A purpose-built expedition ship where Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and deep cultural exploration converge at the ends of the Earth.
- Guests
- 152 guests
- 122 crew
- Length
- 113.5 meters
- 372.3 feet
- Beam
- 24.3 meters
- 79.7 feet
- Ice class
- PC5 Polar
- Hybrid Diesel Electric
- Starting price
- $10,900
- per person
Style Strong expedition · Premium
- All-Inclusive
- All-suite accommodation
- High staff-to-guest ratio
- Wildlife Encounters
- Experiential Learning Adventure
The Swan Hellenic Minerva is a next-generation expedition ship created for travelers who want to go further—without giving up comfort, style, or substance. Purpose-built for polar regions and remote destinations, Minerva blends ice-class engineering with understated luxury, delivering access to some of the world’s most extraordinary places in a quietly sophisticated setting.
Our Take
The SH Minerva is the definition of “Quiet Luxury.” While other ships compete on high-tech submersibles or splashy nightclubs, Swan Hellenic has doubled down on sophisticated minimalism and a deep commitment to the “intellectual” side of exploration. We scouted this ship for its incredible sense of space—with only 152 guests, it feels like a private gallery that happens to be floating past icebergs. It is refined, understated, and exceptionally comfortable.
What Stood Out
- The Observation Lounge: This is the heart of the ship. We love the clean lines and the fact that the design never distracts from the view outside. It’s where the “post-scouting” debriefs happen with the onboard scientists and historians.
- The Basecamp: Swan Hellenic’s mudroom is one of the most logically designed we’ve vetted. It makes the transition from the warmth of your suite to a Zodiac excursion feel organized and effortless, which is a major luxury when you’re dealing with heavy polar gear.
Who It’s Perfect For
- The Modern Scholar: Travelers who prefer a deep-dive lecture from a world-class geologist over a Broadway-style show.
- Design Aficionados: Those who appreciate mid-century modern aesthetics and high-end Scandi-chic environments.
The Bottom Line
The SH Minerva is a top choice for the traveler who wants an intimate, boutique experience without the “pomp” of high-luxury lines. It is a sophisticated sanctuary for those who prioritize the destination, the science, and the quiet beauty of the frontier.
On board + on site
What makes SH Minerva the ship
Pool Bar + Grill
Casual, open-air dining with comfort classics and light bites, ideal for warming up between activities or soaking in the views.
Room Service
In-room dining available when privacy or recovery takes priority—because some moments are best enjoyed without leaving your cabin.
Swan Restaurant
Refined, destination-inspired dining with a focus on quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation, served in an elegant, unhurried setting.
Club Lounge
A relaxed social hub for cocktails, conversation, and quiet downtime—perfect for post-excursion decompression or pre-dinner drinks.
Observation Lounge
Panoramic windows, calm seating, and a front-row view of the world outside. This is where guests linger, watch, and quietly lose track of time.
Heated Outdoor Pool
Swim or lounge comfortably outdoors, even in cooler climates, with sweeping ocean views all around.
Open Deck Jacuzzi
Soak in warm water while surrounded by polar air and endless horizons—arguably the best seat on the ship.
Stargazing Deck
A quiet, open-air space for night skies at sea—perfect for polar constellations, auroras, and zero light pollution moments.
Basecamp
Basecamp is HS Minerva’s expedition hub, designed for fast, organized Zodiac operations and daily briefings. It’s where exploration begins and ends—efficient, purposeful, and built to get you off the ship and into the wild without drama.
Expedition Lab
Where curiosity meets context. A working space for briefings, science talks, and hands-on learning that deepens every landing and Zodiac run.
Onboard Fitness Studio
A compact, modern gym with cardio equipment, free weights, and space to stretch—ideal for staying loose and energized between Zodiac landings and shore excursions.
Sauna With a View
Heat, glass, and ice beyond—an unbeatable contrast after cold-weather exploration.
Spa + Beauty Salon
A calm retreat for massage, skincare, and post-expedition recovery—designed to reset both body and mind.
Library
A thoughtfully curated collection of polar history, science, and exploration—plus a calm retreat between landings and lectures.
Swan's Nest
An elevated lookout designed for serious scenery. Ideal for scanning ice, coastlines, and wildlife with an unobstructed forward view.
Cabins + suites
Where you'll sleep.
Aft, Deck 6
Premium Suite (PS)
47 m² / Sleeps 4
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.
Midship, Deck 6
Suite (SU)
40m² / Sleeps 4
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.
Forward/Aft, Deck 5
Balcony (BD5)
25m² / Sleeps 3
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Forward/Aft, Deck 6
Balcony (BD6)
25m² / Sleeps 3
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Midship, Deck 5
Balcony (BM5)
25m² / Sleeps 3
Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Forward, Deck 4
Oceanview (OD4)
20m² / Sleeps 3
Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m² (215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Midship, Deck 4
Oceanview (OM4)
20m² / Sleeps 3
Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m² (215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.
Gallery
Signature itineraries
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