extraordinary South Africa
on the Sh Diana

Extraordinary South Africa

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Extraordinary South Africa

Day 1

Maputo

The city of Maputo was founded towards the end of the 18th century, and is influenced by a variety of cultures including Bantu, Arabian and Portuguese. Surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture and stunning natural scenery, it is an ideal base from which to explore the region. The scars from past wars and conflict are still evident, but the city is clearly regenerating, and the original beauty and cultural attractions of the area can easily be appreciated by visitors.

Day 3

Richards Bay

South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn - it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

Day 4

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

Day 7

Cape Town

Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana is the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140, she provides the highest levels of personal service. She takes Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launched, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.Now sit back, relax, and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting, and the wilderness, SH Diana is specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on Earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Card Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders that bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilizers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Swan Hellenic’s plethora of dining options provide guests with an appetite for global flavours a tempting variety of options, from sun chasing early riser’s breakfast through to late dinner and 24 hour room service.The onboard restaurants serve modern international delicacies featuring regional cuisine and ingredients creating a unique once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.World renowned chefs will prepare culinary experiences from the destinations visited, pairing the latest international trends with untasted regional delights.Bespoke & private dining experiences will be offered both inside and outside (depending on the weather conditions and routing). Offering guests superb the opportunity to enjoy and explore top-tier culinary skills and the local landscape that is home to distinctive unique flavours of seasonal ingredients, alongside fine wines.

The Swan Dining Room, as the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves international and regional cuisine focused on quality, creativity and flavours.

With an open seating policy, guests can dine at their leisure, from breakfast through to dinner.

Breakfast and Lunch are served on the buffet, while dinner is a sit-down affair complete with white tablecloths and linen napkins.

All of our menus are inspired and created in conjunction with renowned Italian Chef Andrea Ribaldone and Korean Chef Sang Keun Oh and are of international flair and cater to all tastebuds.

The Swan Restaurant Private Dining

Bespoke & private dining experiences will be offered both inside and outside (depending on the weather conditions and routing). Offering guests superb the opportunity to enjoy and explore top-tier culinary skills and the local landscape that is home to distinctive unique flavours of seasonal ingredients, alongside fine wines.

Open from early hours to late at night, this social space has the feel of an expansive living room, leading out to the al fresco Pool Grill and Bar.

The Club Lounge changes its appearance from an Early Riser to a light lunch and a lavish afternoon tea time to a causal dining experience.

In the evening the Club Lounge entices a social chat while offering an interactive family-style dinner. Piemonte’s famous style of pizza is also served along with a mouth-watering selection of desserts.

Room Service

No matter what time of day, our carefully curated In-Cabin Dining Menu traverses perennial international favourites and a plethora of international delicacies, providing a world-class gastronomic experience in the comfort of your own cabin.

Start your morning right with a nourishing selection of breakfast dishes – from a healthy yoghurt, granola and local seasonal fruit to a heartier regionally inspired eggs benedict. Or opt for a more intimate lunch or dinner, served al fresco on your private veranda.

Room Service may also be ordered from the Swan Restaurant during regular dining hours.

A selection of late-night snacks and light bites has been created to pair perfectly with your In-Cabin movie. Please refer to the In-Cabin Dining Menu to place your order.

Room Service is available 24 hours a day.

Inviting you in with expansive panoramic views, the Observation Lounge & Bar is the natural choice for edutainment by day and cocktails by night.

The Observation Lounge also serves as the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet moment and to read a good book. Or simply reflect on the day’s observations with your newly made friends.

Swan's Nest

Take a pew in the forward-facing Swan’s Nest observation platform for extraordinary 180-degree views.

The Library can be found on Deck 3.

Bridge

The Bridge can be found on Deck 8.

The Reception can be found on Deck 4.

Card Room

The Card room can be located on deck 7.

Our guest lecturers have a wealth of specialist knowledge, which helps you fully embrace the amazing destinations you travel to with Swan Hellenic. Each lecture offers interesting insights into the destinations you’re visiting – think history, culture, flora, wildlife – and this really helps you get the most from your time with us. Plus, briefings before each disembarkation, and recaps afterwards, enhance our lectures and talks, encouraging everyone to share their experiences in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Excursions

No stone is left unturned when it comes to researching our shore excursion programmes. All aspects of the itinerary are carefully planned in detail by a knowledgeable, well travelled team to ensure each aspect of the cruise is delivered to the highest possible standard.

We’ve thought of all our guests, including the less mobile. Our 12-person hard-hulled zodiacs, the boats that take guests off the ship, have been designed for increased comfort and manoeuvrability so that everyone can get up close and personal with their majestic surroundings.

As well as our daily zodiac excursions there are opportunities for polar kayaking and trekking and for the brave… The Polar Plunge.

For expeditions ashore, there is a heated concierge managed changing room we like to call Basecamp.

Love landscapes? Gain a deeper understanding of how your surroundings were formed from the knowledgable geologists you meet on board – and change the way you see the world forever.

Basecamp

Basecamp can be found on Deck 3.

Fitness is a key part of the daily routine for many. Just because you’re on holiday your wellbeing routine need not stop.Swan Hellenic's state-of-the-art gym will please the most discerning of fitness fiends. Here, you will find everything from cardio machines and stretch bands to weights. We will also be offering a range of instructor-led classes. Why not try a morning stretch class or book a fitness assessment with one of our specialist body coaches?You don’t have to be pounding the treadmill to enjoy our fabulous on-board fitness and spa facilities. Relax and revive in the sauna, outdoor pool or one of the jacuzzis and book yourself in for a healing massage or facial.Our fitness areas are spotlessly clean, with luxurious changing facilities, water and towels provided.

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. There are also instructor-led classes available, along with personal trainers, offering everything from resistance training and Pilates, to yoga and meditation.

Sauna with a View

Head to Deck 8 for the best views in the world. After a work out in our state-of-the-art gym, relax in our sauna or Jacuzzi and take in those breathtaking vistas along the way. Our sauna is the perfect place for meditative moments after your onshore activities or to finish a well-deserved pampering session.

Spa

At our Balinese spa, including hot stone and bamboo massages, and pampering body care. Our sauna is the perfect place for meditative moments after your onshore activities or to finish a well-deserved pampering session.