cruise to west africa

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• Semi-Annual Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Africa Cruises

Explore the coast of North Africa on a luxury cruise

Tabs View Cruises

• View Cruises

Luxury Cruises to Africa

On a luxury Africa cruise, you will gain a unique perspective of this fascinating, multicultural region, whether you’re browsing the markets of Morocco or exploring the antiquities in the Egyptian port of Alexandria.

Celebrity’s itineraries take you to Casablanca, lying on Morocco’s sun-drenched Atlantic coast, Tangiers, gazing across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain, and Alexandria, Egypt’s historic Mediterranean port. Each is different and every visit helps you to unpeel the layers of history that have shaped this region.

Africa Cruise Highlights

Ancient history.

From the iconic ancient library of Egypt’s Alexandria to the breathtaking and bold structure of the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, there’s history at every turn. The Mediterranean is considered the cradle of civilization and a cruise is the ideal opportunity to learn about the different cultures that have passed through the region over the millennia. Sip tea in the squares of Tangier, and follow in the footsteps of 19th-century poets and artists. Visit 2,000-year-old holy sites, or shop in a 500-year-old souk for hand-made souvenirs.

Fun in the Sun and Sand

North Africa is rich in natural beauty, from green mountain ranges to leafy oases and the rolling dunes of the desert. 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.

Art and Artisan Gift Shopping

Cruises to North Africa offer an abundance of incredible shopping experiences. Visit labyrinthine bazaars in Egypt for cotton and clothing, or a Moroccan souk for hand-woven rugs and kilims. 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.

Africa Cruise Ports

Casablanca, morocco.

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. Sip traditional mint tea in the picturesque medina squares. Finish your day shopping for ​​ornate wood carvings, hand-made leather bags, and decorative tea sets at the Exposition Nationale d’Artisanat emporium.

Alexandria, Egypt

The city of Alexandria is brimming with ancient history, museums, mosques, and modern amenities for travelers looking for an adventure. It’s also a gateway to Cairo and the great pyramids of Giza as an overnight trip.

Make sure to visit the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which commemorates the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, and houses over eight million books. Dine on some of the best of Egyptian seafood, sip on local tea, or sample sheesha (traditional flavored tobacco) in the culturally rich area of Anfushi, just west of the Citadel of Qaitbay. Be sure to make a quick visit to the Ras el-Tin palace, a former Sultanic summer home that’s visually stunning from an architectural perspective.

Tangier, Morocco

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. 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.

Africa Cruise Itineraries

Typical itineraries for African cruises include 10- to 12-night trips that span either the western Mediterranean or the eastern Mediterranean. These itineraries include additional calls in places such as Greece, Israel, Turkey, Spain, and the Canary Islands.

Itineraries

Why sail to africa with celebrity cruises.

Cruises to Africa are a great way to expand your imagination and delve deeper into the history of the Mediterranean region.

On a state-of-the-art Celebrity ship, no detail is left unattended to. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll receive Celebrity’s world-class service with activities to stimulate both the mind and body. Your days at sea will allow you to relax in true luxury, with fine dining, shows, enrichment and pool time to while away the day.

Each African port offers shopping excursions, fine dining, café culture, museums, visits to natural wonders and heritage sights. Immerse yourself in the souks of Tangier, or Casablanca’s impressive mosque. Visit the famed Library of Alexandria in Egypt, or take a day trip to Cairo to see the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Your cruise to Africa will give you the opportunity to visit ports in Morocco and Egypt made famous for their history of art, learning, trade, cuisine, and faith. From the busy ports of Morocco to historic Alexandria, an adventure awaits.

View All Cruises to Africa

You might also like.

Cruises to Morocco

Western Mediterranean Cruises

Cruises to Israel

Cruises to Turkey

Repositioning Cruises

10-Day Mediterranean Cruises

The Ultimate Egyptian Food Guide

What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?

Why Cruises Are the Best Family Vacation

Incredible Cultural Attractions to Inspire Your Next Vacation

Sign up and start planning your best vacation ever.

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy

Vacation inspiration is on its way.

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Africa Cruises

Click to Explore other Destinations Cruises

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Canada & New England
• Greek Isles
• Pacific Coastal

Culture, beauty and wildlife beyond imagination.

• Cruise Destinations
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES

Africa Cruises: Bring Out Your Wild Side.

The scenery you'll witness in Africa is as wild and diverse as the creatures that freely roam. Take a day safari from Richards Bay or visit Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth. In the west, explore world-class vineyards in the fertile Cape Winelands and hang out with adorable African penguins at Cape Town's Boulder Beach. Every port provides unforgettable adventures, and every one of our ships promises marvellous days at sea.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Witness the Majestic Beauty of Wildlife

Embark on an extraordinary voyage to the diverse shores of Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line. Come face-to-face with white rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, lions, zebras and more in an Open Game Drive Safari. Hluhluwe Game Reserve is one of the oldest proclaimed reserves in Africa, and only an hour away from Richards Bay . This once in a lifetime experience awaits on your next cruise to Africa.

Enjoy Overnight Stays on your Cruise to Africa

Choose from remarkable itineraries on three beautiful ships, Norwegian Dawn , Norwegian Sun , and the recently refurbished Norwegian Sky . Some itineraries include an overnight stay in the Seychelles, Egypt or Richards Bay, allowing you to explore even more. Experience the splendor of ancient tombs in Safaga, Egypt. Or take a bus tour to Signal Hill for a magnificent sunset. The choice is yours with longer times in port.

Flavors as Diverse as its Landscapes

Dutch, French, Indian and Malaysian meld to create the Afrikaans-style of cooking. Braai or shisa nyama, which means ‘burn the meat,’ is like western BBQ. For a meaty snack, try Biltong. Served in a brown bag, these spiced strips are akin to jerky. Wondering about Slap Chips? Try these vinegar-doused fries alone or in a Gatsby sandwich. Seafood lovers can rejoice too at Mossel Bay, whose name means bay of mussels. Need a ‘dop’ or drink? A favorite is Amarula, a cream liqueur made from the fruit of the Marula tree. Elephants get drunk eating its fermented fruit.

Africa Cruise Image Gallery

• Cruise to Egypt with Norwegian Cruise Line
• Explore Africa with a Safari Norwegian Cruise Line
• Africa Seychelles Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line
• Cruise to Nosy Be with Norwegian Cruise Line
• Cruise to South Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line
• Cruise to Nosy Iranja with Norwegian Cruise Line
• MI.DestinationGalleries.Africa.Mossel Bay Ostrich
• Cruise to Egypt Norwegian Cruise Line
• MI.DestinationGalleries.Africa.Reunion Whales
• Cruise to Cape Town with Norwegian Cruise Line

Explore Africa Cruise Ports

Best Africa EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Iconic Temples of Karnak & Luxor with Luxor Museum

Stand in awe at the amazing temples of Karnak and Luxor, and admire the collections housed at the Luxor Museum. During your drive to Luxor, enjoy scenic vistas provided by the vast...

Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling

Get face-to-face with Oman's abundant marine life during this dolphin watching and snorkeling expedition in Muscat. You'll set out in search of dolphins and whales about a mile off...

Cairo & Cruising on the Nile River

See the remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, take a relaxing cruise on the Nile River and visit the great Egyptian Museum of Antiquitie...

A Day In Jerusalem

Embark on a journey from Ashdod to Jerusalem, exploring Mt. Zion, the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey and Old City's sacred sites, with panoramic views....

Africa HOTELS

Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel

The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Mauritius’ capital city, on the waterfront of Port Louis. The Labourdonnais’ proximity to shops, restaurants, market, Champs de Mars, the Caudan Waterfront complex, museums and business area means that guests can explore at their leisure.

• Telephone: 230 202 4000
• Distance/Airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport/ Mauritius Airport (MRU) – 36.21 km/ 22.5 miles
• Distance/Pier: 2.01 km/ 1.25 miles
• Room and Room Tax
• Bellman/ Porter gratuities
• Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodations will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and a surcharge will apply.

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodations will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and a surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and a surcharge will apply.

Commodore Hotel

Experience everything special that Cape Town has to offer whilst staying in this stylish and elegant setting. Located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Commodore Hotel provides sweeping views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour and Robben Island.

Sleek, contemporary rooms feature minibars, desks, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities. There's 24-hour room service.

Amenities include a cocktail bar and a relaxed restaurant with a harbour-view terrace and international dishes. There's also a spa and a 24-hour gym, plus a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

• Telephone: 27 21 415 1000
• Distance/Airport: Capetown International Airport (CPT) – 21.73 km/ 13.5 miles
• Distance/Pier: .93 km/ .58 miles

Cullinan Hotel

Southern Sun The Cullinan is a premier hospitality destination offering grand hotel accommodations in the heart of Cape Town just moments from the Waterfront.

This award-winning hotel is located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after areas, within easy reach of the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Long Street and other popular landmarks.

The hotel offers guests a choice of 394 superbly appointed en-suite rooms, each tastefully furnished and designed for maximum comfort. Classically styled and indulgent, yet incorporating world-class amenities with contemporary emphasis, Southern Sun The Cullinan is beautifully designed.

The hotel offers guests a choice of 394 superbly appointed en-suite rooms, each tastefully furnished and designed for maximum comfort. Classically styled and indulgent, yet incorporating world-class amenities with contemporary emphasis, Southern Sun The Cullinan is beautifully designed. The classical architecture of the building is reflected throughout the hotel, with high ceilings, a balconied mezzanine level, and soaring columns around the pool area.

Guests have access to a host of services and amenities, including the large outdoor heated pool with its spacious deck, a fully-equipped fitness centre, conference facilities, great dining at The Peach Tree Restaurant, light meals and delicious cocktails at Stella Café & Bar and much more.

• Telephone: 27 21 415 4000
• Distance/Airport: Capetown International Airport (CPT) – 26.55 km/ 16.5 miles
• Distance/Pier: Port of Cape Town – 2.41 km/ 1.5 miles

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Africa Cruises

7 Unexpected Things You Can Do on a South Africa Cruise

When you cruise to South Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line, you open up a world of exciting possibilities: from cage diving with great white sharks to sampling award-winning wines.

What to Know Before Booking a Safari

If you have plans of going on a safari whilst in South Africa, here are nine things you need to know before you go.

Bucket List Holidays: Cruise to Egypt

Science says that people who spend their money on experiences instead of things are the happiest, and there is no better travel experience than a cruise.

Cruise Indulgences: 6 Ways to Pamper Yourself on Board

Are you looking for a way to leave behind the stress of your daily life? A cruise holiday offers the ultimate way to relax and unwind.

How to Pack for your Shore Excursion

Packing for day trips and shore excursions can seem like a daunting task. Don't fret, though. We've got some expert tips for you.

5 Top Tools for Planning Your Cruise Holiday with Norwegian

Planning a Norwegian Cruise Line holiday has never been easier with our handy tools.

