The inaugural Asia Pacific season for cultural expedition specialists Swan Hellenic has begun with a flurry of trade and media activity on the first three sailings.
Kirsty Fruin, the Australia and New Zealand Sales Director appointed in December 2025 when Swan Hellenic announced expansion into the region says of the West Papua and Raj Ampat voyage, “We’re doing maiden calls, meeting heads of tribes, watching cultural dances and performances, jungle treks in the pitch black to see the elusive red bird of paradise mate at sunrise and even snorkelling with whale sharks!”
There has also been a full diving programme available in Raja Ampat. Fruin says, “The feedback from the diving programme guests has been phenomenal and something we will continue to offer in our future seasons here. We’re already committed to having SH Minerva in these waters until 2028 and we’re working on some new and exciting plans for the programme as we speak.”
Up Close and Personal in West Papau and Sorong
On the West Papua and Raja Ampat (Sorong – Sorong round trip) itinerary, attendees Rachel Cleary (Savennio), Gareth Evison (Imagine Cruising), Richard Muff (Main Beach Travel), Sheree Clements (House of Travel) and Jacqueline Vincent (MTA) have been experiencing the brand’s ability to “See What Others Don’t” (in keeping with the company’s tagline). The Coral Triangle and Raja Ampat are highly desirable expedition destinations, easily accessible to Australia and New Zealand guests.
Fruin says “We’re still viewed by our local partners as a new and emerging luxury expedition cruise line in ANZ, but the support they have shown in getting behind our inaugural APAC season has been more than we could ever have imagined. We’re truly humbled and grateful for that and we will continue to support our new and long standing partnerships in every way we can.”
Due to overwhelming demand from the PAC market for our Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay cruise this year, Swan Hellenic is announcing that they will be offering two departures in 2027, scheduled for April and May.
Exploring the Remote Islands from the Solomon Islands to Indonesia
Beth Stolyar, Regional Director Australia & New Zealand, also hosted five agents including Di Cox, Claire Hardie, Deborah Dewe (MTA Travel), Meike Bracht-Thomas (Eclipse Travel) and Louise Crow (MyCruises) on Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea from Honiara, Solomon Islands to Soring, Indonesia, 13 nights from 5-18 April 2026.
They were able to experience the charter flights from Brisbane to Honiara and from Sorong to Bali, offering a convenient and cost-effective option for Australian and New Zealand guests, plus visiting some of the most remote islands, with very limited infrastructure—destinations only accessible by small expedition ships.
Stolyar says “On a personal note, one of the most memorable experiences was visiting incredibly isolated and traditional villages, and witnessing the genuine happiness of the local communities. Places like Papua New Guinea are a powerful reminder that a simpler way of life can often be the most fulfilling.”
Full Steam Ahead
Writer Louise Goldsbury, currently onboard, says “I’m excited to be one of the first Australian media onboard Swan Hellenic, experiencing this interesting addition to our expedition options. The crew are exceptional, and there’s a broad mix of ages and nationalities among the passengers”. While the agents will be advising these unique, off the beaten track, tropical expedition voyages to their clients for 2027, eyes are looking immediately ahead to the Japan, Africa and Amazon itineraries following later this year.
Di Cox, Claire Hardie, Deborah Dewe (MTA Travel) and Louise Crow (MyCruises), below.
