durban cruise ship schedule

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Durban (South Africa)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Africa - Indian Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-04-10 13:24

Port Durban cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Durban, South Africa. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Durban is South Africa's largest and busiest seaport, while by population (around 0,6 million, metro around 3,5 million) the city is ranked the country's second-largest - after the capital Johannesburg (~0,96M) and followed by Cape Town (~0,45M). The cruise port is located on Natal Bay (Indian Ocean).

Cruise shipping companies often homeport in Durban large liners due to the city's great climate and amazing beaches. Durban is also often visited as call port on World Cruises or on ship relocation itineraries around Africa (Asia-Europe crossings omitting Suez Canal ).

Port Durban

Port Durban (aka Durban Harbour/locode ZADUR) is Africa's 2nd largest cargo shipping terminal ( Port Said, Egypt ), with annual capacity 31,4 million cargo tons.

The container port is ranked 4th largest in the Southern Hemisphere (after Jakarta Indonesia, Surabaya Indonesia, and Santos Brazil), with annual capacity 4,5+ million TEU-containers (statistical data 2019).

The Port's entrance channel (from Chart Datum) has max depth 13 m/42 ft and width (between the caissons) 122 m/400 ft. The Port's approach channel / harbor entrance depth is 19 m/62 ft, which decreases to 16 m/53 ft within Durban Harbour.

The cargo port generates over 60% of South Africa's revenue. Its infrastructure features 302 km (188 mi) of rail tracks and a total of 58 ship berths (managed by over 20 terminal operators). Annually, the seaport handles over 4500 commercial vessels. The main cargo berths are named Pier 1, Pier 2, Cross, Bluff, Bayhead, Maydon Wharf, Point and T-Jetty, and Island View.

Durban Car Terminal (1998-inaugurated) has annual capacity of 60,000 vehicles. In 2004, the terminal was expanded with a 380 m / 1247 ft long bridge connecting it with the quayside.

Each year, MSC Cruises homeports at least one ship in Durban during winter (November through April). For its Southern African winter season 2018-2019, MSC increased its passenger capacity and homeported in Durban the liners MSC Musica and MSC Sinfonia .

The Port is also visited by smaller-sized luxury ships and superyachts, as well as by larger liners on World Cruise itineraries (like Cunard 's RMS Queen Mary 2 ).

Part of Port Durban (on Salisbury Island) is the Naval Base Durban. Its facilities were renovated and expanded in 2012. Here are homeported all South African Navy's offshore patrol vessels.

In 2012, the state-owned freight logistics company Transnet purchased for ZAR 1,8 billion (~USD 150 million) the old International Airport site located in KwaZulu-Natal. In April 2012, the company announced its plans for a dig-out port development project on the property. Phase 1 (completed in 2019) required an initial investment of ZAR 5 billion (~USD 400M) with the project's balance scheduled for completion by 2037. Transnet's phased development plans include the construction of 16 container ship berths, plus 5 automotive (RoRo ship) berths and 4 liquid-bulk cargo ship berths. The container terminals have total annual capacity 9,6 million TEUs.

Port Durban is operated/managed by TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority). This is Africa's largest port authority company that manages 7 large seaports in South Africa - Durban, Cape Town , Richards Bay , East London , Mossel Bay , Port Elizabeth , and Saldanha .

In April 2021 was announced a US$7 billion plan for Port Durban's expansion and modernization. When completed (by the year 2031), the Port's annual cargo capacity is expected to reach 11+ million TEUs.

Durban cruise terminal

Currently, cruise ship passengers disembark at one of the Port's three cruise terminals - Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal (2023-opened), KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (2021-opened) or at the City Terminal (partially covered warehouse/operated by MSC ).

Durban's cruise terminals serve cruise vessels mainly during winter (between November and May).

The downtown is within 10 minutes walking distance from the cruise port.

Due to safety reasons is better to use taxis (available at the Port). King Shaka Airport (at La Mercy) is approx 30 km (19 mi) from the Port (direction north).

(NEWEST) Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal

The cruise port's newest terminal - Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal - was officially inaugurated on November 22, 2023. The ceremony was attended by Cyril Ramaphosa (1952-born, South Africa's 5th President, elected in 2018), Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini (1974-born, since 2021 the King of the Zulu nation), government officials/ministers, top executives from MSC Cruises (Pierfrancesco Vago/Executive Chairman, and Ross Volk/MSC Cruises South Africa's Managing Director), Nelson Mandela Foundation, major travel agencies and media representatives.

Investments into the new terminal (US$15.8 million) were made MSC Cruises via partnership deals with Africa Armada Consortium and Transnet National Ports Authority. Following the initial investment (US$15.8 million), for further expansion, in 2023 was additionally invested ZAR 1.6 million.

The terminal has two berths and capacity to accommodate two of the world's largest cruise vessels simultaneously.

The Nelson Mandela Terminal is sized 6000 m2 (64600 ft2) and has daily passenger capacity 4000. The facility is operated/managed by the company KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Ltd.

The project was announced in June 2017.

Via an exclusive partnership with MSC, the Nelson Mandela Terminal was designed and built by Transnet (1990-founded South African state business enterprise/aka SATS-South African Transport Services). Transnet is also the operator of the cruise terminal.

For this modern facility were used mostly materials sourced in South Africa (70%) and the design and construction teams were all South African (architects, engineers, construction company/workers).

(NEW) Durban Cruise Terminal KwaZulu-Natal

Port's development plan included the construction of a new (dedicated) cruise terminal at A-Berth (adjacent to Point Waterfront). In 2017, the private company "KwaZulu Cruise Terminal" (KCT) was announced as the preferred bidder for the 25-year concession project (until 2045). The tender for building a dedicated Durban Cruise Terminal was awarded to the private company KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Ltd - joint venture between MSC Cruises (70%) and Africa Armada Consortium (30%). The terminal has berthing capacity of 2 vessels docking simultaneously.

In April 2018, the project was officially started with TNPA signing an agreement with KCT Ltd for building the new, year-round passenger terminal. The facility was scheduled for completion in October 2020 and to be operational by January 2021. After the design phase (April thru December 2018) followed an 18-month construction phase (January 2019 thru July 2020).

On November 16, 2019, was held the ground-breaking ceremony with which MSC Group officially started the KCT Terminal's construction works. MSC also invested in a local development project by opening the Shosholoza Ocean Academy (in Durban) via partnership with South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry. The academy provides 3-month training courses for free. South Africans who successfully complete the course become eligible for MSC cruise ship employment.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, Kwazulu Cruise Terminal was eventually rescheduled for inauguration on December 6, 2021, when started MSC Orchestra 's homeporting for 2021-2022 winter season.

Note: The new passenger terminal KCT is not exclusive to MSC ships only.

Ushaka Marine World: one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is located on the south beach of Durban. It is great place for fun and education. There is a shipwreck-themed aquarium, the largest dolphin stadium in Africa (with 1200 seats), penguin rookery, touch pool and snorkel reef.

The Botanic Gardens of Durban: this is the longest surviving garden in Africa and the oldest public institution in Durban. The attraction is visited by 0,5+ million people annually. The visitors can see typical plants and arboretum with mixed trees from America, Asia and Africa.

The Natural Science Museum of Durban: the museum is one of the most visited ones in Africa. The Durban Natural Science Museum displays the heritage of the area and in the world in general. The visitors can see a dinosaur in its real size and educate at the interactive KwaZulu-Natal Science Centre.

Beaches: the amazing beaches of Durban are popular with the name ”Durban’s Golden Mile.” They are beautiful, clean with golden sands and endless sun. The area offers facilities including fast food, changing rooms, lifeguards and shark nets.

At Victoria Indian Street Market tourists can discover the atmosphere of the Indians with temples, mosques, traditional food, shops.

