SH Vega
Ship Facts
Gross Tonnage: 10,700
Length: 337 feet
Breadth: 75 feet
Draft: 18 feet
Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
Guests: 152
Crew: 120
Decks: 9
Inaugural: July, 2022
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From Barbados To Brazil - Exploring South America Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2025
20 nights from Bridgetown, Barbados to Salvador, Brazil Optional 4 days Extension in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
October 11 31, 2025
Swan Hellenic Cruises SH Vega
From Barbados to Brazil, uncover the wonders of South America's Atlantic coast Experience the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, encounter colonial history in cities like Georgetown and Paramaribo and marvel at the shifting sands of Lençóis Maranhenses and the mouth of the mighty Amazon River. Discovering diverse cultures, exotic wildlife and natural splendours, this superlative gay group cruise journey travels the length of northern South America.
Natural Treasures & Rivers of South America is a beguiling expedition that spans five countries and includes two rivers, Guyana’s Essequibo, and Brazil’s mighty Amazon.
Our sea journey will be aboard the new-generation, state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship Vega which accommodates only 152 guests, respectively, in superb and spacious staterooms and balcony suites. The ship features an array of elegant common areas and technological, mechanical and environment-friendly innovations.
Explore Latin America with Swan Hellenic and you’ll be following in the footsteps of adventurers and conquistadores. Ready to immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, get close to captivating wildlife, and experience breathtaking natural beauty? No matter where your adventures take you, this enchanting region is sure to leave you with memories you’ll treasure forever.
Let the tropics' rhythm guide you on an unforgettable Latin American and Caribbean journey, where paradise unfolds constantly through lush cloud forests and marine-life-rich waters. As captivating coastal towns reveal unique fusions of old and new, trace the steps of explorers and pirates or lose yourself in salsa and reggae beats. Immerse yourself in the tropical wildlife, diverse ecosystems and pre-Columbian history. From coral reefs to coffee plantations, banana-fringed beaches to active volcanoes, culture blends seamlessly with nature to craft a sensory carnival ringing through valleys or golden shores alike.
Exploring South America Gay Cruise Highlights
• Journey through the mighty Amazon rainforest and its remote tributaries and communities
• Explore the tropical historic Dutch colonial town of Paramaribo
• Observe the customs and ancient wisdom of traditional Caboclo communities living in harmony with the Amazon
• Uncover the secrets of Devil’s Island penal colony off French Guiana’s coast, made by the movie, Papillon
• Keep an eye out for enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws in the Amazon rainforest
Your Ship - Swan Hellenic Cruises Brand New SH Vega
Welcome To SH Vega, Your New Home Away From Home. Making her maiden voyage in July 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. For now, sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know your expedition ship.
Our brand new ship, named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage, has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort.
Sophisticated Elegance
We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.
Your Wellbeing
The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-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
On Deck 7 you'll find a heated outside pool along with pool side seating from where you can enjoy stunning scenery.
The Swan Restaurant As the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, our 152-seat restaurant serves international and local cuisine focussed on quality regional ingredients from the unique destinations we visit.
Situated on Deck 4, Swan Dining Room is the main venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving regional and international cuisine both buffet style and a la carte. There's an open seating policy with lots of space, seating for all guests and large windows.
There are daily "always available" items and Swan Hellenic's Culinary Ambassadors' Selection dishes, as well as vegetarian options. Internationally acclaimed chefs are behind the menu creations, so the food is of a very high standard and caters to all tastes and dietary requirements.
Sauna With A View Head to Deck 8 for the best views in the world. After a work out in our state-of-the-art gym, relax in our sauna or Jacuzzi and take in those breathtaking vistas along the way.
The Club Lounge Vibrant and welcoming, The Club Lounge acts as a hub, combining 24 hours tapas inspired dining with panoramic views of the ocean glittering below.
What's Included
• Accommodations at a fine hotel before the cruise
• Welcome dinner at the hotel
• Airport/hotel/pier transfers and luggage handling on the the program arrival and departure dates
• Cruise aboard the new expedition cruise ship Vega
• All meals aboard ship with a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night aboard ship
• Open bar with select alcoholic beverages aboard ship
• 24-hour room service aboard ship
• Complete program of tours, excursions and other activities ashore, led by professional local guides and onboard experts
• Educational program of lectures and discussions by the onboard experts and guest lecturers
• The services of an experienced gay group host
• Gratuities to shipboard personnel, local guides, drivers and porter
• All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes
• Gratuities to the ship’s crew, guides, porters and drivers
• Basic Wi-Fi aboard ship
• Complete pre-departure material
What's Not Included
• Any airfare
• Passport or visa fees (if applicable)
• Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Trip cancellation and Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
• Gratuities to Gay Group Manager
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, phone calls, etc.)
