South America Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Countries, Cruising, Ships, South America

Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic

18th November 202518th November 2025 funtime65

The hospitality manager on our first cruise told us their favourite trip was Brazil which is why we’re alighting on Rio by the Sea-oh with Swan Hellenic.

One of the 36 voyages on offer as part of the Black Friday Expedition Collection sale, ranging from six to 20 nights.

The offer comes with a$1,000 onboard credit per cabin and savings reaching up to £2,600 per stateroom.

Clients can choose from journeys across Antarctica and the Arctic, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

For departures spanning March 5 to July 29 with bookings to be made between November 17 and December 2 to avail of the offer.

With offer inclusive fares starting at £2,695pp.

Braziliant cruising

Among the standout sailings is the six-night Salvadore Rio voyage departing November 25. Soul, Samba and Sea Journey to Heart of Brazil.

From £2,835pp, your Braziliant cruise, our pals at Swan Hellenic tell us that it is an unforgettable journey.

Starting in Salvador de Bahia, a city rich in Afro-Brazilian culture, and culminating in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro.

They encourage us to explore the historic Pelourinho in Salvador and take in the colonial architecture.

While Itacaré buzzes to the rhythms of local capoeira dancers (no, us neither but we’re here to learn).

Trancoso is known for its boho-chic setting, with its iconic quadrado surrounded by lush rainforest.

Dip you toe in

The Abrolhos Archipelago throbs with marine life and breathtaking biodiversity.

While you can dive in too to the clear waters of its natural pools.

And snorkel, or simply enjoy the ship’s observation decks.

And because you know that you like to spend your nights partying.

Then you’ll be lapping up in Buzios and Rio, savouring caipirinha cocktails and the carnival vibe.

And having taken in the charms of Swan Hellenic in rather different shores, off Leith, Edinburgh’s port, we long for warmer Brazilian climes.

Countries, South America

Go nuts for Amazon Brazil

11th November 202511th November 2025 funtime65

And if all those big heads pressing the flesh at COP30 has piqued your interest then here’s where’s to go nuts for Amazon Brazil.

They’re the Amazon Explorers travel providers, who will immerse yourself into indigenous life.

Now our amigos at Feel Brasil know everything there is about the state of Amazonas.

The most indigenous in South America’s largest country, and home to over 50 ethnic groups.

Who guard the secrets of medicinal plants, astronomy, and sustainable forest management.

Go native

Communities such as Cipiá, Tatuyo, Diakuru, and Tuyuka are located along the banks of the Rio Negro.

And they are happy to open up their villages for a responsible ethnotourism experience.

Where visitors are not mere spectators but active participants in a cultural legacy that dates back centuries.

Each ritual, every body painting, and every story told reveals a sacred relationship with nature.

Tour de force

The indigenous immersion in the Rio Negro is a community-based tourism experience.

Where indigenous guides point out healing leaves, trees that house spirits, and fruits that nourish generations.

You’ll dine like a native which means tanajura ants, smoked fish, and exotic fruits.

The adventure begins early at the Roadway Port in Manaus’s historic centre.

Where you’ll board a fast boat that glides over the dark waters of the Rio Negro.

The tour lasts six hours and is available from Monday to Sunday.

A warm welcome

Walk like a Brazilian: Learning the customs

All the best cultural tours come with a welcoming committee and Amazon Explorers’ comes with bells and whistles.

And a ritual dance, where music and movement express the spirituality and stories of the original peoples.

You’ll be invited to participate actively, learning basic steps that express gratitude to nature.

And given a craft demonstration and the chance to take home a memento.

And know you have contributed to the local economy.

How to get there

And if you want to be really eco-friendly then you’ll bus it from Rio.

And here Rome2Rio have done all the heavy lifting for us with the details.

It’ll be a mere 49 hours 42 minutes but that’s a small sacrifice, and price at from £184-241, to help the planet.

You’ll get to see more of the region too as you get driven through Ribas do Rio do Pardo en route to Maunas.

But, of course, we’ll not judge if time, and maybe a bad back, is your enemy.

With flights from Rio taking 6 hours and 7 minutes and costing between £141-411.

Now TAP Air Portugal are the carriers to take you from London to Rio.

And we found a sample price return at £1424pp.

Countries, Cruising, South America

Pleasure cruises to unite Argentina and the Falklands

6th April 20256th April 2025 funtime65

Where battleships once crowded the South Atlantic seas now pleasure cruises to unite Argentina and the Falklands, or Malvinas.

