Swan Hellenic and Helsinki Shipyard announced that the dynamic expedition cruise company had signed a contractual agreement with the Finnish shipyard for an order for a third Vega-class expedition cruise ship.
Larger than its sister ships and designed to sail around every continent, the 12,000 GRT Vega 3 will be a 5-star ice-class PC6 polar vessel, measuring 125 meters in length. Accommodating 192 guests in 96 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, it will be operated by a crew of 140—almost as many as passengers—to provide the highest levels of personal service.
With a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and an ice-strengthened hull, the new ship will not only be able to reach the most remote and inaccessible corners of the world, but it will also do so in near silence. Causing minimal disturbance to ecosystems and wildlife, the Vega 3 will offer its passengers a unique immersive experience.
The ambitious timeline was confirmed when the keel-laying ceremony for Vega 1 took place as planned last September, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the ceremony, it was announced that Vega 1 would be named SH Minerva, in honor of the iconic company's first ship, which was named after the Roman goddess of creativity and wisdom.
With the three Vega-class ships scheduled for delivery in November 2021, April 2022, and late 2022, Swan Hellenic is demonstrating strong confidence in both the strength and resilience of the high-end cruise market and its own unique vision for expedition cruising. “This new order is significant for Helsinki Shipyard,” noted CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, “as it shows our customers’ confidence in our operations.”.
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito confirmed, “We are seeing an increase in demand for truly extraordinary experiences and we are confident in the recovery of our industry.”.
