SH Minerva & Vega Class
Antarctica
At a Glance
Warm up in the sauna, where spectacular glacial views can be admired through the large glass windows
Variety is the spice of life, and the ships have ensured that with three different dining options
After a day of exploring, sit back and relax in The Observation Lounge with a glass of Argentinian red in hand
Wake up to glistening ocean views from the comfort of your private balcony
With a maximum of 152 guests on board, a sociable and family-friendly environment can be expected
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Best time to Visit
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Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.
Call us on 858 345 1763 to start planning your vacation to SH Minerva & Vega Class or take a look at our itineraries to Antarctica
Description
Swan Hellenic Minerva and Vega Class are the iconic British brand's newly launched polar ships, both of which have been beautifully designed to allow guests to explore some of the world's most remote and intrepid regions in both comfort and style.
With elegant Scandi-design, both the SH Minerva and Vega Class exude understated sophistication and guests can expect a real emphasis on intrepid expeditions. With both ships accommodating up to 152 passengers each, there is both a friendly and intimate vibe on-board, and personalized and attentive service can be expected. There is a variety of cabins and suites, with all aside from the Oceanview Staterooms featuring private balconies - perfect for admiring the spectacular glacial views as you make your way through the polar region.
Passengers are met with a choice of three dining options on board each of the ships. The Swan Restaurant on Deck 4 is the main dining venue on the ship, serving both international and local cuisines. Whilst dinner is a seated service, both breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. Up on Deck 7, interactive food counters and a variety of dining options can be found at The Club Lounge, where warming dishes, such as wood-fired pizzas, are accompanied by spectacular panoramic views. Outside, the Pool Bar & Grill offers alfresco dining and an international a la carte menu.
The Observation Lounge is located on Deck 7 and is the main venue for onboard lectures and is where guests can relax and unwind with a drink in hand following a day's adventuring through the polar region. There is also a photography lab, stargazing deck, basecamp, and library. For those looking to keep active whilst on board, there is a state-of-the-art fitness studio, as well as a sauna, spa and outdoor jacuzzi. On Deck 7, guests can take a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool, or simply relax by the pool side.
In addition, both ships feature advanced technology including a PC5 ice-strengthened hull, along with extra-large stabilisers to ensure each journey is as smooth as possible. There is also an onboard medical center.
Accommodation
| Oceanview | Oceanview cabins features 2 single beds, as well as a living room and an ensuite bathroom. The cabin is 19 square meters / 62 square feet. |
| Balcony D5 | The Balcony D5 cabins are located at the forward and aft of the ship, and feature 2 single beds or one double bed, along with a living room area, ensuite bathroom and private balcony. The cabin and balcony combined size is 28 square meters / 92 square feet. |
| Balcony M5 | Located at the center of the ship, the Balcony M5 cabins feature 2 single beds or one double bed, along with a living room area, ensuite bathroom and private balcony. The cabin and balcony combined size is 28 square meters / 92 square feet. |
| Balcony D6 | The Balcony D6 cabins are located on deck six, and feature 2 single beds or one double bed with living room area, ensuite bathroom and private balcony. The cabin and balcony combined size is 28 square meters / 92 square feet. |
| Suite | The suites feature a superking bed, separate living room with a flame-effect fireplace, ensuite bathroom and a private balcony. The suite and balcony combined size is 44 square meters / 144 square feet. |
| Premium Suite | The Premium Suites feature a superking bed and separate living room with and a flame-effect fireplace, as well as an ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a private balcony. The suite and balcony combined size is 49 square meters / 160 square feet. |
Facilities
| Dining | The Swan Restaurant serves international and local cuisine and is the main dining venue on the ship. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, and dinner is a seated service. Interactive food counters and a variety of dining options can be found at The Club Lounge on Deck 7, accompanied by panoramic views. Outside, the Pool Bar & Grill offers alfresco dining and an international a la carte menu. |
| On-board Entertainment | There is a library, two lounges, and a hair salon. |
| Wellness Centre | There is a Wellness Center with a well-equipped gym, spa, sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi. |
| Pool | There is a heated outdoor pool on Deck 7, along with pool side seating. |
| Photography Lab | There is a photography lab on Deck 3 for photographers and artists. |
| Stargazing Deck | A stargazing deck ensuring you witness the best nightsky views possible. |
Activities
| On-board Lectures | On-board lectures are given each day in The Observation Lounge. Swan Hellenic’s lecturers and guest speakers are carefully selected to give engaging and stimulating talks on a wide range of subjects, hand-picked for each cruise. |
| Sea Kayaking | For those with some prior experience of sea or open-water kayaking, there is the opportunity to explore Antarctica in a double kayak. Taken out in small groups, this offers guests the chance to enjoy the immense silence of Antarctica, explore its more secluded corners and more intimate experiences with wildlife away from motors. |
Floorplans
SH Minerva Deck Plan
Location & directions
Antarctica
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- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator