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 West Africa Skeleton Coast Luxury All-Gay Cruise 2026
12 nights from Luanda, Angola to Cape Town, South Africa
October 11 – 23, 2026
Swan Hellenic SH Diana
 Join us for 11-night luxury all-gay cruise along the Skeleton Coast of Angola and Namibia, ending in Cape Town, plus one pre-cruise hotel night in Luanda, Angola. This spectacular adventure aboard the exclusive charter of the SH Diana, a small luxury-expedition ship from Swan Hellenic Cruises, reserved exclusively for our esteemed Brand g guests. Immerse yourself in a new world of luxury travel, where every detail has been meticulously designed to offer extraordinary experiences and adventures in remote and captivating destinations.
Explore Southern Africa's rugged west coast, beginning in Luanda, a charming city with Portuguese influence. Sail along Angola’s pristine shores, a post-colonial gem, and Namibia’s Atlantic coastline, the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. Spot flamingos, pelicans, whales, and dolphins amid stunning landscapes, ending your journey in Cape Town.
A cruise along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast offers a rare journey into one of the most remote and strikingly beautiful regions on Earth. Known for its hauntingly desolate yet captivating landscapes, this pristine stretch of the African coast is a place of dramatic contrasts, where endless golden sands meet the crashing Atlantic waves under vast, endlessly blue skies. Onboard the SH Diana, guests can indulge in comfort and elegance as they explore the raw, untouched beauty of this wilderness. Watch for flamingos, seals, dolphins and whales as you uncover breathtaking scenes along your journey.
Laugh, dance, smile, and relax during three leisurely days at sea, reflecting on the diverse cultures and landscapes encountered. This unforgettable adventure of the senses promises a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, scenic wonders, and moments of pure relaxation. Join us on this remarkable expedition, where every port unveils a new chapter in your extraordinary voyage.
Africa West Coast Gay Cruise Highlights
• Diverse Cultures: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.
• Interact with local tribes: Gain insights into their traditions and savor the local cuisine
• Scenic Landscapes: Gaze upon endless sand dunes, shipwreck-lined coasts, and lichen fields
• Wildlife Encounters: Watch for flamingos, dolphins, cape fur seals and the "Slow Five": tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles
• Discover the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plant, an endemic rarity in Namib Desert Reserve
• Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of São Martinho dos Tigres
• Discover Kolmanskop, the eerie ghost town in the Namib Desert near Lüderitz
• Witness thousands of flamingos and pelicans at Pelican Point
• 3 relaxing days at sea to enjoy the comfortable spaces of the SH Diana
• Brand g Signature Entertainment
All-Inclusive Experience
• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED!
• 11-night luxury cruise accommodation
• One pre-cruise hotel night in Luanda, Angola
• Exceptional culinary delights with four included onboard dining options
• Unlimited beverages including wines, liquors, soft drinks and coffee/tea
• 24-hour room service in every accommodation
• Complimentary unlimited standard Wi-Fi during cruise
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• **Not included: International flights to and from the cruise, pre or post stays, spa treatments, optional excursions. Cruise port charges and pre-paid gratuities.
Welcome Aboard Swan Hellenic Luxury SH Diana
Boutique cruising doesn't come better than this... SH Diana is just what you need! The newest addition to Swan Hellenic fleet combines cutting-edge technology with stylish, sophisticated design, and the ship’s special ice-resistant PC6 hull means it’s able to visit some of the world's most inaccessible regions. This new generation polar class ship is Swan Hellenic largest, and features elegant interiors – including exclusive onboard art – wide unobstructed views, a spectacular grand staircase, and dedicated expedition facilities, so you can explore the world in style and comfort.
Built in the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Diana (named after the Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness) offers a truly elevated travel experience. Whether you’re taking in remarkable scenery from the panoramic sauna, dining in a world-class restaurant, or unwinding in your sumptuous stateroom, this outstanding 5-star ship has you covered.
