Swan Hellenic's third and largest ship, SH Diana, sets sail for the Arctic after christening ceremony celebrations in Amsterdam and is now headed to Tromsø for an 11-day fjord exploration cruise that opens its Arctic season before traveling around the world.
The new ship was christened by visionary and luxury travel icon Valerie Ann Wilson, founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic senior management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.
The gala dinner held on board also marked the official launch of Maris, an exciting new partnership with JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, offering guests of the Swan Hellenic a unique dining experience and discovery through the senses, experienced with the gourmet organization's world-renowned chefs.
Maris's presentation was given by Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, and the speeches were given by Hans Van Manen, CEO of JRE, and Daniel Canzian, Vice President of JRE Italy.
Next, five chefs from JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs showcased the extraordinary creative variety of Maris's gastronomy to celebrate the occasion: Edwin Soumang (Restaurant One, Netherlands), Daniel Canzian (Ristorante Daniel Canzian, Italy), Sabrina Schanz and Patrick von Vacano (Original Beans, Netherlands), and Michael Ammon (Gasthof Jakob, Germany). Michael remained on board after the celebrations as Maris's chef on the cruise following the SH Diana's naming.
The SH Diana is the third in a series of three elegant, ice-class expeditionary cultural cruise ships, designed for world-class discovery experiences, with a strong focus on extreme latitudes. Featuring a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and an ice-strengthened PC6 hull, it is equipped with oversized stabilizers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 meters in length, this 12,100-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
The SH Diana, which offers 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, is operated by a team of 141 people on board to provide the highest levels of personal service.
The SH Diana shares the same elegant design as its sister ships, with open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views, and spacious deck areas. However, it boasts some key differences, including a dedicated theater for presentations and conferences overlooking the lounge, and onboard tenders to take guests ashore, in addition to the usual expedition Zodiacs. Like its sister ships, the SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and wine cellar, club lounge, and a swimming pool with a barbecue area.
The SH Diana has set sail from Amsterdam on the “Norway Explored” cultural expedition cruise. Dr. Terje Leiren will accompany the guests on board throughout the inaugural cruise, sharing his expertise, insights, and personal presence. Dr. 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).