• Enable Accessibility
• Deutsch Francias 日本語 Portuguese Espanol
• Connect With Us +1-855-623-2642 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) Special Offers Request a Brochure Request a Quote
• My Account / Reservation
• Forgot Password
• Create Account

• Find a Cruise
• Special Offers
• Specialty Cruises
• Request a Brochure
• Solo Traveler Experience
• Inclusive Air
• Request a Quote
• Cruise Destinations
• Find a Shore Excursion
• Explore Land Programs
• Tours, Land and Hotel Programs
• 2026 Around The World
• 2025 Collection
• 2024 - 2025 Tropics & Exotics Cruises
• 2025 Around The World
• 2024 Collection
• Explore our Ships
• Introducing Allura
• Wellness: Mind, Body and Soul
• The Finest Cuisine at Sea®
• Blog, Videos and Reviews
• Life On Board
• Amenities & Onboard Packages
• Oceania Club Benefits
• Concierge Level Veranda
• Travel Protection
• 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) or your travel advisor
• Sign Up for Special Offers
• Chat With Us
• Frequently Asked Questions

By clicking "Submit", I agree to the Terms and Conditions

BIG FIVE SAFARIS, CAPE WINELANDS, CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS & SPELLBINDING SEYCHELLES FOR A JOURNEY UNLIKE ANY OTHER

• Explore Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Extend Your Cruise
• Africa Experiences

Nature Reigns Supreme

Africa cruises special offers.

Take advantage of incredible savings of up to 40% plus simply MORE™.

Africa Shore Excursions

From Big Five sightings and safari adventures to enriching experiences in local villages and wine tastings in Cape Winelands, our Africa shore excursions bring you the best of the local culture, history, cuisine and natural wildlife. Extended evening stays and overnights across the region give you the chance to more fully embrace the iconic wonders and local life with explorations ashore and leisurely, meaningful touring.

• Unavailable
• Tour Length:
• RESULTS PER PAGE 0" v-text="label">
• {{item.text}}

Dream. Plan. Discover.

The eye never forgets what the heart has seen.

Africa Ports

Featured Asia Hotels

Southern Sun – The Cullinan

Cape town, south africa.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Singapore, singapore.

Land Programs

Featured africa land programs.

Eastern Cape Safari - Shamwari Long Lee Manor

Travel deep into the Shamwari Private Game Reserve and observe Africa’s most emblematic animals in the wild. Imagine seeing a pride of lions and cubs padding through the bush. Or perhaps a herd of elephants lumbering by just a few feet from your open-air safari vehicle. These are the kinds of adventures awaiting at Shamwari, an ecologically significant reserve with a remarkably high concentration of animals. Staying at the Long Lee Manor perfectly complements the experience as the gracious Edwardian-style lodge is designed for comfort and relaxation.

• 3 nights at Long Lee Manor
• Economy-class flights per the itinerary
• Morning and afternoon games drives through Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Select meals

Safari at Thanda

Celebrate conservation and the Zulu nation on exploratory game drives deep into the Thanda Private Game Reserve, a pristine landscape in northern Zululand. Herds of elephants and white rhino grazing in grasslands are but a few of animals commonly spotted. Lions, leopards and Cape buffalo round out the quintessential Big Five that roam freely through the reserve. Outings into the bush in the early morning and late afternoon maximize the viewing opportunities, as does waiting at a special clearing in the bush that attracts nocturnal creatures.

• 1 night in Thanda Private Game Reserve
• Economy-class flight per the itinerary
• Morning and afternoon game drives through Thanda Private Game Reserve

Winelands & Wildlife

Enjoy inspired wine tastings in the epicenter of the esteemed Cape Winelands, paired with opportunities to view animals synonymous with Africa. Dutch-influenced towns and country estates dot the fertile wine region, ensuring an experience that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Not far away lies Aquila, a private game reserve where you may spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo. Look for other species at the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve and penguins at Boulders Beach.

• 3 nights in Cape Town
• Wine tastings in the Cape Winelands
• Game drives through Aquila private game reserve in a 4WD safari-style vehicle
• Sightseeing and funicular railway ride at the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve
• Visit a penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Today’s Featured Africa Cruises

• FROM PER GUEST
• View Pricing and Details
• ITINERARY QUICK VIEW

From the Oceania Cruises Blog

11 BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

Follow us & share your experiences.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania cruises.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal caribbean international.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Africa Cruises from $189*

Cruise Lines

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Africa Cruises

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. Zip line through the canopies of a rainforest in South Africa. Learn about the history and change of Angola’s people and culture, or have a village culture experience in Senegal.

Whether you choose to spend your time immersing yourself in the native cultures, or kicking back on a beach on the Kenyan coast, Africa will amaze and astound you!

Things to Do on a Cruise to Africa

Africa is a vast continent with amazing landscapes and is still a largely untouched landscape where you can travel from the desert, to the mountains, and to the plains of the Serengeti. Experience Africa’s rich cultural traditions that are tied to the land and those who live there. Highlighted below are some of our most recommended experiences for cruising to Africa:

• Spend a day on an unforgettable African Safari. Game reserves all over the continent offer you a chance to get up close and personal with lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, zebras and more.  
• Explore the great Egyptian civilization with a visit to the pyramids in Giza and follow in the footsteps of Cleopatra on a cruise along the Nile. There's no better way to discover the treasures of the Nile for yourself.  

• African history may not be as widely known as that of Europe or Asia, but when visiting you'll enjoy several stops to help you understand significant moments in Africa's past, including castles in Ghana or Robben Island in South Africa.  
• Double the size of Niagara Falls , Victoria Falls is an incredibly breathtaking spot. You can discover this spot and the rainforest that surrounds it or even get a bird’s eye view on a helicopter ride above the falls.  

• Tour the vineyards that lie west of Capetown in towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek where you’ll find never ending vineyards. Don’t leave without trying the award winning wines produced in this region.  
• Surf or just get some sun along the coast line of Africa. Throughout the continent you’ll find stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Atlantic Ocean. If you’re a daredevil try shark cage diving in South Africa.  

Map of Africa:

Top 10 africa cruises.

• MSC Splendida 4 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Cape Town, South Africa (Mar 2024)
• Viking Aton 11 Night Pharaohs & Pyramids Departing From Cairo, Egypt (Mar 2024 - Dec 2026)
• MS Antares 11 Night Pharaohs & Pyramids Departing From Cairo, Egypt (Apr 2024 - Dec 2026)
• AmaLilia 11 night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile Departing From Luxor/Karnak (Safaga), Egypt (Apr 2024 - Dec 2025)
• Viking Osiris 11 Night Pharaohs & Pyramids Departing From Cairo, Egypt (Apr 2024 - Dec 2026)
• MSC Splendida 3 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Cape Town, South Africa (Apr 2024)
• Silver Cloud 30 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Apr 2024)
• Silver Cloud 66 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Apr 2024)
• Seven Seas Mariner 19 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Apr 2024)
• Queen Victoria 16 NIGHT Africa CRUISE Departing From Cape Town, South Africa (Apr 2024)

Africa: Cruise Lines

Ready for a great safari or to try that amazing wine from Stellenbosch? A cruise to Africa is one to certainly write home about. Experience this continent on one of the exclusive luxury and popular cruise lines that sail there. 

Amawaterways

Explore the world’s most beautiful rivers, creating a lifetime of memories from AmaWaterways’ intimate, luxurious river ship.

With their new Suite Ships Avalon offers the largest staterooms of any river cruise line, and a majority of their staterooms are suites with open air balconies.

Immerse yourself in the world’s most interesting places. Azamara boasts more overnights in ports, longer stays and night time tours. 

Sail like the royalty on a Cunard ocean liner. This regal line has been sailing its famed transatlantic crossings since the 1840s.

Msc Cruises

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Epicureans are delighted by the Oceania Cruises experience where Jacques Pepin is Executive Culinary Director and the Culinary Tours introduce you to a world of flavors.

Offering a completely all-inclusive cruise, Regent Seven Seas is known for exquisite service on beautifully designed intimate ships, classic cruising at its best.

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Silversea's luxurious small-ship cruises and expedition voyages sail the world for unique and in-depth experiences in remote locales. 

Viking Rivers focuses their sailings on the culture of each cruises destination. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum.

Africa: Departure Ports

The great continent of Africa is a destination that runs wild with exciting culture and adventures. This continent, considered the first place where humans lived, is filled with history. The continent is so large, cruising around it takes a while, but you can explore many regions of the island with cruises that depart from Cairo in the north western corner to Cape Town way down at the bottom. Sail from Accra, Ghana on the western coast or experience the island life in Madagascar and Mauritius as you leave on a cruise from Port Louis, off the coast of Africa. Of course many longer cruises that wind up in Africa begin in ports like Southampton in Europe or Singapore in Asia.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Traditional cultures blend beautifully with modern advancements in Abu Dhabi, the stunning capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Cairo, Egypt

Ancient myths, stories of pharaohs and artifacts of the gods all come to life when you cruise to Cairo, a gateway to the stunning pyramids of Giza and the rest of Egypt.

Cape Town, South Africa

See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africa’s most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace.

Chioggia, Venice, Italy

A charming cruise port, enchants visitors with its colorful canal-lined streets, historic architecture, and delectable seafood, offering a delightful taste of authentic Venetian culture away from the crowds of nearby Venice.

Doha, Qatar

A bustling city in Qatar, Doha is known for it's iconic skyline and stunning beaches on the Persian Gulf.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

Durban, South Africa

Cruise to Durban and explore the colonial history South Africa and delight in the famous beaches where the locals spend their vacations.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Tropical paradise and white sand beaches, volcano hikes & rich culture are waiting on the largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria.

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A beachfront city, this resort city is home to countless historic sites dating back to the 7 th century.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

Luxor/Karnak (Safaga), Egypt

Luxor, on the Eastern bank of the Nile River, is renowned for ancient Egyptian sites, namely the Valley of the Kings, Luxor & Karnak Temples.

Mahe, Seychelles Islands

You can’t afford to miss out on Mahe's spectacular beaches, picturesque adventure spots and the “do-nothing” relaxation havens.

Male, Maldives

Vast mountains and coral reefs line the underwater world that surrounds this island off the southern coast of India. 

Mombasa, Kenya

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean make Mombasa a delightful cruise destination, but you’ll also find a city representing Kenya’s fascinating and diverse history.

Mumbai (Bombay), India

Mumbai is a bustling city where you’ll find packed trains, towering skyscrapers and a vibrant population that continues to grow.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Where else on Earth can you sail to a place nicknamed "The Friendly City"? None other than the bustling cruise port of Port Elizabeth, South Africa which stretches along the Algoa Bay within the state's Eastern Cape Province.