The invaders though, as is always best, arm themselves with binoculars, cameras and money to spend.

On board ROL Cruises’ 21-nighter, showcasing ballroom Buenos Aires, the immense Iguazu Falls.

And the fauna and flora of the Falklands and ch-ch-ch-chilly penguins of Chile.

With your South Atlantic odyssey a year and a half away, flying out of London on February 21, there’s plenty of time to save up.

Tango in the night

You’ll quickstep into your holiday with a two-night stay in the Argentine capital.

At a 5* hotel with a dinner and tango show as part of a Concierge Class Stateroom and a Buenos Aires tour of the city’s highlights.

Your feet, barely touched the ground, you’ll be hotfooting it back to the airport for the next leg of your journey.

Two nights at Iguazu, at a 5* airport, naturally.

Before taking in the 55,000 hectares National Park and its lush rainforest.

Named for the river serving its northern border, meaning ‘great waters’ in the Gurani language.

Falling over yourself

You’ll be taken to the 80m-drop waterfalls that separate Argentina from Brazil and which are taller and wider than Niagara.

From where you can look down the Devil’s Throat from the balcony at Garganta del Diablo.

Attack it from the base by taking the elevator down to the base and stop right above river level.

From a 1,000m footbridge, admire the Falls or go up an elevator to the Salto Floreano viewpoint.

Celebrity status

You’ll overnight again in Buenos Aires before boarding Equinox from our favourite Celebrity stable.

And your 14-night all-inclusive voyage.

You’ll tick off another country with a stop-off in Montevideo in Uruguay.

Before claiming another for yourself with the Falklands/Malvinas which, of course, takes some sailing.

And you’ll be grateful your whale of a vessel in Stanley Harbour.

Which is dotted with the hulks of whalers vessels that succumbed to the fierce winds and waves of the South Atlantic.

Cape crusaders

Buttressed by the bulk of Celebrity Equinox to cruise by Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan to get round the other side.

To the Punta Arenas of Chile and gawp at the soaring mountains, beautiful national parks, vast ice fields and towering glaciers.

And even trek through Magallanes National Reserve or visit the penguin colony at Seno Otway.

Before leaving the saddlers behind for the next party.

And turning back on yourself for Puerto Madryn, Argentina, Punta Del Este, Uruguay and Buenos Aires and home to London.

Deal us in

It’ll be plain sailing too with a discount taking your Oceanview cabin down from £6,899 to £5,999.

And your Sunset Concierge reduced from £8,499 to £7,699.

So as you plan your calendars then make this your task force.

The Pleasure cruises to unite Argentina and the Falklands

Countries, Cruising, Deals, South America

Pleasure cruise in the Falklands

25th September 202325th September 2023 funtime65

If you had a uniform and a gun you used to get there for free… but now the only big ships breaking the waves are a pleasure cruise in the Falklands.

This time too we come in peace which is what the Falklands offers, a tranquility that is hard to find in this hustle bustle world.

Our friends at ROL Cruises have the very thing, a 27-nighter which, in these more stable times, even includes a stop-off in Argentina.

A modern task force

This is MS Maud’s maiden season in the Antarctica including five days of icy exploration.

With exclusive savings of up to £6,200.

And an additional discount of up to £875 per booking, book by 8pm, September 30.

You’ll kick off your adventure rather differently than the fabled Brits from the Falklands.

Flying in from London for a Buenos Aires overnighter at a 4* overnighter.

Where you can go full Argentinian with a dinner and tango excursion.

Landing on the Falklands

The locals: The penguins are out in force

Take the next three days to enjoy the ship and sea and appreciate the feast you’ll enjoy rather than those soldiers’ rations.

Before you get to explore three days in the Falkland archipelago.

Enjoy a community walk around Stanley, taking in the Jubilee Villas gardens, Christ Church Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum.

ROL’s landings, hikes and excursions are guided by the conditions.

But fingers crossed you’ll be able to visit albatross and penguin colonies.

And they are often found sharing space with seals.

South Georgia on our minds

And those of us old enough to have lived through those days will recall that it was South Georgia where the Falklands War started.

And your next two days will be spent cruising towards the island.

Of course there is more wildlife here than human life and that’s no bad thing.

The Expedition Team will fill you in on the polar history, geology and glaciology.

You’ll spend three days in the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’.

