viking cruise south africa

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Viking Ocean Cruises Africa Cruises

If you have dreamed about exploring the beautiful wilderness of Africa, its cosmopolitan cities and small villages – then a Viking Oceans cruise to Africa is perfect for you! Unlike many land-based vacations, a cruise to Africa with Viking will introduce you to many different parts of the continent. You’ll explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, the quaint Walvis Bay, the sophisticated Casablanca and more. When you have finished your adventure for the day, you’ll return to your elegant Viking Oceans ship. There you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious meals,fantastic entertainment and wonderful luxuries. For more information about Africa cruises with Viking Oceans, please call The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383.

Things to Do on an Africa Cruise with Viking Oceans

If you think the only thing to do on a cruise to Africa is go on a safari, then you are in for a pleasant surprise. Of course you can, and should, do an exciting safari while in Africa, but you can also do so much more. You can take a hot air balloon ride, enjoy a wine tasting, ride a cable car to the top of a mountain and explore culturally important places. These will be memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Please continue below for a few recommended excursions on your Viking Oceans cruise to Africa:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride (Durban, South Africa) Explore the African wilderness in a way you’ve never see it before – from 1,500 feet up in the air in a hot air balloon! Keep your eyes open for wildlife like rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras and more.  

• Cable Car to the Top of Table Mountain (Cape Town, South Africa) For a stunning view of Cape Town, take a cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain. Then take in the stunning panoramic views on the 360-degree rotating floor, gaze out upon Cape Town’s landmarks and the city itself.  

• Walvis Bay Lagoon Cruise (Walvis Bay, Namibia) Get back out on the water with an exciting boat ride around Walvis Bay’s gorgeous lagoon. As you cruise around the bay, breathe in the sea air and look for wildlife like seals, dolphins and pelicans. A charming seal may even join you onboard in search of a tasty morsel of fish!  

• Explore the City of White (Casablanca, Morocco) Casablanca is one of Morocco’s best-known cities and you’ll enjoy exploring many of its landmarks. You’ll visit the largest mosque outside of Mecca, the Royal Palace and the United Nations Square. You’ll also pass by the Casablanca Cathedral – which became secular after Morocco’s independence and today is a cultural center.  

• Galician Roots and Wine Tasting (Vigo, Spain) Travel from Vigo to the unique winemaking region of Galicia to sample some of Spain’s best wines. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard, a delicious wine and tapas tasting session, then sightseeing of the surrounding area.  

• African Renaissance Monument (Dakar, Senegal) This monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty and was built to convey the pride of Africa and celebrate their independence from the Colonial era. Be sure to make it a stop during your time in Dakar.  

Top 10 Viking Ocean Cruises Africa Cruises

Viking ocean cruises africa departure ports.

Learn more about the possible embarkation ports for an Africa cruise with Viking Oceans. Your Viking Oceans Africa cruise could depart from any of the following ports:

Photo Gallery for Viking Ocean Cruises Africa Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of Africa cruising photos from Viking Oceans. Remember, this is just a teaser of the sights waiting for you on a Viking Oceans Africa cruise vacation.

See seals in Namibia

Explore The White City - Casablanca

See wildlife like zebras

Ride a cable car to the top of the mountain

Sip your way through a wine tour

See culturally important places

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Nile River Cruises

There would be no Egypt without the Nile. Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx. Explore Luxor’s legendary temples and tombs, then cruise to Aswan, stopping in ancient Edfu, Kom Ombo and more. A true travel milestone.

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Highlights of Nile River Cruises

Follow the timeline of Egyptian civilization, beginning in Cairo and culminating with a spectacular Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back. Let your imagination soar as your ship meanders through panoramic desertscapes, fertile farmlands, colorful villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that preserve the ancient glory of Egypt’s greatest temples, palaces, and tombs. Included excursions in every port reveal highlights like these:

• The pyramids and the Sphinx, the only Ancient Wonders of the World still standing
• Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamen
• Luxor’s Karnak Temple complex
• The Necropolis of Thebes, Egypt’s largest repository of pharaonic tombs
• Luxor Temple, with its sphinx-lined avenue
• Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
• The graceful temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh
• The temple of Hathor at Dendera
• Aswan’s atmospheric souk
• Nubian village and school visit
• The romantic, waterbound Temple of Isis at Philae
• Horse-drawn calèche tour to Edfu’s Temple of Horus

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Viking Cruises: Your guide to ocean, river and expedition cruising

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Frequently asked questions

Viking Cruises operates river, ocean and expedition cruises. They specialise in river cruises in Europe, Asia, Egypt and the USA, and ocean and expedition cruises to destinations including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Arctic and Antarctica.