Port Louis, Mauritius

Cruise to Port Louis in Mauritius for its natural beauty and stay to explore its fascinating past as a Dutch, French and British colony.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

Photo Gallery for Africa Cruises

Browse our Africa cruises photo gallery and envision the possibilities for your own safari adventure around Africa’s coasts and the Cape of Good Hope. To plan your dream African cruise, contact one of our expert consultants today. 

African Penguins in Cape Town, South Africa

Pink sunset in Baobab Alley, Madagascar

Lion's Head and Twelve Apostles in Cape Town

Giraffes in Krugar Park, South Africa

A great white shark breaching in South Africa

A lion watches the lionesses in Kenya, Africa

Overlooking the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Red Arches on the Atlantic Ocean Coast of Morocco

A view of the snow on Mount Kilimanjaro

Surfing in the waters of South Africa

A Baobab and giraffe in an African Savannah sunset

Vineyards in Western Cape Town, South Africa

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations
• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

West Africa Archipelago Cruise: Cape Verde & Bissagos Islands from Dakar

14-day expedition cruise from Dakar and Banju l to Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands

West Africa expedition cruise

Your adventure begins in the colorful streets of Dakar. Next, you’ll travel to two island archipelagos filled with historic sites, contrasting cultures, and varied landscapes. Our final stop before returning to Dakar is Banjul, Africa’s smallest capital city.

Island life

Explore the amazing volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde as we cruise to Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and Boa Vista. Watch for hundreds of different bird species as well as rare saltwater hippos, manatees, and more in the Bissagos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We’ll also meet the Bijagós people, who retain their nature-based spiritual beliefs and traditional culture.

Welcome to Africa!

Begin your adventure in Senegal’s vibrant capital

Dakar is colorful and captivating—the perfect place to start your West Africa expedition. The capital of Senegal is an exciting and diverse mix of cultures. It is also a showcase for stable African democracy. Take some time to adjust to a new culture and get ready for the exciting voyage ahead.

If you want to explore more the area before your expedition cruise, you can book a Pre-Program excursion to visit the Bandia Nature Reserve. Ride an open vehicle safari through the African savanna for some exciting wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, gazelles, ostriches, rhinos, and more. Enjoy an overnight hotel stay at Dakar.

Visiting Île de Gorée

Estimated time of departure is 12:00 AM

Tragic history combined with natural beauty

After breakfast you’ll visit the historical UNESCO site of Île de Gorée. This island was once the largest slave trading center on the African coast. It is now filled with forts and museums and is a memorial to the suffering of the countless enslaved peoples who passed through this tragic place.

Learn more on a visit to the Maison des Esclaves (Slave House) Museum. We’ll also tour the baobab-shaded streets of the town, where local artisans sell their crafts.

MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you back on the mainland.

Bound for Cape Verde

Get set for island adventures

Today, we head west to the Cape Verde Islands. There will be plenty of time to get acquainted with your fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Enjoy the onboard comforts, from delicious meals and drinks in the Explorer Lounge &Bar to relaxing in the panoramic sauna or a hot tub on deck.

To learn more about what’s ahead, join the Expedition Team for fascinating lectures in the Science Center and pick up pointers from our professional photographer as you watch for marine life and seabirds.

Diverse Santiago

See Santiago’s eclectic mix of cultural influences.

Santiago embodies the spirit of the Cape Verde archipelago. Here, you can enjoy a little of everything, from historical sites and bustling markets to lush valleys and jagged mountains.

The capital of Praia is a dynamic city that attracts immigrants from the rest of Cape Verde and the African continent.

Explore Praia’s vibrant culture on a city tour. Visit the museums and buildings around the Plateau, which displays artifacts recovered from the islands’ shipwrecks. Stop by viewpoints, the local market, and more.

• Included Praia – Cultural Praia

Volcanic Fogo

Discover a landscape of lava, craters , and calderas

Today's expedition day takes you to Fogo, an island dominated by a cone-shaped active volcano. Centuries of eruptions, the last in 2014, have left an incredible landscape for us to explore.

Enjoy a tour of São Filipe’s cobbled streets and charming historic center. Don’t miss the stunning lava fields of Chã das Caldeiras.

Fogo doesn’t have any natural harbors, so we’ll only land if conditions allow us to launch our small boats (RIBs).

• Included Sao Filipe – Fogo Island

Rugged Santo Antão

Nature walks and unforgettable landscapes

Santo Antão’s landscapes of peaks, gorges, and canyons have benefited from their unsuitability for agriculture. Largely untouched, this wilderness sanctuary is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

We’ll land in Porto Novo, the island’s main port, which has spectacular views across to São Vicente. Enjoy a ride around the island, which takes you on a nature tour through the island’s ribeiras. These are deep, narrow canyons with near vertical walls.

Or you could take a nature walk and admire the beauty of these local spots up close. Walk along trails through mango and almond groves, punctuated by the delicious aroma of roasting coffee wafting through the villages.

A piece of the Sahara

Explore an island gem

You've now reached Cape Verde’s easternmost island, Boa Vista.

You’ll be awed by the rugged beauty of the Sahara-like desert formations and landscapes of this volcanic island. The sand dunes and oases found here are in stark contrast to the other islands we visit on this cruise.

Stroll the streets of the island’s capital, Sal Rei, where you can explore its history and traditions, and visit Santa Isabel Church. The Ponta do Sol nature reserve is within hiking distance of the town and a great way to enjoy the scenery.

• Included Sai Rei – Walking Tour & Traditions

Bound for Guinea-Bissau

Prepare to experience the Bissagos Islands

We say goodbye to Cape Verde as our expedition cruise continues to Guinea-Bissau. As we sail, your Expedition Team will brief you on what lies ahead.

Learn about the extraordinary biodiversity of this tropical region, the traditional culture of the Bijagós people, and the historical impact of Portuguese exploration and the slave trade.

You can also participate in our Citizen Science projects and contribute data to important ongoing research projects. You could also brush up your photography skills with our onboard photographer to prepare for the sights to come.

Bissagos expedition

Take in the nature and wildlife of this UNESCO wonder

Over the next four days, you’ll explore a maze of islands and channels, seeking out mangroves, tropical forests, savannah woodlands, and coastal lagoons. Our small boats (RIBs) will take us down the smaller channels and on-shore landings with the Expedition Team. We may also launch our kayaks.

You’ll meet and learn more about the local Bijagós people, a tribal society organized in clans. Practicing a life that is in balance with nature, they hold the world around them as sacred and have retained their ancestral traditions.

Local conditions will determine when and where we can land and explore, but whatever we do you can be sure you’ll experience the rich diversity of the archipelago up close.

The Gambia’s tiny capital

Soak up the past and present in historic Banjul

Today, we reach The Gambia and Banjul, its tiny capital. It may be a small city, but its location at the mouth of the Gambia River means it is an important trading hub.

Banjul played a role in ending the slave trade, as its garrison was used by the British Navy to uphold abolition laws. Close by is the birthplace of Kunta Kinte, the protagonist of Alex Haley’s famous book, Roots.

This city is easy to explore on foot. Visit the lively Royal Albert Market and the National Museum, which contains historical documents and displays about the country’s history. Back on board, you’ll enjoy a cultural performance, introducing you to The Gambia’s music and traditions.

• Included Banjul - Folkloric Show Onboard

Return to Dakar

Estimated time of arrival is 9:00 AM

End your exp e d i tion in Senegal’s colorful capital

Your expedition cruise ends in Senegal’s kaleidoscopic capital, Dakar. After you disembark MS Spitsbergen, we'll take you on an included city tour to explore this fascinating city.

Listen out for the many languages of West Africa, such as Wolof, Pular, and Serer. Undoubtedly, seeing the diversity of local cultures here is a wonderful way to round off your trip.

With the tour complete, you’ll be taken to a hotel for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing in comfort at the hotel, before transferring to the airport for your return journey home.

• October Oct 28
• November Nov 9 Nov 21
• December Dec 3 Dec 27
• January Jan 8

What’s included

Transfers before the expedition cruise  .

• Transfer from Dakar airport to the ship on day of embarkation  

Pre-Program in Dakar before the expedition cruise 

• Overnight at a hotel in Dakar, including lunch and breakfast 
• Full day tour to Île de Gorée, including lunch 
• Transfer to the ship

Post-Program in Dakar after the expedition cruise

• Dakar City Tour, day room at a hotel in Dakar, including lunch

Expedition Cruise

• Stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water

†Please note that Wi-Fi and phone reception are very limited in the remote areas where we travel and streaming is not supported.

Onboard activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, extensive library, and advanced biological and geological equipment
• The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
• Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
• The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and a gym.
• Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.

Landing activities

• Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
• Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance recommended) 
• No gratuities are expected.

Not included in your voyage

• International flights
• Travel protection
• Baggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• All planned activities are subject to weather and sea conditions
• Please make sure you meet all vaccination requirements (global health insurance is recommended)
• No gratuities are expected

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway: the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of traveling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the ‘Sports Route’. 

Read more about MS Spitsbergen

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before your travel, related cruises, christmas expedition cruise to cape verde & the bissagos islands.

• Nature safaris to see the amazing wildlife of these two African archipelagos
• Opportunities to hike amid volcanos, lava fields, gigantic cliffs, and deep valleys on Cape Verde

Macaronesia & Bissagos Islands – Grand Expedition Cruise from Dakar to Lisbon (Northbound)

• 22-day expedition cruise of Macaronesia, from Senegal to the Bissagos Islands, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Lisbon.
• Get to know the fascinating culture and wildlife of the Bissagos Islands and explore the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde.
• Enjoy the lively island cultures of the Canaries and Madeira, a unique mix of Spanish, Portuguese, and New World features.
• Experience Dakar, Praia, and Lisbon—three capital cities with diverse cultures

Macaronesia & Bissagos Islands – Grand Expedition Cruise from Lisbon to Dakar (Southbound)

• 21-day expedition cruise from Lisbon to Senegal via Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the Bissagos Islands
• Enjoy the lively island cultures of Madeira and the Canaries, which have a unique mix of Spanish, Portuguese, and New World features.
• Seek amazing wildlife, discover the fascinating culture of the Bissagos Islands, and take hikes to the volcanoes and lava fields of Cape Verde.
• Experience Lisbon, Praia, and Dakar—three capital cities with diverse cultures.

Here are a few suggestions:

Exploring epic wilderness

Explore this wild and wonderful frozen continent and see penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat

British Isles

Wild beauty and historic sites

West Africa & Cape Verde

Explore the unique history and vibrant culture of isolated Cape Verde, alongside the remarkable biodiversity of the tropical Bissagos Islands.

Caribbean & Central America Cruises

Tropical paradise off the beaten track

Magnificent cities and hidden gems

Galápagos Islands

The wild beauty and unique ecology of the Galápagos Islands make for the perfect expedition cruise destination. See giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and other iconic Galápagos wildlife. With only about 12 guests per Expe...

