Swan Hellenic’s second vessel has touched water for the first time.

Vega – the sister ship of Minerva (pictured) – floated out of dry dock at at Helsinki Shipyard, where it has been built, on Friday (February 11) ahead of its delivery in May.

The 152-passenger ship will depart from Leith, Scotland, on its 11-day maiden cruise on May 29, 2022.

Destinations in the Faroe Islands, Orkney and Iceland have been included in the itinerary, which finishes in Reykjavík on June 8.

Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said: “We are again delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work.

“Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, everyone at the shipyard has maintained an ambitious schedule to the very highest standards.

“It’s wonderful to see our vision come together so well. We know our guests will love how such similar ships as Minerva and Vega can also be so different, enriching their voyages with us worldwide to see what others don’t.”

Helsinki Shipyard Simo Rastas added: “Vega is a next-generation ship that advances the Swan Hellenic cultural expedition cruising tradition in the inspired mould of her sister ship. We are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents.”

Swan Hellenic confirmed that about half of the blocks are ready to be fitted on the “slightly larger” third vessel after steelwork production started last summer.

“All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards,” the line added.