River cruises usually range from seven to 15 days, while ocean cruises start from around seven days and can extend to more than 50 days. Round the world cruises can last for up to 180 days.

Viking offers a variety of dining options, including fine dining restaurants, casual buffets, and specialty dining experiences with regional cuisine. Expect many Scandinavian specialties and produce on the menus.

Yes, they offer a range of shore excursions focusing on culture, history, and local life, often led by knowledgeable guides. Cruises include one complimentary shore excursion at each port.

This depends on the destination; for European river cruises, spring through autumn (April to October) is popular, while ocean cruises depend on the specific region's optimal travel season.

Viking offers a nearly all-inclusive experience with meals, some beverages (including alcohol with meals), wi-fi, gratuities and one shore excursion in each port typically included.

Accommodations range from comfortable staterooms to luxurious suites, many with balconies or verandas.

Activities include cultural enrichment programs, lectures, cooking classes, and evening performances.

Viking Cruises is known for its focus on cultural immersion, destination-focused itineraries, Scandinavian design, and an adult-oriented, relaxed atmosphere.

Bookings can be made by enquiring right here on our website, visiting a store or speaking to a cruise expert on the phone.

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Southern Atlantic Crossing

• From £5,490
• 8 Guided Tours
• 6 Countries
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• 2024 2025 2026
• Barcelona to Buenos Aires Buenos Aires to Barcelona

Southern Atlantic Crossing Map

Embark on a historic passage

Sail the Mediterranean Sea and immerse yourself in the fabled architecture of Barcelona and Andalusian charm of Granada. Along Africa’s shores, see prosperous Casablanca and the volcanic island of Cape Verde. Across the Atlantic Ocean, visit coastal Recife and revel in the exuberance of the former Brazilian capital Rio de Janeiro. Discover the eclectic cities of Montevideo and Buenos Aires, and engage in European-influenced Latin culture.

FLY FROM LONDON

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Madrid

From £799 | 2 Nights

Pre: Barcelona

From £699 | 2 Nights

Pre: Best of Barcelona

From £1,999 | 3 Nights

Post: Buenos Aires

From £599 | 2 Nights

Post: Gateway to Patagonia

From £3,599 | 5 Nights

Post: Iguazú & Rio de Janeiro

From £3,199 | 4 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Explorers: The Age of Discovery
• - History of Spain
• - The History of Brazil
• - History of Argentina
• - History of West Africa
• - History of Northwest Africa
• - Islands in History
• - Oceans in Context—History & Inspiration
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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Africa Vacations & Travel Experiences

Africa Vacations & Travel Packages

From the sweeping savannas of Kenya to the lush rainforests of Rwanda, Africa is a destination that promises adventure and wonder. Whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, exploring vibrant cities, or encountering majestic wildlife, an African vacation is a journey into the heart of our planet’s most captivating landscapes.

Viking Travel is your door to the wonders of Africa, where each destination offers its own unique and unforgettable adventure.

Kenya is at the heart of the African safari experience. Discover all the wildlife within the vast savannas, from majestic lions to graceful giraffes. Kenya’s national parks, such as Amboseli and Tsavo, offer breathtaking landscapes and a further glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of Africa. With Viking Travel, unforgettable wildlife encounters are just one of the things you’ll discover on your African adventure.

Tanzania offers a spectacular blend of wildlife and landscapes. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro or relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. However you like to travel, experience it with Viking Travel.

Known as the emerald land of hills, Rwanda offers an intimate experience with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With Viking Travel, you’ll discover Rwanda’s inspiring natural beauty and conservation triumphs, making it a unique and enriching African destination.

South Africa

South Africa offers diverse experiences, vibrant cities, stunning wildlife, and rich history. Explore Cape Town’s beauty, the wildlife of Kruger National Park, and the Cape Winelands for a comprehensive South African adventure.