Umgeni River Bird Park: the park is home to 3000+ types of exotic birds. You will also see four amazing waterfalls.

Durban tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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South African President inaugurates Durban's Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal

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Durban - user reviews and comments

All information about Durban Cruise Port. Timetable for the arrival of ships, the time of their stay and the number of passengers. Durban Port news. Weather forecast and historical weather, as well as water temperatures around Durban.

Durban: tourist information

Durban is the perfect convention destination. Since being sighted by Vasco da Gama in 1497, its natural harbour has given birth to a vibrant, go-ahead and ever changing city. Apart from having the busiest harbour in Africa, Durban is served by its own international airport only 15 minutes from its Central Business District. The attractive Yacht basin near the hub continues to provide anchorage and a safe haven for sailors from around the globe.

Durban is an ideal base from which to explore the beauty and splendors of Southern Africa. Within two hours you could be on a safari at one of the countries renowned game reserves - home to some of the world's rarest and most exotic species - or you could be in the fairest Cape. Ninety minutes by road and you could be hiking or trout fishing in the magnificent Drakensberg mountains. Other options - a day or two away could put you in the midst of a miraculous flower transformation in the Namaqualand Desert, or at the origins of man in the Sterkfontein Caves. You could be etching into memory the glorious sunsets and camp fires of the Kruger National Park, or the majesty of the Victoria Falls.

There are many faces to Durban - city of great beauty and cultural diversity where you can witness the Dance of the Virgins, a Zulu war dance and attend a performance of the ballet or Opera all in the same day. The only constant is the famous South African weather - and Durban can serve up the best of it, with an average of 320 sunny days a year. A surfer's paradise and international holiday mecca. Mile upon mile of unspoiled, sun-soaked beaches, bronzed life guards and bikini beauties. Seagulls, pelicans and exotic birds. Colourful rickshas, beautiful parks, sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

Here architecture encapsulates the diverse histories and cultures of the people. Graceful Victorian buildings, exotic temples and dignified mosques all stand side by side.

Accommodation is plentiful in the Sunshine City, over 7200 ranging from luxury, tourist and budget hotels, to all well-appointed serviced apartments, many of which are on the beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean. Centrally situated and within walking distance of all this, is the International Convention Centre - Durban.

• Country: South Africa
• Capital: Pretoria
• Government: South Africa
• State/Region: KwaZulu-Natal
• Time Zone: +2 GMT
• Language: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu
• Latitude: -29.8500000
• Longitude: 31.0166667
• Est. Population: 2354850
• Currency: Rand
• Fire: Durban Fire Brigade - Phone: 031 361 0000
• Police: Police Emergency - 10111
• Hospital: Clairwood Hospital - Phone: 031 451 5000
• Ambulance & Rescue: Metro Ambulances - 10177

Durban Cruise Port Schedule

Durban in the News

• Feb 10, 2024 Resilient Lady's repositioning voyage transforms to African expedition In a strategic shift from her traditional repositioning voyages, the acclaimed Virgin Voyages' ve...
• Jan 18, 2024 MSC cancels April repositioning cruises due to heightened risks in the Red Sea MSC Cruises has made the decision to cancel three repositioning Grand Voyage sailings scheduled f...
• Nov 26, 2023 South African President inaugurates Durban's Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal On November 22, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the gran...
• May 27, 2023 HAL-Holland America opens bookings for 2025 Grand World Voyage & Grand Voyage: Pole to Pole After a successful pre-booking period, HAL-Holland America officially commenced public bookings o...
• May 10, 2023 Cape Town Announces Record-Shattering Cruise Season A bumper, record-shattering 2022/23 cruise season in Cape Town gives locals working in the travel...
• May 5, 2023 NCL: Europe, Norwegian Viva and more  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has plenty to look forward to, including a bumper season...
• Apr 22, 2023 HAL-Holland America introduces first 133-day Grand Voyage 'Pole-to-Pole' and a simultaneous 124-day 2025 Grand World Voyage HAL-Holland America Line will offer a new 133-day sailing "Pole-to-Pole" roundtrip from the Unite...
• Feb 10, 2023 Norwegian Jade South Africa Cruise - Cruise Critic When it comes to picking a sunshine-filled voyage in tropical waters, South Africa doesn’t norm...
• Jan 28, 2023 NCL ship Norwegian Jade concludes inaugural homeporting season from South Africa (Cape Town) NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated a new milestone on January 26th, having successfully conclud...
• Jan 6, 2023 Carnival-Owned AIDA Cruise Ship to Depart the Fleet In late December, Carnival Corporation announced that three ships across the corporation’s ...
• Dec 20, 2022 NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line is the new company to enter South African waters Although MSC Cruises has long had a monopoly on South Africa's mainstream cruising market, they a...
• Nov 23, 2022 Holland America's ms Zaandam is the newest cruise ship at the Port of Durban (South Africa) The Port of Durban (South Africa) has a new cruise ship in its repertoire.Dutch ship ms Za...
• Nov 15, 2022 Azamara Reveals 2024-2025 Winter Itineraries Azamara announced 44 new voyages onboard its fleet of four ships for the winter 2024-2025 season....
• Nov 13, 2022 Azamara announces 44 new winter 2024-2025 itineraries The upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion experiences Azamara announced 44 new...
• Oct 30, 2022 October Update: Here Are the MSC’s Fleet Locations and Itineraries With all of its ships in service again, the MSC Cruises’ fleet is getting ready for the upcomin...

Port rating and occupancy

Port of Durban ranks 891th in the world in terms of the number of tourists visiting it.

Number of cruise ship calls in the coming year: 0 .

The total number of tourists (passengers) of cruise ships in the port of Durban in the next 12 months is 0 .

According to the popularity rating among more than 1,000 cruise ports in the world , Durban ranks 320.

Weather in Durban

Current water temperature in Durban now is 75°F (23.9°C)

Water temperature data provided by seatemperature.net .

Annual Weather

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DEPARTURE DATES – MSC CRUISES 2022-2023 SEASON from DURBAN and CAPE TOWN

Click here to see all the departures.

This season both the MSC Orchestra and the MSC SINFONIA will be in attendance. 

Kindly scroll down to view all the cruise departures for the 2022-2023 South African cruise season with MSC Cruises.

We have also included more information about the 2 ships stationed here and a PDF download for each ship’s sailing schedule.

2022-2023 MSC CRUISE SEASON INFORMATION BELOW IS DIRECT FROM MSC CRUISES E&OE

It’s every guest’s responsibility to verify travel requirements before their cruise departure. MSC Cruises has worked with the authorities

in all of the regions and countries in which the ships operate to ensure its protocol meets and exceeds the required health and safety measures.

(Please note the below details are subject to change).

A COVID-19 test or Passenger locator form (PLF) may still be necessary for national or international mobility requirement: it’s every guest’s responsibility to verify this requirement before departure. For more information, it is recommended to check your country’s authorities official channels.

Starting from October 1st 2021, MSC Cruises will only welcome Guests who are residents in the 26 European ‘Schengen’ countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) and Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia , USA, UK, Ireland and Israel. Certain restrictions will apply depending on the destinations. For more information, it is recommended to check your country’s competent authorities official channels. 

To ensure peace of mind, MSC Cruises requires all guests to have a specific and mandatory Covid-19 insurance policy to embark, covering against COVID-19 related risks, i.e cancellation, interruption, repatriation expenses, quarantine, medical assistance and related expenses, as well as hospitalization. Before finalizing a reservation, it is possible to add to the cruise the MSC COVID-19 Protection plan for Winter 21/22 cruises on this website. A proof of the specific COVID-19 coverage insurance policy – which must be in one of the following languages English, Italian, German, French or Spanish – must be presented at embarkation or boarding will be denied.

