SH Diana is a new ultramodern expedition cruise ship currently under construction. It is the third and largest Vega-class vessel ordered by Swan Hellenic, an expedition cruise operator based in Germany.
The vessel’s sister ships, SH Minerva and SH Vega, were delivered in December 2021 and July 2022, respectively.
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Construction of SH Diana commenced in June 2021, and the keel laying ceremony was held in April 2022 at the shipyard of Finland-based shipbuilder Helsinki Shipyard. The ship was floated out of dry dock in January 2023 and is expected to enter service in April 2023.
SH Diana cruise ship design and features
The expedition cruise ship will measure 125m long, with a beam width of 23m and draft of 5.45m. It will have a gross tonnage of 12,100t. The vessel will have a total of nine decks and accommodate 192 guests and 141 crew. It will have an endurance of 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles.
The vessel features a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers for smooth sailing. The vessel is designed with extensive outside deck areas and multiple observation points with unobstructed views.
SH Diana will be equipped with 11 Mk 5 and four Mk 6 Zodiac inflatable boats, as well as two tendered boats with a capacity of 48 each. The ship will also be equipped with two fully enclosed lifeboats and eight kayaks.
Accommodation
The SH Diana will feature 96 staterooms and 11 suites, all featuring panoramic sea views. Amenities will include large flat-screen TVs, espresso machines with Illy premium coffee, tea-making facilities and minibars. In-room dining will also be available 24 hours a day.
The Oceanview staterooms, located on deck four, will have an area of 20m², two single beds and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Spread across decks five and six, the Balcony staterooms will have the same features as the Oceanview staterooms in an area of 28m² and with an added 6m² private balcony.
The Suites will also be located on decks five and six. With an area of 44m², these rooms will feature a super king-sized bed, separate living room with flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom and 12m² private balcony. On the same decks, the Junior Suites will offer 35m² of space and many of the same features, as well as a private kitchen and 7m² private balcony.
The Premium Suites on deck six are the largest on the ship, with an area of 47m². They will feature a super king-size bed, separate living room with flame-effect fireplace, ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and 12m² private balcony.
Dining and amenities
The main dining venue on the SH Diana will be the Swan Restaurant, located on deck four. The venue will be transformed in the evenings to serve world-class gourmet cuisines prepared by Michelin-star chefs.
The Club Lounge on deck seven will be a casual hub with 24-hour tapas-style dining. Located on the same deck, the Observation Lounge will offer guests a place to relax with alcoholic beverages after a day of exploration.
The ship will also have an alfresco dining area where guests can enjoy drinks and food by the heated outdoor pool.
Guests will be able to enjoy further services, including a gym, spa, jacuzzi, sauna and beauty salon, on deck eight.
Engine and propulsion
The SH Diana will be powered by four medium-speed diesel-electric hybrid engines with selective catalytic reduction, offering 4.6MW of propulsion power, along with 690V/1,760kV generators.
The vessel will have a cruising speed of 14.5k and maximum speed of 15.5k.
Contractors involved
Poland-based shipbuilding company CRIST is responsible for building the hull blocks of the vessel.
McFarlane ShipDesign, a ship design and naval architecture firm, provided the exterior design of the ship, while Tillberg Design, a cruise ship and hotel interiors design company based in Sweden, provided the interior design.
SH Diana itinerary
In April 2023, SH Diana will embark on her maiden voyage from Palermo, Italy, to Lisbon, Portugal, where she will begin her Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors itinerary. The vessel will also sail Swan Hellenic’s Historic Ports of the Western Seaboard and Norway Explored cruise routes, offering explorations of the West Atlantic seaboard and the Arctic.