Zimbabwe & Zambia

Zimbabwe and Zambia offer thrilling adventures and serene wildlife experiences, including the majestic Victoria Falls. Explore these natural wonders and the rich wildlife with Viking Travel.

Known for its unspoiled wilderness and luxury safaris, Botswana invites you to experience an exclusive and sustainable adventure. With Viking Travel, we can curate a vacation showcasing Botswana’s commitment to conservation and natural beauty.

Book your luxury Africa vacation today

Experience Africa with our specialized travel options, including group travel , adventure travel , and luxury travel.

Start planning your dream Africa vacation today by contacting our team, call us on (630) 552-6602 .

Contact Us Our expert and friendly team of travel advisors is always on hand to help you organize your dream vacation, make recommendations on destinations and trips based on their own extensive experience, or even just answer any questions you may have.   Call us today or fill in our online form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Your Name * Your Email * Your Phone Number * Select Your Vacation Preference * Select vacation preference Adventure Travel Celebration Travel Culinary Travel Faith Based Travel Family Vacations Group Travel Luxury Travel Weddings & Honeymoons Do you require flights? * Number of Adults / Children * 1 2 3 4 5 More than 5 Preferred travel dates * Have a vacation in mind? * Please enable JavaScript for this form to work. Give our team a call on (630) 552-6602 700 E. Ogden Ave, Suite 106, Westmont, Illinois. 60559 Start Your Next Adventure

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Best Cruise Lines for Adults for 2024

• Cruises and Sailing

Going on a cruise is one of the best ways to travel because you have everything you need at your fingertips. With a cruise, you’re surrounded by restaurants, amenities, and a staff to cater to your every need. Plus, the ship acts as your transportation to deliver you to the next destination — and you don’t have to do any of the work! In short, cruising is vacationing done easy.

When you choose cruise lines for adults , you can rest assured that vacation is tailored to a mature audience, whether that means more exciting nightlife, no need for childcare, or fewer kids at the pool. Or maybe it just means you don’t have to bring your kids along! While not every cruise line we’ve outlined here is truly child-free, they’re all geared toward the mature crowd. Ahead, find out the best cruise lines for adults and then check out the best cruise lines in the world (and don’t forget to pack accordingly !).

How We Chose the Best Cruise Lines for Adults

We looked at several factors when considering the best cruise lines for adults, including reviews from customers and other travel professionals, amenities on board the ships, the price of the vacation, and everything else the brands have to offer. We weighed each of these against each other to determine the best cruise lines, and while not every one of them is for adults only, each of them caters to an older demographic.

Our Picks for the Best Cruise Lines for Adults

• Best for Overall: Viking Cruises

Best for Couples: Virgin Voyages

• Best Excursions: Azamara
• Best for Relaxation: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Budget Option: Celebrity Cruises

Best overall: viking cruises.

About Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises has a lot to offer passengers — with sailings on rivers and oceans and even expeditions to far-flung locations. Viking Cruises sails all seven continents, with trips starting at seven nights and lasting up to 180. The company focuses on the destination but doesn’t skimp on the journey to get there, and customers will find plenty to do ( and eat !) on board the ships while traveling to the destinations. Cruises start at $1,999 and reach upwards of $80,000 for the 180-day Viking World Voyage. Viking Cruises has some of the pricier cruises, but the experiences on offer will make the price worth it.

Why We Like It

Viking Cruises offer some of the most unique experiences — from a submarine excursion to a romantic trip down the Danube. It’s a well-rounded cruise line that sails both rivers and oceans all over the world and offers experiences unlike what you’ll find on any other cruise line. This company truly focuses on enrichment and opening passengers’ eyes to new experiences. Plus, your cruise fare on an ocean cruise covers an excursion in each port — because Viking wants passengers to get out and explore the destinations. This cruise line is for adventurers who have time (and money) and who want to learn about the world.

About Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages are totally child-free on its three ships, with another coming in 2025. The relatively new cruise line, which first launched in 2021, sails around the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. Passengers can find great deals on board Virgin Voyages, with prices starting as low as $800 per cabin for a three-night European cruise. Sailings range from just a few nights to over two weeks, so you’ll find a little bit of everything.