Health Screening and Protocols

Health screening of all guests in the cruise terminals will include a temperature check and a health questionnaire.To minimise congestion during embarkation, guests will be assigned a specific arrival time, which will be indicated on their cruise tickets. Guests are asked to respect the timing and will not be allowed to enter the terminal until their time slot.MSC Orchestra and MSC Sinfonia are equipped with a 24/7 Medical Centre staffed by professional doctors and nurses and have a contingency response plan agreed upon in collaboration with the relevant authorities ashore.Additional health and safety measures include increased sanitation protocols on board and other crew health requirements and checks.

We will deny boarding in case of:

 – Symptoms i.e fever (higher than 37,5 C C / 99.5 F), cough, shortness of breath,chills, muscle/body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat and loss of taste/smell in the 14 days prior to embarkation

– Potential exposure to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19 in the 14 days prior to embarkation

– Temporary travel restrictions based on local circumstances. For example, certain countries may deny visas or prohibit entry based on travel history or nationality.

– Failure to provide the proof of the mandatory COVID-19 insurance policy (which must be in one of the following languages: English, Italian, German, French or Spanish) 

GOING ASHORE & TRAVELLING BACK HOME

If you wish to go ashore during your cruise, South African departures, you can do so in all ports in Namibia and South Africa or the Mozambique MSC Cruises exclusive destinations (Pomene and Portuguese Islands).

To support Guests in complying with international mobility requirements, MSC Cruises has organized the possibility for its guests to purchase and perform a molecular test (i.e RT-PCR) or an antigen test during their cruise. More information in the  FAQ section

THE MSC ORCHESTRA

MSC ORCHESTRA INFORMATION

Technical data | amenities | videos deck plans | cabins.

THE MSC SINFONIA

Msc sinfonia information.

<<< ALL DEPARTURE DATES <<<

Here are all the MSC Cruise departures for the South African Cruise season 2022 to 2023. Simply scroll down and select the itinerary where you will be taken to more information and/or a booking form. We look forward to assisting you with your booking.

Coming in November 2023 THE MSC SPLENDIDA

Technical data.

Registry: Panama Builder: STX Europe and built in France Ship Construction Completed Date: July 2009 for $550m Christened By: Sophia Loren Total Passengers: 3274 Crew members: 1370 Total cabins: 1637 incl. 43 for guests with disabilities Gross tonnage: 137,936 tons with a m ax speed of 23 knots Length / Beam / Height : 333.3m / 37.92m / 66.8m

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2024 - 25 cruise season msc season's departure dates, msc ships visiting south africa 2024-25 cruise season: the msc musica, * book a cruise on the msc musica * book the shuttle bus to the ship * the musica cruise schedule * the musica  cabins & staterooms * the musica  entertainment * the musica facilities * the musica pools & deck * the musica deck plans * the musica tech statistics * the musica kiddies clubs * the musica 360 virtual tour * msc document downloads, msc destinations in south africa:, from durban nowhere cruises pomene bay portuguese island christmas & new year cruises cape town - non-stop, from cape town durban - one way non-stop walvis bay.

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COMBO DEALS

A combination of fully escorted land safaris and tours with an ocean cruise. our "best of both" experiences, escorted tour: kruger & cruise.

A 13 DAY 12 NIGHT TOUR IN 3, 4 & 5 STAR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION. Starts in Johannesburg and ends in Durban. Visit the famous Kruger National Park, the magnificent Panorama Route, Swaziland, Hluhluwe and St Lucia, Durban and then by sea on the MSC Splendida to Pomene Bay in Mozambique.  

ESCORTED TOUR: GARDEN ROUTE & CRUISE

An 8 DAY 7 NIGHT TOUR IN 3 & 4 STAR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION. Starts in Cape Town and ends in Durban. Visit the Southern most tip of Africa, Route 62, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, and Knysna. Fly to Durban (included) and join the MSC Splendida for a cruise to South Africa's favorite cruise destination.

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

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Our Captain is busy preparing your page for you - Please be patient! Did you know? We have just celebrated our 30th anniversary in the cruise ship industry. Did you know? Cruising South Africa and Waver Coaches have teamed up offering you almost 50 years of combined tour operator experience!

• Crystal Serenity 1.254 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 16 May 2024 - 17:00
• Amadea 624 passengers 10 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 22 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Fantasia 3.929 passengers 25 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 29 Nov 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 06 Dec 2024 - 06:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 10 Dec 2024 - 13:00
• Seven Seas Splendor 829 passengers 13 Dec 2024 - 17:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 15 Dec 2024 - 07:30
• Seven Seas Splendor 829 passengers 28 Dec 2024 - 17:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 29 Dec 2024 - 06:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 29 Dec 2024 - 08:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 11 Jan 2025 - 07:30
• Seabourn Sojourn 540 passengers 15 Jan 2025 - 08:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 17 Jan 2025 - 06:00
• AIDAsol 2.686 passengers 22 Jan 2025 - 07:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 23 Jan 2025 - 07:30
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 24 Jan 2025 - 06:00
• Silver Spirit 648 passengers 04 Feb 2025 - 07:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 04 Feb 2025 - 07:30
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 07 Feb 2025 - 06:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 14 Feb 2025 - 06:00
• Explora 2 1.473 passengers 15 Feb 2025 - 07:00
• Azamara Quest 781 passengers 16 Feb 2025 - 07:30
• Silver Spirit 648 passengers 19 Feb 2025 - 07:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 21 Feb 2025 - 06:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 21 Feb 2025 - 08:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 28 Feb 2025 - 06:00
• Silver Spirit 648 passengers 06 Mar 2025 - 07:00
• Explora 2 1.473 passengers 06 Mar 2025 - 07:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 07 Mar 2025 - 06:00
• ms Europa 408 passengers 07 Mar 2025 - 11:00
• Costa Deliziosa 2.712 passengers 15 Mar 2025 - 08:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 22 Mar 2025 - 08:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 25 Mar 2025 - 07:00
• Crystal Serenity 1.254 passengers 25 Mar 2025 - 09:00
• MSC Musica 3.060 passengers 02 Apr 2025 - 06:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 18 May 2025 - 07:00
• Amera 835 passengers 12 Nov 2025 - 08:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 14 Jan 2026 - 13:30
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 18 Jan 2026 - 07:00
• Seven Seas Voyager 777 passengers 30 Jan 2026 - 03:30
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 10 Feb 2026 - 07:00
• AIDAstella 2.700 passengers 11 Feb 2026 - 10:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 22 Feb 2026 - 07:00
• Seven Seas Voyager 777 passengers 03 Mar 2026 - 14:00
• Queen Anne 3.353 passengers 08 Apr 2026 - 00:00
• Queen Anne 3.353 passengers 10 Apr 2026 - 00:00

Durban Cruise Ship Schedule For October 2022

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Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, durban south africa cruise port guide.

The ships dock at the Passenger Terminal.

An attractive harbor Expo Market is mounted in the air-conditioned N-Shed while cruise ships are in port. Long- term plans foresee a new cruise terminal in Durban, being built at A berth on the Point, near the Point Waterfront. completed July 2021.

The city center can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes. However, walking is not recommended. Metered taxis are generally available at the pier.

Most ships run a shuttle to Shaka Marine Park which is close to the waterfront. It also offers an aquarium, water park, a shopping village and several bars and restaurants. You can also catch the local People Mover bus here to go to the Indian and Witch Doctor Markets.

In the afternoon, before heading back to the ship, a local dance troupe put on a very interesting free display of Zulu Warrior Dancing.

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Durban South Africa

Sightseeing:

The great natural harbor of Port Natal, on whose shores the city of Durban now stands, was thought by early Portuguese navigators to be a lagoon at the mouth of a large river.

