16 DAYS ROUNDTRIP CAPETOWN - (Dec 22 - Jan 7)

A history-making voyage for Crystal as we embark on our first-ever holiday cruise in Africa.

Cruise Itinerary

Dec 22 - Dec 23 | Cape Town, South Africa (overnight)

Embark: pm, Depart 5pm

With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town occupies one of the most dramatic locations in the world. Its eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past, in tandem with the 20th century's more functional demands. Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved and there are several outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Cobble-stoned streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel houses of the Malay Quarter showcase the city's cosmopolitan ambiance. Nearby, images of seafaring activities from the 1800s are evoked at the recently-restored Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Magnificent Cape Town is justifiably famous as the "Mother City" of South Africa.

Dec 24 - Dec 25| Cruising the Coast of Africa (Overnight)

Your Day of Exploration aboard

Aboard the most award-winning ships at sea, your story can be written exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; learn how to translate your story into a movie with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking class at our Creative Learning Institute ®; or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers with Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply lounge poolside while attentive crew caters to your every whim. From mat Pilates and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs with new Modern Cuisine and Global Inspired menus, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, breakout new production shows, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices as always aboard the World’s Best are yours. How will you write your story on board?

Dec 26 | Maputo, Mozambique

Arrival: 8:00am | Departure: 6:00pm

Wildlife comes in a couple of different forms here: the disco, and the animals. The former can be found in one of the many restaurants and hotels that not only serve exquisite food, but also satisfy visitors' cravings for dancing into the wee-hours. To the south of town is the Maputo Elephant Reserve, where crocodiles, hippos, jackals, antelope and nearly two hundred elephants roam over thousands of acres of rolling, green hills. The region's history can also be divided into two categories: times of war, and times of peace. Through much of the seventies and eighties, civil war raged, leaving Maputo a shadow of its once glorious self. But prepare to be impressed. The city has since reinvented itself, polishing its neighborhoods and image to a high shine, thus bringing back the rich and famous for stays in Maputo's five-star accommodations, and enticing anyone who enjoys gorgeous beaches and friendly people.

Dec 27 | Richards Bay, South Africa

Arrival: 9:00am | Departure: 11:00pm

Situated on the southeast coast of Africa just north of Durban, this KwaZulu-Natal city takes full advantage of its diverse resources and reveals a pride in its recent industrial development and expansion. A bustling business center with modern facilities synergistically coexists with a lagoon setting, giving travelers a range of interesting sights and experiences from which to choose. Perhaps most popular is the Richards Bay Game Reserve, an area established to protect lagoon animals and give visitors the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s most fascinating creatures. Hippos and crocodiles make their home here, along with an amazing variety of birds. In fact, 300 species have been recorded in these habitats, including flamingos, cormorants and the rare pink-backed pelican.

Dec 28 - Dec 29 | Durban, South Africa (overnight)

Arrival: 7:00am | Departure: 4:00pm

With a subtropical climate and golden beaches lining its shores, Durban is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations. It embodies an intriguing blend of Eastern, Western and African influences. Along the palm-fringed beachfront, Zulu women sell beads and baskets while colorful rickshaw pullers pose for photographs. Just minutes away from the office blocks, theaters and shops of the business center, is a world of mosques, temples oriental festivals and bazaars, fragrant with spice and incense. The city's cosmopolitan charm even extends to its many inviting restaurants, which offer mouth-watering cuisine from around the world. Since a recent facelift, several thoroughfares have been converted into pedestrian malls complete with sidewalk cafes, shrubs and palm trees; portions of the road network have been upgraded to promote easier traffic flow; and the main beaches have been widened and enhanced with new facilities. Durban is truly the "Golden Mile" of South Africa.

Dec 30 | East London, South Africa

Arrival: 9:00am | Departure: 9:00pm

You might gather from East London’s name and its South African location that the city is a mix of African traditions and European history. A stroll through town proves you right. Well-preserved Victorian buildings enhance this bustling town, gateway to South Africa’s Sunshine and Wild coasts. Long stretches of sandy beaches invite surfers and swimmers to frolic in the water, while the river and nearby lagoons are a fisherman’s paradise. Another idea you might hatch for a memorable diversion is a visit to the Natural History Museum, displaying the only known Dodo egg in the world. Queens Park Zoo, the Gonubie Nature reserve, the Aquarium and Lion Park are other interesting stops for visitors interested in Africa’s unique fauna and flora.

Dec 31 | Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Arrival: 8:00am | Departure: 5:00pm

Port Elizabeth's location at the end of the Garden Route hints at what makes the town so appealing. Certainly, it has its share of cultural attractions, including the King George VI Art Gallery, which houses treasures such as 19th- and 20th-century British art and Oriental miniatures. But the real gems of the area are of the out-of-doors type. In addition to being famous for its fine beaches and mild climate, Port Elizabeth (often shortened to "PE') is considered the water sports capital of South Africa, with scuba diving, game fishing and kiteboarding being ever-popular pursuits. Wildlife is revered and closely observable at numerous eco-centered attractions, including the Oceanarium, showcasing daily dolphin and seal shows, and the Snake Park & Tropical House, home to exotic and indigenous snakes and featuring streams, waterfalls and free-flying birds. The area outside of town offers exciting game-viewing opportunities, with the Addo Elephant Park being a particular highlight.

Jan 01 - Jan 02 | Cruising the Coast of Africa (Overnight)

Explore, Adventure, Discover - at Leisure aboard the cruise

Jan 03 - Jan 04 | Walvis Bay, Namibia (overnight)

Arrival: 9:00am | Departure: 3:00pm

The busy industrial town of Walvis Bay lies at the dramatic juxtaposition of ocean and desert. Its development began in 1878, when Commander Richard C. Dryer took possession of the port and settlement in Queen Victoria's name.

In March 1994, following extensive negotiations with the Republic of South Africa, Walvis Bay and its offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia.

Highlights of Walvis Bay include an impressive Civic Center and the Rhenish Mission Church, which was build in Hamburg in 1880 before being dismantled and shipped to these shores.

Our visit to Namibia provides rare insight into one of Southwest Africa's most fascinating regions.

Jan 05 | Luderitz, Namibia

Arrival: 8:00am | Departure: 6:00pm

Much of L—deritz’s architecture would be at right at home in the Black Forest of Germany, and it is no wonder: This region became a German protectorate in 1884 and remained a German colony until the end of World War I. Replace the Rhine River with the Atlantic Ocean and coniferous forests with an arid landscape and you have a bit of Deutschland in Africa, a fascinating, charming and beguiling mix of wild west and European gentility. Situated on a hill overlooking the town is a steepled church, Felsenkirche, while the historic center of L—deritz features a fine array of German imperial and art nouveau buildings. This being the African continent, interesting wildlife abounds. The coast and small rocky islands off its shores are an official Important Bird Area, hosting significant populations of Cape gannets, African penguins and crowned cormorants.

Jan 06 | Cruising the Coast of Africa

Explore, Adventure, Discover - rediscover yourself aboard the cruise

Jan 07 | Cape Town, South Africa

Arrive 6am

With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop, Cape Town occupies one of the most dramatic locations in the world. Its eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past, in tandem with the 20th century's more functional demands. Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved and there are several outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Cobble-stoned streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel houses of the Malay Quarter showcase the city's cosmopolitan ambiance. Nearby, images of seafaring activities from the 1800s are evoked at the recently-restored Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Magnificent Cape Town is justifiably famous as the "Mother City" of South Africa.