Luxury Expedition Ship

SH Vega

SH Vega, Antarctica
SH Vega, Expedition Ship
SH Vega, Expedition Ship
SH Vega, Expedition Ship

Highlights

  • Modern Design: Launched in 2022, SH Vega boasts cutting-edge design and technology, including a reinforced hull for polar expeditions, ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient voyages even in the most challenging polar waters.
  • Luxurious Accommodations: The ship features 76 spacious cabins, all with ocean views, and includes various suite options with private balconies and separate living areas, providing a luxurious and comfortable stay for every guest.
  • Expansive Observation Decks: Multiple observation decks offer 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for wildlife spotting and taking in the stunning scenery of remote destinations, equipped with high-quality binoculars and observation equipment.
  • Advanced Sustainability: SH Vega is equipped with state-of-the-art sustainability features, including advanced waste management systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, reduced emissions practices, and a focus on minimizing the ship’s environmental impact.
  • Expert-Led Expeditions: Guests can join guided shore excursions, Zodiac cruises, and expert-led lectures and workshops conducted by a team of specialists in fields such as marine biology, ornithology, glaciology, and history, enriching the expedition experience.
  • Comprehensive Amenities: The ship offers a range of amenities including a fine dining restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, a casual bistro, a stylish bar, a well-stocked library, a fitness centre, a sauna, and a heated outdoor pool, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable onboard experience.
  • Citizen Science Program: SH Vega encourages passenger involvement in scientific research through its citizen science program, allowing guests to assist in data collection and contribute to valuable environmental and wildlife studies, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
SH Vega, Expedition Ship

Features

  • Constructed: Built in 2022, the SH Vega is a modern expedition ship designed for polar exploration.
  • Capacity: Accommodates up to 152 guests, providing ample space and comfort for all onboard.
  • Guides: The expedition team includes specialist and local guides, such as historians, geologists, ornithologists, and marine biologists, each selected for their expertise relevant to the destination.
  • Crew: Staffed with a dedicated crew of approximately 120 members to ensure exceptional service and safety.
  • Speed: Travels at a cruising speed of 15.5 knots.
  • Ice Class: Certified with a PC5 Polar Ice-class rating for polar expeditions.
  • Size: Measures 113 meters in length and 20.2 meters in breadth.
  • Restaurants: Features a main dining room, a bistro, and a bar offering diverse dining options.

Country Highlights

Antarctic Peninsula

Gentoo penguins, Antarctica

November to March

Trips to the Antarctic Peninsula on the SH Vega offer an immersive 11 to 19-day exploration of the region’s pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife. Guests experience stunning ice formations, observe penguins, seals, and whales, and visit historic sites. The expedition includes guided Zodiac cruises, shore excursions, and optional activities like kayaking and camping. Onboard experts provide lectures on the region’s ecology and history, enhancing the journey. With luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and comprehensive amenities, the SH Vega ensures a comfortable and enriching adventure to one of the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations.

Weddell Sea

Weddell Sea, Antarctica

January

Trips to the Weddell Sea on the SH Vega offer a 13-day adventure through one of Antarctica’s most remote and captivating regions. Starting from Ushuaia, the expedition features sailing past massive tabular icebergs, exploring the Antarctic Sound, and visiting historic sites linked to Ernest Shackleton’s expeditions. Guests can observe unique wildlife, including emperor penguins and various marine species while engaging in activities like guided Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and onshore excursions.

Falklands + South Georgia

Rockhopper penguin, The Falklands

February

The SH Vega’s 19-day Falklands and South Georgia expedition offers an in-depth exploration of the routes taken by Ernest Shackleton. Beginning in Ushuaia, the ship first sails to the captivating Falkland Islands home to five penguin species and the beautiful black-browed albatross. The next stop is South Georgia, where Shackleton is buried and beaches are inhabited by hundreds of thousands of king penguins, elephant and fur seals, all with incredible scenery as a backdrop.

