For Kylie Herd, an Australian who embarked on the Norwegian Dawn’s southern Africa voyage on February 25, cruising has emerged as the premier method to explore her dream destinations. “I select cruises based on the itinerary that aligns with my schedule and interests. Norwegian often fits the bill, and their extensive African cruises caught my eye. I thought, ‘What better way to spend my summer than exploring Africa?’ It’s a breathtaking itinerary,” she shared with USA TODAY.
The allure of Madagascar captivated Herd, prompting her to spend months cruising aboard the Dawn. While many Americans might first think of the Caribbean or Alaska for a cruise adventure, the reality is that the world of cruising is vast and varied. Cruise lines now offer an array of unique itineraries, including expedition cruises to the planet’s most secluded corners and introductory voyages that allow travelers to discover regions they might never otherwise visit.
“I’ve dreamt of visiting Madagascar for years, long before it became popular through movies. It’s a challenging destination to reach, which only added to its appeal for me. When I found it listed on a cruise itinerary, I knew I had to go,” she explained. Although the February 25 departure had to bypass Madagascar due to logistical issues after a delay in Mauritius, Kylie had already visited the country earlier in her journey, marking it as a trip highlight.
Throughout the season, Norwegian’s Africa itineraries experienced several adjustments and missed ports. Cruise lines have some flexibility to modify itineraries for various reasons, such as weather or local conditions that may prevent safe harbor. Changes are more common in regions with political instability or less developed port facilities.
Despite these changes, Herd remained optimistic. “I understand the disappointment of missing out, as I felt it too. However, we’re still having a fantastic time,” she encouraged fellow passengers.
The February 25 cruise included stops at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean with an active volcano, and several South African ports where travelers could encounter local wildlife.
**Safari from a Cruise**
The Norwegian Dawn made stops at four South African ports, three of which offered safari experiences. From Richard’s Bay, passengers could explore the iSimangasilo Wetland Park, home to a diverse array of African wildlife. The excursion included game drives, snorkeling, and a traditional South African barbecue.
Cruise itineraries, like safaris, can be unpredictable. While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, patience often pays off. In Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, passengers had the chance to visit Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its large elephant population. Despite a heavy rainfall the night before, many elephants were spotted during game drives.
Mossel Bay offered access to private game reserves, providing opportunities to see a wide range of animals, some of which might not be indigenous to the area.
**Cape Town and the Winelands**
Beyond safaris, Cape Town offers a vibrant city life and various outdoor activities. Known as South Africa’s legislative capital, it boasts excellent hiking, a rich food culture, beautiful Atlantic beaches, and penguin sightings. Nearby, the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek invite travelers to explore vineyards and enjoy tastings, with one Norwegian excursion featuring the Blaauwklippen wine estate, famous for its Zinfandel.
**Is an Africa Cruise Worth It?**
Financially, cruising around Africa can offer significant exploration value. However, for American travelers, the cost of flights to and from the ship can exceed the cruise price itself. A 13-day Norwegian itinerary starting in Cape Town and ending in Mauritius, for instance, begins at $899 per person for an inside stateroom. In contrast, round-trip flights can cost well over $1,000.
Logistically, booking a cruise and participating in the line’s shore excursions can simplify the travel experience, allowing guests to immerse in diverse African landscapes, wildlife tours, cultural experiences, and wine tastings without the hassle of planning every detail.
While the African cruise market may not be as developed as the Caribbean, offering fewer facilities for large ships, the unique experiences and adventures available make for an unforgettable journey. Occasional hiccups are part of the adventure, encouraging travelers to focus on the highlights and enjoy the discovery of new destinations.
Kylie Herd’s experience underscores the joy of cruising, despite any schedule changes. “I’ve loved every single thing,” she reflected, embodying the spirit of adventure that draws many to explore Africa by sea.
*The reporter covering this story was granted access to the sailing by Norwegian, with USA TODAY retaining full editorial control over the content.*
*Zach Wichter is a New York-based travel reporter. Contact him at zwichter@usatoday.com.*