South Africa Cruises

Discover the Wonders of South Africa on a Cruise

Pulsating with life and natural beauty, South Africa is a destination that promises adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. A cruise to South Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its vibrant cities, beautiful coastlines, and wildlife-rich landscapes—all while enjoying the comforts of shipboard life. Fun fact: South Africa is home to the “Big Five”—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo—which you can often see during excursions! With incredible culinary experiences and diverse cultures waiting, a cruise to South Africa is sure to leave you with lasting memories!

Top Harbours to Explore in South Africa

When your cruise docks in South Africa, make the most of these popular harbours, each offering unique experiences:

Seasonal Insights for Cruising South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa is generally from October to April when temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. However, the shoulder seasons of September to October and February to April offer milder weather and fewer crowds, producing excellent opportunities for exploration without the rush. Each season has its own unique appeal, so consider what experience you’re after when planning your cruise!

Cruise Pricing Overview for South Africa

What can you expect to pay for a cruise in South Africa? A typical 1-week cruise generally costs between $1,600 and $3,800 for standard deals, and from $4,500 to $8,500 for luxury packages. If you’re looking at 2-week cruises, expect to pay around $2,800 to $6,500 for regular cruises and $9,000 or more for luxury experiences. The cheapest times to cruise South Africa tend to be during the shoulder seasons of late September to early October and late February to early April. Dining ashore can average around $25 to $55 per meal, while drinks typically range from $6 to $12 at local establishments.

Major Cruise Lines Offering South African Adventures

• Cunard
  Cunard has a fleet of 4 ships, with Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 featuring South Africa itineraries. Departs typically occur from domestic ports in Sydney and Perth, as well as international ports like Southampton and Singapore. Cunard is renowned for luxury, offering refined service and exquisite dining, ensuring a truly memorable experience at sea.
• Princess Cruises
  Princess operates a fleet of 17 ships, with Crown Princess and Island Princess heading to South Africa. Departures are frequent from domestic ports like Sydney or Perth, and international locations like Cape Town and Auckland. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and immersive excursions at each port, Princess provides various activities and entertainment options onboard.
• MSC Cruises
  With a fleet of 23 ships, MSC features MSC Magnifica and MSC Musica for its South Africa journeys. Departures often occur from Melbourne or international ports like Durban or Valparaíso. MSC is particularly known for its casual, family-friendly environment and an excellent range of onboard amenities and entertainment.
• Norwegian Cruise Line
  Norwegian boasts a fleet of 20 ships, with two, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky, offering itineraries to South Africa. Common departures transpire from Cape Town or Port Louis, and the company’s freestyle cruising concept grants cruisers maximum flexibility in dining and onboard activities, allowing for a more laid-back holiday experience.
• Holland America Line
  With a fleet of 11 ships, Holland America operates Zuiderdam for South African itineraries. Departures typically occur from Sydney or international ports like Singapore or Cape Town. Holland America offers authentic and immersive regional experiences, ensuring you engage with local cultures while enjoying refined onboard dining.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  Regent sails with a fleet of 6 ships, and 4 of them visit South Africa, including Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Navigator. Departures typically occur from Cape Town or Barcelona. Regent is celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury experiences, where every aspect of your trip is covered from gourmet dining to enriching shore excursions.
• Oceania Cruises
  Oceania operates a fleet of 8 ships, with 4 ships, including Nautica and Insignia, that explore South Africa. Most cruises depart from Cape Town or Singapore, and Oceania is known for fine dining and destination-rich itineraries, allowing guests to explore local customs and flavors thoroughly.
• Silversea
  Silversea has 13 ships, with three, such as Silver Dawn and Silver Wind, that visit South Africa. Departures generally occur from Cape Town or Mahé. Silversea is known for its ultra-luxury offerings, ensuring guests enjoy personalised service and exclusive experiences at every port.
• Seabourn
  Seabourn’s fleet consists of 6 ships, with one—Seabourn Sojourn—offering itineraries to South Africa. The ship typically departs from Cape Town or Mahé. Seabourn is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, world-class service, and unique land excursions designed for a truly enriching travel experience.
• Azamara Cruises
  Azamara has a fleet of 4 ships, with 3, including Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey, visiting South Africa. Departures commonly occur from Cape Town or Port Louis. Azamara is known for its destination-first focus, offering immersive experiences that encourage cruisers to delve deeper into local cultures.

Alternative Regions to Consider for Your Cruise Adventure

If South Africa has captured your interest, here are some alternative regions worth exploring:

• Eastern Africa: Known for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and diverse cultures, Eastern Africa offers experiences from breathtaking safaris to pristine beaches. This region is ideal for those wishing to see unique wildlife and experience distinct cultural encounters.
• Australia: Renowned for its iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and rich Aboriginal culture, Australia provides a diverse array of experiences from the Great Barrier Reef to the vibrant city of Sydney. Perfect for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike!
• Bali: A tropical paradise, Bali invites cruisers to indulge in its lush landscapes, serene beaches, and rich traditions. This perfect getaway offers a unique blend of relaxation and exploration, with countless opportunities for wellness and adventure.
• Amazon River: An extraordinary tropical journey awaits in the Amazon, where lush rainforests, fascinating wildlife, and indigenous cultures converge. This unique destination allows you to experience a different kind of cruise adventure, rich in biodiversity and authenticity.
• Caribbean: Famous for its stunning beaches, colourful cultures, and warm sunshine, the Caribbean is perfect for those hoping to unwind in paradise. With plenty of water activities and local culinary delights, beach lovers will be in heaven!

South Africa invites you to experience its charm and vitality while exploring its magnificent waterfront on a cruise. Book your adventure with CruiseAway today and set sail for a remarkable journey!