Durban became a municipality in 1854 and a city in 1935. Today it is one of the principal cargo ports on the African continent, a center for industry and a major holiday resort. With a population of almost one million people, Durban is a bustling, subtropical city with a warm, more often hot and sultry climate that favors the luxuriant growth of trees and gardens. It is considered to be the Asian capital of South Africa with a massive Indian population.

Durban's 21st-century economy can largely be credited to the immense amount of cargo passing through its huge port, as well as to the thousands of Transvaal holiday makers who, since the 1930s, have turned the city's beachfront into a popular playground. Its most dominant landmark is the handsome Grey Street Mosque , the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

There also is a lovely waterfront promenade featuring street performers and is a great place to people watch.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Ushaka Marine World This new marine center is open on weekends. Its shark tanks and dolphin show are fast becoming popular attractions. Dolphin shows are at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission fee 80 rands. The complex also has a variety of shops.

Beaches Durban boasts a stretch of golden beaches. Most offer facilities including changing rooms, shark nets, lifeguards and fast-food outlets.

Shopping and Food

Shopping offers an exciting pastime in Durban, although some shops downtown are closed on Sundays. Shopping malls offer one-stop shopping and are usually open on Sundays as are the shops at Ushaka Marine World. In the Passenger Terminal, stands display a wide range of curios and handicrafts. Intricately woven baskets and beadwork make for especially attractive souvenirs. Bargaining is expected.

The currency is the Rand (ZAR) Automated teller machines (ATMs), linked to all major international networks, are available throughout the country. It is best to use only ATMs that are inside a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, and be vigilant about scams (e.g. machines that seem to eat your card and won't give it back after you enter the PIN).

Most retail stores accept credit cards.

Currency Converter

Communication:

South Africa has 11 official languages. Most people other than rural black Africans speak English, although not many as a first language. Afrikaans is also widely spoken, especially by the white and colored population.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots. Shopping malls often stay open til' 9PM.

January 1. New Years' Day March 21. Human Rights Day Easter weekend. ("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday"): a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates. April 27. Freedom Day May 1. Workers Day June 16. Youth Day August 9. Woman's Day September 24. Heritage Day December 16. Day of Reconciliation December 25. Christmas Day December 26. Day of Goodwill

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News continues below

Cruise Ship Schedule for Port of Durban 2022-2023

Cruise Ship ETA’s at Port of Durban

The following cruise ships are booked to call at the port of durban in the  2022/2023 south african summer cruise season.  this list will be added to or updated as necessary.  many of these ships will similarly call at other south african ports. africa ports & ships will attempt to list the other ports provided we are able to obtain the necessary information., sign up for africa ports & ships newsletter – it’s free added 19 october 2022.

“THE QUEEN’s REIGN CONTINUES”

by: David Hughes

21 july 2020, the devastation caused by the dreaded coronavirus pandemic has surely thrown the whole of the travel industry into disarray, no doubt about that. on its own, the cruise industry has taken some very hard knocks. we have recently caught evidence of middle-aged ships going to the breakers, or being hastily placed on worldwide shipping sale lists, an ominous sign marking the end of the line for many once graceful ladies of the sea..

However, when it comes to the prestigious and much-loved Cunard Line , one is happy to report that all current three Cunard Queens have not been toppled from their thrones. Indeed, a fourth Queen is scheduled to be built, for entry into cruising service in two years time.

How do South Africans stand in the midst of all this good news? Well, simply to add that two of the Cunard Queens are due to call at South African ports during 2021. The last transatlantic liner in regular service, QUEEN MARY 2, also goes cruising, and shall be calling at local ports during her World Cruise early in the New Year. QUEEN VICTORIA is also scheduled to call in April.

One sincerely anticipates that the wonderful world of cruise holidays will return to some kind of normality soon. Most cruise lines are hopeful about returning to some limited business by end 2020,. with “Full Steam Ahead” prospects for 2021! Perhaps they are being brave, but there are jobs and people’s livelihoods at stake, both ashore and afloat.

May I whet your cruising appetite further? My travel partner Buddy Ross & I were invited by Cunard to sample life aboard QUEEN VICTORIA on her most recent South African call, and loved every moment aboard. It was a superb, wonderful experience to be there and soak up all that traditional Cunard ambiance and style of service on board one of their ships.

We had flown to Mauritius, and embarked aboard Queen Victoria for a week, which ended in Cape Town. En route we stopped off at Reunion Island, then on to our own Port Elizabeth.

It was great to find a good sprinkling of South Africans aboard – working as crew members, whether in the restaurants, beauty salons or libraries. More of our locals have gone out to sea these days, and who can blame them when being paid in US Dollars can be somewhat lucrative. Still, hard work is involved and seafarers have to be ready to take the rough with the smooth. (think of grumpy, demanding passengers…….you do get them!).

Aboard ship we found a whole range of interesting public rooms to explore, ranging from the traditional Chart Room Cocktail Bar to the Grand Ballroom, where live music is provided every evening (as well as bingo, quizzes and traditional English afternoon tea during the daylight hours, just to name a few past-times). The Observation Room with its expansive windows with great views looking forward over the bow was a super location for early evening cocktails and canapes.

Our beautiful balcony cabin did not disappoint either. A welcome bottle of champagne on arrival was…….well, very welcome indeed! It was super to relax on that balcony and be lazy as we watched the ocean glide by. Whales were spotted off the southern tip of Madagascar. Not to mention near home, off the shores of Cape Agulhas, where pods of dolphins surrounded the ship – hopefully a good omen to mark her future cruising in our own waters!

Cuisine in the main dining room, for us being the Britannia Restaurant, was up to the great expectations that Cunard lays down. Petit fours and ginger slices at the door at the end of dinner is always a welcome touch too. Service was impeccable, and the company good to. What more can one really say?

And so, if like this scribe, you have been dreaming and scheming under lockdown at home about cruising, then it’s surely high time to stop dreaming and start planning! Cunard had a traditional slogan boast back in the 1950’s, set for the Transatlantic run, as well as cruising, which stated “Getting there is Half the Fun”. As an avid cruiser, I have always found this remains true to form.

It is now high time to blow the cobwebs off those ancient cruise holiday photos. Do go online, as all cruise lines in this era can be called up on the box to look over future cruise itineraries for 2021. They are itching to take future cruise bookings, and some of the Cunard offers include lovely incentives to start your planning now!

Further information on any of the Cunard World Cruises, with the South African calls included, or worldwide for that matter, may be located by contacting Cunard’s South African Agent, being White Star Cruise & Travel, who are based in Johannesburg. Tel. 011-4633293, email [email protected] or discover their own website for latest special offers. And “Happy, Festive Cruising to All, for 2021”.

* David Hughes travelled as a guest of Cunard Line/White Star Cruise & Travel.

Horn…hornn…hornnnnn!

Vernon Buxton recalls the time of Union-Castle

The 28,700gt EDINBURGH CASTLE glides into Durban in the 1960s, being fussed along by one of the tugs that were such a staple sight in that major harbour for so many years.

One of the greatest tragedies  in the annals of maritime travel and transport was the demise in 1977 of the 1900-founded weekly  Union-Castle Line  passenger service between South Africa and Britain. It ended an unparalleled sea-travel era…and I was at  T-Jetty  in Durban harbour on the very day, 77 years later, when the curtain  came down on ‘ The Golden Era of Sea Travel ’…read all about it below…

You had to be around in those earlier years to fully comprehend what an incredible service the historic passenger line offered as a means of getting from Durban to Southampton and back. There was the main west coast route in the  Atlantic Ocean,  or a  Suez Canal  course that included the  Indian Ocean,  that included interesting ports of call.

