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South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica

Cape Town to Ushuaia - Example 22 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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On this 22-day Africa to America Antarctic Epic Expedition Cruise aboard SH Diana, depart from Cape Town, South Africa. Explore Cape Town, a beautiful city with a rich history and culture before boarding the ship. The next few days will be spent crossing the Drake Passage. Once crossed the Drake Passage, arrive in the South Shetland Islands, home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Enter the Antarctic Peninsula, the southernmost point of the continent which is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula. Go on shore excursions, Zodiac cruises, and lectures by expert expedition leaders. Visit Port Lockroy, Shackleton Icefall, and the South Orkney Islands before crossing the Drake Passage. Disembark in Ushuaia. 
St Andrew, South GeorgiaGrytviken, South GeorgiaTable Mountain and Cape Town Harbour, South AfricaSunset over Century City, CapetownEnjoying the midnight sun in the Lemaire channelGrytviken, South GeorgiaA colony of king penguins on South GeorgiaUshuaia on a much sunnier day
Highlights
  • Explore Cape Town, a beautiful city with a rich history and culture
  • Cross the Drake Passage and arrive in the South Shetland Islands
  • Enter the Antarctic Peninsula and see some of the most spectacular sceneries
  • Go on shore excursions, Zodiac cruises, and lectures by expedition leaders
  • Visit Port Lockroy, Shackleton Icefall, and the South Orkney Islands
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: Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2: Cape Town | Embark

Embark on SH Diana for your adventure. Starting an epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa. Dominated by Table Mountain, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards, wonderful harbor fronts, and surprising restaurants where one can indulge in delicious seafood.

Day 3-6: 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 gives you the opportunity 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 onboard professional photographers.

Day 7: Tristan da Cunha

With barely 250 permanent inhabitants, Tristan da Cunha is far from the beaten path. The island teems with wildlife such as Northern rockhopper penguins, the endangered Tristan Albatross, and sea lions while the surrounding upwellings attract vast numbers of Whales and Dolphins.

Day 8-11: At Sea

Spend your day at sea. 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 12-13: South Georgia

Often called the “Galapagos of the Poles”, South Georgia has a number of landing sites where you get up close to half a million king penguins or three million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world. If you are lucky you will also see harrumphing elephant seals - from a distance! Travelers also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.

Day 14-15: At Sea

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym, or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable on-board experts.

Day 16-19: Antarctic Peninsula

Among captivating glaciers, majestic icebergs, and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is where most visitors to the White Continent will live out their Antarctica dream. The Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the continent, hosts several scientific bases and some of the most interesting wildlife scenery, such as the extremely 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 20-21: At Sea

Spend your day at sea. 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 22: Ushuaia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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. Board your boutique ship before departing for your journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions of the world.

On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head on to the airport via the group transfer provided and then catch the flight to Buenos Aires.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Cape Town - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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    Deals

    Up to $5,500 Air Credit + Gold Wifi 27659
    Book your 2025 voyage by July 7, 2025, and take advantage of up to $5,500 Air credit plus Gold Wifi. The offer applies to selected sailings across all balcony categories. Valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with any other promo, except for the 5% repeat guest discount. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
    Applies to Nov 14, 2025 departure

    Per person starting at
    $15,580
    Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
    SH Diana Oceanview D4
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    Oceanview D4
    Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
    SH Diana Oceanview M4
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    Oceanview M4
    Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
    SH Diana Balcony D5
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
    • Regional flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
    • Regional flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
    Excluded
    • Travel Insurance
    • Personal Expenses
    • Flight costs (please request a quote)
    • Additional excursions during free time
    • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
    • 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.
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