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Exploring South America Deluxe Gay Group Cruise 2025 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
11 Oct |
Bridgetown, Barbados |
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12 Oct |
Bridgetown, Barbados / Embarkation |
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PM |
13 Oct |
Port of Spain, Trinidad |
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14 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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15 Oct |
Georgetown, Guyana |
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16 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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17 Oct |
Paramaribo, Suriname |
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18 Oct |
Iles du Salut, French Guiana |
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19 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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20 Oct |
Macapa / Rio Cajari, Brazil |
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21 Oct |
Aquiqui / Gurupa, Amazon River |
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22 Oct |
Cruising Breves Narrows |
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23 Oct |
Belem, Brazil |
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24 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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25 Oct |
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park |
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26 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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27 Oct |
Fortaleza, Brazil |
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28 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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29 Oct |
Recife, Brazil |
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30 Oct |
Day at Sea! |
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31 Oct |
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil |
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Day 1 - Bridgetown, Barbados
Arrive Barbados and transfer to our group hotel. This evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers.
Day 2 - Bridgetown, Barbados / Embarkation
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
Day 3 - Port of Spain, Trinidad
Port of Spain, Trinidad's capital, is famed for its carnival with a Caribbean vibe and the Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a world of plants. The Magnificent Seven mansions, dating back to 1900, showcase the city's architectural heritage. As the world's greenest destination, Trinidad's Caroni Wetlands comprise mangroves and winding rivers, while the Northern Range mountains harbour birds, reptiles and 620 butterfly types amid ancient rainforests.
Day 5 - Georgetown, Guyana
Georgetown, the 'Garden City of the Caribbean,' lies on the Atlantic Coast where the Demerara river meets the sea. Stabroek Market, St. George's Cathedral, the National Museum and Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology all make up Georgetown's rich culture. With a diverse population of European, Indian, African, Chinese and Amerindian descent, the city thrives as a multicultural melting pot. Despite its location, Guyana is an English-speaking nation.
Day 7 - Paramaribo, Suriname
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).
Day 8 - Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands), French Guiana
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.
Day 10 - Macapa, Brazil
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.
Day 10 - Rio Cajari, Brazil
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.
Day 11 - Aquiqui, Amazon River
Aquiqui is a town along the Iquiqui River's unspoiled banks on a tributary of the Amazon in Brazil. Surrounded by rainforest, it provides access to traditional Caboclo communities living in harmony with nature, where visitors can learn ancient wisdom and observe their customs, beliefs and way of life in tune with the ecosystem. The area is home to diverse wildlife like aquatic birds, monkey squirrels and iguanas.
Day 11 - Gurupa, Amazon River
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.
Day 12 - Cruising Breves Narrows
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.
Day 13 - Belem, Brazil
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.
Day 15 - Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is renowned for its stunning white sand dunes sculpted by the wind and filled with rain-fed, crystal clear blue lagoons, like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita. Exploring this unique landscape is made possible through 4x4 safaris, hikes, sandboarding and kayaking. Beyond the dunes, the ecosystem includes mangroves and restinga, a forest type where rare wildlife like monkeys, foxes and vibrant birds thrive.
Day 17 - Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza is Brazil's fifth-largest city, located on the northeastern coastline in the state of Ceará. Its history includes a Dutch outpost in 1654, later retaken by the Portuguese and renamed Fortaleza (fortress). Among the highlights are the Praia do Futuro beach, forró, traditional music and dance at the ornate, Art Nouveau-styled Theatro José de Alencar, or shopping for hammocks and handmade lace and embroideries at the Central Market.
Day 19 - Recife, Brazil
Brazil's fourth-largest city, Recife sprawls over islands at the mouth of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, earning it the nickname the "Venice of Brazil." Recife Antigo, the colonial old town on its own island, has colourful architecture. North of Recife is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Olinda, an 18th-century Portuguese sugarcane hub, now an artists' colony with Baroque churches amid bright houses built on steep hillsides.
Day 21 - Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
With a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where African and South American cultures blend. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital from 1549 to 1763, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pelourinho, bursts with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Jorge Amado, a beloved literary figure, is celebrated at his former home, now the museum A Casa do Rio Vermelho.
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