I’m about to feast  on the joy that  Union-Castle  ships brought me and to wallow in the nostalgia and  romance  of travel that imbued my soul between the 1950s and.70s. I invite you to share in even a touch of my bliss-filled recollections.

You can see it down there, the weekly  Union-Castle  vessel ( which I can’t identify ) berthed at the  Ocean Terminal  at Durban’s T-Jetty, which was an exceptional facility for the mailships, but later became all but unusable. The N- Shed  in the foreground has been for too many years a ‘temporary’ terminal for cruise liners, especially the MSC ships that are seasonally homeported in Durban. A brand new terminal is on the way at the Durban harbour mouth…read on…..

I clearly remember  from an early age being attracted to ships, mainly passenger vessels, but I’ve always had an aesthetic eye on cargo ships too. The earlier ones were  really beautiful. There were no cruise liners in those days, when ships were mainly a means of getting from Point A to Point B, albeit in considerable comfort and a very high standard of services. It simply wasn’t all cheap n’ nasty like it is today.

During our 1950s visits to Durban ( from Southern Rhodesia, as it was known until 1964 ) I always thrilled to the sight of the weekly  Union-Castle   Line  vessel, with its red and black funnel and lavender-coloured hull entering or sailing from the port of Natal.

In later years , when I lived in Durban, I was at the harbour mouth every Wednesday at 5pm to see the  Union-Castle   Royal Mail Ship  sail. These ships would spend a day each in East London and Port Elizabeth and three days in Cape Town. Then off they would go, with calls at Las Palmas or Madeira. Each vessel would gently glide passed me quietly as I stood at  The Point –  with a crushing yearning to be aboard…

The journey to England took up to two weeks and later, with the introduction with more powerful engines, the faster mailboats covered the route in 11-13 days. The ‘mail ships’ were the bearers of vast volumes of letters and parcels being cross-exchanged between South Africa and Britain. The cargo component, of course,   required longer turnaround times at various ports of call and thus afforded the British crew a breather, also allowing ample time for victualling and repainting, which was undertaken with unfailing regularity in any of the South African ports…certainly until fortunes began to wane after the mid-1960s.

One of my earliest Durban recollections was of the 20,109gt WINCHESTER CASTLE, notable for its square-shaped fo’c’sle. She was the personification of maritime aesthetics and I craved to sail on her. ( Michael Johnson of Ballito and his family were with us on one of those 1950s Durban forays – do you recall being on the wharf with me, Mike? We stayed at the Majestic Hotel, remember? It’s now a Garden Court, next to the historic Balmoral Hotel on the Marine Parade. )

The  Union-Castle Line   operated between Europe and Africa from 1900 to 1997. Two smaller cargo vessels were on the route for another year.

  Many of the line’s vessels were requisitioned for service as troop or hospital ships in the  First World War  and eight were sunk by mines or German U-boats. Many vessels were again requisitioned in the  Second World War . Three – DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, CARNARVON CASTLE ( both of which I well remember ) and DUNVEGAN CASTLE ( not in my recall ) became armed merchant cruisers. PRETORIA CASTLE (1939) was also first requisitioned as an armed merchant cruiser, but later served as an escort carrier.

After WW2,  Union-Castle  made good use of its three ships converted to troop transports to carry the vast number of emigrants seeking new lives in East and South Africa.

A grand vessel was the 1930s-built WARWICK CASTLE (20,445gt). As you can see, the earlier vessels gave considerable preference to cargo space, with deep holds fore and aft. In between these cargo spaces, however, there was more than enough room for splendid passenger accommodations and services. The WARWICK ( if you say ‘war-wick’ you’re a philistine!!! ) was a beauty, don’t you agree?

By 1961 I could no longer resist a  Union-Castle  voyage and had occasion to take a two-night sailing from Beira to Durban on the 17,029gt BRAEMAR CASTLE. The journey required two nights prior on a steam train from Salisbury, via Umtali ( now Mutare ), which included a daytime run through the vast, expansive game-filled  Gorongoza Game Reserve… eat your heart out! I adored that tiny taste of  Union-Castle , she being one of three identical liners built in 1951-52 for the east Africa service; the others being RHODESIA CASTLE and KENYA CASTLE. My palate for ocean sailing was a touch more than assuaged. Here’s an  Internet  image of BRAEMAR taking on bunkers at Aden, one of her many exotic calls on the Suez route. If only I’d chosen the east coast route when my chance came.

What a loss  when it all ended. How utterly special was this rather smart way of traversing the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The cuisine and accommodations were entirely acceptable – if not  en suite  – and there was adequate fun and distraction, with daily deck quoits and in the evenings ‘ Bingo ’ sessions and usually a 5-piece dance band for ‘fox-trotting’ the night away.

Moreover, everyone made the effort to dress appropriately…oh yes, jacket-and-tie for the gentlemen, if you please, and long dresses were expected of spouses; cocktail dresses were  not done,  my dear!

That, of course , was before the American  Boeing  707 erupted onto the scene ( first flight, 1957 ) and began to blow all the passenger lines apart, save for the  Cunard Line , which had fortuitously built a new trans-Atlantic liner, the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2, with a touch of ‘cruise liner’ adding to her overall appeal…and the overall survival of the brand name  Cunard .

Another 1930s-built masterpiece was the 27,000gt CAPE TOWN CASTLE, seen departing the beautiful city after which she was named. Across the decades since its inception, the  Union-Castle Line  boasted almost 50 vessels in its fleet, a feat accomplished by no other passenger-carrying line. The ships were all British-built and manned, which begs the question: ‘What the hell happened to British ship-building after the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2?’ It’s a national disgrace, really, when you consider how the French, Germans, Italians and Finns have flourished in the fields of maritime technological and engineering magnificence. Contemporary cruise liners are truly the product of genius, if lacking the romance of bygone days!

  In the late 1960s  sea passengers discovered the kick of overnighting across the Atlantic or out to the colonies in a four-engine jet. Yes, progress is progress and the sad fact was that passenger ships had indeed lost their lustre and so many well-known shipping lines hit the wall in a deadly progression. My friend  David Vincent  in Durban ( he’s still there, with a pulse, hi David ) and I caught the tail-end of that trend when we crossed the Atlantic on the penultimate voyage of RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH between Southampton and New York in 1968. She returned to Southampton one last time and that was it for one very famous ocean liner. Scenes of her later on fire in Hong Kong harbour gutted me.

The slim and sleek 28,705gt PRETORIA CASTLE was later bought by the South African consortium  Safmarine  and became the SA ORANJE. She was the first  Union-Castle  ship to be completed after the war and she and her identical sister EDINBURGH CASTLE sailed on the mail run to Cape Town from 1948. Say what you like, today’s cruise liners can’t hold a candle to those classic vessels. The main feature, which you can see in all these pictures, was the  Promenade Deck , where gaily-cushioned loungers were lined up from end to end, allowing passengers to see who’s who aboard, sip gin and tonic or opt for hot  bouillon  at 11am, while watching expansive sea vistas sweep by…and marvelling at the flying fish in Equatorial waters. There were two classes on all  Union-Castle  vessels, but  Safmarine  opted for one class only, which was a most agreeable arrangement for passengers, decidedly this passenger included.

