Soon-to-launch Swan Hellenic ship SH Diana has touched water for the first time.
The 192-passenger vessel, which is being built at Helsinki Shipyard, is said to be “comfortably on schedule” to operate its maiden cruise from Palermo, Sicily on April 15, 2023.
The debut Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors voyage concludes in Lisbon. From there, the vessel will head to the Arctic where it will offer more sailings.
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Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said: “We are delighted with the construction progress and quality of SH Diana, a vessel with state-of-the-art ship technology and sustainability that will enter service as planned in April.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard her to experience our cultural expedition cruises with the first-time option of choosing between shore exploration by tender boat as well as expedition zodiac.”
Kim Salmi, chief executive of Helsinki Shipyard, added: “With exemplary co-operation between our personnel, owners representatives and our multiple contractors and suppliers, SH Diana has reached maturity for this milestone and was floated out.
“Works will now continue with intense commissioning phase, preparing her for passengers in April.”