Having been acquired by G Adventures after All Leisure Group’s collapse in January 2017, the 70-year-old brand was purchased by a new company from G for an undisclosed sum in a deal inked in May.

Swan Hellenic’s new owners will have offices in Monaco, the UK and Germany, with a pair of 152-guest “state-of-the-art” expedition vessels being built in Helsinki.

The first ship will set sail for Antarctica in November 2021 and the second will enter service in April 2022.

The line will be led in the UK by John Warner and Mario Bounas, based in an office in central London.

Swan Hellenic is looking to attract “inquisitive minds who want to discover incredible destinations, reconnect with nature and locals all the while sharing unique experiences”.

Chief executive Andrea Zito said: “I am proud to announce the rebirth of Swan Hellenic a pioneering iconic travel brand with the mission to be the leader in cultural expedition cruising.

“The new Swan Hellenic retains its British heritage whilst being international in outlook. Aimed at the traveller, who wishes to explore, experience and enrich whilst the infinite beauty of the world and its inhabitants in a safe and sustainable way”. 

Agents interested in working with the line can register at www.swanhellenic.com/partners

“Swan Hellenic was always a family brand and we want to continue along the same line by inviting all cruise industry partners to become part of the new Swan Hellenic community,” added Zito. 

He said more information about the brand’s return would be released “over the course of the next weeks and months”, promising: “We are back and we’re bigger and bolder than ever”.