Here's what Swan Hellenic ships will look like, inside and out

The video takes viewers through the ship as they would move when returning from an expedition by Zodiac, starting at the concierge-service Basecamp changing room. Here, travelers leave their expedition clothing and gear for cleaning and sanitizing to prevent biological cross-contamination. But, as the video reveals, it’s also a place to socialize over coffee before and after expeditions, relaxing in a signature décor of airy natural textures and tones.

Natural light, abundance of wood and warm, natural materials

Making their way through the spacious reception with its bold, clean lines, travelers enter the 'vortex of light' that is the main staircase, the sunlight filtering through geometric wooden slat walls.

Reaching the Swan Restaurant with its varied seating choices and dramatic picture windows, travelers encounter the thematic abundance of wood and warm, natural materials. Lighting and table furnishing changes transform its daytime rich casual comfort into a sophisticated evening dining venue.

Heart of the ship

The Observation Lounge — the heart of the ship — is the next stop and a complete contrast, with chrome and massive picture windows, plush sofas and easy chairs. Offering a variety of seating spaces, including cozy niche indoor and outdoor areas, this lounge also features a large LED screen for lectures and a piano and pop-up screens for entertainment and other uses.

Pausing in the Club Lounge, with its round-the-clock sophisticated food, varied intimate seating and holographic fireplace surrounded by panoramic views, the tour then continues to explore the outdoor Pool Bar and Grill. Here are the heated infinity pool and extensive outside decks that allow plenty of room for nature-viewing.

In-room mood lighting, holographic fireplace

Next it’s off to the panoramic sauna and outdoor hot tub.

After that, it's time to discover the understated elegance of a balcony stateroom or suite, a modern medley of pastels, natural textures, high-tech entertainment and multiple mood-lighting options, set off by a holographic fireplace.

Swan Hellenic’s first ship, SH Minerva, is set to arrive in November 2021 for an inaugural Antarctica cruise.

'Defining a new generation of expedition ships for the legendary Swan Hellenic has been incredibly inspiring and rewarding for us,' said Fredrik Johansson, Tillberg partner and executive project director. 'We are

humbled by the trust and confidence that has been placed in us throughout the design process, working closely with a team that has a very clear vision for its iconic brand but which also gave us the creative freedom of a blank slate.'

Focus on the extraordinary views

Tillberg Cruise Newbuild Director Iina Forsblom added: 'The keynotes of the Scandi-design interiors we have created are sophisticated elegance and comfort, while never forgetting that with Swan Hellenic the focus is always on the extraordinary views outside. So we have conceived all the interiors to create a seamless connection with the outside world.'

'We’re delighted with the way these designs have come together,' Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said, 'creating unique experiences that honor Swan Hellenic’s cultural expedition heritage while bringing it bang up to date in comfort, services and, above all vision, transforming the inward-looking paradigm of classic cruise ships into a world of casual comfort and elegance that looks outwards to see what others don’t.'