Prices on this page are indicative rates
Final price may change due to currency fluctuations. Choose to pay in NZD, AUD, GBP, USD or EUROs. Contact us today and secure your small ship cruise.
Follow in the wake of one of history’s greatest explorers on this extraordinary voyage. Drink in the incredible endless icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, just as Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have done as they commenced their quest to cross the South Pole. Step ashore on Elephant Island, where the men would survive two Antarctic winters. Along the way, observe the penguins, seals, whales and seabirds that, unlike Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, have no issues thriving in this formidable environment. Before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, stop at the Falkland Islands, a haven for a host of endemic birdlife, and meet the proud, resilient locals.
Highlights
• Dare to brave the notoriously rough two-day Drake Passage sea crossing
• Compare monumental icebergs in the Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Sound as you head to the Weddell Sea
• Get up close to hundreds of penguins as they gather in their thousands in their natural habitat
• Keep an eye out at sea for breaching whales and huge albatross overhead
• Listen to our engaging polar experts and learn tips from our team of experienced photographers
-
DAY 1 PRE CRUISE
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel in Buenos Aires
-
DAY 2 USHUAIA
Nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Martial Range, Ushuaia’s colourful 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.
-
DAY 3 DAY 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 our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
-
DAY 4 WEST POINT ISLAND & SAUNDERS ISLAND
Birdlife is the big draw on this lush sheep-farming island, where thousands of rams and ewes roam. Settled by British explorers in 1765, the island’s unique scenery includes the beaches at The Neck filled with the cacophony of rockhopper, gentoo and king penguin colonies, and you might spot the pillar-shaped nests of black-browed albatross. Nine of the Falklands’ 14 endemic plants, including silvery buttercup and hairy daisy, grow here and are a real treat.
Black-browed albatross soar above this rugged weather-beaten island in the west of the Falklands, while Commerson’s dolphins swim below. With a sparse population of people and sheep, this inhabited island is also home to fur seals, burrowing rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants who roost in the jagged cliffs and the striking Cliff Mountain towering above the dramatic coastal scenery. As you hike across the moss, keep an eye open for pink-petalled Felton’s flowers.
-
DAY 5 PORT STANLEY
Anyone familiar with Britain’s trademark red post boxes might spot a resemblance in this British outpost. Port Stanley, on East Falkland, is the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and is small enough to get around on foot. You can visit The Historic Dockyard Museum devoted to maritime history and exploration or pop into the post office. Magellanic penguins gather in hordes at nearby Gypsy Cove, and sea lions and dolphins frolic in the harbour.
-
DAYS 6-7 DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
-
DAYS 8-10 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! We also visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station where legendary British explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) is buried.
-
DAYS 11-12 DAY 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 13-16 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 17-18 DAY 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 our Observation Lounge.
-
DAY 19 USHUAIA
Ushuaia is the gateway to the White Continent. Found at the southernmost tip of South America in Argentinian Patagonia, the city is often described as “the End of the World”. The city’s mountain backdrop rises above the harbour and entrance to the Beagle Channel. The town itself is walkable and has a few small museums as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes - a good place to try Patagonian lamb cooked over open fire pits.
-
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
-
18 January, 2026 to 05 February, 2026
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
20 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
35 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
44 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
47 m2 Sleeps 2
-
05 February, 2026 to 23 February, 2026
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview cabins features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room, a luxurious ensuite bathroom and your own private 6 sq.m. balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
44 m2 Sleeps 2
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.
49 m2 Sleeps 2
Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
-
Diana
Diana
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 125 meters
Passenger Capacity: 192
Built: 2022/2023
SH Diana is the newest and largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, designed for modern expedition cruising with a strong sense of elegance and purpose. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, enabling smooth exploration of the world’s most remote and rugged destinations. With space for just 192 guests, SH Diana offers a boutique 5-star experience across nine decks, featuring expansive viewing areas, a grand staircase, and refined interiors accented with exclusive onboard artwork.
On board, guests enjoy exceptional facilities including the panoramic sauna, open-deck jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, and dedicated expedition areas like the Swan’s Nest and BaseCamp. Cabins are thoughtfully equipped with Champagne, Lajatica toiletries, Nikon binoculars, and Illy coffee machines, ensuring comfort at every turn. Dining is a delight with venues like the Swan Restaurant and Pool Bar & Grill, while the crew’s attentive and personalised service ensures you feel truly cared for from the moment you step aboard. SH Diana is the perfect vessel for those seeking adventure wrapped in luxurious simplicity.
-
Vega
Vega
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
Length: 115 metres
Passenger Capacity: 158
Built: 2020/2021/2022
The SH Vega is a boutique, ice-strengthened expedition ship designed for exploring the world’s most remote destinations in refined comfort. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines sleek Scandinavian design with advanced cruising technology, including a Polar Class PC5 hull and extra-large stabilisers for smooth sailing in challenging waters. With space for just 158 guests and 122 crew, she offers an intimate and personalised experience, where every detail is considered – from elegant observation lounges and stargazing decks to fine dining venues and a spa with panoramic views. Her facilities include a heated outdoor pool, open deck jacuzzi, gym, and library, ensuring the journey is as rewarding on board as it is ashore.
Accommodation ranges from stylish oceanview staterooms to expansive premium suites, all appointed with contemporary comforts such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and even complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Private balconies in many cabins provide a front-row seat to breathtaking landscapes, while world-class dining, attentive service, and thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of Champagne enhance the sense of occasion. Whether navigating polar ice or sailing into sunlit harbours, the SH Vega offers a blend of adventure, elegance, and home-like warmth.
