My husband has always been interested in visiting South Africa and he discovered this holiday cruise from Cape Town to Richards Bay around the bottom of the horn and then returning to Cape Town via Namibia which included four safari day trips with promises of viewing the Big 5. Unfortunately rough seas kept us in port for a couple of extra days mid-cruise, so we missed our chance at viewing lions & leopards. However we were able to experience a herd of African elephants at a watering hole for almost an hour and numerous rhinos on a river cruise that came almost close enough to touch. Also saw Cape buffalo at a distance as well giraffe, zebras, ostrich, African eagles, and many other small water fowl.

The Aegean Odyssey itself is a unique vessel that caters to well traveled, primarily English speaking seniors and most of the passengers on this voyage were British, making afternoon tea a must do occasion on our days at sea. A buffet line option for breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating on deck 6 at the bow of the ship at the Terrace Cafe was our go to spot, although you can also take your meals in the adjoining dining area.

The sit-down Marco Polo restaurant, available evenings on deck 3, offers a more formal dining venue with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks available evenings at both restaurants. The Charleston Lounge attracts the after dinner crowd with nightly entertainment offerings there as well as in the Ambassador Lounge most evenings. Port & shore excursions are assigned by cabin class which is another reason to consider booking a balcony category cabin. Read more