unsploilt Wilds of Southwest Africa
on the Sh Diana

Unsploilt Wilds of Southwest Africa

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Unsploilt Wilds of Southwest Africa

Day 1

Luanda

To visit Luanda is to witness the inhabitants of Angola rebuild a great city with their newly-acquired wealth. The sense of pride and confidence is overwhelming, and is demonstrated by the city’s new highways and skyscrapers, and by the wildlife and habitat rehabilitation programmes being carried out by the conservation authorities. The modern city of Luanda was founded in 1575 by Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, and soon became a centre for trade between Portugal’s African colonies and Brazil. Apart from a short period of Dutch occupation, Luanda was under Portuguese rule until 1974. In the four decades since independence, Angola has become a peaceful and increasingly prosperous country, rich in diamonds and Africa’s second largest oil producer: many international companies now have head offices in Luanda. Please note: Owing to the destruction caused to the country’s infrastructure during the civil war that ended in 2002, Angola lost much of its ability to produce and distribute food: the resulting heavy import duties and high taxes have driven up the cost of goods and services, making Luanda one of the world’s most expensive cities. The price of excursions in this port reflects the prevailing local conditions.

Day 8

Sao Tome Island

São Tomé seems to embody a kind of lush tropical paradise usually associated with the South Pacific. The atmosphere here is palpably luxury and it is an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea, air and fantastically abundant vegetation. São Tomé and Príncipe is a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. It consists of two islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 87 miles (140 kilometres) apart and about 155 and 140 miles (250 and 225 kilometres), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon. Both islands are part of an extinct volcanic mountain range. São Tomé, the sizable southern island, is situated just north of the equator. It was named in honour of Saint Thomas by Portuguese explorers who happened to arrive at the island on his feast day. São Toméan culture is a mixture of African and Portuguese influences. São Toméans are known for ússua and socopé rhythms, while Principe is home to the dêxa beat. Portuguese ballroom dancing may have played an integral part in the development of these rhythms and their associated dances. Tchiloli is a musical dance performance that tells a dramatic story. The danço-congo is similarly a combination of music, dance and theatre.

Day 11

Cotonou

Tucked between Nigeria and Togo in Benin is the busy trading port of Cotonou. Named a “market town” for its coastal placement and lucrative palm oil and textile trades, Cotonou is a sprawling amorphous city, swaddled between the Atlantic coast and Lake Nakoué. Because of its especial geographical situation, Cotonou is bursting with life — visitors disembarking here will find a colourful port, alive with economic activity and very much the capital (although not in name, the official capital is Porto-Novo to the east) of the trading industry.

Day 12

Lome

If you're sick of the usual beach resorts, then zesty Lomé will welcome you to a coastal destination that oozes with inimitable character. The former 'Jewel of West Africa' offers some wonderful beaches, and exports its delicious bounty of cocoa, coffee and pine kernels far and wide. A disorientating place, where stuttering engines and whizzing motorbikes add a chaotic essence to the city's streets, you’ll see vendors strolling with supplies balanced improbably on their heads, along with a healthy supply of intrigue, adventure and buzzing markets. Swarms of bikes and motorbikes dominate the coastal road, which borders the huge, palm tree lined Lomé beach – but the sand is wide enough for you to relax with the road merely a distant whisper. A treasure trove of traditional masks and statues wait for you to explore inside the National Museum, while the characterful Monument de l'Independance honours the country's sacrifices in its struggle for independence, and is a suitably defiant beacon of liberation.

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.