Cruises to Cape Town

68 Reviews
Cape Town (Photo:Alexcpt_photography/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Cape Town

Beautiful, sophisticated, socially progressive, democratic, engaging, hopeful -- these words capture Cape Town's very essence. Table Mountain majestically holds court over the city, found between Table Bay and the Cape Flats. This South African jewel serves as the ideal base for intrepid travelers wishing to explore all of the Rainbow Nation from the Cape of Good Hope and the rolling Cape Winelands to the adrenalin-charged safari game reserves, near the country's northeastern border.

This fishhook-shaped peninsula, lashed by fierce waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is an enigma. Cape Town often feels more like an old European bastion than an African outpost. Since banning apartheid in 1990, the city has become more cosmopolitan, while still struggling with the effects of years of social inequality. Case in point? Cape Town's Lamborghini dealership sits just blocks from the massive townships east of Table Mountain. Yet, there's an infectious sense of hope, and the residents are some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere in the world.

Cape Town offers a range of mesmerizing opportunities to learn about South Africa: its tribal past, wine region, Dutch, British and Cape Malay influences, and unique and striking flora and fauna. Explore Cape Town on your next cruise to South Africa.

  • More about Cape Town

  • Why Cruise to Cape Town?

  • Cape Town Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 123 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

12 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Seven Seas Voyager
Seven Seas Voyager

25 Night
Africa Cruise

344 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

11 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite
Riviera
Riviera

27 Night
Africa Cruise

782 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

12 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

12 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker
Cruise Critic Favorite

32 Night
Africa Cruise

782 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

21 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

15 Night
Africa Cruise

353 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

18 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

21 Night
Africa-south Africa

3,018 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

18 Night
Africa Cruise

724 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

12 Night
Africa Cruise

399 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

18 Night
Africa Cruise

724 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

11 Night
11n Africa Intensive

1,674 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • View All Prices
  • Fare Insight
  • Price Tracker

More about Cape Town

Why Cruise to Cape Town?

Pros:

A stylish waterfront welcomes you as soon as you are docked; it's like the Hamptons of South Africa

Cons:

It's a major city, so be savvy; don't flaunt valuables or walk in unfamiliar places after dark

Bottom Line:

From Table Mountain and game reserves to shopping and vineyards, Cape Town has a surprising amount to offer

Cape Town Cruise Port Facilities?

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain in the distance, is a focal point of Cape Town and is home to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, which features more than 450 shops, including fashion stores like Topshop and Mango, as well as markets, restaurants, hotels, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Iziko South African Maritime Museum. You will find plenty of ATM's and Internet cafes in the V&A Waterfront, as well as two information centers, found on Dock Road (alongside Ferryman's Pub) and at the Waterfront information kiosk in Victoria Wharf.

Good to Know?

Like other cities in South Africa, crime can be an issue in Cape Town. Safeguard yourself! Don't walk anywhere after dark. Don't wear expensive jewelry or carry lots of camera equipment in areas with which you're not familiar. If you rent a car, don't leave valuables in the trunk.

Getting Around?

On Foot: During the day, you can easily and safely walk from your ship to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront complex if you are moored nearby. If you are farther away at Duncan dock, you should order a taxi.



By Taxi: Taxis are the best way to get around the city. Restaurant hosts and shopkeepers will gladly call a cab on your behalf. You can't hail a taxi on the streets of Cape Town, so order a cab by phone through one of the many taxi companies. They're not cheap, but they are safer than the mini-bus taxis -- especially at night.



By Train: The Southern Line Rail Route, which stretches from Cape Town to Simonstown, is highly recommended. The train stops at several beautiful suburbs and coastal villages. Train travel does not always run on time, so consider this when planning your day. Be aware of potential pickpockets.



By Bus: One of the best ways to get around is by using the City Sightseeing bus, which gives you the option of hopping on and off at various major attractions throughout the day.



Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Locals refer to their currency as the "buck", but the rand (ZAR) is the official term. Each rand equals 100 cents. Note denominations include R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10. While MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry rand for small purchases. Cape Town offers many foreign exchange facilities, including American Express and Rennies Travel. Be aware when using ATM machines, and keep your pin number hidden, especially in busy downtown areas.

Language?

The population is multilingual, but English is most commonly understood. The three ethnic, tribal languages you'll hear most often are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans, but you might also hear Sepedi, Sotho, Tswana, Swati, Venda, Tsonga and Ndebele. Among English speakers, a strong vernacular has developed, with several slang words that would be unrecognizable, such as:



Braai: barbecue

Cooldrink: the common term for all fizzy drinks

Howzit? : how are you?

Just now: in the foreseeable future

Lekker: cool, nice, great

Where You're Docked?

Most cruise ships dock at Table Bay Harbour, within walking distance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. But some larger ships dock at Duncan dock, where you will require a taxi or transport organized by the cruise line to get to places of interest. As a U.S. or U.K. citizen, you won't need a visa to enter South Africa. However, you will need a passport with four empty pages. It must also be valid throughout your stay, as well as six months after your departure.


Cape Town Cruise Reviews
Modern city, many things to experience. Waterfront Mall is huge and has both upscale and souvenir shops. Allow enough time! Table Mountain tour was ok. Cape Peninsula tour brought us to see lots of penguins close-up.Read More
User Avatar
landboater
Excellent and safe introduction to South African game. Very secure port.Read More
User Avatar
CJSANDFS
Capetown was excellent. Nice hotels, excellent restaurants and value for money. Compared to other South African towns visited it felt generally safe with a good street presence of security personnel. Read More
User Avatar
Bossman1953
Easy access to city. Can easily walk off the ship. Well managed embarkation. Disembarkation a little more chaotic. Read More
User Avatar
Ventrav67

Related Cruises

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

Cruises to Virgin Gorda

77 Reviews
Cruises to Fanning Island

Cruises to Fanning Island

14 Reviews
Cruises to Montreal

Cruises to Montreal

94 Reviews
Cruises to Amsterdam

Cruises to Amsterdam

1,057 Reviews
Cruises to Rouen

Cruises to Rouen

121 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

449 Reviews
Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

120 Reviews
Cruises to Marseille

Cruises to Marseille

936 Reviews
Cruises to Izmir

Cruises to Izmir

187 Reviews
Cruises to Adelaide

Cruises to Adelaide

106 Reviews
Cruises to Lima

Cruises to Lima

110 Reviews
Cruises to Rangiroa

Cruises to Rangiroa

30 Reviews
Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

Cruises to Positano (Amalfi)

87 Reviews
Cruises to Buzios

Cruises to Buzios

27 Reviews
Cruises to Hakodate

Cruises to Hakodate

26 Reviews
Cruises to Picton

Cruises to Picton

165 Reviews
Cruises to Speyer

Cruises to Speyer

48 Reviews
Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

37 Reviews
Cruises to Kinderdijk

Cruises to Kinderdijk

8 Reviews
Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)

Cruises to Dawson City (Yukon)


Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.