New Swan Hellenic ship Minerva has left Helsinki for Argentina for its first expedition cruise of the Antarctic.
The ten-day maiden sailing over the new year departs from Ushuaia on December 29.
The first of three ice class cultural expedition vessels was delivered last week following sea trails and its christening.
The 152-passenger Minerva sailed through the Kiel Canal (pictured) following delivery from its Finnish ship yard.
Minerva is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles.
Preparations have been made to implement battery technology which would also make it possible to operate silently, according to the company.
Minerva will be followed by sister ship Vega and a larger third vessel, which are both under construction at the Helsinki shipyard.
Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito added: “With Swan Hellenic now a unique presence on the waves again, we very much look forward to taking our guests to see what others don’t, exploring the Antarctic in exceptional comfort and style.”