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May 4, 2023

The christening ceremony of SH Diana, Swan Hellenic‘s third cultural expedition cruise ship, took place today in Amsterdam.

The new vessel was named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.

At the conclusion of the naming ceremony Valerie Ann Wilson commented: “I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship. It takes Swan Hellenic’s hallmark contemporary lifestyle elegance to new levels and is a fabulous expression of the way Swan Hellenic really want us to be explorers and discover the world. I’m not just excited to depart on the Norwegian cruise this evening, but also look forward to joining SH Diana’s explorations worldwide to places that even an industry veteran like me has never heard of!”

 

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added: “I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to the new era SH Diana heralds, taking cultural expedition cruising worldwide.”

The celebration Gala Dinner also marked the official launch of Maris, the new partnership with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, which offers a unique experience of exceptional dining and discovery through the senses, lived with the gourmet organisation’s world-famous chefs which will see them as guests of a series of exclusive cruises on Swan Hellenic’s elegant designer ships , SH Vega and SH Diana and which will accompany guests on a parallel voyage of discovery, exploring the famous creativity of the organization, driven by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients.

Presenting the extraordinary creative variety of Maris gastronomy to mark the occasion were five JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs: Edwin Soumang, of Restaurant One in the Netherlands; Daniel Canzian of the Ristorante Daniel Canzian in Italy; Sabrina Schanz and Patrick von Vacano of Original Beans in the Netherlands; and Michael Ammon of Gasthof Jakob in Germany, who stayed on board after the festivities as chef Maris on SH Diana‘s post-naming cruise.

SH Diana has now departed Amsterdam on the cultural expedition cruise “Norway Explored,” an 11-day odyssey through the fjords that will reach Tromsø, Norway, on the 14th of May 2022.

Dr Terje Leiren, Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington in Seattle, will be accompanying the maiden cultural expedition cruise throughout, sharing his expert knowledge, insights and company with the guests on board.

SH Diana, third in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas, is featuring a 4.6 megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull, she is fitted with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 m long, the 12,100-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

Complying with the latest environmental regulations, SH Diana is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, and equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. Moreover, preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology, which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves and other sensitive natural areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Like her siblings, SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill, has an elegant design and offers unobstructed sea views, it also boasts some key differences, including a dedicated conference and presentation room overlooking the lounge, and on-board tenders boat to take guests ashore in addition to the usual expedition zodiacs.

Do not miss more updates, news and reviews about Swan Hellenic on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruise offers!

Gabriele Bassi

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