Swan Hellenic has announced that the christening ceremony of its third and largest ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, the SH Diana, will take place in Amsterdam on May 4.
The SH Diana will be christened by luxury travel icon Valerie Ann Wilson in the presence of Swan Hellenic's senior management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.
Valerie is also Chair Emerita of the Global Members Advisory Board of the Virtuoso® worldwide network of luxury travel advisors, and Chair Emerita of the Virtuoso® Hotels & Resorts Committee. Valerie has received numerous awards, including the Virtuoso® Lifetime Achievement Award and the Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award. Valerie Wilson Travel is proud to be part of FROSCH, a Chase company.
Following the high-profile events and shows after the naming ceremony, Valerie will remain on board as hostess to VIP groups during the SH Diana's inaugural cruise to Tromsø, "Norway Explored", which sets sail on the evening of May 4.
After visiting the German archipelago of Heligoland, the SH Diana will stop in Mandal, the southernmost city in Norway, and will begin to travel along almost the entire Norwegian coast.
Dr. Terje Leiren will accompany the inaugural cultural expedition cruise throughout its voyage, sharing his expertise, insights, and companionship with the guests on board. Terje Leiren is Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, and was the first holder of the Sverre Arestad Chair in Norwegian Studies (2007-2017).
Once its seven-cruise Arctic cultural expedition season is complete, the SH Diana will sail up the west coast to the Mediterranean. From there, it will circumnavigate the globe, passing through the Suez Canal to Paradise Island, Madagascar, and southern Africa, on its way to Antarctica.
The SH Diana, which offers spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 large cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, is operated by an onboard team of 141 people to provide the highest levels of personal service.
It is distinguished by its open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views, and spacious deck areas. The SH Diana will feature a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and wine cellar, club lounge, and swimming pool with barbecue area.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, commented: “We are truly honored to have Valerie as godmother of this very special new ship.”
