South Atlantic Cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica
Brown Station and Paradise Bay
21 Nights Luxury Expedition | South Africa to Antarctica
Most people fly to the ice, but there’s a much more impressive way to get there. Leave the lights of Cape Town behind and spend 21 nights crossing the South Atlantic on a journey that very few travellers ever get to experience. This route takes you to some of the most remote islands on the planet, like Tristan da Cunha, and follows the historic path of explorers down to the massive glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s a long, incredible trip that finishes in Ushuaia, giving you a proper look at the wild beauty of the Southern Ocean along the way.
Exclusive Bonus - Receive Special Stateroom Rates, USD300pp onboard credit, and a Gold Wi-Fi package valued at USD500pp when you book by 30 June 2026.
Oceanview Stateroom from AU$22,000pp share twin | Balcony Stateroom from AU$24,000pp share twin based on travel the dates 23 October 2026 to 12 November 2026. Reduced 50% Single Supplement available.
Your Ship SH Diana
The SH Diana is the newest and largest ship in the fleet, launched only a few years ago in 2023. It’s built for serious exploration with a strengthened hull for the ice, but inside, it feels like a boutique 5-star hotel. With only 192 guests on board, you won’t have to deal with crowds, and the service is much more personal. Your room is a great place to relax, with a private balcony, an Illy coffee machine for your morning brew, and even a bottle of Champagne waiting for you. When you’re not out exploring, you can head to the panoramic sauna, the heated outdoor pool, or the open-deck jacuzzi to take in the views in total comfort.
Expedition Highlights
The best part of a three-week voyage is that you actually have time to settle in and enjoy the sights. Between landings, you can join photography workshops or listen to experts tell the stories of the islands you're visiting.
Remote Island Life. Take a Zodiac boat tour around the volcanic cliffs of Tristan da Cunha—one of the most isolated places in the world—to see rare wildlife up close.
Shackleton’s History. Visit South Georgia to see the final resting place of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and walk among massive colonies of at least five different types of penguins.
The Antarctic Peninsula. Get right into the heart of the ice. Whether you’re out kayaking in the quiet, glassy waters or watching giant glaciers from the ship’s deck, the scale of Antarctica is something you have to see to believe.
Cruise Itinerary
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Nestled between Table Mountain and the Atlantic, Cape Town offers a sophisticated blend of wild beauty and urban charm. Enjoy complimentary time to explore the vibrant waterfront, take the cable car for sweeping peninsula views, or visit the African penguins at Boulders Beach. For a refined taste of the region, wander through the historic Stellenbosch vineyards before your inclusive pre-cruise hotel stay.
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Embrace the slow pace of life on the Southern Ocean. These days are yours to enjoy expert-led lectures, refine your technique with our onboard photographers, or find a quiet nook in the library. Whether you’re mingling with fellow travellers or soaking in the horizon from the Observation Lounge, the ship’s amenities ensure a sophisticated transit toward the ice.
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Land on the world’s most remote inhabited island, a rugged British outpost where seabirds far outnumber the locals. Keep a lookout for the rare yellow-nosed albatross and Northern rockhopper penguins nesting along the bluffs. Complimentary Zodiac excursions offer a front-row seat to this avian paradise, where the surrounding nutrient-rich waters often draw in curious whales, dolphins, and fur seals.
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Settle into the rhythm of the deep south as the vast Atlantic unfolds. These days are yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace—head to the library for a deep dive into polar history or sharpen your lens with advice from our pro photographers. Whether you're catching an expert-led talk or simply sharing a yarn with fellow travellers on the observation deck, the ship’s sophisticated facilities are yours to enjoy as we steer toward the ice.
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Often dubbed the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia teems with life on a scale that’s hard to fathom. Wander through colonies of tens of thousands of King and Gentoo penguins, shared with the occasional harrumphing elephant seal. You’ll also visit historic Grytviken, the former whaling station where legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is laid to rest—a poignant moment to reflect on the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.
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As we steer toward the great white continent, take a moment to breathe in the salt air and let the world slip away. These days at sea are the perfect chance to swap yarns with your fellow adventurers or tuck into a bit of light reading in the library. If you're feeling inspired, drop into a talk by our expedition experts or pick the brains of our pro photographers to ensure your camera is ready for the ice. It’s all about the anticipation now—just you, the ship, and the vast Southern Ocean.
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This is the White Continent as you’ve imagined it—a landscape of massive glaciers, icebergs, and snow-dusted islands. We’ll navigate the region’s highlights, including the stunning Lemaire Channel and various scientific outposts. Shore excursions bring you face-to-face with the locals, from Gentoo penguins and snowy sheathbills at Mikkelsen Harbour to Weddell seals hauled out on the ice. It’s a raw, sophisticated look at Antarctica’s most iconic scenery.
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As we leave the ice behind, these final days at sea are the perfect time to decompress and process the journey. Head up to the observation deck to catch the last of the Southern Ocean views or grab a quiet corner in the library to pore over the charts. You can sharpen your photo-editing skills with our pros or join a final lecture to wrap up everything you’ve seen. It’s a great chance to share a farewell drink and swap stories with the crew and fellow travellers before we hit land.
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Nestled at the foot of the Martial Range, Ushuaia is a quirky mix of colourful streets and rugged mountain backdrops that drop straight into the Beagle Channel. As the southernmost city in the world, it really leans into that 'end of the line' feel—especially when the moody Patagonia weather rolls in. Take a stroll through town to soak up the atmosphere before we wrap up our journey where the mountains meet the sea. It’s a fittingly dramatic finish to an epic trip.
Inclusions
Charter flights to and from your ports of embarkation and disembarkation (where included - please enquire)
One night’s inclusive pre-cruise stay in a 4/5-star hotel, breakfast provided (where included - please enquire)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included - please enquire)
All onboard meals and 24-hour room service included.
Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages
Inclusive lecture programmes hosted by our expert expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
A complimentary branded expedition parka to take home and use of professional boots
Complimentary standard WiFi, onboard gratuities, and all port taxes
In polar regions: Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka to take home and use of rubber boots for wet zodiac landings
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Kayaking, private tours, and bespoke Zodiac arrangements are available on request, and are subject to availability
Beyond the one complimentary pre-selected excursion per port, further outings are available at an additional cost (excluding polar regions, where all Zodiac-based landings are included)
Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu are available at an additional charge
Ship’s boutique purchases, laundry services, premium Wi-Fi upgrades, and spa treatments
Required visas, comprehensive travel insurance, international and domestic flights, and any accommodation or transfers not explicitly stated in the itinerary
*All cruise departures are subject to availability at the time of booking. all pricing is per person in australian dollars. international airfares are additional. Travel agent & credit card service fees may apply. For full terms & conditions and to get a price for your individual travel dates, please contact our Travel Experts for details. The itinerary provides general information about each destination. Please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day of visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Travel Expert closer to your departure date.Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1198 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.