SH Minerva
Sails from Ushuaia, Argentina · Fly into USH
Page updated
SH Minerva at Ostermoor, Germany · Photo: HenSti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About SH Minerva
SH Minerva is a Swan Hellenic cruise ship, in service since 2021. She measures 10,617 gross tons and carries 152 guests with a crew of 117. She sails Antarctica itineraries. We rate her 3.7 out of 5.
SH Minerva was the first ship built for the relaunched Swan Hellenic, delivered by Helsinki Shipyard in 2021 and named after the line's earlier Minerva. She carries 152 guests in 76 staterooms with 117 staff, measures about 114 meters and 10,617 gross tons, and has a Polar Class 5 hull, an observation lounge, an infinity pool, a panoramic sauna and a spa. A few months after entering service, sanctions affecting her financing halted her, and she spent almost three years laid up at Fray Bentos, Uruguay. Swan Hellenic bought her back in 2025, and after a ceremony in Montevideo she resumed sailing in late 2025 with a 17-night Antarctic voyage from Buenos Aires.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 152
- Crew 117 · 1:1.3
- Entered service
- 2021
- Length
- 114 m
- Shorter than 80% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 9
SH Minerva is smaller than 73% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 77%. At 69.8 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 94% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Dining
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Entertainment
- 2/5, fleet average 2.0
- Service
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Pools & decks
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Swan Hellenic fleet average across 3 rated ships in service.
More from Swan Hellenic
The ships in the fleet closest to her in size.
3.7 ★SH Vega2022 · 10,617 GT · 152 guests · AntarcticaSH Vega is the sister of SH Minerva, built at Helsinki Shipyard under the project name Vega 2 and in service with Swan Hellenic since 2022. The 10,617-ton ship has 76 staterooms…
3.7 ★SH Diana2023 · 12,255 GT · 192 guests · Antarctica · Northern EuropeSH Diana is Swan Hellenic's largest ship, a newer-generation polar vessel built at Helsinki Shipyard and in service since 2023. She measures about 125 meters and 12,255 gross…Official deck plans
Photos
SH Minerva at Ostermoor, GermanyPhoto: HenSti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
Home port: Ushuaia, Argentina.
Flying in for your cruise?
SH Minerva sails from Ushuaia, Argentina. The airport is Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International (USH), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.
The lounge at Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International on Lounge FrogEvery ship sailing from Ushuaia, ArgentinaQuick answers
Which cruise line operates SH Minerva?
SH Minerva is operated by Swan Hellenic.
How big is SH Minerva?
SH Minerva measures 10,617 gross tons and 114 metres in length, with 9 decks.
How does SH Minerva compare in size with other cruise ships?
SH Minerva is smaller than 73% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 77%. At 69.8 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 94% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does SH Minerva feel?
SH Minerva has a passenger space ratio of 69.8: 10,617 gross tons for 152 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so SH Minerva feels spacious for her size.
How many passengers does SH Minerva carry?
SH Minerva carries 152 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 117 (about 1.3 guests per crew member).
When did SH Minerva enter service?
SH Minerva entered service in 2021.
Where does SH Minerva sail?
SH Minerva sails Antarctica itineraries. Her home port is Ushuaia, Argentina.
Which airport should I fly into for SH Minerva?
SH Minerva sails from Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly into Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International (USH), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for SH Minerva?
Swan Hellenic publishes the deck plans for SH Minerva; this page links to Deck plans.
How is SH Minerva rated?
Cruise Frog rates SH Minerva 3.7 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on cabins (5/5) and lowest on entertainment (2/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about SH Minerva
- Swan Hellenic SETI cruises: book for the science, then check the night-sky conditions
A scientist sailing with an expedition cruise can be a compelling reason to choose a departure. I would book Swan Hellenic's SETI series for the talks and conversations, then treat any stargazing as dependent on the route and conditions.
Itineraries
- Swan Hellenic names the SETI scientists sailing on its six 2027 space-themed expedition cruises
From the Solomon Islands to Svalbard and Antarctica, each 2027 Explore Space at Sea cruise carries one SETI Institute scientist as a guest speaker.
Itineraries