The pioneer of cultural expedition cruising, Swan Hellenic, has launched three new cruises in Africa and South America. Choose between the Atlantic Archipelago & Desert Dunes (Dakar to Casablanca), Moorish Splendours and Iberian Charms (Casablanca to Lisbon) and Exploring South America (Barbados to Brazil) all on luxury ship, SH Vega.

Two key highlights on these cruises are Casablanca in Africa and the Amazon River in South America. Next year, the late Humphrey Bogart would have celebrated his 125th anniversary; travel to Casablanca beforehand to make the most of the incredible art deco and architecture of this port city. Alternatively, join the Exploring South America journey for a chance to cruise up the Amazon River. Slightly shorter than the Nile, the Amazon River and surrounding forests are home to thousands of species; and people around the world, and locally, depend on the area for food, water, wood, and medicines. Plus the billions of tonnes of carbon stored in the Amazon is of global importance to slowing climate change.

Read on to find out more about these three new cruises below. If you would like any more information, or images, please let me know.

Best wishes,
Rosie & Lucy

NEW: Discover the west coast of Africa, from Dakar to Casablanca, with Swan Hellenic
Travel from Dakar's sunny beaches to the sights of Casablanca, on this 10-night cruise onboard SH Vega. Spend time in Dakar, exploring the mosques, tea shops and street markets before setting sail on this exciting cruise. On route, pause on Praia home to golden sands; stop at São Nicolau with its sugar cane, coffee plantations and 32 endangered endemic plant species and the rare Dragon Blood tree; and snorkel in the seas surrounding Santa Maria on Sal Island. Continue to Dakhla with its vibrant flamingo population, Agadir with its sprawling El Had Souk and impressive mosques, before arriving in the dynamic city of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. The 10-night cruise, departing 30 April 2024, costs from £1,980 pp (two sharing) and includes group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at a four / five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category, 24-hour room service, selected drinks available 24-hours per day, lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic's experienced expedition team and guest speakers, one selected shore excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, and onboard gratuities and port taxes. 
Swan Hellenic (0207 846 0271, www.swanhellenic.com)

NEW: Short but sweet adventure from Casablanca to Lisbon, with Swan Hellenic
For those short on time, this four-night option from Casablanca to Lisbon could be ideal. Casablanca, Morocco's largest city with its fusion of French, Moorish, and Art Deco styles, offers a vibrant start to this cultural-rich cruise. From Casablanca, travel to the magnificent city of Seville – walk to the Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on to the spectacular Alcázar (palace) before tucking into some delicious tapas. Enjoy the slower pace of Lagos on the Algarve coast, famed for its walled old town, sandy Atlantic beaches, Baroque castle, and golf courses. On the final day, disembark in Lisbon, one of the world's oldest cities. Look out for the yellow tram and the pastel buildings, admire the Jerónimos Monastery a World Heritage Gothic Site, photograph Europe's longest suspension bridge, and sample a classic Portuguese custard tart. The four-night cruise, departing 10 May 2024, costs from £1,180 pp (two sharing) and includes group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at a four / five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category, 24-hour room service, selected drinks available 24-hours per day, lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic's experienced expedition team and guest speakers, one selected shore excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, and onboard gratuities and port taxes. 
Swan Hellenic (0207 846 0271, www.swanhellenic.com)

NEW: Explore South America, from Barbados to Brazil, with Swan Hellenic
Travelling from the dynamic capital of Barbados to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, discover the wonders of South America's Atlantic coast on route. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain, stroll through the streets of Georgetown, and relax on the Salvation Islands. Then, from Iquiqui, head into the famous Amazon River – surrounded by rainforest, the river is one of Earth's last refuges for jaguars, harpy eagles and pink river dolphins. Travel on to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park with its stunning white sand dunes, marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage town of Olinda, and finish the cruise surrounded by the cobblestone streets and colourful, colonial buildings in Bahia, Brazil. The 19-night cruise, departing on 12 October 2025, costs from £6,980 pp (two sharing) and includes group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at a four / five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category, 24-hour room service, selected drinks available 24-hours per day, lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic's experienced expedition team and guest speakers, one selected shore excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, and onboard gratuities and port taxes. 
Swan Hellenic (0207 846 0271, www.swanhellenic.com)

For more information, please call 0207 846 0271 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

ENDS: 11 March 2024

About Swan Hellenic: Swan Hellenic relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to see what others don't. Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company's meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world's less travelled regions. Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided. For more information, visit www.swanhellenic.com and follow them on Instagram @swanhelleniccruises.