Grand Expedition Cruises

Embark on the ultimate global adventure by following in the wake of great explorers on one of our Grand Expedition Cruises.

The beautiful land of contrasts

The mythical land of volcanoes and glaciers

North America

Historic towns and national treasures

Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is tailor-made for an expedition-style adventure. Sailing here for almost 130 years, we’re the experts, showing you its highlights and hidden gems.

South America

Search for rich, cultural treasures

Northwest Passage Cruises

In the footsteps of legendary explorers

Transoceanic

Explore our Transoceanic-themed cruises

Hurtigruten

• Norway Fjords Cruise
• Northern Lights Cruise
• Expedition Cruises

Elmina Castle & City Walk

• Gaze at colourful wooden boats sailing in and out of Elmina’s lagoon area
• Stroll through Elmina’s atmospheric alleyways, surrounded by ancient history, visit the local fish market
• Visit Elmina Castle, the oldest and largest European building in Africa, a former warehouse used to trade gold, ivory and eventually slaves, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Upgraded Tour - Elmina Castle, City walk & Batik Making

• Upgrade your included tour with a workshop to learn how to make traditional batik cloth
• A perfect way to meet with local artisans, learn the techniques of wax heating and stamping and help local women support their families
• Enjoy the highlights of Elmina point by visiting St George's Castle, a UNESCO heritage site and the local fish market

Cape Coast Castle

• Visit Cape Coast Castle, the largest of the buildings which contains the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Learn how Cape Coast Castle played a significant role in the gold and slave trades but also contributed to the arrival of Christianity, and the establishment of the first formal education system through Castle Schools
• Discover the West African Historical Museum located inside Cape Coast Castle before taking part in a traditional Ghanaian drumming and dance performance and lessons

FD Kakum Canopy, Hike and Cape Coast Traditions

• An in-depth experience of Kakum National Park with the canopy walkway, hike and bird watching
• Enjoy a buffet lunch in a beautiful setting surrounded by forest and a lake
• Discover the local traditions in Cape Coast with the fishermen, dances and drums

Kakum National Park's Canopy Walkway

• Discover Kakum National Park and Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway
• Walk on the platforms and rope bridges while searching for wildlife
• Experience the peaceful tropical forest atmosphere, surrounded by exquisite nature

Abidjan highlights and Banco National Park

• Walk through Banco National Park, the green lung of Abidjan. See the primary forest with rare wood species
• Discover the Plateau area and its impressive Cathedral, one of the city most remarkable monument
• Visit the museum of civilizations boasting traditional masks, statues, musical instruments and clothes among many others

Colonial Grand Bassam & Chocolate Factory

• Learn about the complex social relations between Europeans and Africans, and the subsequent independence movement
• Pass by the Royal Court, and the French colonial district, before visiting the National Costume Museum, with its excellent collection of traditional clothing, masks, ornaments, and ethnographic photos
• After lunch, visit a chocolate factory and learn how local cocoa is transformed into organic dark chocolate

Upgrade - Abidjan highlights, Bingerville garden and local gastronomy

• Visit the main sites of Abidjan and continue towards Bingerville, the Capital of Colonial Ivory Coast back in the early 1900s
• Visit the lush Botanical gardens before enjoying a local lunch
• Discover how to prepare Attieke, a cassava couscous used as a base in the Ivory Coast cuisine

Historical city tour of Monrovia

• Visit the Centennial Pavilion that was built to mark the 100 years to melodious independence that the nation had enjoyed uninterruptedly
• See Providence Island, the landing ground where freed American slaves settled in Liberia in the early 1820s
• Enjoy the panoramic view over the Atlantic from Ducor Hill

Libassa Ecolodge: Wildlife Sanctuary & Fun

• Discover this beautiful resort located within an original tropical forest, at the junction of a virgin lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean
• Visit the wildlife sanctuary where they care for and rehabilitate wild confiscated or injured animals like endemic monkeys
• After lunch, enjoy the many resort facilities: Relax or slide down the lazy river, kayak on the lagoon... there are activities for all tastes!

Bunce Island

• Enjoy a ferry ride from Freetown to Bunce Island
• Watch out for local waterbirds on the Sierra Leone River Estuary
• Explore the island’s ruins, including the factory house, prison, and watchtowers

Freetown Historical City Tour

• Discover the history of the country's fallen heroes and heroines at the National Museum
• Visit the Peace and Cultural Monument, which celebrates Sierra Leone’s independence
• See the Cotton Tree, one of the city's most famous landmarks

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

• Learn about the sanctuary’s important work with primates
• Watch chimps swing from branches and attentively groom each other
• Admire more than 100 bird species that can be found in Tacugama Forest Reserve

Orango Parque Hotel Museum

• Get a better insight of the Bijago's culture, their spiritual life and their very unique celebrations
• Visit the exhibition at the Orango Parque Hotel that will bring you closer to this mythical but at the same time very real community

Bolama Island - The former capital of Portuguese Guinea

• Discover the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941 and admire the beauty of the ancient colonial buildings
• Explore sunny avenues, empty squares, dry fountains and overgrown gardens - Bolama’s classic style, which was based on a Roman citadel
• Admire the Governor’s Palace where goats now graze peacefully and the basketball field, now used to dry cashew nuts

Canhabaque and the traditional Bijagos culture

• Marvel at how little the inhabitants of Bijagos have been influenced by the outside world
• Visit a Bijagos village and see how the population process cashew nuts and palm oil
• Immerse yourself in local lifestyle and tradition

Banjul Highlights

• View the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau, which has been in existence for more than one hundred years, and is today home to over one hundred crocodiles
• Attend a demonstration at the tye and dye Batik factory to learn about this ancient craft and technique used in Africa for decorating fabrics
• Discover the history, culture, traditions and customs of the city as you visit the National Museum and St Albert Market

Makasutu Cultural Forest Adventure

• Explore the Makasutu palm forest and its many ecosystems
• Keep your eyes peeled for a tantalising glimpse of the local wildlife
• Enjoy a walk through the forest and appreciate the local flora and fauna

Off the beaten track exploration of South Gambia with 4x4 trucks

• Go off the beaten track to see a different side of Southern Gambia
• Stop at small villages, see how the palm wine is made and observe the locals in their authentic daily life before some relaxing time at the beach
• Visit to a local school in Sanyang, where you can find out more about the ground roots of education in Gambia

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve ending at airport (for disembarking guests with late flights)

• A last African experience before flying back home!
• An unforgettable safari in the reserve of Bandia where you can meet the big mammals of Western Africa in 3.500 ha of grand nature
• See the diverse flora like huge baobabs, thorny bushes, whimsical lianas while trying to spot giraffes, rhinoceros and ostriches among many other species

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve and Somone Lagoon (with lunch)

• An unforgettable safari during your stay in Senegal in the reserve of Bandia where you can meet the big mammals of Western Africa in 3.500 ha of grand nature
• Experience a boat ride across the Somone Lagoon and observe the animals of the mangrove forest

Dakar City Tour

• Discover Dakar, the large and vibrant African metropolis that was the cultural and intellectual capital of French West Africa
• See the impressive Cathedral of African Memory built in Byzantine Style but also the Great Mosque in this cosmopolitan city
• View the African Renaissance Monument, a 52 m tall copper statue located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelles, and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Board a ferry to Goree island and explore the place where slaves used to be crammed and then shipped to the Americas. Some restored buildings remain to bear witness of those times
• Learn intersting facts about this dark period visiting Fort of Estree and its historic museum and the house of the slaves
• Stroll through the beautiful alleys of the island, lined with houses which date back from colonial times

YOUR SUITE TYPE

Oceanview D4

Oceanview M4

Premium Suite

Deck  4.

Cookies Management

Choose your cookie preferences, advertising and marketing.

Whatever you need, we are here to satisfy your curious expedition mind whilst giving you the best experience possible. Simply complete the form below and one of our expedition specialists will come back to you shortly.

Callback Request

Add to waiting list

Change language.

The language of the site does not match the language of the your browser, change the language?

• Cruise Destinations
• Theme Cruises
• By Destination
• — Greece
• — Seychelles
• — Tahiti
• — Cape Verde
• — West Africa
• By Travel Style
• By Limited Collection
• — Variety Voyager
• — Harmony V
• — Harmony G
• — Galileo
• — Panorama
• — Panorama II
• — Pegasos
• — Callisto
• Variety Cruises
• Variety Cares
• Professionals
• Variety Club
• Merchandise

WEST AFRICA CRUISES - THE RIVERS OF GAMBIA & SENEGAL

The Rivers of Gambia & Senegal, 7-night cruise sure to satisfy your curious minds. Discover the waterways of Senegal and Gambia with visits to no less than 4 Natural Reserves: Sine Saloum Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a birdwatcher’s paradise; Djiffere fishing village; River Gambia National Park; Wassu mysterious stone circles, another UNESCO World Heritage site; Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and Kiang West National Park in Gambia. Our on board Gambian River Naturalist will assist you in discovering the amazing flora and fauna and will be at your side throughout this exciting voyage, unravelling the wonders of West Africa.

214-216 SYNGROU AVENUE 17672 – ATHENS GREECE +30 210 6919191 [email protected]

545 8TH AVENUE, SUITE 1030 NEW YORK, NY 10018 TOLL FREE 800-319-7776 [email protected]

4TH FLOOR, HAMILTON HOUSE – MABLEDON PLACE, LONDON WC1 H 9BB +44 20 8324 3114 [email protected]

SCHILDHORNSTRASSE 10 D-12163 BERLIN, GERMANY +49 (0) 451 88006-166 [email protected]

I agree to the Privacy Policy

Occasionally, Cruises Head to West Africa. Here’s What to Expect When They Do.

Hx expeditions (formerly hurtigruten expeditions) recently unveiled a new cruise itinerary to and through the remote islands off the coasts of senegal and guinea-bissau—and we were onboard..

• Copy Link copied

A quiet beach on the less-visited Bissagos archipelago, off the coast of West Africa’s Guinea-Bissau

Photo by Shutterstock

In the elusive Bissagos (also known as Bijagos) archipelago, off the small, less-visited Guinea-Bissau, the wildlife superstars are saltwater hippos. While hiking some six miles on sand and dirt trails, including through grasses as high as my eye, to see them, I nearly ran into a crocodile hiding in the bush.

As startling as it was at the time, I had come on a new four-country HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) cruise in West Africa for intrepid travel. My goal was not so much wildlife but the opportunity to visit remote villages in the Bissagos, where people live a deeply spiritual life connected to nature.

