Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be 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 will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, 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 been 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 Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Day #
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
1
Wednesday, 10/29/25
About Mombasa
Mombasa is the gateway to Africa. Beyond the city, along the route of the great Seregeti Plain, giant elephant herds thunder across the turf, and lions stalk through the underbrush. In the city, walk through the narrow winding streets of the Old Town.
Mombasa Activities
"Old Town" is the part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture, and especially in the architecture and language (Kiswahili has a lot of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects). It is well known for its ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The town’s inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin who's forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town. Fort Jesus is located just a few steps away from where the town "starts", thus a complete tour of the fort and the "Old Town" can be done in a single day.Fort Jesus is Mombasa's most popular tourist attraction. The fort, located along the coastline near the Old Town, is a monumental piece of architecture that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The fort has a museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities, and which enjoyed regular visits by seafarers and the like. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort. The fort opens its gates for viewing in the morning and closes at dusk.The Hindu temple is a one of the many symbols of Mombasa's cultural diversity. The temple is a popular tourist spot and a tour can be taken inside the temple, with a historical background of the temple given by one of the temple gurus. Extravagant idols and stone carvings of the various religious beliefs are displayed within the temple and on its walls. It is located near the Railway Station just outside the perimeter of the downtown area.Mamba Village, which is situated in Nyali, is East Africa's largest crocodile farm. A tour of the farm starts with a movie on the life cycle and behaviour of crocodiles, followed by a comprehensive tour of the rest of farm, and ends with the highlight of the day: a spectacular scene of blood-thirsty crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time. Excellent cuisine is available at the Mamba Restaurant, and the house specialty is superbly grilled crocodile meat. Souvenirs of your visit can be bought at the Mamba Souvenir shop located within the village.The Bamburi Nature Trail is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Located in Bamburi next to the Cement Factory, the Nature Trail boasts an enormous variety of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens. Walking along the trail is the ideal way to look at the various animals, and on many occasions holding or feeding a reptile such as a snake is allowed under close supervision of a guide. Educational videos are also shown, with emphasis on the the history and continuous improvement of the trail. It was previously a barren piece of land that had been stripped of its resources through limestone mining, and was redeveloped through reforestation and conservation efforts, and is now a habitat for a large number of flora and fauna species.On the North coast of Mombasa towards the town of Malindi lays one the most pre-historic ruins found in Mombasa, called the Gedi Ruins. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousand Swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan. These ruins date back from the 15th century, and through careful preservation most of the original foundations can still be seen today. A well-informed and educated guide gives a tour of the ruins. The ruins are designated as a National Museum by law, and their preservation are a direct reflection of the commitment of the Government to uphold the country's cult
Zanzibar, (znze-br) region (1988 pop. 375,539), 950 sq mi (2,461 sq km), Tanzania, East Africa, consisting chiefly of the islands of Zanzibar and Tumbatu, in the Indian Ocean. The major city is also named Zanzibar. The economy of the region is almost entirely agricultural, and Zanzibar and the nearby island of Pemba produce a large portion of the world's cloves. The Portuguese gained control in 1503, using the island as a base for territorial expansion on the African coast and for the slave trade. In 1698 Zanzibar and Pemba fell to the rulers of Oman. Under the Omani sultanate of Zanzibar (est.1840) Muslim traders pushed deep into Africa in search of slaves and ivory. The islands became a British protectorate in 1890 and an independent nation in 1963. In 1964 leftists deposed the sultan, and the two islands merged with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. Zanzibar retains control of its internal affairs.
Nosy Bé, meaning Big Island in the Malagasy language, lies just a stone's throw off Madagascar's northwest coast. It is a remote and exotic destination. With its deserted beaches, rustic hotels and unhurried pace, it attracts travelers looking for a laid-back vacation. The fertile island is the center for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang trees. The heady scent of their flowers gave Nosy Bé the name "Perfumed Isle." Other local products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla and pepper; they are grown for export in large plantations. Hellville, the island's main town and port, is situated in a sheltered bay. It is named after a former French governor, Admiral de Hell. The town features a few old colonial buildings, a busy market, some small boutiques and tourist shops along the busy main street. At the quayside, vendors display embroidered linens, wood carvings and straw articles.
Nosy Bé Attractions
Trips into the lush countryside may include a ride up to Mt. Passot. At 950 feet, this is the highest point on the island. The view from the top offers an extensive panorama of crater lakes nestled between verdant hills.
Most visitors make the boat trip to Nosy Komba. The tiny island is known for its lemur reserve. These arboreal primates, with their large eyes, soft fur and long curling tails, have lived unharmed for centuries in the forest behind Ampangorina village. The lemurs are a popular tourist attraction and a profitable source of income to the small local community.
Palm-ringed sand beaches and quaint hotels offer lazy hours of swimming and sunning. Be aware that beaches are not very attractive during low tide.
It is the capital of the Atsimo-Andrefana region, located 936 km southwest of national capital Antananarivo. The city has a population of 168,758 in 2018. As a port town it acts as a major import/export hub for commodities such as sisal, soap, hemp, cotton, rice and peanuts. The Ifaty beach near Tulear is famous for its water and sands. The Museum of Arts and Traditions of the South of Madagascar (in Cedratom) presents the life, crafts and funerary art of the people in the area.
The Bustling town of Richards Bay began as a makeshift harbor set up by a Commodore of the Cape, Sir Frederick Richards during the Anglo-Boer War of 1879, and settlement sprang up around a port now named after Richards.
The town is vibrant and fast becoming the north coast holiday destination, offering spectacular scenery and unspoilt beaches. It is one of the closest sea destinations from Gauteng and enjoys a summer climate all year round.
