Swan Hellenic’s third and largest ice-class expedition ship is to be named in Amsterdam on May 4.

Virtuoso luxury agency group advisory board chair Valerie Ann Wilson, founder of US agency Valerie Wilson Travel, is due to name the vessel SH Diana.

She will remain on board as a VIP group host during SH Diana’s maiden cruise to Tromso.

The 192-passenger ship features a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system.

SH Diana will make its to the Mediterranean after completing seven Arctic cruises before transiting through the Suez Canal to Madagascar and southern Africa en route to Antarctica.

Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said: “We’re truly honoured to have Valerie as godmother to this very special new ship, considering her iconic status in the US travel industry and the importance of the US market for Swan Hellenic. 

“SH Diana proudly takes us back to where our story began, while also opening a new chapter that takes cultural expedition cruising worldwide in exceptional comfort and style.”