SH Diana
Ship Facts
Gross Tonnage: 12,100
Length: 410 feet
Breadth: 75 feet
Draft: 18 feet
Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots
Guests: 192
Crew: 141
Decks: 9
Inaugural: March, 2023
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Madagascar Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2024
From Kenya To Mozambique
11 nights from Nairobi, Kenya to Maputo, Mozambique
October 26 – November 06, 2024
Swan Hellenic Cruises SH Diana
 Our luxury gay group expedition cruise leaves the Kenyan capital of Mombasa and heads via the stunning beaches of the Zanzibar for a 10-night voyage discovering the Eastern Madagascar & Mozambique coasts. Along the way, we encounter spectacular beaches, rainforests and gardens where incredible wildlife makes their home, from dolphins, whales, turtles and giant tortoises to brightly coloured pink flamingos and rainbow chameleons, as well as several species of lemur. Dive among these pristine waters, or spend your time on land taking in the aromas of local spices piled high on market stalls. Your journey finishes in Maputo, the intriguing capital of Mozambique, where you’ll feel uplifted by nature in all its splendour in these rarely visited parts of the world.
Madagascar is a country in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world, and its wildlife is so unique and diverse that it's nicknamed "the Eighth Continent". Madagascar is home to nearly 15,000 plant species, with highlights including the massive and ancient baobab trees, the unique spiny forests of the south, over 800 species of orchids, and the dwindling rain forests.
Animal life on the island is equally impressive, in particular the more than 100 species of lemurs, nearly all of which are rare or threatened. The island is home to over 300 species of birds, approximately 260 species of reptiles, and a massive number of amphibians and insects.
Madgascar Gay Cruise Highlights
• Take in the aromas of Mombasa’s market stalls heaped with locally grown spices like pepper, ginger and cinnamon
• Look out for pods of dolphins or surfacing beaked whales on your days at sea
• Head to the rarely visited Kirindy Mitea National Park to see several species of lemur
• Learn about exotic local plants from the guides at the Arboretum d’Antsokay
• Swim among exotic marine life alongside pristine palm-fringed beaches with white sand
Your Ship - Swan Hellenic Cruises Brand New SH Diana
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.
Sophisticated Elegance
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.
Your Wellbeing
The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 141-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories.
The Observation Lounge
After a day of exploration, where better to relax than in the Observation Lounge. Sit back, savour your favourite tipple whilst getting to know your fellow guests.
Alfresco Dining & Heated Outdoor Pool
Enhance your moments with a dip in the pool or lounge comfortably, savouring fine food and drink while admiring the ever-changing scene.
The Swan Restaurant
Your main dining venue, which transforms in the evenings to serve world-class gourmet cuisine created by Michelin star-winning chefs.
Sauna With A View
A restorative massage or invigorating workout? The panoramic sauna or heated Jacuzzi ? Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy breath-taking views!
The Club Lounge
After a day of exploration, this is the ideal place to relax, sipping your favourite tipple as your share experiences and insights with fellow guests.
What's Included
• One night at our deluxe hotel in Nairobi.
• Welcome dinner in Nairobi, and lunch on the day of embarkation.
• Cruise aboard the brand new Diana, as described in the itinerary.
• Group airport/hotel/pier transfers at designated times, and handling of luggage.
• Lectures and discussions provided by guest speakers.
• Additional lectures by members of the onboard team of experts.
• Complete program of tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary including lunch on full day tours with professional English-speaking guides.
• All meals aboard the ship, with a selectionof wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.
• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard the ship hosted by the captain.
• Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
• Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night.
• 24-hour room service.
• Gratuities to the ship’s crew, guides, porters and drivers.
• Basic Wi-Fi aboard the ship.
• The services of an experienced Trip Director.
• All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
• Complete pre-departure material.
