Swan Hellenic reschedules sailings due to Ukraine and Covid

Expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic is making changes to 2022-23 itineraries in response to Ukraine crisis and Covid curbs in Asia.

The 152-passenger ship Minerva will be deployed on additional UK and Ireland sailings, while second vessel Vega is now due to be launched in September in time for the next Antarctica season.

The changes are in response to both the tragic situation in Ukraine and ongoing Covid-related restrictions across the Far East, according to the company.

Minerva will now be sailing in northern hemisphere for a refocused Arctic season, preceded by new UK Celtic discovery cruises.

The company’s second purpose-built polar class expedition ship is now scheduled to leave its Helsinki shipyard in September and head directly for Argentina.

Both vessels will then run Antarctic sailings, retaining itineraries acclaimed in Minerva’s maiden season.

Chief executive Andrea Zito said: “Like the cruise industry as a whole, we’ve moved fast in response to the tragic situation in Ukraine.

“While apologising to our guests for the disappointment this has caused and grateful for their understanding, we’re very proud of the exciting new itineraries and opportunities we’ve created for them to continue seeing what others don’t.”