VIKAND Selected by Swan Hellenic for Multiyear Fleet Medical Management
Vikand Medical Solutions, LLC—the global maritime medical operations and public health provider—has entered into a multiyear agreement with Swan Hellenic to manage all medical operations aboard its cultural expedition cruise ships. With its guests’ passion for exploring the world’s most remote areas, robust healthcare and medical services are paramount to Swan Hellenic and foundational for guest safety and peace of mind.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, comments, “Swan Hellenic is a pioneering heritage brand with a reputation for anticipating guests’ needs and exceeding their expectations. Our attention to detail is evident in every aspect of our sophisticated yet warm and informal guest experience and throughout our ships. While invisible to our clients, having VIKAND manage all the medical operations aboard our new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition vessels—SH Minerva and SH Vega—means we can be sure to provide medical protection and care of the highest standards in any eventuality.”
VIKAND medical management includes every aspect of onboard medical care to provide a protected environment for guests and crew alike, to maintain operational continuity and reduce risk. This comprehensive approach to healthcare includes medical facility operations, outbreak prevention and mitigation, emergency support, formulary and biomedical equipment management, medical staffing, and ongoing consultation.
“With new 2022 itineraries announced in July 2021, VIKAND is working closely with Swan Hellenic to ensure a safe environment that completes the many measures it employs to create unforgettable guest experiences,” explains Tom Brady, VIKAND’s Vice President of Global Partner Relationships. “VIKAND is excited to partner with Swan Hellenic, complementing the visible aspects of Swan Hellenic’s onboard and exotic destination experiences in a behind-the-scenes role with an all-encompassing focus on healthcare systems and the required human resources to provide impeccable care should the need arise.
About VIKAND
Image: SH Minerva Cabin Sauna, Courtesy of Swan Hellenic
VIKAND provides global medical and public health service solutions to the entire maritime industry, including cruise, yacht, superyacht, commercial shipping, fishing, and energy sectors. VIKAND works with more than 200 cruise ship clients—spread over 32 cruise lines—supporting 120,000 crew with medical and mental wellness needs supported by experienced onboard and onshore medical staffs. VIKAND’s proven medical and public health expertise and experience is demonstrated through a proactive and evidence-based healthcare approach, the VIKAND Total Healthcare Solution and is coordinated with global regulatory agencies and industry associations. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, public health, and COVID-19 consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and products, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions. VIKAND recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was awarded the Seatrade Cruise Awards Supplier of the Year 2020 in October. VIKAND has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg and soon Monaco in addition to having staff located throughout the world.
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 Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North America market) and 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 the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.
My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion
