South Africa Cruises

MSC Cruises offers South Africa cruises during the winter season, from November to April, as this time of year is a fantastic time to visit the country.

If you’re a sun-seeker, the months of November to February are peak summer in the southern hemisphere, and an ideal time to hit the water and enjoy the continent’s pristine beaches for your South Africa holidays. Cape Town, Durban, Mozambique and Mauritius come alive and offer a vibrant coastal experience.

In March and April, milder weather begins to appear. This is also a good time to explore port towns and cities like Cape Town, Durban and Port Louis. Plus, these months may also offer quieter visits.

MSC Cruises’ winter trips offer an amazing onboard experience that will keep you warm and thoroughly entertained if the weather turns. Whichever winter month you choose to visit, cruises to South Africa will be beautiful and MSC Cruises will make sure your experience is a memorable one.

South Africa has a diverse climate, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August. With some exceptions, the country generally experiences moderate weather systems, making cruises to South Africa enjoyable from November to April.

During summer, coastal regions are generally hot and dry, while the interior experiences sporadic afternoon thunderstorms.

Autumn (March to May) brings milder temperatures, and cities in the southwest, like Cape Town, may start to experience their first rainfalls. Elsewhere, temperatures remain mild, but as the months progress, these drop.

Winter brings cold winters to the interior, while the coastal areas like Durban remain relatively mild. Cape Town receives most of its rainfall during this period.

Spring (September to November) returns to milder temperatures and offers less rain along the southern coast, making it an ideal time to travel there.

Neighbouring Mozambique is a tropical country that experiences a hot, rainy season from November to March, followed by a dry, cooler season from April to October. Coastal areas remain warm year-round, while the interior can cool off slightly during winter.

Mauritius is a tropical island with a warm, humid climate most of the year. Summer is hot and humid with occasional cyclones, while winter is cooler and drier.

Namibia is mostly dry with desert-like conditions. Summer brings occasional rainfall, but temperatures can soar. Winter is dry, with cold nights and warm days.

Durban and Cape Town are South Africa’s primary cruise ports and embarkation points for all South Africa cruises. Your specific embarkation port will depend on your journey. Durban and Cape Town have modern, efficient facilities that are perfect for starting your South Africa holidays and for exploring Africa's west or east coast.

MSC Cruises has several other ports of call along the African coastline, from Namibia to Mozambique and Mauritius. Which port your cruise calls at will depend on your itinerary.

Some other ports from the many varied options available include: Pomene in Mozambique, Port Louis in Mauritius, Walvis Bay in Namibia and La Possession in Réunion.

Whatever budget you’ve allocated for your South Africa cruises, MSC Cruises can provide you with the ideal getaway. Cruise prices vary depending on the length of the itinerary – for example, four-night cruises offer a budget-friendly choice, while still providing a fantastic introduction to a destination. Meanwhile, longer cruises are ideal for those wanting to really get to grips with a location.

Whatever option you’re leaning towards, our South Africa cruise deals will help deliver your dream cruise.

Packing for a cruise to South Africa can seem to be full of choices, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the weather. But knowing what to bring helps to ease the pressure, so that you can make the most of your holidays to South Africa.

South Africa’s weather varies depending on the season. If your cruise embarks from Durban and Cape Town, pack lightweight clothing for warm days, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

Your cruise may include time at beautiful beaches, and you may also have an opportunity to swim onboard – so don’t forget to bring swimwear. A lightweight sarong or beach cover-up and sandals or flip-flops are also recommended.

Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. These are especially important if you plan to explore nature reserves on foot or head out on walking tours. You may also want to have a smarter pair of shoes and formal clothing for some onboard dinners and Gala Nights.

South Africa enjoys plenty of sunshine, especially in the summer months. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are essential, both for time onboard and while on excursions.

South Africa uses the rand (ZAR), but ports of call in other countries may require cash payments in local currencies. Mozambique uses the Mozambican metical (MZN), Mauritius the Mauritian rupee (MUR) and Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD). Many African countries also accept United States dollars, in some places.

Keeping track of your time zones while on your South Africa holiday is important if you intend to stay in touch with friends and family back home.

South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia use South Africa Standard Time (SAST), or UTC+2. During UK winter (when the UK is on GMT), these countries are two hours ahead. During UK summer (when the UK is on BST), they will be one hour ahead.

Mauritius is further east and uses Mauritius Time (MUT), or UTC+4. During UK winter, Mauritius is four hours ahead. During UK summer, Mauritius is three hours ahead.

South Africa cruises vary in length from three to 12 nights, depending on your chosen route.

The shortest routes are between Durban and Portuguese Island and back, and Durban to Cape Town, which last three nights.

Itineraries to Durban to Pomene and back, and from Cape Town to Walvis Bay and back, both last four nights. Slightly longer is an itinerary from Durban to Pomene and Portuguese Island and back, lasting six nights.

The longest of MSC Cruises’ offerings in South Africa is a 12-night journey from Durban to Mauritius and back.

South Africa is your main destination when embarking on South Africa cruises, but journeys can also include stops at other neighbouring nations and nearby destinations. Where you visit also depends on which itinerary you select for your South Africa holidays.

MSC Cruises offers a popular cruise up South Africa’s west coast towards Namibia. Or travel with us up South Africa’s east coast to Mozambique, or the Indian Ocean island nation Mauritius.

Other island nations like Réunion and Madagascar often form part of South African cruise itineraries, with many trips to the country's east including visits to at least one – but often more – neighbouring nations.

Cruises to South Africa offer unforgettable experiences, often set to scenically spectacular landscapes. If you’re exploring the country on an itinerary with MSC Cruises, your journey will showcase some of the very best aspects of this diverse country.

If your embarkation port is Cape Town, you’ll have an opportunity to indulge in the region’s famous winelands. Sip world-class wines and dine on sumptuous meals while overlooking rolling vineyards, with majestic mountains as their backdrop. Venture down the peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope, and be sure to stop off at the famous land-based penguin colony on Boulders Beach on the way. Or go on a safari adventure at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where you can witness the Big Five in their natural habitat a short drive from Cape Town.

Durban presents an entirely different list of must-see attractions. Walk the historic Victoria Street Market, where the scents of spices that helped establish the city still fill the air. Durban’s Botanical Gardens offers a more peaceful retreat among rare plant species. Or head inland on an excursion to the Valley of a Thousand Hills. There, you’ll learn about the rich traditions of the Zulu people, while surrounded by stunning hills and valleys.

Beaches, mountains, shopping and eating out are also favoured additions to a South African itinerary. Whether you’re sipping wine, viewing wildlife or learning about local cultures, South Africa promises an adventure-packed itinerary from start to finish.