Cruise Advice
Duration
11 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
6 Ports
5 May
Setting sail from Cape Town
This magical multicultural city is the perfect jumping off point to explore Southern Africa, but do make sure you linger a few days to enjoy the buzz of a city where Africa meets a European-style cosmopolitan atmosphere, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures and religions. With flat-topped Table Mountain soaring above the city, beautiful natural landscapes, and gardens within the city, you never feel far from nature here. Enjoy the waterfront, museums and elegant architecture, then take the time to venture further afield - there is so much within easy reach.
Don't miss
Robben Island is a must, possibly the most well known island-prison in the world. Make sure you book ahead - the ferries leave at specific times and numbers are limited.
6 May
At sea
7-8 May
Namibia: Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is situated on the edge of a tidal lagoon, sheltered from the Atlantic by a long sand spit. This important wetland area is famous for its birdlife, home to one of southern Africa’s largest flamingo colonies, and it’s a short drive to the city of Swakopmund, known for its quirky German colonial architecture.
9 May
At sea
10 May
Angola: Moçâmedes (Namibe)
The city of Moçâmedes, formerly known as Namibe, was founded by the Portuguese in 1840 on the edge of the Namib Desert. The city itself is graced with some elegant colonial architecture, while nearby attractions include the Arch Lagoon, with its impressive natural rock arches.
11 May
At sea
12 May
Angola: Luanda
Luanda is a city of shocking contrasts, where conspicuous consumption fuelled by Angola’s oil boom rubs up against sprawling shanty towns. The most attractive areas of the city date back to the Portuguese colonial period, including the fortress of São Miguel de Luanda and the pleasant seafront promenade known as the Marginal.
13 May
At sea
14 May
São Tomé and Príncipe: São Tomé
The equatorial island nation of São Tomé and Principe, located just off the west coast of Africa, is an idyllic and unspoilt tropical paradise that few people have even heard of. Wander along beautiful beaches with barely a tourist in sight, explore lush rainforests rich in birdlife, or immerse yourself in São Tomé’s unique Portuguese-Creole culture.
15 May
At sea
16 May
Arriving in Tema (Accra)
Ghana's capital city Accra is located on the Atlantic Ocean, where Europeans arrived to establish a trading hub on what was known as the Gold Coast. Precious metals were soon superseded by slaves, and visitors can get a flavour of the remnants of this grim practice in the former slave prisons and museums. Now a busy, dusty city where 17th century architectural remains can be seen alongside modern skyscrapers and vibrant markets, Accra is interesting but not inviting. To see Ghanaian life in the raw, visit Makola Market, and see the colonial architecture alongside modern developments including the vast concrete Independence Square.
Our tip
Be very careful – in much of the city it is forbidden to take photos. In theory, it’s only pictures of military and government buildings, infrastructure and people which are forbidden. But as with so much in Africa, it’s a bit vague and nobody can give you a definitive answer.
Your home from home
Arguably one of the finest ships at sea returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023, newly refurbished and enhanced.
What we love
Following extensive refurbishment, Crystal Serenity has emerged reinvigorated with contemporary, spacious accommodations and an industry-leading space to guest ratio. The array of social areas, wide-ranging entertainment and world-class dining options deliver the ultimate in luxury cruising.
| Capacity | 740 Guests |
|---|---|
| Style | A new era of Crystal: Reduced guest capacity means nearly one staff member per guest and together with enhanced contemporary accommodations, award-winning cuisine and extensive entertainment options means this is a true luxury experience. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Cape Town
There are some great hotels to choose from, but at Mundy we especially like the Cape Grace on the waterfront.
Extend your stay in South Africa
Take a wine tour to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for tastings, beautiful countryside and great food.
Where to stay in Accra
If you have to stay here, go for the Movenpick or the Labadi Beach. To be honest it’s not a city in which to linger.
Explore Accra
To be honest, the best way to see Accra is to find a local to give you excellent insight into Ghanaian life.