Its unique position free from sea ice makes the island a breeding site for large colonies of penguins, other seabirds and seals.

An Important Bird Area, it is home to albatrosses, petrels, shags, skuas and terns.

The team will also try to get you out to Grytviken, the final resting place of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.

All white

Of course the highlight is getting to where the sea runs out and the ice begins.

When you see the icebergs in all their glory and its inhabitants, the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguins.

You’ll spend four days exploring several possible landing sites, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint

Before you take on Drake’s Passage, and we picked up on our travels that if you put a plaster behind your ear it will allay seasickness.

Chile chilly waters

And afore ye go you’ll transfer from Puntas Arenas, Chile, to Santiago to spend your last night in a 4* hotel before flying back to London.

ROL offers a choice of cabins but we imagine you’ll want the Arctic Suite (yes, we know that’s the icy north, but…).

The Arctic Suite comes in at £10,699, down from £12,099.

But you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and serenity of one of the last unspoiled places on Earth.

On a pleasure cruise in the Falklands.

Central America, Countries, South America

Darien back on the tourist map

5th September 20235th September 2023 funtime65

As tourist destinations go it didn’t catch on in the same way as say Blackpool or Ibiza but here’s Darien back on the tourist map.

Darien used to be a big thing in the 1690s after it had been identified by outsiders as a route from Atlantic to the Pacific.

Particularly those, like me, of a Scottish variety who, jealous of their English neighbours’ burgeoning empire, went after their own.

Only to find unsurprisingly that the locals, the neighbouring English and Dutch colonists and even God himself didn’t agree.

And cursed by plague, pestilence and penury in the jungle, their bid to establish a New Caledonia ended in bankrupting Scotland.

And why does this matter to you if you’re not of the Scottish variety?

Well the opportunistic English hotfooted it up to Scotland to buy them out and force a union on them, the United Kingdom.

Panama chat

If I haven’t sold the Darien to you yet, then maybe I’m better passing the job over to our friends at Swan Hellenic cruises.

The SH Diana people who will take you around Panama and Peru.

And into the jungle to meet the indigenous Embera people of the Darien.

Where we’re expecting they’ll be more welcoming than 325 years ago.

And Swan Hellenic will be coming in good will to promote the Darien.

Graceful Swan

The SH Diana is brand new for 2024 from Lima to Panama City, along South America.

And, of course, you’ll get to meet the natives who were here before any of us, God’s other critters.

Nature including Humboldt Penguins and Southern Sea Lions on Isla Guanape.

Peruvian pelicans and Blue-Footed Boobies on Lobos de Tierra.

One hundred and thirty species of hummingbird on Puerto Bolivar.

And nested waved albatross on Isla de la Plata.

Deal us in

Departing on March 18, the nine-night Cultures of Northern Peru and Biodiversity expedition cruise costs from £5,356 pps

Including return group transfers from the airport to the cruise port.

One pre-night cruise accommodation with breakfast in a four/five star hotel or onboard.

All meals on board, onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category.

Twenty-four hour room service, drinks available all day, lecture programmes by experienced expedition team and guest speakers (phew)!

One selected short excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities and port taxes.

And maybe that’s where the Scottish navy went wrong.

And why they should have followed Swan Hellenic’s lead and why we have Darien back on the tourist map.

Countries, Deals, South America

We’re all Patagonian

29th July 202329th July 2023 funtime65

If we are what we wear then we’re all Patagonian…

The outdoor clothing brand you can wear to give the illusion that you’re a Bear Grylls adventurer.

For the real Patagonia we rely, as we so often do when it comes to big adventures, on our friends at Hayes & Jarvis.

Patagonia, of course, is the variegated 400,000sq mile tip of South America, covering Argentina and Chile.

Where you can do everything from hiking up glaciers.

Journeying deep into Torres del Paine National Park and spotting orcas just off the coast.

Passport check

Horses for courses: The Patagonia plains

And so with our own personalised H&J passport holder and document eager to get out of the drawer…

Then our interest is piqued by H&J’s prompt for their Patagonian options.

And they remind us that we can combine an Antarctic Cruise with a Patagonian adventure.

Or add a few city breaks across Chile and Argentina.

As you can see it’s a £4,999pp 12-day trip of a lifetime.

Two to tango

Well, it does take two to tango and that’s where you’ll start in the tango capital, Buenos Aires.

Where you’ll guided through your steps before rewarding yourself with Argentinian wine.

