Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Language
English, Zulu, Xhosa
Time Zone
SAST (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit
Nov–Mar
Typical Duration
4-26 nights
Price Range
From $236 pp
Port Type
Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Durban serves as a gateway to South Africa's stunning coastline and wildlife, offering cruisers access to the Indian Ocean and nearby natural reserves including the famous Garden Route and Kruger National Park region.
Cruises that visit Durban
- cruises to Durban
- Durban sailings
- Durban cruises
- 3-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 4-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 5-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 12-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 22-night Silversea cruise
- 24-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 25-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 25-night Seabourn cruise
- 26-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 27-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 28-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 31-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 31-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 36-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 46-night Holland America Line cruise
- 53-night Seabourn cruise
- 55-night Seabourn cruise
- 63-night Holland America Line cruise
- 63-night Seabourn cruise
- 64-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 82-night Seabourn cruise
Build Your Day in Durban
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
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
uShaka Marine World
The exhibits and interactions were both fun and highly educational.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Gateway Theatre Of Shopping
The layout is spacious and modern, making shopping convenient and enjoyable.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Pavilion Shopping Centre
It has the big clothing brands, fun activities for kinds and a food court.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Beautiful views, cool activities offered at a cost
Durban Botanic Gardens
The zip line was a hit, and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon here.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
The Workshop Shopping Centre
Crowded but spacious with a lot of diverse shops
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Wilson's Wharf
Its family-friendly, with activities for all ages.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Springfield Value Centre
Inexpensive, you do find your top brands at reduced prices.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Windermere Shopping Centre.
Friendly service, free parking and great boutiques!
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Victoria Street Market
It has a variety of traditional attire items at very affordable prices.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Mini Town
Very nice place for kids to see miniature important buildings of durban.
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
uShaka Village Walk
Lots of shops with surprisingly good prices!
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Cubaña Durban
Great food, awesome music and fabulous cocktails.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Mitchell Park Zoo
Great affordable spot to entertain the kids for a bit.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Southway Mall
Staff are so helpful shop are accessible and shopping area is clean
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Paradise Valley
Reasonable entry fee.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Roma Revolving Restaurant
Excellent food, service and a very unique atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Surf Riders Cafe
Great vibe, excellent service and phenomenal food.
Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
On Point Waterfront
The atmosphere is so relaxing and the food was awesome!!!.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Umgeni River Bird Park
Also great jungle gym for children to burn off any excess energy.
Closed · Opens 9 AM
Beachview Mall
Affordable prices on stock
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Glenwood Village Shopping Centre
You have free parking, Spar and all other wonderful shops
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Egagasini - Mondise MVG Restaurant And Cuisine
Great vibe here with good music, nice spaces to sit, and friendly service.
Closes soon · 3 AM
PheZulu Safari Park
Lots of activities to chose from and a play area for the young ones.
Closed · Opens 8 AM
Amsterdam Bar & Grill
Top atmosphere 😄 Great djs Amazing Vibes
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Blue Lagoon Beach
Great for families and friends.
Butcher Boys Morningside
Excellent food, outstanding service, and a truly memorable night.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Durban Beach Front Promenade
Great place for a variety of activities.
Dropkick Murphy's
They play live sports games, have pool tables, live bands and comedy shows.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Connors Public House
The drinks were super cheap for a pub and the atmosphere was great.
Closed · Opens 11 AM
9th Avenue Marina
... was fantastic, and the ambiance was perfect for a relaxing dinner.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Views at Twenty5
... gave us great service Food drinks and the ambiance was the best
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
One of the trails lead to a home with beautiful gardens.
Closed · Opens 6 AM
The Chefs' Table
The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, and the service is flawless.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Unity Bar & Brasserie
Lovely fun vibe, excellent service, and delicious craft beer.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Durban Natural Science Museum
The museum is like a live game tour.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Joe Cools
Stopped for a drink, good music and vibe, great ocean views.
Closed · Opens 10 AM
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve
Amazing hidden paradise open 1 x per month to the public.
The Chairman
Intimate, it's the only few places one can experience consistent live music.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Zai Restaurant Durban
We had an Amazing experience, the food was delicious, ambiance was topnotch.
Closed · Opens 7 AM
The Grill Jichana Durban
The fillet was delicious and the service was perfect.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Doughed - Woodfired Dining Experiences
Incredible food, great staff, and a wonderful, intimate ambience.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Kwa Muhle Museum
Great museum featuring some great exhibitions on Durbans history.
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Zulumoon Gondolas Boat Rides
Quite an interesting experience for 15 minutes.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Durban City Hall
Huge old beautiful building with big open parks for people to relax on.
Koko Bar
It was really such a great vibe and it was very affordable
Tall Ships Cocktails
A special shoutout to Danie, our waiter - his service was exceptional!
Closed · Opens 11 AM
Fun Things Durban - Ushaka
Closed · Opens 9 AM
City of Durban
The best city in South Africa 🇿🇦 🥰
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Durban
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.
About Durban
Durban stands as one of Africa's most vibrant cruise destinations, offering travelers an intoxicating blend of cosmopolitan energy and natural wonders. This bustling port city on South Africa's east coast has earned its place as a premier hub for cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or arriving as a port of call, Durban serves as the perfect launching point for exploring some of southern Africa's most spectacular regions.
As both an embarkation port and a destination in its own right, Durban accommodates diverse cruise itineraries that cater to every traveler's interests. Those seeking longer voyages can embark on 4-night cruises—the most popular duration from this port—that venture to iconic destinations like Cape Town, Portuguese Island, Pomene National Reserve, Walvis Bay, and Richards Bay. The peak season runs from November through March, when warm summer weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
The port itself is remarkably accessible, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately immerses you in South African culture. From the vibrant beachfront promenade to world-class shopping and dining just steps away, Durban rewards both cruise passengers with limited time and those planning extended explorations. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this dynamic African port promises unforgettable experiences and seamless transitions between ship and shore.
As both an embarkation port and a destination in its own right, Durban accommodates diverse cruise itineraries that cater to every traveler's interests. Those seeking longer voyages can embark on 4-night cruises—the most popular duration from this port—that venture to iconic destinations like Cape Town, Portuguese Island, Pomene National Reserve, Walvis Bay, and Richards Bay. The peak season runs from November through March, when warm summer weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
The port itself is remarkably accessible, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately immerses you in South African culture. From the vibrant beachfront promenade to world-class shopping and dining just steps away, Durban rewards both cruise passengers with limited time and those planning extended explorations. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this dynamic African port promises unforgettable experiences and seamless transitions between ship and shore.
Cruise Lines at Durban
- MSC Cruises (33 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (14 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (7 cruises)
- Seabourn (7 cruises)
- Holland America Line (3 cruises)
- Silversea (3 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Durban
Cruises Visiting Durban
Ship Schedule at Durban
Durban Location
Other Cruise Ports in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durban known for?
Durban is known for its Golden Mile beaches, warm subtropical climate, diverse cultures, and bustling port.
When is the best time to visit Durban?
Durban has warm summers and mild winters; spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Is Durban safe for tourists?
Like any city, exercise ordinary precautions, stay aware in crowded areas, and use reputable transport.
How can I get around Durban and the port area?
Walk the Golden Mile, use taxis or rideshares, and consider guided tours for the port.
What are top attractions near Durban's port?
Top sights include uShaka Marine World, the Durban Botanic Garden, and the Golden Mile beaches.