Some noncruisers may scoff at the word cruise , envisioning tourists dillydallying in hot tubs, sipping rum drinks. But HX took an expedition-cruise–style approach in creating this 13-night itinerary—and it would be extremely challenging to combine visits to Senegal, the Republic of Cabo Verde (also known as Cape Verde), the Bissagos Islands, and Gambia by any other form of travel. While on the 150-passenger MS Spitsbergen earlier this year, I did indulge in drinks such as a Coco Loco cocktail, a combination of rum and coconut milk served in a coconut, and there were hot tubs, but there was a real sense of adventure as well.

Saltwater hippos are the wildlife superstars in Bissagos.

Photo by Marco Pozzi/Getty Images

The 108 passengers on board ranged in age from those in their twenties to octogenarians and hailed from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany (with translations available for the German contingent). I was traveling with my 23-year-old niece, Sasha. Eight expedition team members—scientists and other experts more versed in the Arctic and Antarctica (places where expedition ships such as this more typically sail) than in West Africa—organized outings like water landings off Zodiac boats in the Bissagos, during which we had to disembark into and trudge through shallow water to get ashore, protecting our ankles with scuba water shoes in case any baby stingrays happened by (they didn’t).

Cabo Verde reminded the writer of the Caribbean circa the ‘70s.

The itinerary started with a hotel night in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and a preboarding visit via ferry to the island of Gorée, once the largest slave-trading center on the African coast. (With added-on excursions, we could visit a total of three sites related to the slave trade on this trip—the others on Santiago Island in Cape Verde and in Gambia—but, sadly, the gravity of these sites needed much more time and in-depth explanations than we were provided.)

After departing Senegal, we cruised some 400 miles west to Cape Verde, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975. While Cape Verde is definitely not undiscovered, it has certainly been less discovered by visitors—you can fly there, but places like the Canary Islands with their fancy resorts are more popular. With its laid-back vibe and stunning mountains, green valleys, and gorgeous ocean scenery, Cape Verde reminded me of the old Caribbean (circa the 1970s).

On three Cape Verde islands in three days, we had a choice of complimentary city tours and scenic drives or for-a-fee tours with extras such as hiking with local guides. A standout was on Fogo, exploring the six-by-four-mile crater where people live in a harsh black-rock landscape that looks like another planet, near a volcano that last erupted in 2014.

From there, it was off to Bissagos for four days, before a day in Gambia and disembarking back in Dakar.

A dance performance in Anipoco on Caravela Island, in Bissagos, Guinea-Bissau

Photo by Fran Golden

The beauty and complexity of the remote Bissagos

The islands of Bissagos were formed from the ancient delta of two rivers and are subject to drastic changes in wind and tides. In the dry season, at times we had less than 33 feet below the ship and the captain relied on sonar to navigate safely. The 88 islands (only a quarter are occupied) encompass some 5,000 square miles, starting about 35 miles from mainland Guinea-Bissau. You can get to the Bissagos in small wooden boats, but few do—visitor numbers are in the hundreds not thousands.

The archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , recognized for its mangroves, savannas, palm groves, and tropical forests. In addition to the hippos and crocodiles, green turtles come to nest here, and stopping by are such migratory birds as flamingos.

As we approached for a four-day visit, joining the ship was our cultural interpreter, Sonia Marques-Durris, originally from Portugal, with her husband, Laurent, their toddler, and nanny. A well-known French fisherman, Laurent has lived in the Bissagos for 27 years, and Sonia for 13. They own Kere Island, which they purchased from locals and is home to their six-room eco-friendly fishing hotel . In the process of establishing themselves within the community, they were initiated into a village through ritual and ceremonies.

Sonia is among a very small number of trained guides in the region. During shipboard lectures, she did her best to explain a complicated culture, where women play an important role in civic life and ceremonies. The Bissajans believe their islands are inhabited by spirits and that souls can’t reach the afterlife without the help of the living, with women having the power to be possessed.

Some accounts claim the society is matriarchal. Sonia disputed this and on Kere Island, I sat down with Juliette Gomes, 33, a single mother of two who was laundering hotel linens by hand. When I asked through an interpreter if the society is run by women, she scoffed. “Men are in charge,” she declared.

A woman takes a break from making palm oil to join an impromptu dance in the village of Ampincha on Carache Island.

The highlight of the cruise for me was the third day when we visited two villages and interacted with locals. The population of the Bissagos is not indigenous but descended from people who fled Male centuries ago. Today, people continue to live a traditional lifestyle in villages made up of adobe huts, most with grass roofs, connected by dirt paths and surrounded by old-growth trees, with a central square for ceremonies—and more isolated areas for initiations involving scarification. There’s no electricity, except for generators or solar panels at schools and, in some villages, a disco. Cooking takes place outside. The elders decide on the use of natural resources once they consult with spirits.

Sonia says villagers interact with the outside world—they can take small wooden boats to the mainland in less than two hours, and some do leave for work or for education—but most choose not to.

With villagers speaking Portuguese Creole, passengers communicated with them mostly nonverbally. Cameras and smartphones were a point of connection. We took photos and they asked to see them. Kids greeted us on the beach on Carache Island, where Sasha also communicated through cartwheels and dancing, which the kids mimicked, everyone giggling.

Cashews are Guinea-Bissau’s main export and we passed cashew trees on the way to Sonia’s initiation village, arriving to the sounds and sight of men rhythmically pounding palm in a metal barrel to make palm oil, which is used for cooking, winemaking, and in ceremonies. Women working over boiling pots, another stage of production, got up and did an impromptu dance, their grass skirts, or bark skirts for elders, covering colorful cotton dresses. Kids followed us around town.

In Anipoco on Caravela Island, young boys fought to hold my hand and girls followed Sasha’s every move, as we toured the village before gathering for a vigorous drumming and dance display, grass-skirted man dancing to mimic cows, which are held sacred. The performance ended abruptly when one dancer passed out. An evil spirit was to blame, we were told. Sonia later reported the man was OK.

Our fourth and final day in Bissagos was spent at Sonia and Laurent’s property, complete with a white-sand beach, open bar, crepes as snacks, and the only opportunity to buy some souvenirs.

In some ways it felt like a cruise line private island experience, but on a markedly more adventurous itinerary in a place much harder to reach.

During our day in Gambia, we opted for a “Roots” shore excursion, inspired by the Alex Haley book, that to my mind raised more questions about the slave trade than answers. But the trip was worth it for the opportunity to cross the Gambia River in a crowded local passenger ferry complete with vendors selling everything from food to electrical cords, men and women in colorful attire, a live goat or two, and some locals who were happy to strike up conversations.

We disembarked back in Dakar, with a least some insight into West Africa and more to study.

A ship that typically sails the world’s polar regions, the MS Spitsbergen recently explored West Africa instead.

Courtesy of Karsten Bidstrup/HX Expeditions

Our nearly two-week itinerary included several sea days, and HX Epeditions’ MS Spitsbergen , a former ferry completely reconfigured into an expedition ship in 2016, proved a very comfortable and delightfully unfussy venue for sailing. You could dress casual for dinner and there was the easy comradery that comes naturally on a small ship with open-seating buffet meals and late nights spent in the den-like Explorer Lounge, conversing over drinks. A highlight one evening was a crew rock band performing on deck, with many guests, and even the captain, inspired to dance.

Joining the 84-person crew for the West Africa route was affable chef Koffi Gassan from Togo, who gave lectures and cooking classes and prepared such West African dishes as Senegalese Chicken Yassa, consisting of chicken and caramelized onions; jollof rice (a one-pot dish with rice, tomatoes, chiles, and meat); and hot pepper soup. “This is my big dream my whole life to show my talents to the whole world,” he told me.

Like the rest of the ship, cabins are done up in appealing Scandinavian furnishings and cleverly designed to make optimum use of space. There are six categories, from tight 96-square-foot inside cabins (without windows) to a two-room, 355-square-foot Owner’s Suite (it sleeps four with a sofa bed) that comes with a balcony. Windowed Arctic Superior cabins are a nice middle ground, but if you suffer from motion sickness you may want to avoid the ones on the upper decks toward the front of the ship, where you may feel more movement.

In addition to a small gym, the MS Spitsbergen has an ocean-view sauna and two outdoor hot tubs. Loungers on the top deck are available for those who want to relax in the sun.

How to cruise in West Africa

After five West Africa sailings, culminating in January, HX will not be back this fall as planned due to concerns over political unrest in areas of West Africa. For now, the cruise line is calling it a “pause,” not quite ready to completely abandon the route. Travelers who are interested in the itinerary should check in with the line in the coming weeks and months to see if the West Africa sailings will start back up. This season’s 13-day West Africa cruises began at about $7,000 per person. French cruise line Ponant and ultra-luxe line Silversea are among the other cruise companies with springtime visits to the Bissagos and Cape Verde slated for this year and next.

• Expeditions
• Conservation

West Coast of Africa

Onboard silver cloud.

The people of Sierra Leone are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Music and dance are an essential part of their daily life. @ Pablo Bianco

Built in 1482, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elmina Castle stands as a grim reminder of the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade.

Common Dolphins travel in large groups of hundreds or even thousands. They are energetic and acrobatic, and can often be seen leaping out of the water. @ Jonathan Rossouw

The people of Ivory Coast honor their ancestors with traditional dance and the mask represents their loyalty to the past.

At 9,200 feet, the still-smoldering stratovolcano, Pico do Fogo, is the highest elevation of Cape Verde and also its largest volcano.

At Agadir, keep watch for the exceedingly endangered Northern Bald Ibis. It is believed that only 300 pairs still remain. @ Ignacio Yúfera

The 240-guest Silver Cloud is a spacious and comfortable expedition vessel with plenty of deck space for observing natural wonders and marine wildlife. @ Pablo Bianco

West Africa Cruise

Destinations

• Travel by Air
• Travel by Road
• Travel by Boat
• Travel by Bullet Train
• Travel by Rail
• Travel by Dog Sled
• Days 14 & 15

Friday, April 16: Arrive Accra, Ghana

Arrive in Accra, the rapidly-modernizing, beating heart of Ghana, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers and expedition team for a welcome dinner and briefing. Dinner and overnight at Labadi Beach Hotel.

Saturday, April 17: Accra / Embark Silver Cloud

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour. Accra has held onto its unique identity, despite recent development. See the posh administrative area, punctuated with elegant nineteenth-century villas—a surviving relic of Ghana’s colonial past. Head to the beach, and the historic Jamestown neighborhood, whose storied past is visible in its architecture—with colonial remnants side-by-side with vibrant clapboard houses and corrugated iron shacks. Today, though impoverished, it is one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods. Visit a workshop where Accra’s famous “fantasy coffins” are made and shipped out worldwide for museum display. This afternoon, board the Silver Cloud, your home away from home for the next 18 nights. Toast to the journey to come as you set out into the Gulf of Guinea. Dinner and overnight aboard the Silver Cloud.