What's Not Included
• International airfare and baggage fees
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
• Passport and visa fees; several visas might be required for this tour
• Early or late arrival/departure surcharge or early check-in / late check-out
• Personal accommodations, meals, transfers, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
• Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary
• Gratuity for Gay Group Manager
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Madagascar
Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2024
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 26 Oct |
Nairobi, Kenya |
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PM |
| 27 Oct |
Nairobi / Mombasa, Kenya |
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| 28 Oct |
Zanzibar, Tanzania |
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| 29 Oct |
A Day at Sea! |
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| 30 Oct |
Mayotte, France |
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| 31 Oct |
Nosy Be, Madagascar |
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| 01 Nov |
Mahajanga, Madagascar |
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| 02 Nov |
A Day at Sea! |
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| 03 Nov |
Morondava, Madagascar |
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| 04 Nov |
Toliara, Madagascar |
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| 05 Nov |
A Day at Sea! |
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| 06 Nov |
Maputo, Mozambique |
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Day 1 - Nairobi, Kenya
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport Hotel. In the evening, meet fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - Nairobi / Mombasa, Kenya
Fly to the port city of Mombasa to board the Diana and sail.
A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa draws you in with its rich history and beguiling blend of cultures. For centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians and British settlers have lived side by side in the enchanting old town, whose buildings meld African, European and African styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger and cardamom.
Day 3 - Zanzibar, Tanzania
Cosmopolitan Zanzibar Island (Unguja) has a captivating mix of heritage architecture and spectacular beaches. Zanzibar City’s walkable old quarter, Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe), is a lively warren of narrow winding streets dotted with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights here include the Old Fort, which hosts performances in its outdoor amphitheatre, and the House of Wonders, an 1883 ceremonial palace with a grand clock tower. You’ll also come across stalls heaped with locally grown spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Day 5 - Mayotte, France
Mayotte is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It’s a department and region of France, though traditional Mayotte culture is most closely related to that of the neighboring Comoros islands. The Mayotte archipelago is surrounded by a coral barrier reef, which shelters a lagoon and marine reserve that are popular diving destinations.
Day 6 - Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be is an island off Madagascar’s northwestern coast. In the southeast, the forests of Lokobe Reserve shelter chameleons, geckos and frogs. The capital, known as Hell-Ville, has French colonial buildings and a covered market. Lemuria Land is home to a variety of lemurs, plus reptiles. Also in the park is a 19th-century distillery still used to extract essential oils from the native ylang-ylang tree
Day 7 - Mahajanga, Madagascar
The lively northern port of Mahajana (Majunga) is known for its charming French colonial and Arabian architecture as well as a broad seafront promenade lined with coconut palms. Be sure to look for the gigantic landmark baobab tree towering near the water. Long sandy beaches stretch north towards Cirque Rouge, a remarkable natural amphitheatre whose crumbling rocks are a blend of red, ochre and pale pink. The colours are at their most dramatic at sunset. Excursion to the Ankarafantsika National Park.
Day 9 - Morondava, Madagascar
The relaxed west coast town of Morondava is the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Lining a bumpy track, this striking grove of centuries-old giants - often nicknamed upside-down trees - is especially popular at sunset, when the trunks cast long shadows on the ground, creating spectacular photo effects. To the south, Kirindy Mitea National Park is a protected coastal reserve home to several species of lemur along with the rare fossa, a close relation of the mongoose. Explore the Kirindy National Park.
Day 10 - Toliara, Madagascar
Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tuléar), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, you can explore the Arboretum d’Antsokay, created by a Swiss botanist in 1980 amid a swathe of spiny forest. Garden guides lead you past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, and you might spy flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, there’s also a fascinating small museum dedicated to local marine life. Explore the Antsokay Arboretum
Day 12 - Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique’s capital city has an intriguing mix of Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings on broad boulevards lined with jacaranda and palm trees. Architectural standouts include the early-20th-century domed railway station, painted in green and white, and the Smiling Lion, a distinctive post-modernist apartment block designed by Pancho Guedes. Exploring Maputo is also simply about wandering the historic district of Baixa and taking in the vibrant street scene of bustling pavement cafes, live music and busy markets.
After breakfast aboard, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
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