rarely visited ports such as Sado Island, Busan and remote coastal towns
• Remote Pacific islands, engaging directly with local communities

The voyages are a blend of anthropology, history, wildlife encounters and warm-water exploration. Snorkelling, Zodiac cruising and village visits sit alongside in-depth onboard lectures. Importantly, guests don’t need to be ultra-fit: Swan Hellenic offers alternative “gentle” versions of hikes and activities.

Food That Reflects the Journey

While the line’s expedition credentials take centre stage, its culinary program is quietly impressive. All dining is included, with three venues: the fine-dining Swan Restaurant, a relaxed Club Lounge, and an outdoor grill even used in Antarctica on sunny days.

Cuisine reflects the regions visited – African jollof rice, New England lobster, Pacific seafood – alongside international favourites.

“In each region we source locally wherever possible,” says Iantorno. “It’s part of our sustainability approach and enhances immersion. Guests taste where they are, not just see it.”

Aimed at Australians

Iantorno lived in Sydney for three years and understands the market well.

“Australians don’t want pretence. They want high quality but with ease and warmth,” she says. “They love meeting people from everywhere, and our ships are very diverse – U.S., Europe, Asia, Brazil, Russia. Australians fit perfectly into this international mix.”

The line is also investing in Australia, hiring locally and expanding trade relationships, signalling a long-term commitment to the region.

“We want to be in the Pacific not just for Australians, but for the world,” says Iantorno. “But Australia and New Zealand are essential for our growth.

Swan Hellenic’s 2026 Asia Pacific Voyages

Swan Hellenic will enter the Asia Pacific for the first time in April 2026 following its Antarctic season. Its April–September program spans culture-rich islands, remote tribal communities and historically significant sites, offering a rare blend of anthropology, history and warm-water exploration.

Papua New Guinea & The Solomon Islands
The season opens with an Odyssean route from Honiara to Jayapura, exploring WWII battlegrounds such as Guadalcanal alongside small villages where local traditions remain strong. Expert historians and anthropologists will guide guests through the region’s layered past.

Raja Ampat & Indonesia
The biodiverse coral reefs of Raja Ampat are a major highlight. Guests can expect pristine islands, snorkelling, Zodiac excursions and encounters with local fishing communities. These voyages combine active exploration with cultural discovery.

The Philippines
A largely unexplored destination for expedition cruising, the Philippines offers tribal dances, volcanic landscapes, remote islands and rich history. Swan Hellenic plans village visits, cultural performances and warm-water activities.

Japan & South Korea
Sailings between Manila, Hiroshima, Busan, Sado Island and Hokkaido reveal a rarely seen side of Japan. These itineraries focus on cultural rituals, folklore, coastal traditions and lesser-known ports.

With only around 150 guests per ship, Swan Hellenic’s Asia Pacific program is intimate, immersive and deeply enriching – a fresh adventure for Australian expedition travellers.

For more, go here.