Swan Hellenic has announced full details of SH Minerva ’s first four cultural expedition cruises in the Asia-Pacific region.
The pioneering line will explore untouched landscapes and ancient cultures, guided by international experts in history, science, and anthropology.
Each sailing is enriched by onboard experts, who provide lectures and insights throughout the intimate voyage experience.
All four cruises will take place between April and May 2026, ranging from 10 to 13 nights each.
Guests will travel aboard the boutique ice-class ship SH Minerva, which accommodates just 152 passengers in elegant Scandinavian-inspired surroundings.
The voyages combine cultural encounters, natural wonders, and remote island experiences across the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Because of their isolation, the first three cruises include Swan Hellenic’s full Cruise Plus programme with hotels, flights, and transfers.
These sailings can also be combined into longer journeys without repeating destinations, creating seamless extended explorations of the region
Honiara to Jayapura – April 5–18, 2026
This 13-night itinerary visits the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, blending wartime history with tribal traditions and wilderness.
Highlights include snorkelling Njari Island’s pristine reefs, exploring Rabaul’s volcanic landscapes, and visiting isolated villages along the Sepik River.
The package includes a night in Brisbane, transfers, and charter flights to Honiara and post-cruise to Bali.
Jayapura to Sorong – April 18–28, 2026
A 10-night adventure through West Papua and Raja Ampat, revealing Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and rarely visited sacred sites.
Guests can encounter whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, trek jungle trails, and admire Wayag’s dramatic karst pinnacles.
Traditional communities offer cultural immersion, while Waigeo and Ayu Atoll showcase pristine nature, from orchids to nesting turtles.
The package includes a Bali hotel stay plus round-trip charter flights between Bali and Jayapura.
Sorong to Manila – April 28–May 9, 2026
This 11-night voyage covers Raja Ampat and the Philippines, exploring one of Earth’s richest marine environments.
SH Minerva visits Ayu Atoll, Misool’s limestone islets, and Palawan’s beaches, before reaching Manila’s dynamic cultural heart.
Guests can expect whale shark encounters, snorkelling, and island traditions that highlight the relationship between humanity and nature.
The package includes Bali accommodation, transfers, and charter flights to Sorong to join the ship.
Manila to Hiroshima – May 9–20, 2026
The 11-night journey from the Philippines to Japan combines remote islands with UNESCO heritage sites and spiritual traditions.
Sailings include Hundred Islands National Park, Vigan’s colonial architecture, and Japan’s Amami Oshima and Okinawa islands.
Cultural highlights include Christian sites in Sakitsu, Kagoshima’s vibrant city life, and Hiroshima’s poignant history.
With these voyages, Swan Hellenic enters Asia-Pacific waters for the first time, offering cultural expeditions in refined comfort.