Scroll Down for Last Minute Deals on 2024 European Summer Cruises
Our polar expedition partner Swan Hellenic has just released their 2025/26 Antarctica season with 20% discounts off regular brochure fares on selected cruises when you book your expedition to the White Continent with Expedition Cruise Specialists.
With a name synonymous with luxury cruising dating back almost eighty years, Swan Hellenic now focuses on expedition and cultural cruising, with one of the newest fleets in the field. Launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Swan Hellenic’s newbuilds SH Vega and SH Diana are both rated to Polar Class 5 and have been specially designed to maximise the expedition experience while also providing 5-star luxury surrounds in a boutique environment.
While Swan Hellenic’s fleet is deployed on a year-round schedule to all corners of the globe, including the Arctic, Africa and the Mediterannean, Antarctica remains the drawcard for many travellers, and with great savings on offer now is the ideal time to secure your place.
Swan Hellenic 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Expedition
Perhaps the highlight Antarctic cruise available as part of Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Earlybird Savings is the 18-day, all-encompassing ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition cruise which combines the three ‘jewels in the crown’; Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There’s two departures on offer aboard the flagship SH Diana, 19 January 2026 (from $22,380pp) and the more intimate SH Vega on 06 February 2026 (from $25,180pp).
Expeditioners joining this voyage will follow in the wake of one of history’s greatest explorers on this extraordinary cruise. They will be able to experience the incredible endless icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, just as Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have done as they commenced their quest to cross the ice to the South Pole.
See the 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Itinerary and pricing
SH Diana - 19 January to 05 February 2026
SH Vega - 06 to 23 February 2026
There will also be the opportunity to step ashore on Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men would survive two Antarctic winters. Along the way, there will be the chance to observe penguins, seals, whales and seabirds that, unlike Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, have no issues thriving in this formidable environment.
Before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, SH Diana will stop at the Falkland Islands, allowing travellers to discover a haven for a host of endemic birdlife, and meet the proud, resilient locals.
Other Swan Hellenic 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybird Cruises
In addition to the ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition, Earlybird Savings are also available on the following cruises:
10 Day Antarctica Peninsula Discovery
Various dates from $11,880 per person, twin share
SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing
SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing
12 Day Weddell Sea Discovery
Two departure dates in January 2025 from $14,480 per person, twin share
SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing
SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing
All prices are in Australian Dollars in an Oceanview Stateroom. Please enquire with our team for 20% savings on other cabin and suite types.
Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Fleet
Swan Hellenic Cruises operates a fleet of two modern expedition ships, both launched since 2021. SH Vega accommodates just 152 expeditioners in a range of suites and cabins, will the slightly larger SH Diana maxes out at 192 travellers. Both boutique ships feature the same distinctive comfort and Scandi-design interiors, extensive deck space and dedicated expedition facilities, including a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre, and an expedition mud room.
Both ships also offer three dining venues from which to choose – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool Bar & Grill, and there’s also a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, club room and swimming pool.
To find out more about Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybirds and how you can save 20% off brochure fares, contact the knowledgeable team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80.
Please note that Earlybird prices are subject to availability and limited to new bookings only made after 01 May 2024 until withdrawn or sold out.
Last Minute European Cruise Deals 2024
If you're travelling to Europe this northern summer and would like to try out the Swan Hellenic experience for yourself, we've got a number of last minute cruise deals with incredible pricing. Call our team today on 1800 90 20 80 to discover the full list of dates and itineraries, here's just a selection of what we have on offer. Cabins are sure to sell quickly at these great prices so act fast!
High Arctic of Svalbard - 10 Nights - 10 to 20 July 2024
SH Diana - from $7,735 per person, twin share (normally $10,980pp)
Discover the rarely visited High Arctic. Sail from Tromsø through the wilderness of Bear Island, and explore the icy landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. Marvel at the Monacobreen Glacier, listen to Alkefjellet’s bird cliff, and take in Svingeldalen’s vistas. Cruise around Cape Lee and Dolerittneset before venturing to Koefoedodden on Hopen Island. Then stop at the village of Skarsvåg before heading to Alta, 'the city of the Northern Lights'.
Iceland in Depth - 8 Nights - 10 to 18 August 2024
SH Vega - from $4,948 per person, twin share (normally $10,380pp)
Experience the wild and fantastic landscapes of Iceland. Circumnavigate the geologically active island and see the puffin capital of the world! Discover fjords, spectacular waterfalls and never-ending volcanic scenery. Visit Iceland’s oldest houses and meet locals who are proud of their traditional heritage. Hike to thundering waterfalls, duck under the spray of spouting hot geysers, and trek across remote locations where only arctic foxes live.
Canadian Arctic & Northern Lights - 15 Nights - 25 September to 10 October 2024
SH Vega - from $6,952 per person, twin share (normally $15,480pp)
Visit parts of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers on this epic Northern Canadian Discovery voyage. Sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, and gaze in awe at the straits and fjords crammed with huge icebergs. Watch out for caribou and polar bears on the northern Canadian coast, and you’ll get the chance to hear the stories of the indigenous Inuit people, and discover whaling sites in Newfoundland.
