The first ship from relaunched cruise brand Swan Hellenic has started its maiden voyage, a 10-day Antarctic sailing.
Minerva set sail from Ushuaia, on the southern tip of Argentina, on New Year’s Eve.
The cruise line said the voyage “launches a new era” for the brand, which was relaunched in July 2020.
Andrea Zito, Swan Hellenic chief executive, said: “We are immensely proud to have welcomed our first guests aboard this wonderful new ship to live unique new experiences that advance the revered Swan Hellenic tradition, taking them to see what others don’t in exceptional comfort and style.”
The first in a fleet of three ice-class expedition cruise vessels, Minerva can carry 152 passengers in 76 cabins and suites, with a crew of 120.
The second ship, Vega, will arrive in April 2022 and a larger vessel accommodating 192 passengers is due to arrive by the end of this year.