When you’re looking to escape the kids at home — or just kids in general — and have a getaway with your partner, do it with Virgin Voyages. The cruise line is adults only and is all about having fun. With this cruise line, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your partner, whether it’s enjoying an evening show, taking a trip to the spa, lounging by the pool, enjoying dinner in one of the many restaurants, or dancing the night away in the club on board. Once you set sail on one of Virgin Voyages’ cruises, there’s a good chance you’ll come back again and again

Best for Excursions: Azamara

About Azamara

Azamara has four small cruise ships and specializes in world travel. Though this cruise line offers your typical shorter cruises, it also offers the World Voyage each year, which lasts for 155 nights and travels to 37 countries. While that unique trip starts at $88,000 for an interior stateroom, a regular cruise can cost as low as $1,100 per person (for a double occupancy room). Azamara also isn’t specifically adults-only, but is a luxury cruise line that caters to the older crowd (and has a smaller capacity), so it has a bit of a slower pace and high-end feel while on board.

The Azamara cruise line can truly take you nearly anywhere in the world and bring you to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’re sailing around Africa, South America, Europe, or Asia, you can try any number of activities while on your trip. Sailings range anywhere from five days to over 100 days, and while vacations (and the excursions) can run a steep price tag, the ships are luxurious and small and are taking passengers to some places that they may never have otherwise traveled to. If you’re looking for a well-rounded trip that has a little bit of everything all in one go, this cruise has it.

Best for Relaxation: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has six luxurious ships to choose from, and no detail was missed when building them. Beautifully decorated, each ship will have you feeling like a million bucks from the moment you step on board. Cruises go all over the world, so you have your pick of where you’d like to go. Prices start at $3,600 for an all-inclusive two-passenger cruise for seven nights. The most luxurious trip on offer right now is the 168-night around-the-world trip for $100,000. The all-inclusive two-passenger cruise goes through South America, the Arctic, Australia, Asia, and more.

If you’re looking for a cruise that’ll have you in the lap of luxury, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is it. Once you pay for your all-inclusive cruise, everything is taken care of. Your cruise fare includes your flight to and from the port, airport transfer, excursions, on-board restaurants and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and so much more. All you have to do is show up and enjoy it. This vacation comes with a high price tag, but you pay one time, and then you get to sit back and relax.

About Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, which is based in Miami, has more than a dozen ships to choose from and sails all over the world with more than 300 ports of call. Sailings range anywhere from three days to two weeks, with prices as low as $200 to upwards of $16,000. Ship sizes vary greatly, with the largest ship carrying over 3,000 passengers and the smallest boat holding under 100. Amenities on board range from spas to restaurants, pools to workout facilities (though they vary by ship).

Going on a cruise doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With Celebrity Cruises, you can take a quick three-day cruise for as little as $200 per person and have the escape you need. There are plenty of jaunts from South Florida to Key West and the Bahamas — but you can also sail farther and longer if that’s what you choose. Either way, you can certainly find a deal with Celebrity Cruises, as the company is also always offering deals, including discounts for additional passengers, restaurant coupons, and more.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cruise Line for Adults

How you want to spend your time.

A cruise ship is essentially a floating city — and it has a little bit of everything on board. But not every boat is created equal. Consider how you want to spend your time on board before you pick a cruise line. Do you want to spend your time exercising, relaxing, swimming, or in the spa? Look for a cruise line that has the amenities that suit your needs properly.

What Is Your Budget?

When booking any vacation, you always want to consider your budget. Cruise lines will vary in price, so consider how much you’re willing to spend, the length of the cruise, the type of stateroom you can afford, and the destinations within your budget while considering where you’ll go.

Your Cruising Style

In addition to considering what you want to do and how much you’re spending, think about the type of cruise you want to take. Is this a romantic cruise, an adventure cruise, a relaxing cruise, etc.? Look for a cruise line that can meet those specific needs.

What Cruise Line Is the Best for Adults?

Viking Cruises is the best overall cruise line for adults. It offers tons of international sailing destinations and top-notch service on board. It also offers unique experiences while you’re traveling.

Which Cruise Line Has the Highest Rating?

All of the cruise lines we listed have high ratings from customers and other professional reviewers. We chose Viking Cruises as the best overall cruise line because it has excellent customer ratings and comes highly recommended.

What Is an Adults-Only Cruise?

