Swan Hellenic among first cruise lines to require COVID vaccinations for all ship’s staff and crew

Measure completes industry-leading package of health measure

Nicosia,Cyprus, Monday 15 February 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that it has introduced valid Covid-19 vaccination as a pre-embarkation medical requirement for all ship’s staff and crew.

The vaccination cycle will be carried out at recruitment centres or in the home countries of the crew members in accordance with current local guidelines and approved medical protocols.

This decisive action to protect staff and guests on the iconic cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s new ice-class ships completes an industry-leading package of health measures to ensure a safe environment on board.

First and foremost, its fleet of three new ships is being built with the very latest hygiene technology and to the highest standards in consultation with world-leading onboard healthcare and public health experts Vikand. All the onboard air conditioning plants, for example, are UV sanitised using the most advanced technology.

In addition, all Swan Hellenic staff are of course trained and monitored in implementing all the procedures and practices specified by industry standards and required by the authorities at time of sailing, including the routine regular pre-boarding and on-board tests, as well as rigorous sanitising of the ships’ public areas, staterooms, technical areas and crew and staff quarters.

For further peace of mind in these uncertain times, Swan Hellenic guests can book with total confidence, knowing they’re protected by a no-quibble cancellation policy that allows cancellation up to 30 days before departure, providing a Future Cruise Credit valid for 2 years.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito explained “We are totally committed to the health and peace of mind of our guests and crews, ensuring they can relax and focus entirely on the life-enriching opportunities we offer to see what others don't.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.

Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports its customers with close personal service worldwide.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, please visit www.swanhellenic.com

or call +44 (0) 207 846 0271

For Swan Hellenic, please contact:

Mario Bounas, VP, Marketing: Mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com