Cruising in Namibia - the Skeleton Coast
13 Days - SH Diana
Board your voyage exploring the west coast of the Southern Region of Africa in Cape Town. Sail from the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, to the unspoiled coast of Angola, a post-colonial country slowly emerging from the ravages of war. Watch out for flamingos, pelicans, whales and dolphins as you discover exquisite landscapes, with your journey ending in the charming, Portuguese-influenced city of Luanda.
from USD $4271pp
Home » 13 Day SH Diana: Cruising in Namibia – the Skeleton Coast
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the Kolmanskop ghost town in the barren Namib Desert near Luderitz
- Spot flamingos and pelicans in their thousands at Pelican Point
- Look for the rare (and weird) tree lumbo or Welwitchia mirabilis in Namibe Partial Reserve
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Cape Town (Hotel Night)
- Day 2 and 3: Cape Town
- Day 4: Saldanha Bay (Langebaan)
- Day 5: Day at sea
- Day 6: Luderitz
- Day 7 and 8: Walvis Bay
- Day 9: Day at sea
- Day 10: Ilha Baia dos Tigres
- Day 11: Namibe
- Day 12: Day at sea
- Day 13: Luanda
Day 1: Cape Town (Hotel Night)
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by the cruise representative and driven on the group transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 and 3: Cape Town
The morning of day 2, you will take the group transfer from your hotel to the port and board your cruise.
Langebaan Lagoon, a watersports and fishing paradise, is renowned for its wetlands and tidal mud flats, home to flamingos, the world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers, and thousands of migratory birds. The West Coast National Park protects the lagoon and is home to the Slow Five—tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. The Fossil Park has the oldest modern human footprint, Eve’s Footprint, over 100,000 years old.
Day 4: Saldanha Bay (Langebaan)
Langebaan Lagoon, a watersports and fishing paradise, is renowned for its wetlands and tidal mud flats, home to flamingos, the world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers, and thousands of migratory birds. The West Coast National Park protects the lagoon and is home to the Slow Five—tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. The Fossil Park has the oldest modern human footprint, Eve’s Footprint, over 100,000 years old.
Day 5: Day at sea
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.
Day 6: Luderitz
Lüderitz, with a unique West African-German culture, graces Namibia's coast on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. Formerly a German colony, the town preserves colonial buildings in German Art Nouveau style, including Goerke Haus mansion and the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church built into the rocks. Beyond town, the desolate Namib Desert extends along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses and tales of remarkable survival.
Day 7 and 8: Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay offers shelter to thousands of flamingos in its natural tidal lagoon and protected wetlands. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out, and marine wildlife like whales and dolphins swim by. Locally caught fish and German dishes are available in the harbour. Optional tours include desert dinners, dune jeep safaris, meeting the locals in Mondesa township, and flights or hot air balloons over the desert.
Day 9: Day at sea
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Day 10: Ilha Baia dos Tigres
Far from the crowds, the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres, or Tiger Island, in Angola off Namibe Province's coast offers a deserted island setting. Originally a peninsula, it became an island overnight when the ocean breached the isthmus and residents abandoned their homes. Nestled in clear blue waters, the island is a pristine oasis surrounded by secluded beaches, and vast dunes, renowned for desolate landscapes and eerie ghost towns.
Day 11: Namibe
Now known as Moçâmedes, the port of Namibe was settled by the Portuguese in the 19th century. This early slave trading town is the entrance to the arid Namib desert, with towering sand dunes and home to the ancient welwitschia mirabilis trees, each over 2,000 years old and threatened by climate change. Near the port, the old town has colourful colonial architecture, beaches and historic buildings, including an abandoned spaceship-like cinema.
Day 12: Day at sea
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Day 13: Luanda
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.
This morning, you will disembark and take the group transfer from the ship to the Luanda airport.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
24 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026 | USD $4271pp | ||
Triple Oceanview M4 | USD $4271pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview D4 | USD $4847pp | Contact us | |
Triple Balcony M5 | USD $5081pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview M4 | USD $5125pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D5 | USD $5819pp | Contact us | |
Balcony M5 | USD $6097pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D6 | USD $6236pp | Contact us | |
Quadruple Suite | USD $6396pp | Contact us | |
Junior Suite | USD $7278pp | Contact us | |
Suite | USD $8528pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | USD $9708pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Oceanview D4
20 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
20 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
28 m2
Located on deck 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
28 m2
Located on deck 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
28 m2
Located on deck 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
35 m2
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
44 m2
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
47 m2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Triple Oceanview M4
19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
Triple Balcony M5
28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
Quadruple Suite
44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
SH Diana Deckplan
Specifications
CREW: 141
GUESTS: 192
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 410 ft (125 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
TONNAGE: 12,100 GRT
CRUISING SPEED: 14.5 knots
PROPULSION HYBRID DIESEL ELECTRIC: 4x Medium speed, Polar Class PC6
REGISTERED: Malta
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
TENDER BOATS: 2 (48 pax each)
ZODIACS: 15
Whats included?
- Group transfer from airport to hotel
- Group transfer from hotel to ship
- Group transfer from ship to airport
- One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
- Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard Wi-Fi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
- Branded Swan Hellenic backpack and stainless-steel water bottle
What’s not included?
- Any items not mentioned as included