Saturday, April 13, 2024

Luxury Cruises to Africa & Indian Ocean 2024 & 2025

cruise to africa from usa

From the busy ports of Morocco to historic Alexandria, an adventure awaits. As a mid-20th century hub for European and American artists, writers, and expats, Tangier developed a reputation as a cultural center for North Africa. Today, it remains an important cultural heritage city and is a popular stop on Africa cruises.

Explore Africa and Indian Ocean

It’s also a gateway to Cairo and the great pyramids of Giza as an overnight trip. The bustling, vibrant city of Casablanca is a feast for the senses, and one of the busiest ports along this coastline. This city boasts the European charm with Moroccan tradition, and is the country’s commercial center and largest population center. Visit the iconic Hassan II mosque as you stroll the scenic Boulevard de la Corniche along the sea. Finish your day shopping for ​​ornate wood carvings, hand-made leather bags, and decorative tea sets at the Exposition Nationale d’Artisanat emporium. North Africa is rich in natural beauty, from green mountain ranges to leafy oases and the rolling dunes of the desert.

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Here are just six exciting things to do in Dubai, along with fascinating facts, figures and more. To see discounted cruises in this region, use the Find a Bargain box on the left. Sail through the world’s rivers in the poshest ships on the river, Uniworld’s boutique ships are designed to inspire, excite and revive your spirit.

When is the best time for Africa cruises?

Norwegian Cruise Lines Cruise Ship Interrupted off Africa After Possible Cholera Outbreak - Fodor's Travel

Norwegian Cruise Lines Cruise Ship Interrupted off Africa After Possible Cholera Outbreak.

Posted: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You can also shop for hand-carved olivewood and jewelry, dates and spices, and leatherware. Even if you prefer to window shop, the colors, scents and sounds of Africa’s markets and bazaars are irresistible. In these countries, you'll glimpse the Arabian past at historical sites and eat homemade local cuisine with distinctive bites like halloumi cheese, grilled shuwa (meat marinated in oil and spices) and crisp Omani bread. To see more of the Arab world, consider a Mediterranean cruise with a stop in Morocco.

Celebrity’s African ports have access to coastal and water activities, desert tours, hiking trails, and urban adventures that blend nature into human achievement and civilization. Make sure to check out a camel tour on the fringes of the Sahara, or explore the beach clubs on the golden sands around Casablanca. Cities in the Arabian Gulf have grown and modernized rapidly in the past few decades. To see the distinct mix of old and new, visit the several restored historical districts, which give an impression of lifestyle of the pre-1960s Arabian culture.

Cruise to Cape Town

Discover some of the sublime ports we visit in Africa and the Indian Ocean on a cruise full of varied cultures and spectacular coastlines. Experience this continent on one of the exclusive luxury and popular cruise lines that sail there. Christened in July in Monaco, Explorer is the most expensive luxury ship ever built and boasts one of the highest ratios of space to passengers in the history of cruising. The vessel features some of the largest, most elaborate accommodations at sea, including a single suite measuring 4,443-square-foot -- nearly 50% larger than the average home in the USA. The voyage will bring one of the priciest cruise ships in the world to one of the globe's poorest regions. The per capita income of many of the countries on the itinerary is less than $2,000 per year.

Things to Do on Cruises to Africa

cruise to africa from usa

One of the only vessels from a major line making such a voyage this year is Silversea Cruises' 132-passenger Silver Explorer. An MSC Cruises ship also is sailing along the west coast of Africa in 2017 but making few stops. Join a 4X4 safari adventure to experience the breathtaking beauty of the desert. Climb a sand dune, or even try some quad biking, sand skiing or camel riding. However, you decide to take in the rolling dunes of the desert, be sure to look to the horizon to see the captivating fata morgana mirage effect, where ships and coastline appear to float above the water.

cruise to africa from usa

Visit the famed Library of Alexandria in Egypt, or take a day trip to Cairo to see the Great Pyramids of Giza. Although taking a trip to Victoria Falls may involve venturing a little further from your cruise, if you have the opportunity to visit this stunning natural wonder, do not hesitate to go. Known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ - ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ by the local Kololo tribe, it is also aptly described in modern terms as ‘the greatest curtain of falling water in the world’. As a vast and largely untouched continent, a cruise around Africa offers a wealth of awe-inspiring encounters. The landscape is hugely diverse; imposing mountains stretch down to vast plains, beautiful, paradise beaches wrap around the coastline and rolling sand dunes offer opportunities for exhilarating adventures. We recommend taking in as many as possible on your sailing, since no two reserves are alike, and there is a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife from park to park.

