Embark on a captivating Morocco to Portugal luxury cruise, starting in the vibrant streets of Casablanca and concluding in the charming city of Lisbon. This journey takes you from bustling North African locales to the historic beauty of Europe, marking its path along the North African and Iberian coastlines. Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Casablanca, Tangier, and Seville. Witness the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque and the intricate maze of Tangier's Medina. Discover Seville's Moorish architecture and the historic treasures in Granada. Dive into the scenic wonders of Doñana National Park and enjoy the natural beauty of the Algarve coast in Lagos. Throughout the cruise, immerse yourself in diverse activities like sailing in Puerto Banús, indulging in exquisite tapas in Seville, and enjoying the breathtaking views of Portugal's Atlantic beaches. Engage with the rich maritime history of Portugal and relish the luxury of dolphin watching and exploring Andalusian villages. This luxurious journey promises a blend of cultural discoveries and scenic beauty.
- Discover the charming whitewashed villages of Las Alpujarras.
- Spot flamingos and storks in Doñana National Park, Europe’s largest wetland with shifting sand dunes and pine forests.
- Explore Seville’s Alcázar, a stunning palace with intricate Moorish architecture
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, showcases a fusion of French, Moorish, and Art Deco styles in its downtown neo-Mauresque structures. The prominent Hassan II Mosque, finished in 1993, features a towering 210m minaret with laser projections, and the 18th-century medina's lively alleyways provide a glimpse into the city's historical charm. Place Mohammed V, with palm trees and an elaborate fountain, symbolises Casablanca's dynamism.
Tangier, Morocco's northern port city, has been a gateway to Africa for centuries. Founded by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago, Tangier's long, complex history is reflected in its labyrinthine Medina, 15th-century Portuguese fortress and Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures with its mosaic of Venus. Today, Tangier is a contemporary Moroccan city with a buzzing café culture and modern port.
Motril, nestled among the Sierra de Lújar and Sierra Nevada mountains, is the capital of the Tropical Coast. Its mild subtropical climate supports sugarcane cultivation. Known for this "sweet gold," its rich sugar history features a sugar museum, mills and rum distilleries. Motril also provides access to the whitewashed villages in Las Alpujarras valleys and gorges, and Granada, home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puerto Banús, a luxury hotspot on the Costa del Sol, is famous for its upscale marina, lined with high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants, drawing the rich and famous. It's also a centre for activities like sailing and dolphin watching. Just 7 km away, Marbella's old town offers a contrast with its Renaissance-era whitewashed buildings, narrow streets and highlights like Plaza de los Naranjos and Salvador Dalí sculptures along Avenida del Mar.
At the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, Sanlúcar’s 6 km coastline features sandy beaches like Bajo de Guía, renowned for its seafood and as the gateway to the natural wonders of Doñana National Park with its shifting sand dunes and pine forests. A haven for biodiversity, Doñana is home to the elusive Iberian lynx. The park is Europe’s largest wetland marshes, teeming with flamingos, storks and other migratory bird species.
A city renowned for passion, culture and flamenco, Seville’s intoxicating atmosphere will infuse even the weariest traveller with a celebratory spirit. The capital of Andalusia is revered for the grandeur of its monuments as well as for exquisite tapas dishes. The magnificent Catedral de Sevilla lords over the historic centre a short distance from the Alcázar (palace), a royal complex of rooms and gardens hidden behind modest terracotta walls.
Lagos, on the Algarve coast surrounded by golf courses, is a small port famed for its walled old town and sandy Atlantic beaches. Praia do Camilo cove is accessed via wooden steps, and nearby Ponta de Piedade cliffs offer panoramic views with a lighthouse. The old town features charming shops and restaurants, with the 18th-century Igreja de Santo António church and the Castelo dos Governadores, a baroque castle known for its watchtowers.
Spread over seven hills with São Jorge Castle views, bustling Lisbon is one of the world's oldest cities. Elegant Baixa, hilltop Alfama with its yellow tram, and scenic Graça overviewing pastel buildings, are top areas. The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a World Heritage Gothic site. The classic Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts are a local treat. Europe’s longest suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 de Abril, crosses the river Tagus.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Diana
| Length | 125 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2022/23 |
Launched in 2023, SH Diana provides 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 provides a high level of personal service, 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.
Wheelchair access
Guests who use wheelchairs must bring their own, as we have only a small number of wheelchairs stored onboard for emergencies. To ensure ease of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must be no wider than 65cm. All mobility or medical equipment brought on board must be capable of being carried safely and must be declared before sailing. To ensure that all guests can safely evacuate during an emergency, guests requiring a wheelchair can only be accommodated in our ADA-accessible cabins.
We offer an Oceanview and a Balcony stateroom on Diana. These staterooms are specifically designed to be completely ADA compliant and have a fully operable wheelchair-access wet unit.
Diana has two lifts, serving every passenger deck apart from the Stargazing top deck, which is, therefore, more difficult to access, as are the Aft Marina and Swan’s Nest forward observation platform. Also, we don’t have special equipment to access the swimming pool, jacuzzi, or sauna. Otherwise, the ship is entirely at your disposal.
Many of the expeditions ashore in remote places are by Zodiac. Boarding these boats and returning aboard can present challenges for wheelchair users, as can navigating uneven terrain. These challenges are by no means always insurmountable, though, and our highly experienced crew is trained to provide reliable advice and assistance. They will make every effort to ensure wheelchair-using guests enjoy a memorable experience at each destination. Our general guidance, however, is to recommend wheelchair users travel with a companion for their ease and enjoyment.
If you prefer to remain aboard, our panoramic interiors and ample open decks ensure an immersive, intimate experience of your inspiring surroundings.