A rock and a cool place: On your H&J trip

Buenos Aires is a delight and you can take in the city’s architecture and cathedral on a tour of the capital.

Before you visit Plaza de Mayo and the river port of San Telmo.

Now seeing you’re in South America you’ll want to fly south like the birds.

Beautiful South

And H&J will oblige, taking you to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.

With its fascinating mix of museums and harbours.

And the Tierra del Fuego National Park which you can explore on foot.

They’ll ppppick up the pace and set sail next to Martillo Island.

For a rare close/up of the native Magellan and Gentoo penguin colonies, albatrosses and other birdlife.

Before setting out for El Calafate for a full day at the National Park Los Glaciares which is mint.

With its fantastic walking trails and cave paintings.

Puerto Natales is noted for its Biosphere Reserve.

The UNESCO National Park Torres del Paine, which boasts stunning waterfalls, mirror image lakes and herds of guanacos.

Chillin’ in Chile

And because Patagonia is a two-country experience you’ll want to get chillin’ in Chile.

Santiago will be our final stop wher you’ll have the opportunity to explore Chile’s capital city.

With a trip of the university and central markets.

Before you cross the Mapocho River to San Cristobal Hill for a stunning view over Santiago and the Andes.

And finish your tour as you began with some more wine tasting.

And a few glasses of the best Chilean wine and we’re all Patagonian.

Countries, Cruising, South America

Brazilliant brio and how we cruise

5th May 20235th May 2023 funtime65

My first cruise captain would regale us with Brazilliant brio and how we all cruise.

He got to know our different nationalities well over steering the big ship and what we each want from a cruise.

An Italian by birth, he had become a naturalised Englishman but was like we all strive to be… a citizen of the world.

And he admitted he took it all on board and off it as his children would point out when he got home.

And he picked them up from school where they would point out his size, him putting on six stone while off on the type of long journey from the UK to Brazil.

Brazil pecs

Cap’n would tell us on our trip around the Western Med of his adventures on the high seas and the people he would meet.

Of the beauty of Santorini, his and many others’ favourite cruise stop, and of the pecadilloes of certain nationalities.

With Brazilians more image-conscious (his words).

And he would tell us that they would forgo the all-you-can-eat stations on board for the gym.

That you could always spot the Brazilians because they would be on deck posing, preening and pouting by the poolside.

And that was just the men!

A melting pot

It’s a similar story too with the Italians, as my old teacher would tell me with her male cousin taking his own vanity case around.

And spending more time in the bathroom than her.

The British and Irish would, of course, be at the buffet and the bar and partying into the night.

And I can vouch from my own experience with MSC in the fjords that the Eastern Europeans love a jostle at the buffet table.

We like the idea of sharing a ship with Brazilians who leave the bar and the buffet to us.

Rio by the sea-o

Particularly as they’re heading back to Brazil.

Which is where Travel EscapesStay are offering.

With 16 nights on board the MSC Grandiosa from €2,089pp, travelling from November 7 and 23 (the latter a very important date on the calendar).

Sail away

Barca bears: And Messi might even return

Like many a cruiser, and like Columbus himself, you’ll set out from beautiful Barcelona.

Your first port of call is Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

You then cruise into the Atlantic to Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira before continuing your Atlantic crossing, crossing the Equator before reaching the coast of Brazil.

Your Brazilian adventure begins with a stop in historic Maceio before you cruise on to Salvador.

It’s known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, and tropical coastline.

Your cruise comes to an end as you sail into the iconic bay of Rio de Janeiro, under the watchful gaze of the iconic Cristo Redentor statue

So why not check out Rio by the sea-oh. And look out for Brazilliant brio and how we all cruise.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, South America

World Earth Day on the seas

22nd April 202322nd April 2023 funtime65

It’s never been plain sailing but our cruise friends at Celebrity Cruises have led the way to make this a World Earth Day on the seas.

Fuel-guzzling cruise ships have always been an easy target for the Greta Thumbergs of this world.

And the fartygskam crew, the shipping equivalent of flygskam flying shame… no sniggering up the back!

Now the cruise industry has been taking leaps and strides to clean up the seas afterwards.

Getting the Edge

Celebrity are rightly excited about the fifth ship in their Edge Series.

The ship will be equipped with a new engine model, along with storage and delivery systems.

And listen up here Greta, it will give unmatched fuel flexibility.

With the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol.

