Cruises from and to Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town cruises: embark on an adventure in the mother city
Cape Town cruises: embark on an adventure in the mother city
Cape Town is a spectacular coastal city to visit, but it’s also the gateway to fantastic destinations elsewhere in Africa and beyond. Our cruises from Cape Town include an excursion to Walvis Bay in Namibia – an idyllic port town with a beautiful tidal lagoon that’s home to flamingos, pelicans and more.
Closer to home port, you’ll find sun, sand and world-class attractions like marine centres and botanical gardens when you set off on a cruise from Cape Town to Durban, further up the South African coast. [READ MORE]
You can even make the sea your destination, and embark on a Cape Town cruise that spends several days on the waves and then returns to port. These cruises from Cape Town and others allow you to see more of the world in comfort and style, keeping an eye out forwhales and dolphins in the bay.
Cruises to Cape Town offer no shortage of memorable attractions. From the iconic sight of Table Mountain, the photogenic sights of Bo-Kaap and the historical architecture of Strand Street, wandering the city and enjoying the cuisine is a pleasure that alone makes them worthwhile. Then there’s the famous charms of the Stellenbosch Winelands and the nature reserve at Cape Point, and when you’re done for the day, you can soak up some rays on Llandudno Beach.
Best Cape Town cruises
Make the most of your time in South Africa when you visit Cape Town. Embark on one of our Cape Town cruises to journey up Africa’s west coast to Walvis Bay, Namibia, a trip inspired by bird and marine life. Then return to port in Cape Town, where many famous attractions await. Other cruises from Cape Town promise idyllic views along the way.
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30 March 2026
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Departure Date
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Departure Date
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Cruises from Cape Town in 2025
Let MSC Cruises help you plan your dream cruise from Cape Town on the southwestern tip of Africa.
Cruises from Cape Town depart from the central Cape Town cruise terminal, metres from the famous V&A Waterfront, with Table Mountain as your dramatic backdrop. From there, cruises from Cape Town 2025-2026 will sail up the continent’s westerly coast, reaching the quaint Namibian port town of Walvis Bay, famous for its large population of seabirds like pelicans and flamingos.
Our cruises from Cape Town will come back to this renowned harbor city, providing ample time for you to take in the internationally praised sights. See some of South Africa's highlights on a Cape Town cruise.
Cruise specials from Cape Town
Our cruise specials from Cape Town can turn your South African holiday dream into reality, leaving you to enjoy an extended time in Cape Town after disembarking at the Cape Town port. Keep an eye out for Cape Town cruise last-minute deals and save even more.
Cruises to Cape Town in 2025
Cruise to Cape Town and experience the best of South Africa’s iconic Cape coastaline and the beautiful city of Cape Town.
Cape Town cruises depart north for Namibia’s Walvis Bay with opportunities to spot unique marine and birdlife along the Skeleton Coast, before sailing back to the port of Cape Town.
On a clear day, a returning cruise to Cape Town offers views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. You’ll arrive metres from the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) , within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, where you'll find world-class hotels and restaurants, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cruises to Cape Town 2024-2025 allow time to explore further afield, including the country’s oldest winery, Groot Constantia, and many more historical estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
A day trip south is a chance to see the ever-popular penguins of Boulders Beach, explore the southwestern tip of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope and return along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, delivering you into the coastal enclave of Hout Bay.
Find cruises to Cape Town
Cape Town cruises depart north for Namibia’s Walvis Bay with opportunities to spot unique marine and birdlife along the Skeleton Coast, before sailing back to the port of Cape Town.
On a clear day, a returning cruise to Cape Town offers views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. You’ll arrive metres from the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) , within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront, where you'll find world-class hotels and restaurants, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cruises to Cape Town 2024-2025 allow time to explore further afield, including the country’s oldest winery, Groot Constantia, and many more historical estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
A day trip south is a chance to see the ever-popular penguins of Boulders Beach, explore the southwestern tip of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope and return along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, delivering you into the coastal enclave of Hout Bay.
Find cruises to Cape Town
Cape Town excursions: explore the Mother City’s highlights
Cape Town shore excursions reveal the soul and energy beneath the skin of this vibrant and scenically spectacular city.
Explore historic neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap on one of several Cape Town tours on offer. Savour wine on a serene estate in Constantia, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Or lace up your boots for a hike to Table Mountain.
Cape Town excursions also allow you to head south down the peninsula, where you’ll find hidden gems like Jackass penguins in their home at Boulders Beach, coastal villages and the dramatic Cape Point. Or gain insight into the city’s diversity and the meaning of Ubuntu, with a Khayelitsha township tour.
Book your Cape Town excursions before your cruise departs, to receive your 20% discount.
How to reach Cape Town's cruise terminal
Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Cape Town?