The journey continues to the Antarctic Peninsula, with opportunities to see penguins, seals, and whales. This adventure combines historical exploration with breathtaking polar scenery, ensuring a unique and enriching experience in some of the most remote parts of the world​

Chile

Chilean Fjords

March + April

As the SH Vega works her way north towards the Arctic, she sails along the Chilean coastline creating an amazing opportunity to explore this wild region, much of which is inaccessible by land. You’ll discover fjord systems surrounded by glaciers with some quite staggering scenery. Perfect for hikers and lovers of wilderness this is perhaps the best way to see the parts of Chile that other trips simply can’t reach.

Peru + Panama

Peruvian coastline

April

The Peruvian coastline is so often overlooked meaning that few people discover the rich history and wildlife to be found here. The ship explores places like the ancient pre-Incan port of Salaverry, with ruins dating to the 1st-8th century Moche and the mud pyramids of Huaca del Sol. You’ll also visit remote islands that are breeding sites for sea lions and seabirds, discover cloudforests and the legendary home of Sir Francis Drake’s hidden treasure before the ship reaches the Darien Gap. Here you will have the chance to meet members of the Embreá tribe, who rarely receive visitors, and learn about a different way of life.

Costa Rica + the Panama Canal

Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

April

Two voyages in April see the SH Vega sail along the Costa Rican coastline before heading through the staggering Panama Canal . An 8-day expedition starting and ending in Fuerte Amador, Panama, explores Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. Highlights include visits to the Curu Wildlife Refuge, Golfito, and Cébaco Island. With activities like wildlife spotting, snorkelling, and guided hikes through lush rainforests and pristine beaches you will take in the best this region has to offer.

This is followed by a 10-day voyage through the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean with amazing wildlife and culture to discover away from the impressive canal itself.

Guatemala + Belize

Guatemala City

May

The SH Vega offers a 9-day expedition exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of Guatemala and Belize. The voyage features visits to ancient Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Highlights include snorkelling and diving in the Great Blue Hole, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal, and guided wildlife tours through tropical rainforests.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean

May

The SH Vega’s Western Caribbean voyage offers a 9-night journey through the stunning and culturally rich region. Starting in Belize City, the trip includes stops at Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and several islands in the Bahamas, including Great Inagua and Exuma. Highlights of the expedition include exploring Mayan ruins, snorkelling with stingrays, tasting Jamaica’s famous jerk cuisine, and visiting the vibrant flamingos of Inagua National Park. The voyage concludes in Fort Lauderdale, providing a mix of historical exploration, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty.

Greenland

East Greenland

June + August

There are various expeditions to Greenland, highlighting the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Starting from Iceland and covering East Greenland. Explore the vast fjord systems, visit remote settlements like Ittoqqortoormiit, and observe diverse wildlife such as muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and seabirds. Activities include guided hikes, Zodiac cruises, and cultural interactions with local communities. These expeditions provide an immersive experience, blending natural beauty with historical insights, all while enjoying the ship’s luxurious amenities and expert-led excursions​

Iceland

Luxury Iceland Travel

June

Circumnavigate the land of fire and ice aboard the SH Vega, exploring Iceland’s rugged coastline and discovering its fascinating history. This 8-day expedition takes you to remote fjords, stunning waterfalls, and geothermal wonders. Visit iconic sites like the Westfjords, home to abundant birdlife, and the volcanic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Experience the vibrant culture of Reykjavik, explore the dramatic cliffs of Grimsey Island, and relax in the serene waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Svalbard

Polar Bear in Svalbard

July + August

During the summer months the SH Vega explores the Norwegian Arctic with much of the time in Svalbard, known for its high numbers of polar bears. With a population of around 2,000 people it is said that there are many more bears than humans on this remote archipelago so while sightings can never be guaranteed, the chances are very high indeed. Even if it there were no bears, Svalbard is an incredible destination to explore. The otherworldly scenery, which spends much of the year trapped in ice is home to a vast array of wildlife. Colonies of guillemots line the cliffs, arctic fox can be spotted searching for food while reindeer wander across the frozen tundra. Walrus and ringed seals lounge on ice flows and whales feed in the rich waters, a good pair of eyes may even spot beluga whales among the ice.

The Northwest Passage

Polar bears in the Northwest Passage

August

The Northwest Passage is one of the most bewitching polar expeditions. These icy channels are only navigable for a few short weeks each year, allowing you to sail through breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Aboard the SH Vega, you’ll explore remote areas like Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound, spot polar bears, narwhals, and seals, and visit Inuit communities. Expert-led excursions, Zodiac cruises, and onboard lectures enrich your understanding of this unique region, learning about the incredible Franklin expedition and those who went to find them along the way.