Piping hot: Entertainment with Celebrity

Now we’ve seen, and heard, first hand on the maiden voyage of Celebrity Edge to the Bahamas how committed they are to sustainability.

The bottom line is that they are hell-bent on achieving zero waste across their fleet.

And through their ‘Green Hub’ waste vendor programme, 85 per cent of their waste is recycled.

That and the whole gamut of scientific and technological advances they’ve made certainly gives them the edge.

Message for Greetin’ Greta

Now what Greetin’ Greta and her groaners have to say about the World Wildlife Fund endorsing Celebrity, well…!

Among the bigger shared initiatives, with the sale of merchandise available on select cruises. 100% of the net proceeds will help support WWF’s ocean conservation work.

While you can also join the ‘Walk For Coral’ activity on your next cruise.

And I do owe Coral after standing on her from the Maldives to Barbados and Tobago.

Galapagos glory

All around the world our natural world and those who live in its seas and earth depend on us.

And very visibly in one of the most authentic islands on Earth, the Galapagos.

Aboard the Celebrity Xpedition, Xploration, and Celebrity Flora, Celebrity have planned their Celebrity Galapagos experience in conjunction with the Galapagos National Park.

They’ve also established the Galapagos Fund, an onboard conservation program that gives guests the chance to participate in the ongoing conservation of the islands.

Be a Celebrity

Love me tender: Celebrity Edge and its floating tender

The most popular of Celebrity’s packages is their 10/11 Galapagos & Quito deal from £7,649pp.

Even before you leave for your seven nights cruise to the Galapagos.

You can enjoy two nights pre-cruise luxury accommodations at JW Marriott Quito and a full-day guided tour of the city.

There are round-trip flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos.

And then one or two-night post-cruise luxury accommodations at the Marriot or EB Hotel (depending on guest flight schedules and/or package length.

So, we’re in safe hands on World Earth Day on the seas.

Asia, Countries, Europe, South America, Sustainable Tourism

The Leading Hotels of the World

14th December 2022 funtime65

IT’S that reminder, not that you need it, that you’re in the plushest of pads… the Leading Hotels of the World book on your table.

As you look out from the Dylan Amsterdam over the Keizersgracht canal in Amsterdam just down the corridor from George and Amal… or whichever Leading Hotel you, or they, are reclining in.

All of which we were reminded of when our friends at LHW alerted us to the new intake of six hotels which have been added to their 400+ roster.

And yes for all the swish billets we’ve stayed in over the years we still have 399+ to visit…

But every journey starts with one step.

This season’s LHW collection includes four new hotel openings…

An ambitious city resort on Samarkand’s Silk Road, an architectural jewel in Milan, a mountaintop hideaway in Montafon and a vibrant dining destination in Montevideo.

And they are joined by two storied hotels…

A grand lakeside estate in Lausanne and a Roman hotspot with historical charm.

Get thee to a seminary

Portrait Milano (Milan, Italy) NEW OPENING December 2022: And there’s plenty of them in holy Italy.

LHW tell us that this is one of the oldest seminaries in Europe, dating back to the 16th century.

And only recently opened to the public for the first time.

They tell us Portrait embraces the lively Piazza del Quadrilatero.

With the elegant, vaulted colonnade animated by restaurants and bars, boutiques, a lush garden and a wellness centre.

There are 73 sophisticated rooms and suites and other accommodations will provide an oasis of privacy and peace, surrounding guests by timeless elegance.

Smooth as the Silk Road

Samarkand Regency Amir Temur (Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan) NEW OPENING Autumn 2022: Billing itself as the crown jewel of the Silk Road.

Any viewer of Joanna Lumley’s excellent travelogue will know all about one of the world’s oldest trade routes.

The name pays tribute to Uzbekistan’s 15^th Century national hero, who made Samarkand one of the most illustrious empires.

The 233-room hotel features charcoal-grilled dining at El Sabor, 20^th floor Sky Bar.

With panoramic views, and the Nephrite Spa & Wellness offering beauty and wellbeing treatments from Valmont and Thalgo alongside a hammam and pool.

Surrounded by thousands of years of history and magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The hotel is located steps from a first-of-its kind Eternal City, an entertaining and immersive ‘model city’ which was designed and created by Uzbek artist Bobur Ismoilov to honour the artistry and tradition of Uzbekistan.

Nature’s ski lodge

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon (Montafon, Austria) NEW OPENING December 2022: And this being the mountains, then the focus is on sustainability.