Though I now regret not opting for the east coast service via Mombasa  et al , my ongoing desire for a longer voyage was satiated in 1966 by a Durban to Southampton run on the SA VAAL, the former TRANSVAAL CASTLE. This 32,697gt gem had only just been acquired by  Safmarine  and though – gone was the lavender hull – this one-class vessel was simply perfect in every way. One is not discerning as a 24-year-old, but how can I forget dinner with six choices of soup ( three hot, three cold ), multiple  hors d’oeuvres , four roast choices and a dozen or more puddings, all served in a white-gloved,  table d’hote -style. Goodness gracious me, these days you have to  serve yourself  from a lack-lustre buffet spread? ( oh, the horror, the horror…and if you think I’m being pretentious, I am guilty as charged! Standards are standards, friends. )

  The SA VAAL voyage took 18 days , with a stop at Las Palmas, before rounding the alluring  Isle of Wight  and then graciously gliding up the fabled  Solent  towards historic Southampton. I had difficultly facing reality again when made it up to London by train,  phew , one had to make  decisions !

The pride of the  Union-Castle  fleet was the 37,640gt flagship WINDSOR CASTLE. You travelled in  First  or  Tourist  class ( snobs called it ‘steerage’ ), according to your means, but everyone hailed the experience on the west Africa run. In 1977 I was  The Natal Mercury  reporter assigned, along with the accompanying photographer, Terry Haywood, to do a colour piece on the final sailing of the WINDSOR from Durban…thus signalling the lamentable termination of one of the grandest ocean services that ever existed, the likes of which can never be repeated.

When I arrived at the  Ocean Terminal , colourful bunting ‘cried’ in a mild summer breeze and clouds of bright streamers floated down from the ship, whilst brass bands rendered heart-tugging pieces…the crew on deck joining in with ‘ We’ll Meet Again… ’. Two familiar high-stacked Durban tugs nudged the large vessel away from the crowded wharf for one last time and WINDSOR CASTLE ever-so-gently slipped away towards the harbour mouth with three farewell  hornnn…hornnn…hornnns ! I had a lump and half in my throat as a giant slice of maritime history and romance made its way graciously across the  Bar  ( a dangerous sandbank in shallow water ), swung gently to starboard and then, with a big puff of black smoke from her large red and black stack, the WINDSOR accelerated as she charted her farewell course beyond the famous  Bluff…  thus ending the ‘ Golden Era of Sea Travel ’…forever. ( I just pinked a tear writing this. )

1977 marked the end of the large mail ships, but the smaller GOOD HOPE CASTLE and her sister, SOUTHAMPTON CASTLE ( pictured ) signalled the true end of the  Union-Castle  mail ship service a year later. These two 10,558gt vessels, capable of attaining a speed of 27 knots, were actually very fast cargo vessels, with accommodation for just 12 passengers ( who actually found them very unstable in rough seas. I’d have loved them. ) They were both sold in 1978. Farewell, goodbye, cheerio,  totsiens …till we never meet again…end of story…end of an era! How I crave one of these voyages as I press ‘send’.

A deliciously eccentric arm of my own family, meanwhile, had in the 1950s built their own version of a  Union-Castle  ship in the Johannesburg suburb of Buccleuch, still called Buccleuch, named after the estate of the Duke of Buccleuch in Scotland. The family owned most of the land in that area north of Johannesburg CBD. The ship was the BUCCLEUCH CASTLE, constructed as a tea room out in the bush. It was that very remoteness that proved to be the obstacle to success and the Chapman-Gibsons – ‘Skipper’ and Aunt Girlie – lost money on that venture. The ship became all sorts of things in later years and today there is not a shred of evidence of its existence. My cousin Guy Macleod and I recently went searching for the site of the lavender-hulled, brick-built ship and saw only ankle-high grass. The top of that funnel roughly marks the spot where the  Gautrain  flashes by in both directions daily.

And now – 43 years after  Union-Castle  days – this is the brand new  Ocean Cruise Terminal  now taking shape very close to the harbour mouth in Durban. It will provide a luxury base for world-cruise callers, but especially for the MSC  Cruises  group that homeports ships here during the summer cruise season. It will be a great new asset for good old Durbs! Should have been done years ago.

I shall ‘sail away’ now , with this amusing anecdote relating to the snooty days of trans-Atlantic sea travel.  Nancy   Astor  was a close friend of  Maud  ‘Emerald’,  Cunard , wife of  Cunard Line  founder,  Samuel Cunard .

There’s a lethal hesitancy as Emerald most elegantly licks the cream from a tiny cake off her impeccably well-manicured fingers. “My  deah ,” she replies, directing a withering look at her bemused friend’s face: “They know  vereh  well here to not  dare  to ‘invaite’ me to the Captain’s table…I would not be seen  dead  dining with the  crew !”

Perish the thought , dining with the crew! 😊 As much as I regret that  Union-Castle  is now all but forgotten, I’m somewhat satiated by being the beneficiary of such incredible experience and memories – and I deeply hope you also had a chance to sail away on one of those revered vessels that were so representative of the ‘good old days’. If you didn’t, you’ve no idea what you’ve missed.

Vernon Buxton Johannesburg

10 July 2020

MSC 2020/2021 CRUISE SEASON ANNOUNCED MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica to cruise South Africa

MSC Cruises confirmed on Monday (22 June) full details of its Winter 2020/2021 Season , offering over 90 different itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, the Gulf, South Africa, South America and Asia – all of the regions where MSC Cruises traditionally operates.

Itineraries range in length from two to 24 nights, along with the third MSC World Cruise departing in January 2021 and an extensive Grand Voyages programme.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO commented, “We have reviewed and updated our complete Winter 2020/2021 Season, starting in late October and we are pleased to now confirm the full details. Our Winter programme sees us offering cruises in all of the regions of the world where we traditionally operate and whilst there are some updates to the original planned deployment of specific ships, we are still able to offer our main itineraries so that guests can enjoy the holiday that they booked with us.”

Yesterday’s announcement follows the Company’s recent confirmation that the entire MSC Cruises fleet, including two brand new vessels currently under construction, will be in operation starting from March 2021 for the Summer 2021 Season (Northern Hemisphere summer).

In addition, MSC Cruises confirmed today the voluntarily further extension of the halt of operations of its ships operating from U.S. ports in the Caribbean until 15 September 2020. The announcement impacts two ships – MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia – that were previously scheduled to sail in the region during this time period.

Guests affected by the cancelled cruises will receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) by 13 July, where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice – on any ship, for any itinerary — through to the end of 2021. Meanwhile for the Summer 2020 Season, MSC Cruises has previously announced the temporary halting to its current ship operation up until 31 July in the other regions where the Company operates.

In conjunction with yesterday’s announcement, the Company also revealed that a new comprehensive and enhanced health and safety protocol is being developed in collaboration with relevant national health authorities and with the support of a team of external medical experts.

This protocol will cover all aspects of the cruise from the booking phase through to disembarkation and the return home. It will also include all aspects of life on board and the precautionary measures will ensure the health and wellbeing of guests and crew including enhanced sanitation measures, guidelines for life on board as well as enhanced medical facilities and health screenings for guests and crew. The full details of these new precautionary health and safety measures will be announced in the coming days.

Winter 2020/2021 programme overview

Msc world cruise 2021.

MSC Magnifica will sail her third World Cruise, following on from the high level of appreciation from World Cruise guests in 2019 and 2020, replacing the previously announced MSC Poesia. MSC Magnifica is the latest ship in the Musica class and is well-placed for this voyage with one of the highest ratios of balcony cabins and impressive onboard features including the pool with a magrodome and extended dining areas. The original itinerary is fully confirmed and the 119-day journey around the globe will commence on 5 January 2021, with guests travelling to 53 destinations across 33 countries in style and comfort.

The Mediterranean

MSC Grandiosa will replace sister-ship MSC Virtuosa for the winter, as delivery of this ship is delayed due to the delays and postponements caused by the health pandemic. All guests currently booked on MSC Virtuosa will be automatically reprotected to MSC Grandiosa, the Company’s current flagship, with the original itinerary – the MSC Cruises signature seven-night “Six Pearls” western Mediterranean cruises, with embarkation possible at each port: Marseille, France, Genoa, Italy, Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy, Palermo, Italy, Valetta, Malta and Barcelona, Spain.