ENTERTAINMENT
On Swaan Hellenic gay cruise, every night is opening night. Our cruises always feature a Brand g Signature Entertainer to provide quality entertainment throughout the cruise well as wonderful hosts to keep you entertained at all times.
ACTIVITIES
Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a couple of themed parties during the cruise which may include a welcome party, a T-Dance, and quiz shows. If you should choose to participate, great; if you’d rather just be a voyeur, that is totally fine as well.
Your Personal Service
Board SH Diana and you’ll be welcomed by a crew who want nothing more than to give you the best experience possible. Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality, and you’ll find your time on board will reflect that. No task is too big or too small: need a double espresso to get you going in the morning? Noted. Prefer your bed made up a certain way? We'll look after it. Absorbed by the views or the conversation at dinner? We’ll take care of everything else. We’ve been in the business a long time and take pride in our caring, thoughtful approach.
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 122-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.
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.
Cabin Comforts
Amenities also include a smart HDTV, individually-controlled air-conditioning, stocked minibar with snacks, soft drinks & beer, Illy Espresso coffee machine with pods, kettle and Kusmi tea bags, towels for cabin, pool and gym, bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and toileteries by Lajatica.
Each cabin welcomes you with a bottle of Champagne (75cl - Premium Suites, Suites, Junior Suites / 37.5cl - Balcony, Oceanview) and there's also free Wi-Fi, personal safe, and a pair of Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 binoculars to help you eatch out for wildlife!
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West Africa Skeleton Coast
All-Gay Cruise 2026 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 11 Oct |
Luanda, Angola |
|
| 12 Oct |
Luanda, Angola |
B, D |
| 13 Oct |
Fun Day at Sea! |
B, L, D |
| 14 Oct |
Namibe, Angola |
B, L, D |
| 15 Oct |
Ilha Baia dos Tigres, Angola |
B, L, D |
| 16 Oct |
Fun Day at Sea! |
B, L, D |
| 17 Oct |
Walvis Bay, Namibia |
B, L, D |
| 18 Oct |
Walvis Bay, Namibia |
B, L, D |
| 19 Oct |
Luderitz, Namibia |
B, L, D |
| 20 Oct |
Fun Day at Sea! |
B, L, D |
| 21 Oct |
Port Saldanah (Langebaan), South Africa |
B, L, D |
| 22 Oct |
Cape Town, South Africa |
B, L, D |
| 23 Oct |
Cape Town, South Africa |
B |
Day 1 - Luanda, Angola
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel’s Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda’s historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda’s modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.
Upon arrival at the Luanda International Airport (LAD), you will be greeted by one of our transfer representatives an escorted to our hotel, where we’ll enjoy one pre-cruise night before embarking on our journey aboard the SH Diana.
Day 2 - Luanda, Angola (Embarkation)
Today we’ll board the SH Diana. Settle in to your cabin and enjoy a welcome dinner before the ship sets sail. Get set for a week of enriching shore excursions, exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, Brand g Signature Entertainment all in the intimate company of 150 of your closest Brand g friends!
Day 3 - Fun Day at Sea!
We’ll spend the day cruising the Atlantic. Get to know your fellow travelers, relax, unwind, and indulge in whatever activities you enjoy most. Whether that means hitting the gym, unwinding at the spa, scanning the horizon for whales, diving into a good book, or soaking up the sun, these days on the open ocean provide a perfect complement to the adventure-filled days spent exploring ashore.
Day 4 - Namibe, Angola
Now known as Moçâmedes, the port of Namibe was settled by the Portuguese in the 19th century. This early slave trading town is the entrance to the arid Namib desert, with towering sand dunes and home to the ancient welwitschia mirabilis trees, each over 2,000 years old and threatened by climate change. Near the port, the old town has colourful colonial architecture, beaches and historic buildings, including an abandoned spaceship-like cinema.
Day 5 - Ilha Baia dos Tigres, Angola
Far from the crowds, the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres, or Tiger Island, in Angola off Namibe Province’s coast offers a deserted island setting. Originally a peninsula, it became an island overnight when the ocean breached the isthmus and residents abandoned their homes. Nestled in clear blue waters, the island is a pristine oasis surrounded by secluded beaches, and vast dunes, renowned for desolate landscapes and eerie ghost towns.
