Northern Europe, British Isles
Sailing with the Vikings - British Isles & Norway Cruise
Follow in the wake of the legendary Vikings on this breathtaking cruise. Beginning in the Arctic city of Tromsø, Norway, we'll traverse the mythical Trollfjorden and experience the quaint charm of Leknes in the Lofoten Islands before taking in the coastal beauty of Brønnøysund and Molde. Sail from Geiranger's majestic fjords across the North Sea to the United Kingdom. Explore Kirkwall's ancient heritage, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Aberdeen and Edinburgh in Scotland, and discover the historic charm of Newcastle upon Tyne. By the time we arrive in Amsterdam, you'll have sailed the same seas and explored the same lands as generations of Vikings before you.
• Midnight Sun in Tromsø: Experience the soft glow of the midnight sun in Tromsø, a remote Norwegian city above the Arctic Circle. This natural phenomenon occurs during the summer months, allowing you to enjoy extended daylight hours and breathtaking views of the sun never fully setting.
• Trollfjorden Cruise: Sail through the spectacular Trollfjorden, a narrow fjord with towering mountains on Austvågøya island in the Lofoten archipelago. Marvel at the dramatic scenery, including near-vertical cliffs and the stunning white-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
• Scenic Beauty of Lofoten Islands: Explore the enchanting Lofoten Islands, known for their otherworldly landscapes and vibrant red-painted houses. Take in the breathtaking mountainous scenery, white sand beaches, and the unique experience of the Midnight Sun that illuminates the region for almost two months each year.
• Geirangerfjord's Natural Wonders: Visit Geiranger, a village located at the head of the magnificent Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear blue waters, and the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls. Take a bus or boat tour to explore the fjord's stunning surroundings and learn about its geological significance at the Norwegian Fjord Centre.
Highlights
• Midnight Sun in Tromsø: Experience the soft glow of the midnight sun in Tromsø, a remote Norwegian city above the Arctic Circle. This natural phenomenon occurs during the summer months, allowing you to enjoy extended daylight hours and breathtaking views of the sun never fully setting.
• Trollfjorden Cruise: Sail through the spectacular Trollfjorden, a narrow fjord with towering mountains on Austvågøya island in the Lofoten archipelago. Marvel at the dramatic scenery, including near-vertical cliffs and the stunning white-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
• Scenic Beauty of Lofoten Islands: Explore the enchanting Lofoten Islands, known for their otherworldly landscapes and vibrant red-painted houses. Take in the breathtaking mountainous scenery, white sand beaches, and the unique experience of the Midnight Sun that illuminates the region for almost two months each year.
• Geirangerfjord's Natural Wonders: Visit Geiranger, a village located at the head of the magnificent Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear blue waters, and the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls. Take a bus or boat tour to explore the fjord's stunning surroundings and learn about its geological significance at the Norwegian Fjord Centre.
Known as the Arctic gateway, Tromso is a remote Norwegian city at 69° north, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the soft glow of the midnight sun. Learn more about early polar explorations at the Polar Museum. Famed for the Northern Lights on winter nights, you can find out more about this natural spectacle at the Science Centre.
Trollfjorden is unbelievable – a 100 m-wide entrance to a narrow fjord with near-vertical mountainous sides up to 1,100 m high. The passage slices through Austvågøya, on the edge of the Lofoten Islands, and there’s no way in, other than by boat or a dizzying hike. Appreciate the silence while you cruise gently onward as white-tailed eagles soar overhead - and marvel as the ship slowly spins around to leave.
Explore the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago just above the Arctic Circle. Leknes, the islands’ main town, on Vestvågøya, sits on bay-like Buksnesfjorden. The scenery is otherworldly, little red-painted houses against a backdrop of craggy, mountainous isles. In the height of summer the white sand beaches look almost like the South Seas – and this is the Land of the Midnight Sun for almost two months each year. Tours take in the mountainous interior while there are also whale watching excursions.
A pretty town on a narrow peninsula amid a world of islands halfway up the Norwegian coast. Nearby, Torghatten, a granite dome of a mountain on the isle of Torget, is famed for the hole through the middle, which you can walk right through. Boat trips head to the Vega Archipelago UNESCO site, with shallow waters, fishing docks and nesting spots for down-rich eider ducks. The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre gives guests a taste of salmon farming with aquariums, underwater cameras – and a restaurant.
