From Cape Town to Cape Town · Africa & Indian Ocean · 15 nights
Part of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ award-winning fleet, MS Europa will operate bilingually in German and English beginning in January 2026, opening a whole host of exciting voyages for the English-speaking market and offering a laid-back small ship cruising experience.
MS Europa, like the rest of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, is
awarded five stars year after year by Insight Guides Cruising &
Cruise Ships, formally the Berlitz Cruise Guide, and offers a
relaxed and stylish ambience on board. From January 2026, MS Europa
will operate bilingually, in German and English, opening up plenty
of exciting itineraries for our discerning guests.
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.
Sandwiched between the Namib Desert and the wild Atlantic coast, the geographically isolated town of Lüderitz is notable for its surreal Art Nouveau architecture. Most of these colourful buildings date back to the diamond rush period of the early 20th century, when Namibia was a German colony.
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.
Port Elizabeth is home to some nice beaches and a handful of interesting buildings, but it is perhaps not the most exciting city on the Sunshine Coast. There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, however, and we highly recommend a day trip to the fantastic Addo Elephant Park.
Durban is a real melting pot; not only does the city feel more authentically African than Cape Town, it’s also home to a large Indian community that lends the city a distinctly Asian flavour. The lovely waterfront promenade was revamped for the 2010 World Cup, and the beach is a popular destination for domestic tourists.
The sunny city of Mossel Bay is on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, situated roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The city has a pleasant seafront promenade and there are some lovely beaches nearby, along with whale and dolphin watching hotspots and game reserves.
Cape Town is a magical, multicultural 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.
