Cruises from and to Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town cruises: embark on an adventure in the mother cityCape 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.
Best Cape Town cruises
Cruises from Cape Town in 2024
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 2024-2025 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
Cruises to Cape Town in 2024
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.
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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?
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?
What's the weather like in Cape Town?
Is Cape Town expensive?
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?
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.