Sunday, April 18: Takoradi

Once a sleepy fishing village until it was chosen as Ghana’s first deep-water seaport, Takoradi now grows larger by the day. It is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Elmina and Cape Coast Castle, which you may opt to visit today. Two of roughly 40 “slave castles” along the Gold Coast, they were the final stop for many enslaved Africans on the “Middle Passage” trading route to the Americas. For those who would prefer to see the wilder side of Ghana, join the trek to Kakum National Park. This coastal rainforest is home to endangered mammals like Forest Elephants, Diana Monkeys and Yellow-backed Duikers, and is a mecca for birders, with an incredible 350 bird species recorded. Hike the park’s forest trials, including the famous 1,000-foot-long Canopy Walkway, keeping watch for the many Upper Guinea forest endemics, from hornbills to waxbills, bee-eaters to plantaineaters. Enjoy a traditional dance performance over lunch before returning to the ship.

Monday, April 19: Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Set among canals and waterways, Abidjan is ultra-modern, and is considered one of the foremost African cities in terms of culture and standard of living. Nearby Grand-Bassam has all the faded glory of a beachside French colonial capital and is a beautiful drive from Abidjan. Join the cultural expedition to Grand-Bassam, stopping first in Banco National Park, a splendid example of primary hardwood tropical forest. Afterwards, drive past Abobo, Africa’s largest outdoor laundry, where hundreds of Fanicos (washer men) can be seen working in the stream to launder their clients’ clothes. At Azito Village, be received by the king and visit with village women to see how they smoke fish. Enjoy a Zaouli Dance performance and lunch, then head to Grand-Bassam. Visit the costume museum and handicraft center before returning to Abidjan. Alternatively, join another group for a longer hike in Banco National Park, followed by an afternoon visit to nearby Bingerville Botanical Gardens.

Tuesday, April 20: At Sea

Take the day to relax onboard as the ship rounds the southern tip of Liberia and heads north. Attend lectures recapping the history, culture and natural offerings of Ghana and Ivory Coast and introducing you to the upcoming countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone. 

Wednesday, April 21: Monrovia, Liberia

Monrovians have a proverb: “To the patient man will come all the riches of the world.” Well, after decades of turmoil and conflict, riches are finally beginning to arrive here in Africa’s first independent nation. Wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mesurado River, Monrovia brims with history and natural beauty. This morning, visit Ducor Hill, upon which sits the country’s first defensive fort, lighthouse and the remnants of an old luxury hotel, originally built by Pan Am Airlines, now a decayed but stunning colonial ruin. Tour Liberia’s oldest church, Providence Baptist, the site of the signing of the nation’s Declaration of Independence in 1847. After lunch, travel through the Liberian countryside to Bai T. Moore Culture Village, where you can get a taste of traditional Bomi country life and enjoy a dance and drum performance.

Thursday, April 22: Tokeh, Sierra Leone

Today, visit Tokeh, a coastal resort town on Sierra Leone’s western peninsula. While it has recently grown quite upscale as a resort destination, remnants of the original fishing village are plentiful. Visit the African smoked fish house and the stone bakery. Stop at the village market to do some shopping, or just watch locals go about their daily bargaining. See the old Africana Hotel , which attracted thousands of French tourists before the civil war. Feast your eyes on Tokeh Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in West Africa.

Friday, April 23: Freetown

Freetown may still be a diamond in the rough, but it is a true traveler’s gem. Lush rainforest and palm-fringed beaches surround the city, whose optimism and energy far outweigh the scars it bears from its tumultuous past. This morning, head outside the city, to the Western Area Forest Reserve, to look for sought-after bird species like Turati’s Boubou and Crimson Seedcracker. Visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to see some of the approximately 100 orphaned Chimps being rehabilitated here. After lunch, visit a local medical clinic. Then, be amazed by feats of athleticism at a Salone Flying Stars soccer match. All of the players on the team are amputees. Spend the afternoon birding on the western side of the peninsula, looking for Yellow-billed Turaco and Dybowski’s Twinspot.

Saturday, April 24: At Sea

Watch for seabirds and dolphins today as the ship heads north. Attend lectures on upcoming Senegal, one of West Africa’s oldest and most stable countries.

Sunday, April 25: Dakar, Senegal

The former colonial trading post of Dakar stamps the Cap-Vert peninsula with a vertiginous urban energy. Here, sparkling beaches meet the thrum of textile markets. Birds such as Spur-winged Plovers, Rose-ringed Parakeets and Village Weavers abound in the heart of the city, and a stunning array of waterbirds frequent the Technopole, an exceptional urban wetland.  Search for Black Herons, Senegal Thick-knees, and Audouin’s Gulls, amongst over 200 Afrotropical residents and Palaearctic migrants. Then, head to the traditional healing hospital in Malika Village, where you can learn about Senegal’s rich traditional medicine practices. Move on to Lake Retba, or the Pink Lake. Its color comes from Dunaliella salina bacteria, and its salt content matches that of the Dead Sea. Take a 4×4 ride over sand dunes, topped off with cocktails under a nearby Bedouin tent.

Monday, April 26: At Sea

Head due west to the islands of Cape Verde. Spend time on deck watching the impressive array of pelagic birds, notably Cape Verde and Boyd’s Shearwaters, and Cape Verde Storm-petrels.

Tuesday, April 27: Fogo Island, Cape Verde

Fogo is a majestic cone that juts out of the ocean, with the 9,200-foot still-smoldering stratovolcano, Pico do Fogo, at its center. Two options await you today: take a moderate 2-hour hike up the “vulcaozinho” (the small volcano, as the local population calls him) for a dizzyingly beautiful view over the island. Look down on the lava fields and clusters of traditional houses beyond. Hike to one of the crater villages, and enjoy lunch with locally produced wine before heading back down the mountain to the pier. Alternatively, take an “eruptions” tour with a local guide who will drive you up into the crater, pointing out the different eruption sites. Walk on the petrified lava fields and see the remains of destroyed houses. Head back through the colonial city of São Filipe. Tour its colorful streets, including the local history museum and the Coffee Museum, where you can taste coffee produced on the island.

Wednesday, April 28: Santo Antão

Explore Santo Antão, the northwestern-most of the Cape Verde Islands. The island is divided by a large mountain ridge, leaving its largest city, Porto Novo, on the dry side, while the Paúl Valley remains green and lush year-round. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to the Paúl Valley, and hike through sugarcane plantations and tropical greenery, watching for endemic Cape Verde Buzzards, Alexander’s Swifts, and Iago Sparrows. Visit a traditional Grogue distillery, the local liquor made from sugarcane. Continue on to the picturesque mountain village of Fontainhas for coffee and snacks with locals. Head back to the coast for lunch in a local restaurant in the fishing village of Ponta do Sol. After lunch, head back to the harbor in Porto Novo. There is also the option of a stunning interior mountain road driving tour to the Paúl Valley, where you can taste Grogue and skip the hike.

Thursday & Friday, April 29 & 30: At Sea

Relax today as the ship continues north, passing Mauritania. Attend lectures on the upcoming Bay of Dakhla, a designated Ramsar site given its “high botanical diversity, hosting several species which are rare, vulnerable or Saharan endemics.”

Saturday, May 1: Ad Dakhla, Morocco

Inhabited by Berbers since ancient times, Dakhla was founded mainly for its fishing and its abundant seals and whales for hunting. Despite over-harvesting, Dakhla is still a major fishing port and renowned birding hotspot. Opt for the cultural tour, driving along the Bay of Dakhla to a Sahrawi camp overlooking the bay and a beautiful white sand dune. Learn of the nomadic Sahrawi peoples over a tea ceremony and climb the dune for breathtaking views. Wildlife enthusiasts may opt for a guided birding excursion. Start in La Sarga, famed for hosting vast numbers of migratory shorebirds, such as Dunlins, Red Knots and Sanderlings. Head up the coast, ending at the “core of the Ramsar site,” the Northeast Wetland, a long stretch of coast backed by desert cliffs. Look for Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Spoonbills, Western Marsh-Harriers, and, on the adjacent gravel plains, Cream-colored Coursers and Greater Hoopoe-Larks.

Sunday, May 2: At Sea

Spend the day at sea as you head north toward Agadir. Look out for Cory’s Shearwaters, Pomarine Jaegers, and Sabine’s Gulls, along with the rare Atlantic Humpback Dolphin.

Monday, May 3: Agadir

Agadir is, above all, a holiday resort. Though its inner quarters are rather sterile and nondescript, it comes alive at its beachfront, where Moroccan street life meets a refreshing sense of space. Head out of Agadir, hugging the coastline up to Tamri. Look for Great Cormorants, Audouin’s Gulls, and Black Wheatear, but particularly keep your eyes peeled for the show-stopping, and exceedingly endangered, Northern Bald Ibis. It is believed that only 300 pairs still remain, most of which breed on cliffs located near Tamri and in the nearby Souss-Massa National Park. After lunch, loop south of Agadir to Souss-Massa National Park, where diverse habitats ranging from endless dunes to dense Argania forests. Look for Booted Eagles, Maghreb Magpie, and the localized Moussier’s Redstart.

Tuesday, May 4: At Sea

Bid farewell to Africa today, as you sail north past the Strait of Gibraltar, toward Portugal. Recap the voyage over a farewell dinner aboard the ship.

Wednesday, May 5: Arrive Lisbon, Portugal / Disembark Silver Cloud

Early this morning, look out upon the stirring mosaic of green hills, pastel-colored houses and colorful tilework that is Lisbon, as the ship pulls into the harbor. Disembark the Silver Cloud and transfer to the airport for your international flights home.

Have a question? Call us at 206.669.9272 / 800.861.6425 . Prefer online?

The Northern Bald Ibis: A Symbol of Virtue, Fertility, and Life

Never miss an update! Subscribe today and be the first to know about new adventures.

• Apex Founders
• Expedition Gear
• Meet our Leaders
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Check out this great article on the joy of traveling from Expedition Leader, Peter Harrison

Explore The Coast of West Africa On This Adventurous Expedition Cruise

A nyone who has done some travel throughout the African continent knows well how difficult visiting multiple countries can be. Unlike the Americas or Europe, intercontinental travel in Africa is typically not only much more costly but also ill-fated by inconvenient and lengthy flight options. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when I discovered a unique, new way to add a few African countries to the ‘done’ list with the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions West Africa Archipelago Cruise.

While other cruise lines are more well-known among American travelers, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions aren’t your typical boozy cruise experience. Formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, HX offers an adventurous cruise experience marked by scenic tours, challenging hikes , and encounters with nature. The most appealing aspect of the Norwegian cruise line is the unique destinations you can visit; cities and countries not yet spoiled by droves of tourists. 

From the shores of Senegal to Kunta Kinteh Island, here’s what it’s like to see the West Coast of Africa on an HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise.

