Embark on a captivating voyage with the Western Europe cruise from Ireland to Portugal, a luxury cruise that takes you from the bustling city of Dublin to the sun-kissed shores of Lisbon. This enchanting trip begins in Dublin, where rich history blends with modern charm. From there, sail to Waterford, Kinsale, and across the Celtic coast through France, Spain, and Portugal, ending in the vibrant city of Lisbon. Throughout this journey, you'll have the chance to explore fascinating destinations. In Waterford, discover the centuries-old Reginald's Tower and the treasures within the Medieval Museum. Kinsale invites you to stroll through its colorful streets, while Brittany's Batz Island offers lush gardens and historic sites. En route to Portugal, visit Belle-Île's dramatic cliffs and the fortified Citadelle Vauban, and absorb the historic ambiance of Royan, Santander, Gijón, and Ferrol. Your itinerary offers an array of activities to indulge in the local culture and scenic beauty of each stop. Whether touring Waterford Crystal's esteemed factory, admiring the charms of Santander's gardens, or sipping local ciders in Gijón, there's something for every traveler. As you traverse the Atlantic coast, relish in the architectural wonder of Porto's azulejos-adorned churches and Lisbon's historic quarters, where culinary delights await.
- Explore Ireland's oldest city, Waterford, and learn about its fascinating Viking history.
- Island hop in Brittany and discover the unique microclimates and flora.
- Admire the Royal Palace of La Magdalena in Santander, a former summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
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.
Dublin, capital of Ireland, seamlessly blends grit and beauty with Georgian squares, parks and canals. It boasts a rich literary heritage, home to renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Literary attractions include Trinity College Library, housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, and the James Joyce Centre. The vibrant pub culture, with landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, adds to its lively charm.
Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with well-preserved walls. Highlights include Reginald's Tower with the Waterford Museum of Treasures, and the Medieval Museum, Ireland's sole museum dedicated to the Middle Ages. Waterford Crystal, established in 1783, offers factory tours showcasing its glassmaking heritage. Nearby are Kilkenny Castle, a 1,500-year-old Norman fortress, and Tipperary's legendary Rock of Cashel.
At the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale blends history, culture and natural beauty. This charming town, established in 1333, features colourful streets, renowned restaurants and two 17th-century fortresses: Charles Fort and James Fort. The 16th-century courthouse houses the Kinsale Regional Museum, with exhibits on local history and the RMS Lusitania torpedoing. Nearby Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is famous for the Blarney Stone.
Ile de Batz, a 3.5 km wide island off Roscoff's coast, retains its authentic charm thanks to its inhabitants and offers a rich blend of nature and history. Its mild climate nurtures diverse flora and fauna, highlighted by the Georges Delaselle Garden, home to over 2,000 exotic plant species. The island features varied landscapes, including dunes, beaches, moors and wetlands, along with heritage sites like St. Anne chapel ruins and the lighthouse.
Belle-Île, the largest Breton island and second largest in mainland France, is known for its mild climate, rugged cliffs and stunning panoramas. The island features preserved moors, dunes and diverse flora and fauna. In the main town, Le Palais, is Citadelle Vauban, a star-shaped fortress. Other notable sites include the historic water tank Aiguade de Vauban, a museum on Sarah Bernhardt and the Grand Phare lighthouse overlooking Donnant Beach.
Royan, a French Atlantic coastal gem, features five beaches nestled between dunes and pine forests at the broad mouth of the Gironde. La Grande Conche, a 2 km stretch of golden sands, lures sun-seekers. Royan endured significant damage during an allied bombing on January 5, 1945. The town's charm continues to shine through its blend of belle époque villas and vibrant postwar architecture, including the distinctive Notre-Dame de Royan church.
Santander, known for its beaches, unveils tales of a bygone era through medieval alleyways and ancient architecture. The Paseo de Pereda is a lush haven of gardens and sculptures. The city's history, dating back to Roman times, is marked by landmarks like the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Catedral de la Asunción, and the Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal summer residence. Santander is also renowned for traditional Basque cuisine.
The Asturian port city Gijon with colourful old houses is surrounded by green hills and is home to the Atlantic Botanical Gardens with over 2,000 plants. The monumental sculpture "Eulogy to the Horizon" by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida overlooks the sea. In the fisherman’s old quarter, Cimadevilla, the Campo Valdés Roman Baths date from around 100 AD. Local ciders are a speciality, best enjoyed in a traditional sideria.
With a rich seafaring history and scenic beaches, Ferrol, in A Coruña, Galicia, on the Atlantic coast, champions the Ferrol Naval Museum and the 16th-century San Felipe Castle. Nearby, La Coruña, dubbed the Crystal City for its glass-fronted buildings, showcases the 1st-century Hercules Tower, a UNESCO landmark. Santiago de Compostela, a famed pilgrimage centre, houses the cathedral believed to hold the remains of St. James the Great.
Famed for its port wine and bridges over the river Douro, Portugal’s second city, Oporto (Porto) is a city of two halves. On the left bank is Gaia's famed port houses such as Graham's and Taylor's. Ribeira, on the right bank, has rows of colourful old houses that line the riverfront, narrow streets that rise up the hill and Igreja de Carmo church whose facade is adorned with blue azulejos (tiles). A vintage tram trundles to the Foz district.
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.
Includes
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (Cruise Plus package only, exemptions apply)
- Your selected stateroom
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
- 24-hour room service
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion per port of call
- All expedition landings
- Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
- Gym, sauna, pool
- 24/7 self service laundry
- Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
- In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes