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Dozens of Adelie Penguins gather on an ice flow in the seawater near Brown Bluff on the Antarctica Peninsula.

South Atlantic Cruise: From Antarctica to South Africa

Ushuaia - Cape Town - Example 22 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Embark on a 22-day cruise that begins in Ushuaia, traveling across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Tristan de Cunha before concluding in Cape Town.  Along the way, experience Antarctic glaciers, observe wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales, and visit historic whaling stations. Explore South Georgia, home to vast colonies of king and macaroni penguins, and venture to the remote Tristan de Cunha, famous for its seabird populations. Between destinations, sea days provide time to relax, learn from expert lecturers, and enjoy panoramic views from the ship.
Looking across the Beagle Channel from UshuaiaIceberg extraordinary form at sunset in backlight rays of the sun in Antarctica. The beauty of AntarcticaLeopard seal resting on ice floe, looking at the photographer, blue sky, with icebergs in background, cloudy day, Antarctic peninsulaCrabeater seals on ice floe, Antarctic Peninsula, AntarcticaKing penguin, South Georgia, Seabird, Southern Ocean,King Penguin colony in water at South GeorgiaDozens of Adelie Penguins gather on an ice flow in the seawater near Brown Bluff on the Antarctica Peninsula.
Highlights
  • Observe penguins, seals, and whales in the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Discover the unique landscape and wildlife of Antarctica
  • Navigate through the scenic Lemaire Channel’s towering icebergs
  • Visit remote Tristan de Cunha, rich in seabird species
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Arrive in Buenos Aires, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Ushuaia | Embark

In the morning, join the group and transfer to the airport. Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and hop on the group transfer to the port. Afterward, embark on SH Diana for your Polar adventure.

Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colorful streets and mismatched buildings cascade from the imposing mountains before coming to an abrupt halt at the shores of the Beagle Channel. As one of the world’s southernmost cities, Ushuaia carries its ‘end of the world’ reputation well. The moody weather and dramatic surroundings certainly help.

Day 3: At Sea

Sea days offer plenty to keep you engaged. Relax and watch the world pass from the observation decks, where you’ll enjoy panoramic ocean views. Use the day to connect with fellow passengers, exchange stories about your adventure, or visit the well-stocked library for a range of reference books. Attend expert-led lectures for new insights, or sharpen your photography skills with guidance from the onboard photographers.

Day 4-7: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs, and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent live their Antarctica dream. It's the most accessible part, with scientific bases and incredible scenery, like the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Shore excursions might include Petermann Island, where among Adelie penguins, blue-eyed shags, and skuas, huge, lumbering elephant seals haul out.

Day 8-9: At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Day 10-12: South Georgia

Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has a number of landing sites with half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Among its remarkable sites is Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) rests in peace.

Day 13-16: At Sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture, or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of the Observation Lounge.

Day 17: Tristan De Cunha

Seabirds outnumber humans in this remote British outpost in the middle of the southern Atlantic. Millions of species like the rare yellow-nosed albatross, skuas, terns, and petrels, including the endangered Tristan albatross, inhabit the bluffs. Northern rockhopper penguins breed on the beaches, while upwellings attract whales and dolphins. Fur seals also haul out on the island teeming with avian life.

Day 18-21: At Sea

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Day 22: Cape Town | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping, and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to the distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Ushuaia - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,180 2-3 travelers
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Junior Suite
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
SH Diana Suite
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Diana Premium Suite
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Included
  • 21 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
  • 21 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
  • Illy espresso, Kusmi tea, and minibar stocked with soft drinks and beer available in staterooms
  • Welcome champagne available in staterooms
  • Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Buenos Aires Hotel tax (up to $2 per person/night) - paid at checkout
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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