Cruise line also launched new gourmet dining experience for guests in partnership with Jeunes Restauranteurs
By
Amber Hickman |
Swan Hellenic’s new expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, was officially named in a christening ceremony held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 4 May.
Valerie Ann Wilson, founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, served as godmother of SH Diana and named the ship, which is the third and largest vessel in Swan Hellenic’s fleet.
“I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship,” said Wilson. “It takes Swan Hellenic’s hallmark contemporary lifestyle elegance to new levels and is a fabulous expression of the way Swan Hellenic really want us to be explorers and discover the world. I’m not just excited to depart on the Norwegian cruise this evening, but also look forward to joining SH Diana’s explorations worldwide to places that even an industry veteran like me has never heard of!”
The ceremony also saw the official launch of Swan Hellenic’s new dining experience Maris, created in partnership with Jeunes Restauranteurs (JRE), an organisation made up of gourmet chefs from around the world.
Maris will bring different JRE gourmet chefs onboard for a series of exclusive cruises to take guests through a cultural food journey.
SH Diana will accommodate up to 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites and an onboard team of 141 people to provide guests with luxury, personalised services.
“I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic. “We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to the new era SH Diana heralds, taking cultural expedition cruising worldwide.”
Following the ceremony, SH Diana departed Amsterdam for an 11-day cruise through the Norwegian fjords, which will conclude in Tromsø, Norway, on 14 May.