Day 6 - Fun Day at Sea!
Our second of three sea days. Pamper yourself at the spa or enjoy some time on deck sunning, enjoying a meal or reading a book. There is also sure to be plenty of Brand g Vacations Signature Entertainment and Activities to keep you entertained.
Day 7 - Walvis Bay, Namibia
Walvis Bay offers shelter to thousands of flamingos in its natural tidal lagoon and protected wetlands. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out, and marine wildlife like whales and dolphins swim by. Locally caught fish and German dishes are available in the harbour. The ship will stay docked here overnight.
Day 8 - Walvis Bay, Namibia
Enjoy breakfast onboard before heading out for another day of exploring Walvis Bay and the surrounding areas. Optional tours include desert dinners, dune jeep safaris, meeting the locals in Mondesa township, and flights or hot air balloons over the desert.
Day 9 - Luderitz, Namibia
Lüderitz, with a unique West African-German culture, graces Namibia’s coast on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. Formerly a German colony, the town preserves colonial buildings in German Art Nouveau style. Wander through town and tour the Goerke Haus mansion, the Lüderitz Museum, and the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church built into the rocks. Beyond town, the desolate Namib Desert extends along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses and tales of remarkable survival.
Day 10 - Fun Day at Sea!
Our third and final sea day. Pamper yourself at the spa, enjoy some time on deck sunning, pull out a deck of cards, or eat/nap/repeat. There is also sure to be plenty of Brand g Vacations Signature Entertainment and Activities to keep you entertained.
Day 11 - Port Saldanah (Langebaan), South Africa
Langebaan Lagoon, a watersports and fishing paradise, is renowned for its wetlands and tidal mud flats, home to flamingos, the world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers, and thousands of migratory birds. The West Coast National Park protects the lagoon and is home to the Slow Five—tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. Home to approximately 130,000 San people, !Khwa Ttu showcases the enduring traditions of one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer societies. The Fossil Park has the oldest modern human footprint, Eve’s Footprint, over 100,000 years old.
Day 12 - Cape Town, South Africa
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture. The ship will stay docked here overnight.
Day 13 - Cape Town, South Africa (Disembarkation)
Today we bid adieu to the SH Diana and to the new friends we met onboard. Upon disembarkation you may take advantage of our included airport transfers, or extend on your own and we’ll provide a transfer to your independent accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival: You should schedule your flights to arrive in Luanda, Angola on or before October 11th. The first event will be a welcome reception at the hotel at approximately 5:30 PM on October 11th.
Departures: The SH Diana is set to arrive in Cape Town, South Africa at 8:00 AM on October 22nd. As we will be overnight in Cape Town, you should schedule your flight to depart from Cape Town Airport (CPT) anytime on October 23rd.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival: Transfers are provided from the Luanda International Airport (LAD) to the host hotel.
Departure: Transfers are provided from the ship to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), or to your Cape Town hotel after which no further transfers will be provided.
Are excursions included?
Yes, generally one excursion per port is included as part of the cruise fare.
Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation, so the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. However, for this luxe experience, we recommend you dress up a bit for dinners in the ship’s main dining rooms. Otherwise, be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you’re comfortable. Be sure to dress appropriately for changeable weather.
What weather can I expect from this trip?
In October, days can reach the Mid 60’s and the evenings are in generally in the Low 50’s.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
For US residents, Namibia requires 3 blank passport pages and 6 months of passport validity after your last date of travel. South Africa requires 2 consecutive visa pages (not including endorsement pages) in your passport upon entry.
Residents of other countries should check with the nearest consulate of each country
visited on this itinerary to determine passport and visa requirements.
Health & Vaccination
US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control website and/or your health care provider for vaccination requirements and recommendations. Citizens of all other countries should consult their government’s national disease center or their physician. Please note, a Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for Angola.
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