Some cruise lines have an age limit, which means no one under 18 is allowed on board. These cruises are designed for adults only and cater to a certain crowd. This means you won’t have any children on board during your cruise.

Hedy Phillips is a freelance lifestyle writer with more than 10 years of experience. Her work has been published in PEOPLE, Reader's Digest, TV Guide, and more.

The only cruise blog for the Middle East and South Africa

Brand new cruise line Viking Cruises coming to South Africa on 2019 World Cruise

Viking Cruises has announced that it will sail its second World Cruise in 2019 as part of its emergence into the global ocean cruise market, with South Africa one of the destinations included in the itinerary.

The World cruise will be sailed aboard the cruise line’s fourth newbuild cruise ship, departing January 3, 2019. The 128-day voyage will include 44 port calls in 21 countries on five continents, 10 of those port calls will be overnight stays, including Cape Town.

The cruise will be Viking Sun’s second world cruise, with the brand new cruise ship due to spend much of 2018 sailing Viking’s first World Cruise, which departs from Miami on December 15, 2017.

Sailing from Miami to London, the new 2019 World Cruise itinerary allows guests to explore South America and the islands of the South Pacific; call upon ports in Africa, from Cape Town to Dakar; and cruise the Strait of Magellan, Tasman Sea, and Indian Ocean, before concluding in London.

As with all Viking itineraries, guests receive a complimentary shore excursion in each of the 44 ports and free unlimited Wi-Fi; World Cruise guests also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees, along with an extensive list of added-value included features in their cruise fare.

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“We offer itineraries that are designed for explorers, and our World Cruises are the most extensive and culturally immersive journeys available in the industry,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises.

“Our first World Cruise is 100 percent sold out, and we are pleased with the initial response to our second World Cruise itinerary among new and returning guests,” he added. “Our guests are experienced travellers who want to explore the world in comfort. As we continue to expand our offerings around the world, we will remain true to our guests—with an award-winning fleet design, the highest industry accolades and far more included value than any competitor.”

Highlights of the 2019 World Cruise include:

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil : Peak of Brazilian Culture—During an overnight stay in the historic city of Rio de Janeiro, guests can visit Corcovado Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue before relaxing on the scenic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches of the coastal metropolis.
• Port Stanley, Falkland Islands : Islas Malvinas—This remote archipelago, also known as Islas Malvinas, is comprised of nearly 200 small islands and home to less than 4,000 people. Renowned for their maritime history, guests can learn the rich history of the Falkland Islands while visiting the capital, Port Stanley, and experience the abundant wildlife of the surrounding waters including penguins, dolphins, seals and orcas.
• Ushuaia, Argentina : “End of the World”—Perched on a steep hill on the southernmost tip of South America, commonly referred to as the “End of the World,” guests can explore the scenery of Ushuaia through excursions to the nearby Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which was first inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago.
• Easter Island, Chile : Isolated in Mystery—Resting 1,200 miles from its nearest neighbors, Easter Island is the world’s most remote inhabited island. Guests will visit the island’s famed archaeological sites, including the nearly 900 monumental Moai stone head statues, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rapa Nui National Park.
• Milford Sound, New Zealand : Astonishing Landscape—Guests will have the opportunity to sail the breathtaking waterway of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park in Milford Sound. Stretching for almost 10 miles, from the Tasman Sea into a wonderland of alpine peaks, the landscape features monolithic granite walls and waterfalls as tall as skyscrapers.
• Hobart, Tasmania : An Island of History and Wilderness—Capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, Hobart sits nestled amongst the foothills of Mount Wellington and at the entrance to the Derwent River, and offers guests the chance to learn about its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic convict locations and a unique wilderness area.
• Maputo, Mozambique : Wildlife Abounds—While visiting this Indian Ocean port, guests can experience the preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and local markets in this historic city, before venturing to Kruger National Park for an overnight safari and a chance to view the “Big 5:” lions, African elephants, African leopards, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros.
• Cape Town, South Africa : Cultural Riches—An overnight stay in Cape Town helps guests explore this city in-depth. Guests can appreciate the picturesque landscape from the monolithic wonder, Table Mountain, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at the Vineyards of Stellenbosch, or stay in the city to witness an array of historic architecture and delicious cuisine.

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Categories: News , SA Cruise News

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

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