Swan Hellenic announced the naming ceremony of its largest ship, SH Diana, will be held in Amsterdam on May 4, 2023, according to a press release.
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “We’re truly honored to have Valerie as Godmother to this very special new ship, considering her iconic status in the US travel industry and the importance of the US market for Swan Hellenic. SH Diana proudly takes us back to where our story began, while also opening a new chapter that takes cultural expedition cruising worldwide in exceptional comfort and style.”
The SH Diana will be named by luxury travel icon Valerie Ann Wilson in the presence of the Swan Hellenic senior management, VIP guests, local guests, the media as well as members of the cruise and travel industries from across the world.
Wilson, the founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel and winner of numerous awards, is also chairman emeritus of the Global Member Advisory Board of the Virtuoso network of luxury travel advisors as well as chairman of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Committee.
After the naming ceremony and following entertainment events, Wilson will remain onboard as a VIP group host during the SH Diana’s maiden “Norway Explored” voyage departing in the evening of May 4.
The new ship will call at Mandal, Norway and then sail along the Norwegian coast before reaching Tromso, Gateway to the Arctic. After completing the Arctic Season of 7 cultural expedition cruises, the SH Diana will sail the Mediterranean, marking the cruise line’s return to the region. The ship will then sail through the Suez Canal to the Paradise Islands, Madagascar and Southern Africa on her way to Antarctica.
Terje Leiren, Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, will also attend the naming ceremony and share his expert knowledge onboard.
Swan Hellenic has made preparations to implement zero-emission battery technology on the ship to enable the ship to operate silently in port, marine reserves, and other sensitive natural areas. The ship is also equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities.
