Expedition cruise line, Swan Hellenic, will soon begin cruises round Africa, debuting with the arrival of SH Vega in Cape Town on March 25.
SH Vega will then sail up the west coast with five cultural expedition cruises of 7-13 nights that include excursions in Loango National Park in Gabon and Conkouati-Douli National Park in the Republic of the Congo.
The cruises will see guests mixing with on-board experts and expedition leaders able to offer professional insights into the history, geography, wildlife and cultures of the places explored. Crews include a team of 12 expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers.
SH Vega accommodates 152 guests in 76 suites and staterooms, most with large balconies. SH Diana will accommodate 192 guests in 96 rooms. Both ships feature three dining venues – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, and Pool Bar & Grill.
A group of travel consultants and press will be given a tour of the ship on its arrival in Cape Town.
“It will be a pleasure to welcome members of the trade and press on board SH Vega upon the occasion of her first call in Africa,” says Swan Hellenic VP of Global Marketing, Patrizia Lantorno.
The African cruises of Vega's bigger sister ship, SH Diana, will sail south down the east coast. The first cruise will be an 11-night exploration of the Seychelles, departing Mombasa on October 24, followed by cruises in Madagascar and southern Africa, arriving in Cape Town on November 21.
The GSA has been awarded to Cruise Corner in Johannesburg.