A Culturally Rich Vacation

Cruise lovers who are accustomed to hopping from island to island are in for a country-hopping treat on this cruise. The West Africa Archipelago itinerary includes four countries–Senegal, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. With Dakar as your port of origin, HX offers tours before and after the cruise to see Senegal’s capital city. Once on board, prepare for two weeks at sea exploring some of West Africa’s lesser-traveled regions.

The Journey

This adventure-packed cruise is indeed a sprint through several West African countries, but a worthwhile experience to have. From Dakar, Africa’s smallest capital city , the ship sails northwest to explore four of Cape Verde’s ten islands. Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, and Boa Vista have a bit of everything from lush greenery to Sahara-like desert formations. You’ll no doubt likely leave with a favorite that is imprinted on your soul.

From Cape Verde, this expedition adventure heads for the Bissagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau. The Bissagos Islands is where nature immersion gets real. Under the capable guidance of the Expedition Team, guests will navigate through mangroves, tropical forests, savannah woodlands, and coastal lagoons. This multi-day jewel on the itinerary also allows guests to meet and learn about the local Bijagós people, a tribal society organized in clans.

While every stop is special, the final city, Banjul, holds many stories that bring this itinerary to a satisfying end. Explore daily life in the city or opt to visit Jufureh and Kunta Kinte Island across The Gambia River. Here, you’ll learn about Alex Haley’s inspiration in tracing his roots which led to a journey to The Gambia. This journey would go on to inspire his 1976 novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family , and the 1977 American television miniseries, Roots . After a poignant day of history and present-day culture, this enriching cruise concludes back in its home port of Dakar.

Pro tip: Extend your stay a few days and find some of West Africa’s best fashion in local markets. You can also support local designers while seeing Dakar’s top landmarks and nightlife scene.

A More Personalized Way to Cruise

Sailing aboard MS Spitsbergen, the vessel of the West Africa expedition, can, at times, feel like you’re on your own ship. Within a few days, HX staff greet you by name as you arrive for each meal or daily activities. Lounge spaces throughout the ship make it easy to find a quiet corner to read or simply watch the waves. Plus, with a max capacity of 280 guests, everything about this cruise feels more personal than that of the record-breaking mega-ships. It won’t take long before the staff have your daily preferences ready before you can request them.

The ship also has its fair share of perks worth enjoying to make the most of this unique cruise. Enjoy days at sea or evenings in one of two intimate jacuzzis. Relax muscles you didn’t know existed after long hikes in the steam sauna. The Explorer Lounge is where you can try craft cocktails or enjoy onboard workshops about local West African wildlife. West African culture is even infused into the dining–with traditional dishes served throughout most meals. Days and nights on MS Spitsbergen are both relaxing and reflective, soaking up the richness of each day.

Unique Adventure Experiences

The number of optional adventures available might leave your head spinning a good way. Every stop offers a unique, otherworldly landscape overflowing with culture, natural wonders, and a unique place in world history. 

Hikers and nature lovers will find the views and trails on the islands of Fogo and Santo Antão a marvelous escape. Explore the lava fields of Chã das Caldeiras, an active volcano on Fogo where residents still live and tourists visit for lunch or short stays. Those enamored with animal encounters will find themselves in good company on any HX Hurtigruten Expedition, especially this one. Aside from spotting local marine life while at sea, guests can also watch rare saltwater hippos, manatees, and more in the Bissagos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Historians and connoisseurs of culture will enjoy connecting the dots between the stories of each stop on the cruise. From the multi-purpose use of baobab trees to traditional customs, city tours can enhance your understanding of local culture. Enjoy local cuisine and stroll through craft markets where African artwork, wooden figures and more await souvenir shoppers.

An Ancestral Reconciliation

One of the most intriguing aspects of this cruise is each destination’s ties to my own history and those who look like me. There’s no way I, as a Black American traveler, could visit this part of the world and not think about my ancestry. Although Ghana gets most of the attention due to its increasing global awareness, the rest of Africa’s West Coast was far from spared in the transatlantic slave trade. Exploring these countries is as much an emotional journey as it is an adventurous one.

As a millennial, I share the growing sentiment that exploring Black trauma isn’t at the top of the list when making travel decisions. However, the curated tours HX Hurtigruten Expeditions has put together with local tour guides and storykeepers go far above your traditional city tours. These cultural glances back in time provide depth to parts of history that are often overlooked or glossed over. In Senegal, Gorée Island holds stories of the enslaved at the Maison des Esclaves (Slave House) Museum. Banjul is the gateway to Jufureh, the home village of Alex Haley’s ancestor, Kunta Kinte. Members of the Kinte family still live there today, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet them on the optional Roots by Land cultural tour. 

Learning about each destination’s storied past brings one level of connection. However, it’s the people, who occasionally resemble stateside family members, that make this unique cruise so special as a Black traveler. Meeting tour guides that remind you of your favorite uncle or the village chief who exudes major maternal energy. Absorbing the energy and history of each country is like discovering a piece of your puzzle you never knew was missing.

A Voyage from Ghana to Senegal aboard the Vega

Exploring the coast of west africa.

Ghana, Senegal

From $21,579

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Tema, Ghana

Depart: Dakar, Senegal

• Visit Elmina Castle, a former slave trade hub, with its infamous Door of No Return
• Walk the Canopy Walkway at Kakum National Park
• Explore the remote Bijagos archipelago off Guinea-Bissau, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Discover Dakar, the large and vibrant African metropolis that was the cultural and intellectual capital of French West Africa

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: 10% Deposit 130 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: Deposit Non-refundable 120-91 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 90-61 days prior to departure: 60% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
• Lecture programs by the expedition team and guest speakers
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages
• Standard Wi-Fi
• Onboard gratuities and port taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers

Not Included

• Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the ship
• Pre- or post-trip accommodations
• Taxes or government arrival fees
• Passports or visa fees
• Baggage fees
• Travel, health, accident, or other insurance (required)
• Any meals or beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities or other items or services of a personal nature (laundry service, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Days 1-13 (13 nights)

What the Trip is Like

Book your trip today.

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

For Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

• The Colosseum

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

Ancient Civilizations, Fresh Adventures

Departing from Dubai, where dynamic high-rises meet gold souks and desert sands, make for new horizons on this extraordinary 63-night vacation, which takes in 44 astounding destinations. Cutting through the heart of the Middle East, unwind on Oman’s wild beaches, be wowed by rose-hued Petra before taking in Egypt’s ancient treasures. Explore the sacred city of Jerusalem and the Eastern Med, visiting Cypriot castles and Turkey’s Temple of Artemis. At the shores of the Black Sea, admire Bulgaria’s Byzantine architecture, Romania’s vineyards, Odessa’s museums and Istanbul’s cosmopolitan culture. Travel to Bodrum’s honey-colored sands and the rugged Greek Islands, ringed by the ultramarine Aegean Sea. Finally, discover the best of the Eastern Mediterranean including Venice’s waterways, the walled city of Dubrovnik, the Colosseum in Italy, before soaking up the glamor of the French Riviera, and Gaudi’s surreal architecture in Barcelona, where this segment ends.

Amenities Included in your adventure

Wash & fold service

Deluxe beverage package

Voom Surf & stream

The Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic

Cradles of Creativity

Packed with spectacular age-old landmarks and grand architecture, history comes thick and fast in the Western Med and the Adriatic. Journeying through Italy, wonder at the Colosseum and Pantheon - ancient reminders of Rome’s time as world’s largest empire - and wander Pompeii’s ruins, frozen-in-time after Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD. Against the bold blues and powder-white sands of the Adriatic, admire Slovenia’s Venetian-influenced buildings, the 4th-century pizazz of Split’s Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik’s dramatic Old Town, and Montenegro’s mighty forts. Whether genning up on the Knights of Malta in Valletta, discovering Napoleon’s childhood in Corsica, cruising along the French Riviera to Mallorca - where Arab and Balearic influences meet - or reveling in Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, you’ll be enthralled by history at every stop on this story-filled vacation.

The legacy of the Renaissance - a cultural movement borne in 14th-century Italy, which spread throughout Europe shaping intellectual life, art, architecture and the arts can be seen in abundance as you travel through the region’s most extraordinary cities. Discover the mind-blowing art of the Renaissance masters at Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice and Rome’s Galleria Borghese, a 17th-century villa which houses art, sculptures and antiquities. See first-hand why Michelangelo’s dreamy ceiling frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, and the famed corridors of Florentine mega-museum The Uffizzi deserve a spot on every art-lover’s bucket list. Just as compelling are Kotor’s Maritime Museum, which reveals the area’s fascinating seafaring history, and Malta’s National Museum of Archeology, which houses masses of prehistoric art and Neolithic pottery. Altogether more contemporary, is Cannes, renowned for its glamorous film festival.

A warm climate, fertile landscapes and teeming waters make for a rather delicious roll call as you sail through the Adriatic and the Western Mediterranean. Live La Dolce Vita - or sweet life - in Italy, where cafe culture reigns, and staples include fresh pasta, pizza, gelato , and lashings of olive oil and wine. Try pillowy-soft burrata cheese in Puglia, Sicilian eggplant and ricotta signature pasta alla norma , and classic Neopolitan-style Margherita pizza in its birthplace, Naples. Seafood’s a real Adriatic superstar; don’t miss Slovenian seafood rizota (risotto) - with a glass of local white rebula wine - and Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) and rožata custard pudding in Croatia. Corsica’s signature civet de sanglier offers heartiness aplenty, while socca (chickpea pancakes) are a French Rivieran favorite, Marseille’s seafood bouillabaisse packs a liquorice-y kick thanks to fennel and  pastis , while Barcelona excels at seafood paella and crema catalana , a Catalan take on creme brûlée.

Alongside a serious hit of history and culture, awaken your senses exploring the region’s sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear bays and breathtaking volcanic, forested landscapes. Take invigorating dips in Bari’s bays or sun yourself on Torre Sant’Andrea whilst admiring its dramatic sea stacks. Dubrovnik’s an adventure junkie’s dream; try cliff diving, kayaking, or scuba dive to see the Taranto wreck, and its quirky submerged tractors. Get your heart rate going hiking in Portofino Regional Park’s lush network of trails, and wonder at Mount Etna’s volcanic vineyards and lava pits in Sicily. For more natural thrills, travel to Corsica’s Scandola Nature Reserve to spot eagles soaring over stunning rock formations, or discover the Cuevas del Drach - Mallorca’s dragon caves - an underground lair full of limestone stalactites and stalagmites.

A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilarating through-the-ages adventures, the Ultimate Middle East & Med segment is a vacation that cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilizations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis. Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.

Barcelona, Spain

Segment 3 World Wonder

Tales of armored gladiators, intense battles and frenzied spectators fuel the history of The Colosseum. Constructed in 80 A.D., this 80,000-seat amphitheater perfectly represents the power and spectacle of ancient Rome — and remains in impressively good shape. Just know that photos truly can’t compare to the emotion of exploring this World Wonder for yourself.

