A Fresh Frontier
In 2026, Swan Hellenic is charting a course toward wilder horizons, far beyond the usual destinations. With the elegant SH Minerva — a 152-guest expedition ship — leading the way, these new routes explore the less-travelled corners of Melanesia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. It’s a part of the world where jungle-clad volcanoes meet coral kingdoms, where cultures remain deeply rooted, and where every island seems to whisper a different story.
What sets these journeys apart is their sense of continuity. Rather than repeating ports or retracing steps, each itinerary flows seamlessly into the next, allowing guests to combine voyages into an epic, 55-day Grand Cruise — a once-in-a-lifetime sweep across the western Pacific, from the Solomon Islands all the way to Japan’s northern shores.
Voyages of Discovery
The 2026 Asia-Pacific season begins in April, when SH Minerva departs Honiara in the Solomon Islands for a 13-night exploration of Papua New Guinea’s wild coasts. This region, rarely seen by outsiders, is a paradise of volcanic landscapes of Rabaul, coral gardens of Kimbe Bay, and Sepik River communities where art and tradition remain untouched by time.
Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea
April 5-18, 2026 (13 nights)
from Honiara, Guadalcanal Island to Jayapura, Papua
From there, the ship continues through West Papua and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, a region marine biologists call the heart of the Coral Triangle. Guests can snorkel among clouds of tropical fish, kayak past jagged limestone islets, and visit villages that seem to float between forest and sea.
Secrets of the Coral Triangle
April 18-28, 2026 (10 nights)
from Jayapura, Papua to Sorong, Papua
By late April, Minerva sails north into the Philippines, tracing a route from the remote islands of Palawan toward Manila. Here, nature and culture intertwine — limestone cliffs give way to emerald rice terraces, and centuries-old churches sit beside lively local markets.
The Last Paradise on Earth
April 28 - May 9, 2026 (11 nights)
from Sorong, Papua to Manila, Philippines
In May, the ship heads further north, crossing into southern Japan, where palm-fringed Okinawa contrasts with the tranquil gardens and temples of Hiroshima. The final leg of the journey follows Japan’s coastline to Hokkaido, offering a glimpse of the country’s lesser-known coastal communities, all in full spring bloom.
Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery
May 9-20, 2026 (11 nights)
from Manila, Philippines to Hiroshima, Japan
Japan and Korea – Northern & Coastal Panorama
May 20-30, 2026 (10 nights)
from Hiroshima, Japan to Otaru (Hokkaido), Japan
Extended Option: The 55-Day Grand Cruise
For guests with time and wanderlust: chain together all five legs into a 55-night mega-voyage, starting April 5th in Honiara and ending May 30th, 2026 in Otaru, Japan, with no ports of call repeated.
The Swan Hellenic Experience
Swan Hellenic isn’t about ticking destinations off a list — it’s about understanding them. Onboard, guests can expect expert lectures, informal briefings, and the kind of camaraderie that only small-ship travel allows. The ship itself combines Scandinavian-inspired design with expedition readiness: a quiet library, a sauna with ocean views, and spacious staterooms and suites that feel more boutique hotel than a cruise liner. Logistics, too, are designed for ease. Many of these voyages include charter flights and hotel stays through Swan Hellenic’s “Cruise Plus” program, ensuring even the most remote embarkation points are seamlessly accessible.
For the Curious Traveller
These are not cruises for those who want Broadway shows or casino nights. Instead, they appeal to travellers who’d rather trade a lounge chair for a Zodiac landing, a shopping mall for a coral reef, and an itinerary for an adventure. April and May are ideal months for exploration — the weather is gentle, the seas calm, and the landscapes bursting with life. Whether you join for ten nights or fifty, there’s a sense that each day brings a new discovery, a new story, and perhaps even a new way of seeing the world.
Charting a New Course
In many ways, Swan Hellenic’s Asia–Pacific season marks a homecoming of sorts — a return to the brand’s roots in cultural travel, reimagined for modern explorers. These voyages invite guests to rediscover what travel can be: a bridge between people, places, and ideas. For travellers ready to go beyond the map — and far beyond the ordinary — the Swan Hellenic 2026 Asia itineraries might just be the next great adventure.
Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit swanhellenic.com