New consortium purchases British-born cruise line and plans first cruises to Antarctica
By
Rebecca Gibson |
British-born expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic is set to return to the cruise industry with two newbuild expedition vessels in 2021.
The company, which first set sail 70 years ago and was acquired by G Adventures in 2017, has been purchased by a new consortium and will relaunch with offices in Germany, Monaco and the UK. The new senior management team has more than 100 years of collective cruise industry experience working for brands such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Silversea Cruises and V. Ships.
“I am proud to announce the rebirth of Swan Hellenic a pioneering iconic travel brand with the mission to be the leader in cultural expedition cruising,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic. “The new Swan Hellenic retains its British heritage whilst being international in outlook. Aimed at the traveller, who wishes to explore, experience and enrich the infinite beauty of the world and its inhabitants in a safe and sustainable way.”
Swan Hellenic will debut two new expedition ships, both of which will be built at Finland’s Helsinki shipyard and accommodate 152 guests and 120 crew members. The first vessel will sail in Antarctica in November 2021 and the second will start service in April 2022.
“Over the course of the next few weeks and months we’ll be releasing more information about a number of exciting developments from Swan Hellenic,” said Zito. “We are back and we’re bigger and bolder than ever.”