As Romdalsfjord nears the open sea it’s a very different place, bigger and even more placid yet still wild – from the town of Molde it’s reckoned you can see 222 peaks. From here the Atlantic Road darts across bridges and islands on its extraordinary journey, and a replica Viking ship departs for Håholmen island, an 18th-century fishing port. Another boat takes you into the spine-tingling caves of Bergtatt, where marble has been mined for more than 80 years.
Geirangerfjord is a truly magnificent fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its staggering mix of snow-capped peaks and clear blue waters, lush greenery and the magnificent Seven Sisters waterfalls. See the falls from a tiny boat, or take a bus along hair-raising roads to the 1,500 m Mount Dalsnibba Skywalk viewpoint and learn about your surroundings at the Norwegian Fjord Centre. The village of Geiranger at the head of the fjord is well over 100 km from the 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.
Old Kirkwall was once one of the most important towns of the Norse Western Empire. Officially a Royal Burgh since 1486, the town’s name comes from the Norse ‘Kirkjuvagr’, meaning ‘Church of the bay’. From the 9th to 15th centuries, Orkney and the surrounding islands belonged to the Norse king, a thraldom held by earls. This Viking heritage is still very much alive today in the town of Kirkwall. A highlight is the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Regarded as the finest medieval building in Northern Scotland, the sandstone structure was erected by skilled builders in 1137, brought north from their work on the revered Durham Cathedral.
Aberdeen’s ubiquitous grey buildings have given the city its epithet, the Granite City. Located a stone’s throw from the North Sea oil reserves, Aberdeen is also known as the UK’s petroleum capital. Thanks to this twist of geology, the city benefits from oil-infused affluence as well as multicultural influences. Disembark to explore; the Aberdeen Arts Centre, the Maritime Museum, the Gordon Highlanders Museum and Marischal College are just some of your options. One of the city’s biggest draws, however, is its proximity to Scotland’s famed castle and whisky trails. Aberdeenshire, that great shoulder of land which pushes into the North Sea, has more castles per hectare (260) than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. There are plenty near Aberdeen itself; you could visit the impressive cliff-top ruins of Dunnottar Castle, the fairytale Crathes Castle or Drum Castle, an elegant Jacobean mansion house. Whisky lovers might be interested to note that also close by are the distilleries of Glenfiddich, Strathisla and Glen Grant.
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without strolling along the Royal Mile from the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse, to that lauded landmark, Edinburgh Castle, which sits on Castle Rock, a volcanic hill. Nearby is the contemporary, design-forward Scottish Parliament building and the National Museum of Scotland, which presents a detailed history of the country. Or climb to the top of Calton Hill, it’s steep, but the views are worth it. You’ll sail from Leith, Edinburgh’s port on the Firth of Forth, so make your way down to the waterfront, where you’ll find your chic ship waiting.
Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant and eclectic city in northeast England. Its attractions include the Tyne Bridge, St James’ Park, Eldon Square, Laing art gallery, and the great north run. You can also visit Quayside, Victoria Tunnel, The Discovery Museum, and more.
Scheveningen is a district in The Hague, Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful beaches and many attractions such as De Pier, Westduinpark, Oostduinpark, and more.
Our port is the gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the very heart of things, but where walking the narrow streets and over the hundreds of bridges is magical too. Discover a treasure trove of fabulous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, filled with Dutch Masters – and just around the corner from the Van Gogh Museum. While, south of the city, explore windmill-filled stretches of countryside canal.
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.
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Balcony M5
$22,218 AUD pp
Located on decks 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.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D6
$24,426 AUD pp
Located on decks 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.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Junior Suite
$27,581 AUD pp
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.
35 m2 Sleeps 2
Premium Suite
$37,272 AUD pp
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.
47 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony D5
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Oceanview M4
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Oceanview D4
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Suite
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 125 meters
Passenger Capacity: 192
Built: 2022-2023
Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing 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 will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, 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.
Inclusions
2024 CRUISES
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• 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 WiFi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation are only available for:
• Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia;
• Arctic cruises starting or ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq.
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Exclusions
• Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, private Zodiac tours
• Laundry
• Premium wines and spirits
• Purchases in the ship's boutique
• Any spa treatments
• Upgraded WiFi data packages
• Visas where required
• Travel Insurance
• Flights
• Domestic transfers
• The Explore & Restore Wellness Package is not included in the cruise fare.
Expedition
14 Days from
$22,218 AUD pp
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