MSC Magnifica will offer two festive cruises in December with a five-night Christmas cruise calling Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia and a ten-night New Year cruise from Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona before calling Gibraltar, Lisbon/Cascais in Portugal, Cadiz/Seville and Malaga in Spain before returning to Civitavecchia/Rome and Genoa.

The Caribbean

MSC Meraviglia will sail every Saturday from Miami, United States, on one of two itineraries: an evening experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands, Nassau, The Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas or Ocho Rios, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Mexico and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Armonia homeporting in Miami, will offer three-, four- or seven-night cruises to Key West, Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Seaside will offer three-, four- or seven-night cruises from the brand-new embarkation port of Port Canaveral in Florida, United States, with cruises calling at a range of destinations including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, George Town, Grand Cayman as well as Cozumel and Nassau.

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will remain a key highlight of the MSC Cruises offering from Florida, with all three ships calling at the private island destination in The Bahamas. Exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests and located just 65 miles from Miami, the island is surrounded by 64 square miles of marine reserve, offering guests a unique opportunity to discover local marine life, soak up the spirit of Bahamian culture and reconnect with themselves and each other.

MSC Poesia will replace MSC Splendida, to serve the South Caribbean and the Antilles with the original planned itineraries departing from Fort de France, Martinique on seven-night, seven-destination itineraries and 14-night from Barbados sailing to some of the best of islands the Caribbean has to offer.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar

MSC Fantasia will replace MSC Seaview and MSC Lirica in this region, offering seven-night sailings with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the exclusive beach resort of Sir Bani Yas island in The United Arab Emirates, as well as Bahrain and Doha, Qatar. The cruise concludes with an overnight Dubai stay for time to explore all that the cosmopolitan city has to offer.

South America

MSC Seaview with her stunning outdoor areas will replace MSC Grandiosa, offering seven-night cruises from Santos, Brazil to the Northeast of the country and calling the new port of Maceio, Salvador and the island of Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis and Buzios.

MSC Musica, replacing MSC Fantasia,will offer seven -night cruises from Santos calling Itajai/Santa Catarina, Brazil, Punta Del Este, Uruguay and an overnight in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

MSC Sinfonia replacing MSC Orchestra will offer eight or nine-night cruises from Buenos Aires calling Montevideo, Uruguay, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela or Ilha Grande/Angra dos Reis, Itajai Brazil, with the possibility of embarking in the ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

. MSC Preziosa will operate her original planned itineraries from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with a range of cruises from three to eight nights.

South Africa

MSC Orchestra, replacing MSC Musica will offer a range of cruises from either Durban or Cape Town to destinations including Maputo, Mozambique, Portuguese Island, Pomene, Mozambique and Port Elizabeth, as per the original planned itinerary.

MSC Opera will operate the planned itinerary from Cape Town and Durban.

A highlight for the season will be a 14-night New Year cruise on MSC Orchestra visiting five spectacular destinations, including an overnight stay in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The Far East

MSC Bellissima will offer a choice of different length cruises in Asia- a detailed sailing programme will be announced soon.

Spectacular Grand Voyages

MSC Fantasia, which replaces MSC Seaview, will depart on her Grand Voyage from Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa on 14, 15 and 16 November, respectively, as she moves to Dubai for winter. MSC Opera will offer the original planned itinerary from Italy to South Africa . All other Grand Voyages from Europe to the Caribbean, South America and South Africa will be cancelled.

In Spring 2021, nine Grand Voyages will be available with ships returning from the Emirates, Brazil, South Africa, Martinique and the United States, sailing to Europe for the start of the Summer 2021 Season.

Further booking information for international cruises

All guests whose booking is affected by any changes will be automatically reprotected to another ship serving the same or similar itinerary. These guests will be eligible for compensation as follows:

All guests who have booked an inside or ocean view cabin will receive a cabin upgrade [2]

All guests booked in a balcony cabin, a suite or a Yacht Club cabin will receive a shipboard credit of €100/$100 per cabin (€50/$50 for single cabin occupancy) for cruises up to six nights and for cruises of seven-nights or above [3] , guests will receive €200/$200 (€100/$100 for single cabins occupancy) [4]

All new guests booking with MSC Cruises before 31 July 2020 will benefit from flexible booking conditions to give them added peace of mind should they need to reschedule or cancel their cruise covering cruise departures from 1 August 2020 through to 2 May 2021 with the possibility to reschedule free of charge up to 15 days prior to the cruise departure date for cruise only bookings; up to 21 days for Fly&Cruise bookings.

For further details on existing bookings, guests should contact their Travel Advisor or visit the MSC Cruises website at www.msccruises.co.za

1]   Winter Season 2020/2021 runs from October 31 through to March 2021. 2]   Compensation does not apply for MSC World Cruise, MSC Preziosa as well as bookings previously made on MSC Musica and MSC Opera South Africa. 3]   Applies to all ships and itineraries with the exception of MSC Magnifica World Cruise and MSC Preziosa 4]   Not applicable for Yacht Club cabins

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Durban Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

Durban and Richards Bay are popular stops with the cruise liners as they ply their trade in the Southern hemisphere. We have the perfect tours to suit cruise ship passengers.

• Post author By shelldon
• Post date September 15, 2022

Cruise ships stopping in Durban harbour are usually in just for the day, arriving early in the morning and departing late in the evening. Fortunately for everyone, Durban is not a particularly big town and so most of the shore excursions we offer are perfect for ship passengers to enjoy.

Below is the list of tours I offer with a brief description of each tour and the link to the tour page itself. It’s still best to get into touch with me to confirm pricing and schedules. Of course cruise ships schedules are not always perfect so we are more than happy to adjust our schedule to suit your time in Durban.

The Durban Shore Excursions Quick List

• Durban city day tour
• Valley of a 1000 Hills day tour
• Isithumba and PheZulu cultural day tour
• Durban township and Freedom Trail tour
• Bushman Paintings and Mandela Capture Site
• Fly fishing day trip

Overnight Trips

• Hluhluwe Imfolozi Big 5 safari trip
• Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana tour
• Fly fishing overnight trip

The Detailed Durban Shore Excursions List

I have a number of day tours that would be perfect for cruise guests looking for a shore excursion. In all of the tours listed below, I or one of my fellow guides, will collect you from the cruise ship, spend the day with you and return you to the cruise ship ready for your next port of call.

• Durban City Day Tour – a great opportunity to learn more about the city of Durban as well as try some local foods, visit a traditional Zulu market, tour the oldest botanical gardens in Africa and visit the historic spots of the city.
• Valley of a 100 Hills Day Tour – visit the beautiful Valley of a 1000 Hills, watch a Zulu dance, visit a game reserve and enjoy a bunny chow, the perfect way to spend a day in Durban.
• Isithumba and PheZulu Cultural Day Tour – enjoy a guided tour through a rural Zulu village, meet the sangoma (kinda like a witchdoctor), the headman of the village and make a love bracelet. Then try a bunny chow and then watch a Zulu wedding dance.
• Durban Township and Freedom Trail Day Tour – a bit of history and culture all in a day. Enjoy a tour of the city, visit the home of Mahatma Gandhi, visit Ohlanga Institute (home of the ANC), visit a traditional township, walk through a Zulu market and try some delicious bunny chows or boerewors rolls.
• Bushman Paintings & Mandela Capture Site – head to the mighty Drakensberg mountains and view the rock art of the Bushman people. Then visit the site where Nelson Mandela was captured by the Apartheid forces.
• Fly Fishing Day Trip – if you brought your fly fishing gear along, then join us on a guided fly fishing trip along the Mgeni River for some “ yellow’s .” We do have gear for hire as well.

