Swan Hellenic named its third ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, at a Naming Ceremony in Amsterdam yesterday.
The new vessel was officially blessed by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel.
Also present were Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.
Valerie Ann Wilson commented:
“I really am so proud to be godmother to this wonderful new ship. 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!”
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added:
“I would again like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki Shipyard for their superb achievements in creating this exceptional new ship.
“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.”
The event and gala dinner also marked the official launch of Maris, an exciting new partnership between Swan Hellenic and JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs.
Maris was introduced by Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, with speeches by JRE CEO Hans Van Manen and JRE Italy Vice President Daniel Canzian.
Five JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs were present to showcase the extraordinary creative variety of Maris gastronomy to mark the occasion.
SH Diana is the third in a series of three elegant, high-ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas.
Featuring a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull, she is fitted with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort.
At 125 m long, the 12,100-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
Complying with the latest environmental regulations, SH Diana is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles.
The ship is equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.
Moreover, preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology, which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves and other sensitive natural areas.
The ship offers spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, and is operated by a team of 141.
There is a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill.
SH Diana has now departed Amsterdam on the cultural expedition cruise “Norway Explored,” an 11-day odyssey through the fjords that will reach Tromsø, Norway, on the 14th of May 2022.
For more information, visit swanhellenic.com
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