SH Diana
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
mul... Argentina
mul... Argentina
Christened in Amsterdam in spring 2023, Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana—who takes her name from the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, and the wilderness—is the third ship in the cruise line’s portfolio. Just as her sister ships—the SH Minerva launched in November 2021 and the SH Vega in July 2022—the Finnish-built Diana marries expedition experiences with luxury. At 410 feet, she is forty feet longer than the other two, and accommodates 192 guests over 96 staterooms and suites, many with balconies. Among the crew of 141 that she carries are a dozen seasoned expedition guides, joined by expert guest lecturers as well.Read More
The Diana sails all seven continents, with a big draw being her PC 6 ice-class status that makes her especially suited for the polar regions. Two tenders make for a more comfortable alternative to the ships fifteen Zodiacs for shore and expedition landings. She carries extra-large stabilizers for passenger comfort as well.
Wastewater and emissions systems on the Diana utilize state of the art technologies. Small impactful practices include convenient water dispensers to cut down on plastic usage, while a paperless policy means daily guest information is screened on the stateroom TV system and apps.
Gorgeous oversized glass etchings grace the Deck 4 reception walls, while public area art works range from lovely abstract illustrations that represent voyage destinations to quirky whales on the wall that are covered in lightbulbs strung out like constellations.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Tillberg Design of Sweden has produced an interior of muted Scandi hues and organic textures that give off more of a luxury hotel vibe than ship cabin. An enormous amount of closet space, in which your plush robe hangs, rivals that of a New York studio. Ample cabinets include one with a pair of Nikon binoculars in it. Dedicated reading lamps go along with an array of lighting options. A divider can go up between beds and living area, which has a couch and small table. The desk has an Illy coffee maker, under which the drinks minibar is stocked with welcome Champagne. Bathrooms feature a rain shower and makeup mirror and Italian La Jatica toiletries. As per popular request, the Diana will soon have fireplaces added that the other vessels have.
With 66 cabins, the vast majority are of the 302-square-foot balcony category, whose balconies are reached via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. The ship’s full offering ranges between two 506-square-foot premium suites to 215-square-foot oceanview rooms. Rooms can be connected for family use. There are no windowless inside cabins, nor single-occupancy cabins. For green purposes, sheets are changed every three days, unless otherwise requested.
The SH Diana has an accessible balconied cabin that is ADA compliant with a wet unit. Two elevators serve all but the top deck, and only a few viewing platform areas pose challenges to reach. The swimming pool, hot tub and sauna are not access equipped, nor are expedition Zodiacs.
Food & Drink
The main dining venue, the Swan Restaurant has both open floor seating as well as booths and room separators which makes for quiet dining even with covers for some 150 diners. A small private dining room for special occasions has port side views. International cuisine always comes with several choices of appetizers and soups and salads and four main dishes of fresh fish along with beef, lamb or chicken. Two white and two red wine selections are always included. Often as many as a half dozen desserts are served.
The restaurant breakfast and lunch are buffet, but there is plenty of waiter service so you’re not standing around watching your omelette get flipped. Weather permitting, the Pool Bar & Grill puts on a festive lunch of pizza, burgers, and bratwurst. Lunch food and snacks are also often available in the casual Club Lounge, where pastry chefs put out cakes fit for a birthday, and 24-hour tea and coffee is self serve. The in-cabin dining menu is also available 24 hours and during regular shipboard dining hours you can order from the Restaurant’s menu.
The launch of SH Diana also introduced Maris, a collaboration between Swan Hellenic and the international gastronomic organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs. Guest chefs will create special menus reflecting the destinations being visited, as well as host onboard cookery classes and produce a gala dinner of their cuisine back home.
The deck 7 Observation Lounge with a long bar counter by the entrance doubles as the ship’s social gathering spot. Waitstaff serves those who wish to sit in the further reaches of the lounge for more privacy. The bartenders’ extensive drinks list has a surprising number of high-end brands that are inclusive. The deck 7 Club Lounge serves wine during the day, and just outside its doors the pool bar is open daytime, weather permitting.
Entertainment
In the evening, the Observation Lounge is turned over to a piano player who croons popular songs. By the basecamp area, the ship has an excellent small library full of volumes on the natural world and travel. A large portion of deck 9 is devoted to stargazing or wildlife spotting.
Entertainment as such on the Diana is geared more toward the cerebral or low-key sort, rather than a party atmosphere. In addition to their daily scheduled guest lectures on history, culture, geography, Swan Hellenic has created a Citizen Science Program that involves guests in research projects using the onboard Expedition Laboratory.
The California SETI Institute has joined up to provide guests with expert insights into the history and latest discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology and all things planetary science related.
Spa & Fitness
The Diana fitness center is as complete as any on larger ships, and even that of a luxury condo building, with a full array of treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, free weights and other equipment. Don’t expect a full day’s schedule of trainer sessions, however. Both larger and on a higher deck than on the line’s other two ships, the wellness area now includes a steam room to go along with the sauna, the latter coming with a panoramic window. The deck side hot tub can fit a good dozen guests. The spa menu offers a full range of massage treatments and guests can book a mani/pedi and change their hair style in the brand new Beauty Salon. The ship’s small infinity pool is located outside of the Club Lounge and has excellent unobstructed scenic views.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
SH follows World Health Organization recommendations, which recommends that guests be fully vaccinated–but it is not required, nor is mask wearing. SH has a doctor on board and medical staff available on deck 3. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout and staff are seen cleaning public areas frequently.
Dress Code
Guests should feel comfortable and thus there is no official dress code onboard. Smart casual dress is in order for dinner, with every guest welcome to interpret that as they wish. Guests are free to wear robes in spa and pool areas, but you’ll look out of place wearing one in other areas. There is a self-service laundry room onboard. In polar regions a parka is provided as is the use of boots.
Junior Cruisers
Children at least 8 years old can sail on SH ships. The ships aren’t geared, however, toward children’s activities, with no special areas designed for them.
Service
While these are expedition vessels, the service level is that of a luxury ship where everyone on the hotel and dining crew side always knows your name. 24-hour room service is available in lieu of the more formal butler service of some luxury cruises.
Tipping
Tipping is included on Swan Hellenic cruises. Of course, passengers are welcome to show appreciation by giving additional tips to any crew from whom they received exceptional service. The same holds true for outside excursion guides and drivers.