Embark on an Atlantic Cruise from Portugal to Senegal, starting in the storied city of Lisbon and ending in the vibrant markets of Dakar. This journey along the Atlantic coast promises an unforgettable blend of landscapes and cultures. Traversing the mesmerizing Sahara bordering Morocco and Mauritania with a stop in the volcanic Canary Islands, travelers will be enthralled from beginning to end. In Funchal, the colorful Old Town and a thrilling cable car ride await. Discover Santa Cruz de la Palma's elegant colonial architecture and Mount Teide's dramatic presence in Tenerife. In Nouadhibou, observe vital ecosystems in Banc d'Arguin National Park and experience the lively port surroundings. Onboard, indulge in enriching activities such as photography workshops, expert lectures, and cozy library visits with breathtaking sea views. Adventurous spirit and luxury intertwine with kitesurfing in Dakhla, shopping in Nouakchott's vibrant markets. Each moment on this Atlantic adventure is carefully curated to inspire and delight.
- Marvel at the stark beauty of the Saharan desert in Dakhla, where rolling dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore the vast coastal sanctuary of Banc d'Arguin National Park, a haven for migratory birds.
- Enjoy a taste of Madeira’s world-famous wine while exploring Funchal’s charming streets.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
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.
Madeira is famous for lush gardens with subtropical plants, but Funchal, the capital of the Garden Island, has more to offer. Rua de Santa Maria's colourful Old Town street is brightened with 200 painted doors. Madeira wine cellars' tasting rooms are scattered throughout the town. Taking a cable car ride to Monte provides a scenic experience, then from the top, carreiros, straw-boatered drivers, guide wicker-basket sleds down the steep streets.
The historic streets of breathtakingly beautiful Santa Cruz de la Palma, on La Palma, make it one of the prettiest settlements in the Canary Islands. Steeped in history, this island capital is home to palaces, colonial-style houses and the Shrine of Virgen de las Nieves, the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz is as equally picturesque in the day as at night when the city comes alive.
Tenerife beguiled Agatha Christie when she arrived in 1927 in the old town of Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital. Mount Teide, at 3,700-m-high, is the world’s third largest volcano and dominates the landscape. Its volcanic slopes make excellent terroir for quality wines. Admiral Nelson lost his arm in 1797 in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the world’s first city laid out in a grid with charming 16th-century pastel mansions adorned with wooden balconies.
The city of Dakhla's position on a peninsula along Morocco's Atlantic coast where the desert meets the sea makes it a unique gateway to Western Sahara's landscapes. The region is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, with its vibrant flamingo population attracting numerous visitors. Kitesurfing and desert safaris are also popular activities, offering chances to see mammals like sand cats and reptiles including spiny-tailed lizards.
Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s bustling port city, is a cultural hub known for its diverse population, vibrant markets and a strong economy based on iron ore and fishing. The Port Artisanal is busy with Mauritanian and Senegalese pirogue fishing boats. Nearby, Cap Blanc features pristine sands and a colony of monk seals, while the UNESCO-listed Banc d'Arguin National Park, renowned for its nesting birds and migratory waders, is also close by.
Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital and largest city, is a key Saharan hub. It offers Fishermen’s Beach, known for its colourful boats and sunset views. The city hosts the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Mauritania, which provides insights into regional history. Notable shopping areas include the Grand Market, Artisan’s Village and the Silver Market, known for Mauritanian silver jewellery with distinctive designs.
Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Diana
| Length | 125 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2022/23 |
Launched in 2023, SH Diana provides 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 provides a high level of personal service, 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.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.
SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.
Wheelchair access
Guests who use wheelchairs must bring their own, as we have only a small number of wheelchairs stored onboard for emergencies. To ensure ease of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must be no wider than 65cm. All mobility or medical equipment brought on board must be capable of being carried safely and must be declared before sailing. To ensure that all guests can safely evacuate during an emergency, guests requiring a wheelchair can only be accommodated in our ADA-accessible cabins.
We offer an Oceanview and a Balcony stateroom on Diana. These staterooms are specifically designed to be completely ADA compliant and have a fully operable wheelchair-access wet unit.
Diana has two lifts, serving every passenger deck apart from the Stargazing top deck, which is, therefore, more difficult to access, as are the Aft Marina and Swan’s Nest forward observation platform. Also, we don’t have special equipment to access the swimming pool, jacuzzi, or sauna. Otherwise, the ship is entirely at your disposal.
Many of the expeditions ashore in remote places are by Zodiac. Boarding these boats and returning aboard can present challenges for wheelchair users, as can navigating uneven terrain. These challenges are by no means always insurmountable, though, and our highly experienced crew is trained to provide reliable advice and assistance. They will make every effort to ensure wheelchair-using guests enjoy a memorable experience at each destination. Our general guidance, however, is to recommend wheelchair users travel with a companion for their ease and enjoyment.
If you prefer to remain aboard, our panoramic interiors and ample open decks ensure an immersive, intimate experience of your inspiring surroundings.