Country Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Good to know

What are the cabin options on the SH Vega?

The SH Vega offers a range of luxurious cabin options to suit different preferences:

  1. Premium Suites: These spacious two-room suites are located at the aft on Deck 6. They measure approximately 49 square metres and feature a 12 square metre private balcony, a separate bedroom and living room, and luxurious amenities including a sofa bed and a luxurious en-suite bathroom.
  2. Balcony Suites: Situated midship on Decks 5 and 6, these two-room suites are around 44 square metres with a 12 square metre balcony. They offer a bedroom and living room, both equipped with high-end amenities.
  3. Balcony Cabins: Found on Decks 5 and 6, these cabins are about 28 square metres with a 6 square metre balcony. They include two single beds, a living area, and a luxurious bathroom.
  4. Oceanview Cabins: Located on Deck 4, these cabins are approximately 19 square metres. They feature large windows, an integrated living area, and a private en-suite bathroom​.

Are children welcome?

Children aged eight and older are welcome onboard the SH Vega. However, the ship does not offer dedicated children’s facilities or babysitting services. Most activities and amenities are geared towards adults. Kids aged 8 to 12 can travel for free when sharing a cabin with an adult, while teenagers aged 13 to 16 are charged a daily rate. It’s important to note that toddlers and younger children (1 to 8 years old) are not allowed​.

Sustainable travel

The SH Vega has a comprehensive sustainability program aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting conservation. Key aspects include:

  1. Hybrid Power System: Equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, including selective catalytic reduction and a 3 MW battery package, reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.
  2. Ice-Strengthened Hull: Features a PC5 ice-strengthened hull for navigating polar regions with minimal environmental disturbance.
  3. Advanced Waste Management: Employs advanced systems to minimize waste production and ensure responsible disposal.
  4. Energy-Efficient Design: Incorporates energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting and optimized heating and cooling systems.
  5. Eco-Friendly Materials: Uses sustainable and eco-friendly materials in its interiors.
  6. Water Conservation: Implements water-saving measures, including efficient usage systems and greywater treatment for reuse.
  7. Environmental Education: Offers onboard lectures and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation and protecting polar regions.

Giving back

The SH Vega supports remote communities through several initiatives focused on sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and economic support:

  1. Cultural Exchange: The SH Vega facilitates meaningful cultural interactions between passengers and local communities, promoting mutual understanding and respect. This includes guided tours and interactions with local artisans and cultural ambassadors.
  2. Local Employment: Whenever possible, the ship hires local guides and staff to assist with tours and activities, providing employment opportunities and supporting the local economy.
  3. Purchasing Local Goods: Passengers are encouraged to purchase locally made products and souvenirs, which helps to boost the local economy and support small businesses and artisans.
  4. Community Projects: The SH Vega often participates in or supports local community projects, such as education initiatives, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure development. This support can include donations, volunteering, and raising awareness about the needs of these communities.

Citizen science

The SH Vega’s citizen science program offers passengers the opportunity to participate in real scientific research while exploring remote regions. Key aspects of the program include:

  1. Data Collection: Passengers assist in collecting data on wildlife sightings, weather conditions, and oceanographic measurements. This data is used by researchers to study and monitor environmental changes and wildlife populations.
  2. Wildlife Monitoring: Guests help monitor populations of birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife. This includes recording sightings and behaviours, contributing to long-term conservation efforts.
  3. Climate Research: Passengers participate in projects that study the impacts of climate change, such as tracking glacial movements and recording sea ice conditions. This data is valuable for understanding the effects of climate change in polar regions.

Why we love the SH Vega

The Vega, and her sister ships, the Minerva and Diana, have to be among the most comfortable expedition ships and they are so carefully designed. Behind the scenes they have some of the best facilities for the expedition team, you might not notice this onboard but the impact onyour experience is immense.

Caroline Maber

Head of Department

Latin America, The Caribbean and Polar Regions
Whales and Zodiacs, Antarctica

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