From the mango-shaded streets of Belém, gateway to the mighty Amazon, this voyage unfolds through the wild heart of South America toward the sun-drenched Caribbean. Visit the Furo do Cujubá and the remote waterways of the Amazon Delta , Afuá in Pará state, sometimes called "Marajó's Venice", the haunting Îles du Salut, where jungle has reclaimed the old prison walls, and discover the Dutch colonial elegance of Paramaribo.


Highlights


• Expert-led Talks - Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

• The Amazon Delta - A maze of channels, islands, and flooded forest, where the river feels like an inland sea.

• Macaws and Pink Dolphins - Cruise narrow waterways where river dolphins surface and rainforest birds flash through the canopy.

• Rainforest Hikes - Take guided walks on rainforest trails and coastal paths, with time to stop for views, wildlife spotting, and photos.


Once one of South America's most prosperous cities, known as ‘tropical Paris’, today Belém remains a thriving port and is the gateway to the Amazon. The opulence of Belém’s golden era is showcased at the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça de República. Pretty green spaces are shaded by mango trees and the historical centre has plenty of wonderful museums. The bustling Ver-o-Peso market is Latin America's largest open-air market


Navigating Brazil's Breves Narrows, upriver from Belem in the Thousand Islands region, is a mesmerising Amazonian journey. This natural passage, surrounded by towering walls of lush vegetation, creates a secluded green canyon in the heart of the jungle. Enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws, and equatorial flora such as giant Victoria water lilies flourish. The welcoming locals, known as ribeirinhos, offer warm hospitality


Nestled within the world's largest rainforest, Afuá in Pará state, known as "Marajó's Venice" or the "Amsterdam of the Tropics," rests on fluvial Marajó Island near the Amazon's mouth. Built primarily on wooden stilts 1.5m above the waterways with boardwalks, this car-free city aims to become a net-zero emissions model. Residents travel the narrow streets by bicycle and boat, with many relying on fishing for their livelihood


Furo do Cujuba is a stream in Pará, Brazil, that traverses diverse Amazonian ecosystems, including forests, lowland forests and aquatic vegetation. This waterway is part of the intricate system of rivers and channels that characterise the Amazon region. These ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon. Along the furos are riverside communities whose daily lives are intimately connected to these waterways


Gurupa is a fishing town on the Amazon River delta in Brazil. Located on Ilha Grande do Gurupá island, it lies near the Amazon's convergence with the Xingu River. Adapted to seasonal floods, Gurupa offers access to the biodiversity of the vast Amazon Basin and an ecosystem which includes várzea forest and savanna. The area provides habitat for endemic birds like the scaled spinetail, fish, monkeys and bats drawn to the várzea's fruiting trees


The Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve in Amapá highlights remarkable ecological diversity while balancing conservation with sustainable use by local communities. Encompassing rainforests, cerrado grasslands, and flooded riparian zones, the reserve is home to valuable tree species like Brazil nuts and açaí palms. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including tapirs, monkeys, cats, alligators, turtles and numerous bird and fish species


The most remote of Brazil’s 26 state capitals, Macapá, the capital of and the largest city in the Amapá State, sits on the north bank of the Amazon Delta. Founded by the Portuguese as an outpost, this city's foremost attraction is the Marco Zero monument, a 113-centimetre concrete sundial which symbolises the centre of the metropolis. Other sights include the Fortaleza de São José and the Museu Sacaca


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


The Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are a tiny archipelago off French Guiana's coast, with three main islands: Royale, St-Joseph and Diable - or Devil's Island, a penal colony. Serious offenders and political prisoners, such as Captain Alfred Dreyfus, were held here and dead prisoners were fed to the sharks. The prison buildings are now overgrown, and the islands are now home to green-winged macaws, capuchin monkeys, iguanas and sea turtles


At the heart of Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, is the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre blending Dutch architecture with local craftsmanship. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica is one of the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden structures. Notable sites include Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress, the Garden of Palms and broad streets. The central square is encircled by impressive buildings including the Presidential Palace (1730)


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


Tucked away in a sheltered bay on the northeastern coast of Tobago, Charlotteville is a charming fishing village that feels like a step back in time. This peaceful community offers a rare glimpse into authentic Caribbean life.
Known for its vibrant local culture, fresh seafood, and welcoming spirit, Charlotteville is also a gateway to excellent snorkeling and diving in the nearby pristine reefs


Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Oceanview D4

$15,875 AUD pp
Oceanview D4
19 m2 Sleeps 2 Oceanview cabins features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview M4

$16,675 AUD pp
Oceanview M4
19 m2 Sleeps 2 Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Balcony D5

$17,475 AUD pp
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2 Features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room, a luxurious ensuite bathroom and your own private 6 sq.m. balcony.

Balcony M5

$18,275 AUD pp
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2 Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Suite

$27,800 AUD pp
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2 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

$31,750 AUD pp
Premium Suite
49 m2 Sleeps 2 Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship

Length: 115 metres

Passenger Capacity: 158

Built: 2020/2021/2022

The SH Vega is a boutique, ice-strengthened expedition ship designed for exploring the world’s most remote destinations in refined comfort. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines sleek Scandinavian design with advanced cruising technology, including a Polar Class PC5 hull and extra-large stabilisers for smooth sailing in challenging waters. With space for just 158 guests and 122 crew, she offers an intimate and personalised experience, where every detail is considered – from elegant observation lounges and stargazing decks to fine dining venues and a spa with panoramic views. Her facilities include a heated outdoor pool, open deck jacuzzi, gym, and library, ensuring the journey is as rewarding on board as it is ashore.

Accommodation ranges from stylish oceanview staterooms to expansive premium suites, all appointed with contemporary comforts such as a flame-effect fireplace, Illy espresso machine, luxury toiletries, and even complimentary binoculars for wildlife spotting. Private balconies in many cabins provide a front-row seat to breathtaking landscapes, while world-class dining, attentive service, and thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of Champagne enhance the sense of occasion. Whether navigating polar ice or sailing into sunlit harbours, the SH Vega offers a blend of adventure, elegance, and home-like warmth.

Cabin layout for Vega

Inclusions


• Charter flights to the port of embarkation/ disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Ushuaia, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
• Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included - please enquire)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (where included - please enquire)
• 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 (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
• In polar regions: Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka to take home and use of rubber boots for wet zodiac landings.

Exclusions


• Kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
• Additional shore excursions are also offered (excluding polar regions, where all excursions are Zodiac-based and included). At each destination/ port of call, one pre-selected shore excursion will be included free of charge. All other excursion offers will be available at additional cost.
• Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
• Purchases from the ship’s boutique, laundry expenses, premium WiFi packages, and spa treatments
• Visas where required, travel insurance, flights, domestic transfers, and any hotel requirements pre- or post-cruise, unless otherwise stated within the itinerary description.
Caribbean Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
13 Days from
$1,222 AUD per day

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