Cape Town

Cape Town

South Africa

Ride a rotating cable car 3,600 feet up Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.

💱 Currency South African Rand (ZAR)
🗣 Language English, Xhosa, Afrikaans
🕐 Time Zone SAST (UTC+2)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 20-56 nights
💰 Price Range $274–$94,500 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Cape Town is a premier gateway to southern Africa, offering stunning Table Mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and access to unique African destinations like Walvis Bay and the Indian Ocean region.

Cruises that visit Cape Town

Build Your Day in Cape Town

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
V&A Waterfront Totally the best part of Capetown for fun stuff, so many things to do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 109k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Canal Walk Shopping Centre Huge variety of shops and eateries to suite various budgets. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 62k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Good thing to do in Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 34k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Boulders Beach Best thing to do Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 28k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Two Oceans Aquarium It's a must-see when you are in Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 25k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre Massive amount of quality brands, impressive and great interior space. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 23k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Table Mountain National Park This is a must experience for anyone who visits Cape Town. National park · ★ 4.7 · 22k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Cavendish Square ... the various shops available from high end to budget friendly stores Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 20k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Cape of Good Hope Nice if you want to tick a checklist of things to do in cape town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Castle of Good Hope Amazing place that you have to visit when in Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Cape Wheel A must do when you visit Cape Town Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 11k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Cape Point Nature Reserve One of the many things to do in Cape Town Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 11k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM
Table Bay Mall The layout is super spacious and stores are well situated. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Golden Acre They had a variety of clothing shops and everything is very accessible 😊 Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Watershed Beautiful unique pieces available - clothing, jewellery, art, bags & more. Market · ★ 4.5 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum One of the things to do while in Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Greenmarket Square Nice traditional merchandise, colorful, artistic and made with heart. Market · ★ 4.1 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Nelson Mandela Gateway To Robben Island Needs to visited by anybody touring Cape Town or South African in general. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa A must do whenever I come to Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kloof Street House This is, by far, the best restaurant in all of Cape Town! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village Diverse quality retail, food, decor and art stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
HintHunt Cape Town Honestly one of the main highlights of our trip to Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Pigalle Restaurant One of the best Restaurants in Cape Town. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
La Colombe Restaurant This was by far the best meal we had during our time in Cape Town. Modern French · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Utopia Cape Town Definitely one of the best dining experiences in Cape Town! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
The Pot Luck Club Easily one of the best if not the best restaurant in Cape Town. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Intaka Island A gem in Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
The House of Machines Cozy little corner with epic music and the cocktails is worth every penny. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen Delicious cocktails, great DJ, great hosts, great design, great vibe. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Athletic Club & Social Lively atmosphere shared drinks with friends, excellent service, live Dj Jazz · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Point Mall | Shopping Centre | Sea Point Busy shop, excellent service from staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 AM
The Gin Bar Cocktails are great, yummy sharing plates and various seating options. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Fyn Restaurant One of, if not THE, best restaurant(s) in Cape town. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Belly of the beast A trip to Cape Town is incomplete without visiting this restaurant. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Cape Town Diamond Museum A great thing to do whilst in Cape Town! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Grand Central Shopping Centre Lots of stores/shops with fantastic merchandise at affordable prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
PIER Restaurant Definitely 1 of my best dining experiences in the whole of Cape Town. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Jack@SKYE Rooftop Bar and Restaurant Shupa casual fun ,great views , awesome vibes with live entertainment ♥️ Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
fable Stunning cocktails, amazing vibes and live music. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Planetarium A place all in Cape Town should experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Dark Horse Excellent atmosphere, great service and very tasty cocktails at fair prices! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Blue Room The place is cozy, very good service and amazing music. Live music bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3:30 PM
Reverie Social Table Best dining experience during our 10 day stay in Cape Town. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
The Drinkery Cocktails were delicious, service good and atmosphere beautiful. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Talking To Strangers ... is good, atmosphere is relaxing and their cocktails are the best. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Rose's Table Our best food experience in Cape Town! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
City Pass Cape Town The Best way to experience Cape Town. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Things To Do In Cape Town Tour agency · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Cape Town is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Cape Town

About Cape Town

Cape Town stands as one of the world's most captivating cruise destinations, where dramatic mountain landscapes meet vibrant urban culture and pristine natural beauty. This iconic South African port has earned its place on some of the most prestigious cruise itineraries, attracting travelers seeking authentic African experiences combined with world-class amenities. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a meaningful port of call, Cape Town delivers unforgettable moments that linger long after you've returned to your ship.

As a primarily port of call destination, Cape Town features prominently on longer cruise itineraries that explore Africa's coastlines and beyond. You'll find it featured on 20-night voyages and extended journeys that venture to destinations like Walvis Bay, Port Louis, and Gqeberha, as well as on epic repositioning cruises heading toward Singapore or Lisbon. Nine distinguished cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Holland America Line regularly call here, offering diverse experiences for every traveler.

Your time in Cape Town grants easy access to some of the Southern Hemisphere's greatest treasures. The iconic Table Mountain rises majestically above the city, the Cape of Good Hope awaits exploration, and the nearby Winelands offer world-renowned vintages. The V&A Waterfront provides excellent shopping and dining steps from where your ship docks, while the city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and warm hospitality ensure every moment ashore becomes a cherished memory.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Table Mountain's Iconic Majesty

Ride the rotating cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, for breathtaking 360-degree views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Cape Peninsula. This unforgettable experience takes just a few hours from the cruise terminal.

2

Waterfront Markets & Local Flavors

Explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront's bustling markets and sample authentic South African cuisine at waterfront restaurants. Try local specialties like snoek fish, bobotie, and Cape Malay curries while browsing artisan crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. The waterfront is a short walk or quick shuttle ride from the cruise port.

3

Robben Island's Historic Legacy

Take a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum. Guided tours reveal powerful stories of South African history and resilience. The island visit, including ferry time, fits perfectly into a port day and offers profound cultural insight.

4

Cape Peninsula's Penguin Paradise

Drive to Boulders Beach to encounter African penguins in their natural habitat, a unique wildlife experience found nowhere else in Africa. The scenic coastal drive offers stunning ocean views and photo opportunities. This half-day excursion combines nature, wildlife, and spectacular scenery all within reach of the port.

5

Bo-Kaap's Colorful Streets & Culture

Wander through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood's famous rainbow-colored Victorian houses and experience Cape Town's rich multicultural heritage. Browse independent galleries, boutiques, and cafés while learning about the area's Cape Malay community through street art and local guides. This vibrant district is easily accessible and authentically captures local Cape Town character.

Cruise Lines at Cape Town

Cruises Departing From Cape Town

Cruises Visiting Cape Town

Ship Schedule at Cape Town

Cape Town Location

Other Cruise Ports in South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the port code for Cape Town?

The port code ZACPT identifies the Cape Town port in South Africa.

What are the main activities at Cape Town Port?

Main activities include container handling, fishing support, and logistical services.

What attractions are nearby Cape Town Port?

Nearby attractions include Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Is port sightseeing restricted?

Port access is restricted in many areas; guided tours can be arranged.