The 123-room hotel is designed to blend into the surrounding mountains.

And the outdoor facilities have been harmoniously integrated into the surrounding skiing and hiking areas of the Erlebinsverg Golm.

The first certified, climate neutral ski area in Austria.

A dedicated ski shuttle connects to over 27 miles of scenic ski slopes, offering endless opportunities for skiing and winter sports.

Montevideo star

Hotel Montevideo (Montevideo, Uruguay) NEW OPENING December 2022: Transforming an iconic corner of the city into an elegant destination for dining and design.

Hotel Montevideo taps into the vibrant energy of Uruguay’s bustling capital city.

Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony to take in the city views.

At the hotel, savour authentic local fare created by renowned chef duo Ale Morales and Flor Coureges at Polo Bamba during the day.

And journey to the Sky Bar at Piso 10 for awe-inspiring sunsets that attract travellers and locals alike.

Out on a wing in Lausanne

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (Lausanne, Switzerland): One of Switzerland’s grandest dames, opened in 1909.

It has been restored to fuse old-world charm with modern luxury.

The estate near Lac Léman is divided between the historic Savoy Wing and the contemporary Park Wing.

Each of the sumptuously outfitted 196 rooms and suites are punctuated with Art Nouveau influence.

The Sky Lounge boasts spectacular 360° views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva.

Eternal pleasure

Hotel Splendide Royal Roma (Rome, Italy): Established within an historic estate dating back to the 1800s.

The recently renovated Hotel Splendide Royal Roma is situated in the heart of Rome’s most prestigious neighbourhood.

Steps away from the Via Veneto, and the extraordinary Villa Borghese Gardens, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the very best cultural, culinary and shopping experiences in Rome.

All of which you can do seamlessly and in budget.

Each of the 69 exquisitely-decorated rooms and suites effortlessly balance the old-world elegance of period furnishings, classical art, and historic details with the understated refinement of modern luxury.

Boasting award-winning dining at the signature Mirabelle Restaurant and breathtaking views at the rooftop lounge.

This is a city hot spot that is a favourite with visitors and locals alike.

All of which is leading up to you rewarding yourself by staying in one (or more) of the Leading Hotels of the World in the new year.

Africa, America, Asia, Countries, Cruising, Europe, Oceania, South America

Swanning about the world

7th December 2022 funtime65

So all we do is go swanning about the world. Wrong, we let somebody else pilot the ship.

And that somebody would be Swan Hellenic who will show you the Arctic, Antarctic and rest of the world – from Brazil to Papua New Guinea, Norway to New Zealand, Australia to Africa, and Madagascar to the Mediterranean.

Swan Hellenic are introducing a new lady to the fleet for next year with SH Diana joining SH Minerva and SH Vega from the past two years.

So as with all things cruise let’s see the numbers.

There are 192 guests across 96 staterooms and suites, many with balconies.

Diana rules the waves

Diana’s passengers features a multifunctional room next to the observation lounge, a private dining room and two tenders.

And so the polar class 6 ice-strengthened hull plus extra-large stabilisers make the journey as smooth as silk for you to enjoy the Arctic and Antarctic.

There are new itineraries too on the roster, such as New Zealand in Depth and immerse yourself in its Maori culture and its Long White Cloud.

Then there’s Papua New Guinea with its active volcano and Eclectus parrots.

For Japanophiles then you can explore the Land of the Rising Sun further than ever before.

And its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and the forested island of Yakushima.

Of course, all these exotic destinations bill themselves as the Land of something or other.

And that is no different with Iceland, the Land of Ice and Fire.

In Iceland in Depth you can cruise along the fjords, something we’d encourage anybody in the Nordic or Scandinavia, nations.

And so to the Land of Carnival, the Spirit of Brazil will give you those rhythms, beats and buzzing cities.

But you’ll also get to see humpback whales in the Abrolhos Archipelago.

While if Africa is more your thing then you can check out their Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa.

And talk to the animals… the elephants, buffalos, lowland gorillas and chimps. And you’ll feel good.

Before learning about the wonders of voodoo in Benin.

Deal us in

Antarctic explorers: Off to see wildlife

Prices range from £2,500pps to £19,000pps depending on the length and location of the expedition cruise.

That includes return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)…

Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a four/five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day.

There will be a lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic’s experienced expedition team and guest speakers, Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities and port taxes.

And one selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call, and branded Swan Hellenic expedition parkas and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.

Phew. So get swanning about the world.