Fantastic ocean voyages: Cape Town awaits cruise guests in 2026!
Find out everything about cruises to Cape Town: routes, highlights and tips for your 2026 trip in Southern Africa.

Fantastic ocean voyages: Cape Town awaits cruise guests in 2026!
The cruise industry is looking at Africa with great interest, especially at the fascinating metropolis of Cape Town, which will be an important stop on Phoenix Reisen's Artania world tour in 2026. This voyage spans 149 days and symbolizes the growing interest in ocean voyages to African destinations. How fvw.de reports, only a few shipping companies offer a limited range of trips to African destinations, but the number of providers is growing. Around 20 shipping companies that can be booked in Germany now also head to African ports.
Known for its majestic Table Mountain, stunning beaches and cultural diversity, Cape Town regularly attracts cruise ships. The city, considered the first European settlement in South Africa, is a magnet for tourists and cruise travelers worldwide. Cruises to Cape Town offer visitors numerous opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings, which further increases the attractiveness of this destination dreamlines.de determines.
Activities and attractions
Cape Town has a lot to offer travelers. Special highlights are:
- Tafelberg: Mit einer Seilbahn und vielen Wanderwegen bietet der Tafelberg atemberaubende Ausblicke auf die Stadt.
- V&A Waterfront: Dieser lebendige Hafen lädt mit Geschäften, Restaurants und dem Two Oceans Aquarium zum Verweilen ein.
- Kap der Guten Hoffnung: Ein Nationalpark, der für seine beeindruckenden Landschaften und Wildtiere bekannt ist.
- Robben Island: Angeboten werden Fährfahrten zur Insel, auf der Nelson Mandela in der Vergangenheit gefangen gehalten wurde.
- Weinbaugebiete: Weinverkostungen in Stellenbosch und Franschhoek ziehen viele Weinliebhaber an.
Ports and routes
Popular stopping points before and after Cape Town include Walvis Bay in Namibia, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Durban in South Africa. These ports offer unique experiences that travelers can benefit from.
Walvis Bay is known for its flamingo colonies, while Gqeberha is home to beaches and wildlife reserves such as Addo Elephant National Park. Durban, on the other hand, fascinates with its Indian heritage.
Popular shipping companies and travel times
The most popular shipping companies that offer regular cruises to Cape Town are:
- AIDA Kreuzfahrten: Drei Schiffe, häufige Abfahrten von Hamburg oder Dubai.
- Cunard: Drei Schiffe, bekannt für eleganten Service, ab Hamburg oder Southampton.
- Costa Kreuzfahrten: Zwei Schiffe, mediterrane Kreuzfahrterfahrung, meist ab Kapstadt oder Dubai.
- TUI Cruises – Mein Schiff: Zwei Schiffe, entspannte Atmosphäre, ab Hongkong oder Dubai.
- MSC Cruises: Drei Schiffe, internationale Atmosphäre, ab Kapstadt oder Buenos Aires.
The different seasons in Cape Town offer different benefits for cruisers. In spring (September to November) temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C, ideal for sightseeing. In summer (December to February) you can expect temperatures of 15°C to 30°C, perfect for visiting the beach. Autumn temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C, which promises pleasant weather without crowds. Winter (June to August) brings cooler temperatures of 5°C to 15°C, which are good for city sightseeing and wine tasting.
Travel costs for a week-long cruise to Cape Town vary between €800 and €3,500 for standard cabins and can go up to €12,000 for luxury options. The prices for food and drinks on board also vary, between €15 and €60 per meal. The gastronomic diversity in Cape Town is also worth noting, with a variety of restaurants offering both international and local cuisine.
Cape Town's well-developed public transport network, including buses and taxis, makes exploring the city easy. Additionally, the South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. It is advisable to observe general safety measures, especially at night, while English and Afrikaans are the official languages and many locals speak English well.
Overall, Cape Town presents itself as a diverse and exciting cruise destination that impresses with unique experiences and cultural highlights. The trend towards cruises to the fascinating region is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.