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For R290 000 you can cruise from Cape Town to Antarctica

It's definitely not cheap, but worth it for this seafaring adventure of a lifetime!

Richard Holmes
Written by
Richard Holmes
Local expert, Cape Town
Swan Hellenic SH Diana
Photograph: Swan Hellenic
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For centuries, Cape Town has been a lively port city, nicknamed the 'Tavern of the Seas' for its warm welcome (even if the seas are chilly). Although winter weather keeps cruise ships away for half the year, summer brings dozens of them to the modern Cape Town Cruise Terminal next to the V&A Waterfront.

March is an especially busy month, with 24 cruise ships expected to dock: one-third of the 76 ships scheduled to stop by the Mother City over the summer season.

While most vessels cruise Africa's west and east coasts, taking in the likes of Namibia, Durban and Mauritius, next year sees the return of a rather more adventurous trip for locals and international travelers: Antarctica!

Cruise line Swan Hellenic has now opened bookings for its 2026/27 Antarctic cruise season. And while most cruises to Antarctica depart from southern Argentina or Chile, and sail across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most exciting offering from Swan Hellenic is a 20-night epic voyage from Cape Town clear across the South Atlantic!

This adventurous voyage out of the Mother City sees guests step aboard the  SH Diana ; an intimate expedition-style ship that accommodates just 192 passengers. And while it's a far cry from the mega-ships sailing the Mediterranean or Caribbean, SH Diana still offers an onboard spa, jacuzzi, gym and heated outdoor pool to keep passengers busy on the long days at sea.

After Cape Town, the SH Diana will call at the remote islands of Tristan da Cunha and South Georgia, offering unique opportunities to explore these remote islands. Naturalists and history experts will offer onboard lectures and guided excursions to bring the islands to life. Zodiac speedboat excursions offer more opportunities to get up close to birds and marine wildlife.

After South Georgia the ship will tackle the notorious Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, where guests will spend four days admiring the icy southern continent, from the SH Diana and on thrilling zodiac adventures. Then, it's back across the Drake to end the voyage in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Unsurprisingly, this epic 20-day  Atlantic adventure on Swan Hellenic  doesn't come cheap, with the fares starting at a hefty R290 000 per person, while more luxurious suites on board can cost you twice as much. Start saving!

These rental bikes are made from recycled Nespresso pods!

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