Besides rapid industrial expansion, the tourism industry of this region is flourishing. The commercial and industrial development of Richards Bay has been a bonus for the sophisticated tourist and holiday maker. Its bustling business center has every modern facility and the town boasts excellent recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.
Tourists from all over the world have been coming to Durban for more than half a century, attracted mainly by the city’s famous beaches and the all year-round sunshine. But once they arrive here, they soon discover that this city has a lot more than beautiful, golden beaches to offer.
It is a center of world class sport and hosts major international events. It is a shopper’s paradise with sophisticated shopping malls and precincts, craft markets and street bazaars. It is an entertainment and hospitality center offering a wide range of accommodation from swish beachfront hotels to themed lodges, guesthouses, self-catering apartments and homely B&Bs. It is also a bustling commercial and manufacturing center connected to the business capitals of the world, and is built around one of the busiest ports in Africa.
Durban Attractions
There is an abundance of breathtaking scenery just beyond the city. To the north lies the bustling coastal town of Umhlanga, packed with hotels, restaurants and beautiful beaches. To the south is the Sapphire Coast, an endless stretch of sub-tropical paradise dotted with holiday towns. To the west lies the verdant Valley of 1000 Hills with its nature reserves and cultural villages. A little further afield, the Big 5 game reserves are just a few hours’ drive away, while to the west the mighty Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park – a World Heritage Site – beckons.
East London, affectionately called Buffalo City by the locals, is situated 1000 kilometers from Cape town on the South East coast of South Africa. Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo river to the south it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with its sub-tropical climate is a sought after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourist alike. East London, itself, has some 400 000 residents, the metropolitan area has 1.4 million, and is the second largest city in the province of the Eastern Cape.
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.
Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, beautiful Mossel Bay is a coastal village and harbour of the World Famous Garden Route. This popular holiday town is surrounded by a sunbathed peninsula and the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a busy summer destination as well as an ideal winter retreat. It is blessed with a mild climate all-year round but its most important feature is its status as the historical capital of the Garden Route.
Well-traveled pleasure boats dock regularly as well as other international seafarers using the modern docking facilities. Mossel Bay is a rapidly growing tourist destination as more and more travelers are discovering the Jewel of the Cape Garden Route.
Mossel Bay Attractions
Mossel Bay's main attraction is the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex. It comprises most of the surviving old buildings, the spring from which Dias replenished his fresh water supply and the imposing post office tree. This huge milkwood tree served passing sea captains as a convenient message center in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Visitors still can deposit letters here in a small postbox next to the tree, as long as it is nothing urgent.
Steam Train Yard
The last remaining iron giants of the steam train are housed, refurbished and maintained at Voorbaai, a ten-minute drive from Mossel Bay. The present number is between 20 to 30 locomotives ranging from the mighty Garrants to GMANs and is a great place to visit for steam train enthusiasts.
Golf
The 18-hole Mossel Bay Golf Club is about a 10 minute drive from the port. Redesigned by Robert Grimsdell in 1957, the course is situated on high ground with the sea visible from every tee.
Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The presence of Table Mountain in all its splendour still invokes this kind of emotion. Cape Town is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer.
Cape Town Activities
Table Mountain is one of South Africa's greatest landmarks and towers 1,086m above the City of Cape Town.
One of the most significant and symbolically charged pieces of land in South Africa, Robben Island guards the entrance to Table Bay. The name hails from the Dutch word for seals, The island was home to Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned there along with other political prisoners. Now a living museum, the island and its ghosts are visited voluntarily. As a place of history, education and insight into South Africa’s past, this is an essential excursion. The return boat trip (half an hour each way) to this World Heritage Site and a guided tour around the museum by an ex-inmate is an experience never to miss.
The Kirstenbosch Estate covers 528 hectares, 36 hectares make up the central landscaped garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it is home to more than 8 500 indigenous plant species, and is known as one of the Seven Magnificent Botanical Gardens of the world.
In 1982 two breeding pairs of African penguins (once known as Jackass penguins thanks to the braying sound they make) moved into prime beachfront estate at Boulders beach between Simonstown and Cape Point. Today there are over 3 000 of these birds living here and the area is now a National Park. Penguins can be viewed up close as they frolic in the water and waddle on land. Sometimes it's hard to tell who is watching who. You're likely to see penguin pairs strolling along the boardwalks and in the park. This is the one place in the world you will be able to swim and sunbathe with penguins.
Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be 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 will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, 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 been 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 Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Year Built
2023
Capacity
192
Meeting Rooms
N/A
Year Refurbished
N/A
Elevators
N/A
Casino
N/A
Registry
N/A
Restaurants
N/A
Disco
N/A
Tonnage
12,100
Bars
N/A
Fitness Center
N/A
Cabins
96
Pools
N/A
Children's Program
No
Handicap Cabins
N/A
Theaters
N/A
Internet Cafe
N/A
Shops
N/A
Library
N/A
Spa
N/A
Cabin Categories | Decks
Balcony
Junior Suite
Oceanview
Premium Suite
Suite
Cabin Details
Located on decks 5 and 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.
Located on decks 5 and 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 Dianas 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.
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Dianas 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.
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.
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Deck 8
Deck 9
Request Additional Information
Departure Port:
Mombasa
Sailing Date:
Wednesday, 10/29/25
Return Date:
Saturday, 11/15/25
Nights:
17
Ship:
SH Diana
Cruise Line:
Swan Hellenic Cruises
Checking For Available Shore Excursions From ShoreTrips®
Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only and on select sailings. Prices shown are for stateroom categories as noted and are shown in US Dollars. Government taxes and fees are additional. Airfare is not included. Prices and itineraries are based on availability and are subject to change without notice.