Overnight Tour Shore Excursions From Durban

Often cruise ships stop off in Richards Bay on one day and then depart for Durban the next (or visa versa). This is a great opportunity for cruise passengers to overnight somewhere interesting before re-boarding and continuing their cruise. Here’s the options for an over night shore excursion from either Durban or Richards Bay.

• Two Days in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve – pick up from the port and head directly to the big 5 reserve, Hluhluwe Imfolozi. Depending on time, you can also visit the Cheetah Project or Elephant experience.
• Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana Overnight – visit two of the most significant battlefield sites in South Africa, Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana. Stay overnight in Rorkes Drift Hotel.
• Fly Fishing Overnight Shore Excursion – head inland and stalk yellows or trout on this great overnight fly fishing trip. You’ll get to fish some of South Africa’s best rivers! If you don’t have you own equipment, we’ll supply.

Bespoke Shore Excursion Options and Booking Contact Form

I like to think that we have a great range of tour itineraries that are perfect for those looking to do Shore Excursions while in Durban, but of course there may be something that you want to do that we don’t offer…yet.

So, if you have your own ideas on what you want to do, then we are more than willing to help plan a bespoke shore excursion to fit in with your time and budget, simply use the contact details below to get in touch.

• Call or WhatsApp on  +27 (0) 74 995 6669
• Email us:  [email protected]
• Use the convenient contact from below:

Your message (optional)

Why Book a Tour with Durban Safaris and Tours?

• We love Durban and are passionate about showing you how wonderful our city is.
• We have nothing but great reviews on TripAdvisor , ToursByLocals and Google Reviews.
• We are one of the oldest tour operators in Durban.
• We give back!
• we are a legally registered company and all our guides have their permits.
• You will not be disappointed.
• Tags Cruises , Harbour , Ships , Shore Excursions

Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 08:00 - 17:00, Thu 09:30 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:00, Sun & Public Holidays Closed

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Excursions & Activities Durban

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TRAVEL TO THE Durban CRUISE TERMINAL

Terminal Address:

Kwazulu Cruise Terminal 151 Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Durban, 4001

Driving Directions from King Shaka International Airport

•   Get on N2 from M65 - 10 min (6.0 km) 
• Head northeast- 23 m 
• Keep right - 500 m 
• Turn left - 23 m 
• Turn right - 18 m 
• Turn right at Short-term Undercover Parking - 500 m 
• Turn left onto Mdloti St/M65 
• Continue to follow M65 (Toll road) - 2.6 km 
• Keep right at the fork and merge onto N2 (Toll road) - 2.3 km 
• Continue on N2. Take M4 to KE Masinga Rd in Stamford Hill, Durban - 19 min (26.2 km) 
• Merge onto N2 (Toll road) - 9.7 km 
• Take the exit toward M41 - 190 m 
• Keep left at the fork and merge onto M41 - 3.8 km 
• Merge onto M4 - 12.5 km 
• Take Sylvester Ntuli Rd to Mahatma Gandhi Rd in Point - 8 min (2.9 km) 
• Turn left onto KE Masinga Rd - 190 m 
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Sylvester Ntuli Rd - 750 m 
• Continue onto Mahatma Gandhi Rd - 1.4 km 
• Turn left onto Bell St - 68 m 
• Turn right onto Albert Terrace - 350 m 
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Southampton St – 120 m 
• Turn right onto Mahatma Gandhi Rd - 18 m

Driving Directions from Amanzimtoti (South Coast)

•   Get on N2 from Umdoni Rd - 4 min (2.2 km) 
• Head east on Umdoni Rd toward Bowen St - 850 m 
• Turn left onto Kingsway Rd/R102 - 350 m 
• Turn left onto Moss Kolnick Dr/M37 - 230 m 
• Use the right 2 lanes to turn right to merge onto N2 toward Durban - 800 m 
• Follow N2 and M4 to Margaret Mncadi Ave in Albert Park, Durban. 
• Take exit 3 from M4 - 16 min (22.8 km) 
• Merge onto N2 - 8.9 km 
• Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 151 for M4 toward Durban - 600 m 
• Continue onto M4 - 12.4 km 
• Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 3 for Margaret Mncadi Avenue - 800 m 
• Continue on Margaret Mncadi Ave. Drive to Mahatma Gandhi Rd in Point - 9 min (3.8 km) 
• Merge onto Margaret Mncadi Ave - 1.9 km 
• Continue onto Dr Langalibalele Dube St - 400 m 
• Turn right onto Mahatma Gandhi Rd - 1.0 km 
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Southampton St - 120 m 

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South Africa Ports Cruise Ships Schedules

Cruise ship timetables with arrival and departure times of all major cruise lines scheduled to visit ports in South Africa. Find out which ships are scheduled to arrive in  South Africa  today or any other day from January to December, with cruises going to or leaving from ports. From the list below select a port you plan to visit, and complete information about the cruise ship arrivals in timetable calendar format will appear.

• • Cape Town Cruise Ship Schedule
• • Durban Cruise Ship Schedule
• • East London Cruise Ship Schedule
• • Mossel Bay Cruise Ship Schedule
• • Port Elizabeth Cruise Ship Schedule
• • Richard's Bay Cruise Ship Schedule

Important notice: Following the current developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, this cruise port schedule is subject to change as the situation evolves. For most up to date arrivals, please check with the local port authorities or cruise operators.

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Please note, the information presented is based on schedules provided by the cruise lines and as such is subject to change. For creating this data itineraries of the following cruise lines have been used: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Thomson, TUI, P&O, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Here you can  download cruise ship Itineraries  classified by cruise lines.

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Durban, South Africa (ZADUR)

Port of Durban is located in South Africa at 29.8642S, 31.0594E. 12 vessels have arrived within the past 24 hours and 71 ships are expected to arrive in the next 30 days.

Port time: Apr 10, 13:24

Weather forecast, expected ships in durban.

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Recent ship arrivals in Durban

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Port of Durban vessel arrivals, departures, scheduled arrivals and ships in port are detected by processing of AIS data. Weather data is based on GFS model (NCEP/NWS). The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of Port of Durban data.

Cruise liner collides with cargo carrier in Cape Town harbour

Sources say windy conditions likely to blame, only minor damage reported.

A luxury cruise liner bumped into a cargo carrier while docking in Cape Town harbour in windy conditions early on Friday, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed.

Both ships, the Ambience cruise liner and Grey Fox cargo carrier, reported minor damage and the Ambience is expected to depart on schedule later on Friday.

“TNPA can confirm an incident that occurred today [Friday] during the docking of a cruise liner that came into contact with a cargo carrier docked at B berth,” said acting port manager Ophelia Shabane.

“No passengers or crew on board the vessels were injured. The cause of the incident is being investigated and damage is being assessed. Port operations continue as normal and have not been affected. TNPA will continue to monitor the situation.”

The accident appeared to be linked to gale-force wind conditions.

“It’s why I say don’t do shipping when the wind is too strong,” said a maritime source with knowledge of the incident.

Ambience is reportedly on her maiden round-the-world cruise.

“Her first round-the-world cruise and she gets damaged in the Cape,” said the source.

UK-based ship owners Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed the liner was on a world cruise.

“We have reported the incident to local port authorities and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) and will share our findings with them. We are not aware of any further actions at this time.”

Samsa said, “We are relieved to confirm there have been no injuries because of this incident. Furthermore, there is no risk to the environment, nor to the safety of the vessel or the port. The Ambience sustained minor damage.”

Ramaphosa launches rail terminal with 1,000 employees at Durban port

Extensive search for missing fishermen and vessel off cape coast, divers recover two bodies from harbour after baltimore bridge collapse.

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