To the east of the African continent lies the Indian Ocean, and to the northeast, the Red Sea forms the eastern border of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti. To the south, the Gulf of Aden spills out from its border with the northern tip of Somalia into the Arabian Sea. When we think of Africa, we tend to imagine its yawning plains, its deep forests that house mountain gorillas and the towering liquid pillar of Victoria Falls. In doing so, we give short shrift to the continent’s combined 18,950 miles of shoreline, where cruise itineraries traverse bustling, urban centers, desert gems and one of the world’s most pristine island chains.

Once in a while, Crystal Cruises offers a relative African itinerary (ranging from 12 to 15 nights), sailing roundtrip from Cape Town or from Cape Town to Mauritius, with stops at plenty of safari-friendly South African ports. Excursions are as varied as a walk through Zanzibar’s old Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a wet landing on the large atoll of Astove in the Seychelles, for a private beach day. The sailing ends in Mahé, the largest of 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. More than 20 percent of the island is part of Morne Seychellois National Park, and it’s less than two miles from this verdant region to Silversea’s post-cruise resort set on Beau Vallon Beach. There’s no denying this is one of the most wonderfully diverse continents in the world, and luxury Africa cruises steer you among all of its best bits. Take in its rugged beauty and delve into the fascinating cultures and traditions as you sail to each port.

These overland extensions usually unfold in South Africa or Kenya, and can be tacked on before, after or even during the course of the sailing. (Of course, these arrangements can be made independently of the cruise line as well.) Here's what's on offer, by cruise line. A Classic cruise to Africa retains a healthy sense of adventure, including game drives and guided walks. Following a cruise itinerary along a coastal route, you'll get to explore lesser-visited game reserves that are not necessarily any less rewarding than the more-frequented ones found farther inland.

You’ll be in total and utter awe as you watch these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat. Namibia, South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion, United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand are all available to visit on a Cunard cruise. Explore local history in the Colombo National Museum, try the unique flavors of local curries, or travel outside the city to visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple, once visited by the Lord Buddha himself. Sit back and relax as journalist Valerie James takes you on a cruise to South Africa’s capital city, with her witty, unique account of the voyage. Discover dazzling African cities and wildlife, vibrant India, the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean island gems. Read our inspirational articles for a taste of what could be, both on board and on shore, on a Cunard cruise to this magical region.

While in Tangier, don’t miss the Kasbah Museum, which showcases many of Morocco’s most treasured artifacts from the Roman and Islamic dynasty periods. For a fascinating day trip, head to Asilah, where you can shop and walk through the fortified Portuguese-built old town before heading back to your ship. The city of Alexandria is brimming with ancient history, museums, mosques, and modern amenities for travelers looking for an adventure.

Norwegian Cruise passengers stranded in Africa after failing to reboard ship - The Independent

Norwegian Cruise passengers stranded in Africa after failing to reboard ship.

Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You’ll find the northern side of Africa full of Middle Eastern influences as your ship sails the perimeter of the Red Sea. Africa, in other words, has every single ingredient to create a truly epic cruise itinerary. And as chance has it, many major cruise lines offer amazing cruises to Africa nowadays. Last but not least is Réunion, an island east of Madagascar with a unique French flavor. Sun yourself on perfect beaches and explore lush, green forest on a visit to this ocean oasis.

If you're in the mood for a vacation full of luxury and relaxation, the Arabian Gulf and North Africa are the places to be. Indulge in the most unforgettable culinary experiences, go shopping in the souks for exclusive items, relax on the perfect beaches and try out the most calming spa treatments. With greater distances to cover, cruises around Africa often exceed the standard week. Allow 10 and 14 for your African cruise and enjoy a more relaxed time, giving yourself the opportunity to see more of its amazing sights.

Cruise Africa and stroll the exquisite, unspoiled beaches of the Seychelles, or experience the colonial French atmosphere of Nosy Be, Madagascar. Africa is the perfect cruise destination for a rugged safari adventure or a discovery of native cultures from the Middle East to Madagascar. Jump in a Jeep and see the lions, giraffes, and other wildlife of the Serengeti firsthand.

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