Explore Highlights

A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilirating through-the-ages adventures, the Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med Expedition cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilisations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis.

Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.

Insider tips Good to know in every situation

When visiting religious sites such as churches, mosques or synagogues, dress modestly, particularly in the Middle East. Opt for long sleeves, and keep your shoulders, back and legs covered. A lightweight scarf or sarong can come in handy as a makeshift headscarf or coverup, which can be easily thrown on at the last minute if it’s unexpectedly required.

Sprawling ancient marvels and Europe’s cobblestone-lined, often narrow city streets are best explored on foot. To ensure you make the most of things, pack a well-worn-in pair of comfortable shoes, and some trusty blister plasters, just in case.

Temperatures in the Middle East and the Med can really soar, plus there’s plenty of time spent on beaches and in the desert on this segment, so invest in a decent wide-brimmed hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and keep a refillable bottle of water with you as you explore.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Ultimate World Cruise segment?

The Ultimate World Cruise can be taken as a whole, or you can choose from the four available Ultimate Cruise segments to take a portion of the voyage instead. The names and dates of the four Ultimate Cruise segments that make up the Ultimate World Cruise are as follows:

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 39 destinations

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise segments?

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Ready for an adventure?

Segment 4 Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Costa Toscana Circumnavigating Africa to Avoid Red Sea

• March 24, 2024

After having its repositioning cruise via the Red Sea cancelled, the Costa Toscana is sailing around Africa on its return to Europe.

Currently the largest ship in Costa Cruises’ fleet, the LNG-powered vessel is set to spend the summer in the Western Mediterranean following a winter program in the Middle East.

After completing its itineraries in the region on March 9, the Costa Toscana set sail from Dubai without passengers earlier this month.

Heading south on the Indian Ocean, the 5,224-guest cruise ship visited Port Louis, Mauritius, for a technical call on March 20.

Continuing its journey to Europe, the ship is now sailing to Namibia for a second technical stop. After bypassing South Africa, the Toscana is scheduled to arrive in Walvis Bay on March 27.

Following the month-long repositioning voyage, the vessel is expected to resume its regular schedule on April 11.

On that day, the Costa Toscana is set to depart from Spain on the first cruise of its summer program in the Western Mediterranean.

Sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, the four-night voyage features visits to Marseille, France, and Savona, Italy.

During the 2024 summer, the vessel is scheduled to offer regular seven-night cruises to Italy, France, and Spain.

Costa Toscana’s original repositioning cruise was cancelled in late January due to the current tensions in the Red Sea area.

“As you can well understand, the critical situation that is currently affecting the maritime traffic along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is constantly being monitored with the maximum attention,” Costa said in the cancellation notice.

“Given recent developments on the security environment and future uncertainties in the area, working in close consultation with global security experts and government authorities, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the cruise,” Costa explained.

Departing from Dubai, the planned itinerary was set to visit additional destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Oman before arriving in the Mediterranean via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

51 Ships | 109,838 Berths | $35 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

Crucibles of West Africa

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore the British built Fort William, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Discover the historic Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482
• Immerse in Abidjan's thriving arts and music scene
• Experience Freetown's vibrant Krio architecture and rich heritage
• Small Ship Cruises
• Local Market Visits
• Wildlife Viewing
• West Africa
• Sierra Leone
• Ivory Coast

Full Itinerary

Day 1: tema (accra), day 2: tema (accra) | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 3-4: Cape Coast (Fort William) | Elmina Point | Takoradi

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 5: Abidjan

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 6: Day At Sea

Day 7: monrovia, day 8: day at sea, day 9: freetown, day 10: day at sea, day 11-12: bijagos archipelago, day 13: banjul, day 14: dakar, day 15: dakar | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Dates & Prices

My preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Swan Hellenic - Terms & Conditions - Swan Hellenic

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
• 14 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Room Service 
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
• We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

We Love to Talk Travel

Africa travel guide.

• All Africa Trips
• Luxury African Safari
• Africa River Cruises
• Okavango Delta
• All Africa Travel Stories
• What to Expect on a South Africa Safari: A How-To Guide to Help you Prepare for Your Trip
• Best Times to Visit Africa
• South Africa Safari: 10 Zany Creatures You Never Even Knew Existed
• Victoria Falls

Favorite Africa All Trips

• Best of Northern Tanzania
• South Africa Snapshot
• Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Climb
• Golden Trails of Africa

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Israel-Hamas war latest: Three countries reject US-sponsored Gaza ceasefire resolution in Security Council vote

A US-sponsored resolution calling for "the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza has failed to pass in the UN Security Council.

Wednesday 27 March 2024 12:31, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• US-sponsored draft resolution on Gaza ceasefire fails to pass
• China and Russia accused of having 'deeply cynical reasons' for vetoing vote US ceasefire call
• Blinken arrives in Israel for difficult talks
• 'Eight people killed' in airstrike east of Rafah
• James Matthews:  Resolution never looked like passing, but it's not a day without significance 

That's all for today, but we'll be back soon with regular updates and analysis.

Scroll down to read what happened during the day.

Israel’s military has said it has opened an investigation into an airstrike that appears to have killed five Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip. 

Aerial footage of the episode circulating on social media shows four men walking along a dirt road before they are hit in the strike. 

A fifth man is then hit as he tries to run away. 

The origin of the footage remains unclear. 

But in a statement Friday, the army said the airstrike had occurred in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis - a focus of army operations against Hamas - in early February. 

It said the video was being investigated by its "fact finding" body tasked with investigating potential crimes by its forces. 

US secretary of state Antony Blinken's visit to Israel – following the vetoes on the US's ceasefire resolution - was awkward timing.

America made its point but ultimately its language – albeit strengthened in the last few weeks – wasn't strong enough for others.

The Biden administration has been losing its patience with Benjamin Netanyahu of late, most notably because of concerns Israel is not allowing enough humanitarian aid into Gaza and plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafah – Mr Blinken made it clear the White House doesn't think that is the right course of action.

Mr Netanyahu though has posted on social media today saying they will go it alone if they have to.

I'm not convinced they will – I suspect a compromise will be found that keeps the US on side.

Diplomatic work has been going on behind the scenes between the US and Israel for a plan to enter Rafah that would be palatable, crucially without the potential for a further significant loss of life there.

An Israeli delegation is heading to the US next week to discuss that very matter.

It is Israel's strong belief that if they don't go into Rafah, they won't have finished the job of eliminating Hamas. In military terms, that is logical.

However the concern is the fate of more than a million people who are in the city, so the US wants a plan that would safeguard them, and if what the vice president said today "there is nowhere safe for them to go" then the US administration isn't convinced there is any viable solution.

Meanwhile, talks are ongoing in Qatar between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire deal. Some gaps remain between the two sides, but things seem to be heading in the right direction.

Here's the moment Russia and China, two permanent members of the UN Security Council, voted against the proposal - defeating the US-sponsored resolution which called for the "imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire". Algeria also voted against the resolution.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has been speaking in Tel Aviv after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

He said they discussed the "imperative" of sustaining humanitarian aid to Gaza but focused on hostage negotiations during this trip.

Speaking before he departed Israel, Mr Blinken warned that a proposed Rafah offensive "risks killing more civilians".

He added: "It risks wreaking greater havoc with the humanitarian assistance. It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardising its long-term security and standing,"

He said the US was "intensely engaged" in ceasefire talks in Doha which were also ongoing today.

The secretary of state also added that the UN resolution was "cynically vetoed" by Russia and China.

Mr Blinken greeted demonstrators in Tel Aviv who are demanding Israel focus on the release of hostages held by Hamas, promising the protesters that he was working to bring them home.

Several dozen people, including some family members of hostages, gathered outside a Tel Aviv hotel where Mr Blinken's delegation was based.

More on the talks in Israel this afternoon. 

The country's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told Antony Blinken that Israel is prepared to continue its war against Hamas alone, amid tense relations between the two allies over the six-month-old conflict.

In a one-on-one meeting, Mr Netanyahu said he told Mr Blinken he appreciated US support in its fight against Hamas and that Israel recognises it needs to protect civilians. 

However, he reiterated plans to push into Rafah, against the territory's southern border fence, where more than one million people have taken refuge in makeshift shelters. 

"I also said that we have no way to defeat Hamas without going into Rafah and eliminating the rest of the battalions there. 

"I told him that I hope we will do it with the support of the US, but if we have to - we will do it alone," he said in a video statement to reporters.

Israel claims Rafah is the last bastion for Hamas militants and has a plan to evacuate civilians. 

But Washington says a ground assault would be a "mistake" and cause too much harm to those displaced there.

The US vice president Kamala Harris has said there is no safe exit from Rafah for civilians - where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to send troops as Washington presses for more humanitarian aid. 

"There is nowhere for these people to go and be safe,” Ms Harris told reporters as she departed for a trip to Puerto Rico and Florida. 

It comes after the UN Security Council did not pass a US-sponsored resolution that called for "the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire" in Gaza.

There is no world crisis grave enough to forge unity at the UN, one that reaches beyond the political dynamic of vested interest.

It was never looking like the resolution would pass, not since the Russians had taunted the Americans over their loose language - the "imperative" around an immediate ceasefire. 

As the Russians put it, an imperative to put our $100 in our pocket doesn't mean there's $100 in our pocket.

There are solid arguments behind the Russia/China/Algeria veto. To state that Joe Biden has domestic political difficulties created by the US stance is to state a fact.

The US ambassador had other words for it - audacity and hypocrisy on the part of Russia. 

Not for the first time in the UN building in mid-town Manhattan, the interests of the people of Gaza and a growing catastrophe suddenly felt a long way away.

So no resolution, but it's not a day without significance. 

America has shifted its position on a ceasefire and, incrementally, increased pressure on Israel.

As important as discussions were around the Security Council table, the more immediate impact, practically, is always going to come from talks in Qatar on an actual ceasefire and actual hostage release.

It's a form of words presented to players at the UN that will resonate with the key players in Qatar. 

All 27 European Union leaders released a statement overnight calling “for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance". 

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, said the EU position is largely in line with that of the United States.

EU countries have long been divided over their support for Israel and the Palestinians - in December, two EU members voted against calling for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" while four countries abstained. 

The British ambassador to the UN said she was "deeply disappointed that Russia and China were unable to support this council".

"Through this resolution, the Security Council would have, rightly and for the first time, unequivocally condemned armed Hamas terrorist attacks," Dame Barbara Woodward said.

"We are disappointed that the council was not able to send this important message.

"We welcome the patient and constructive consultation by the United States on this text."

She added: "For our part, we will continue to do everything we can to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible by land, sea and air.

"But an immediate stop in the fighting is the only way to get aid into Gaza that is so desperately needed and make progress towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free