MSC Cruises ships dock at the E-Berth passenger terminal at Duncan Dock in the Cape Town port. The cruise terminal is located two kilometres north of the centre of Cape Town, a mere 10-minute drive (depending on traffic) or a 30-minute walk from the city centre.
How do I reach the car park at Cape Town Cruise Terminal?
Secure parking is available at Silo, Portswood Square & Breakwater Parking Facilities. Parking rates are pre-determined by the car park facility. The parking areas are a 5-minute walk from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal on a clearly marked pedestrian route from the parking to terminal area.
The cruise terminal is located off South Arm Road in the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront area of Cape Town. If driving from the east of Cape Town or outside of the city, make your way to the N1 or N2 and follow signs to Cape Town or Waterfront. Keep following signs to Waterfront and turn right onto Dock Road, where you can follow signs to the ferry, which will lead you to the cruise port.
It’s worth noting that it’s often easier to avoid renting a car to drive to Cape Town Cruise Terminal and to use private taxis instead. If you are driving, make sure to plan your route carefully and allow enough time for heavy traffic delays.
The cruise terminal is located off South Arm Road in the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront area of Cape Town. If driving from the east of Cape Town or outside of the city, make your way to the N1 or N2 and follow signs to Cape Town or Waterfront. Keep following signs to Waterfront and turn right onto Dock Road, where you can follow signs to the ferry, which will lead you to the cruise port.
It’s worth noting that it’s often easier to avoid renting a car to drive to Cape Town Cruise Terminal and to use private taxis instead. If you are driving, make sure to plan your route carefully and allow enough time for heavy traffic delays.
How do I get from Cape Town International Airport to the cruise terminal?
Cape Town International Airport is located to the east of the city, close to 20 kilometres from the cruise terminal. The easiest way to reach Cape Town cruise terminal from the airport is to request an MSC Cruises transfer service or take a taxi, which should take around 25 minutes in good traffic conditions.
What's the weather like in Cape Town?
Lying on the south-western coast of South Africa, Cape Town has a Mediterranean-like climate, with hot and sunny summers and wet, cool winters with some rain. The hottest months in Cape Town are typically January and February, with average daily high temperatures of 29°C, while the coolest months are in Cape Town’s winter from June to August, with average daily highs of 17°C. The driest months are usually from January to March.
Is Cape Town expensive?
Cape Town is generally considered quite affordable to visit, in comparison to popular cities in Europe and North America. Travelling around the city is relatively cheap, and both taxis and buses are generally affordable.
There are also many free things to do in Cape Town, including one of the city's top activities – hiking or riding the cable car up Table Mountain to marvel at the views. Other great free activities include walking around Bo-Kaap (a vibrant central neighbourhood filled with brightly coloured houses, shops and restaurants) and relaxing in one of the city’s many public parks and gardens. There are also a number of museums and galleries that are free or with relatively cheap entry fees. Many others open their doors for free on the first Thursday of every month.
There are also many free things to do in Cape Town, including one of the city's top activities – hiking or riding the cable car up Table Mountain to marvel at the views. Other great free activities include walking around Bo-Kaap (a vibrant central neighbourhood filled with brightly coloured houses, shops and restaurants) and relaxing in one of the city’s many public parks and gardens. There are also a number of museums and galleries that are free or with relatively cheap entry fees. Many others open their doors for free on the first Thursday of every month.
Is there a beach in Cape Town?
Cape Town lies on the Atlantic Ocean side of South Africa and one's spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, both within the city and the surrounding area. Some of the most popular are situated in the upscale seaside neighbourhoods of Clifton and Camps Bay. The beaches here are perfect for sunbathing, with golden-white sand, palm trees and stunning views of Table Mountain.
Further down the coast you'll find Llandudno Beach, one of the most impressive beaches in the area, offering a more tranquil feel and surrounded by weathered boulders, compared to the beaches further north. Along the peninsula is Boulders Beach, an enchanting spot, not least because of the ever-loveable colony of African penguins that call it home. If you head back to Cape Town, you'll stumble across Muizenburg, a haven for surfers and the occasional sea otter (if you're lucky to spot one).
There are over 70 beaches in and around Cape Town to choose from, so you can be sure to find one to suit your needs.
Further down the coast you'll find Llandudno Beach, one of the most impressive beaches in the area, offering a more tranquil feel and surrounded by weathered boulders, compared to the beaches further north. Along the peninsula is Boulders Beach, an enchanting spot, not least because of the ever-loveable colony of African penguins that call it home. If you head back to Cape Town, you'll stumble across Muizenburg, a haven for surfers and the occasional sea otter (if you're lucky to spot one).
There are over 70 beaches in and around Cape Town to choose from, so you can be sure to find one to suit your needs.
