Cruises from Durban, South Africa

Durban, South Africa | MSC Cruises

Durban cruises: explore South Africa in style

Embark on one of our remarkable adventure cruises from Durban, offering access to a variety of captivating destinations. Set sail to Mozambique’s Pomene or Portuguese Island, revelling in the breathtaking natural wonders. Cruises from Durban include the choice of a grand tour to Mauritius, Reunion and Mozambique or travel to the historic capital of Cape Town for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Year-round cruise deals from Durban promise enticing opportunities, including memorable, once-in-a-lifetime voyages, such as a grand expedition across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, culminating in the charming city of Lisbon.

Best Durban cruises

Get inspired by the choice of Durban cruises with MSC Cruises. Head north to the Mozambican unspoilt beaches and stop on the way at Pomene or Portuguese Island. Dream big and choose one of our cruises from Durban to Mauritius and Reunion or simply pick a short, circular route, out to sea and back, finishing off by visiting Durban, a hub of fun activities.

Cruises from Durban in 2024

Durban’s port is an ideal starting point to explore Africa’s sublime east coast. Cruises from Durban take several forms – from a journey out into the Indian Ocean and back, to a longer expedition to Africa’s most beautiful beach and island destinations.


Several cruises from Durban 2024-2025 showcase the favoured coastal destinations of South Africa’s neighbouring Mozambique, with visits to the sun-kissed Pomene and the uninhabited Portuguese Island. Cruise from Durban to enjoy the very best Indian Ocean views and ocean-based adventures.

For longer, more varied cruises from Durban, look further east. MSC Cruises’ itineraries from Durban include visits to the islands of Reunion and Mauritius, where you’ll find idyllic beaches and remarkable landscapes, before returning to Durban via Portuguese Island.

Cruise Durban and beyond with MSC Cruises, for the finest itineraries to explore Africa’s east coast and Indian Ocean islands, while MSC Grand Voyages connect Durban with the world.

Cruises from Durban, South Africa | MSC Cruises

Cruises to Durban in 2024

With MSC Cruises, the experience of a cruise to Durban doesn't stop upon arrival – it contiues as you visit the nooks and cranies of Durban.    

Top of most visitors’ lists when taking a ship cruise to Durban is a visit to uShaka Marine World, a world-class theme park and aquarium. Stop in at Victoria Street Market for spices, artwork, traditional clothing and accessories. Sports and adrenalin fans can visit Moses Mabhida Stadium – to enjoy this adventure hub with Segway tours, bike hire and a thrilling aerial walkway.  

If history and architecture excite you, try Durban City Hall, an impressive domed building based on its counterpart in Belfast, Northern Ireland. And don’t forget to seek out a bunny chow – a traditional Indian South African dish consisting of half a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with curry. Or simply enjoy the Durban weather.

Don't forget, Indian Ocean destinations like Mozambique, Mauritius and Reunion are all available to visit on a Durban cruise, opening up even more of the globe.

Cruises to Durban, South Africa | MSC Cruises

Durban tours: explore the heart of Durban's cosmopolitan city

Visit Durban to discover Durban’s history, culture and scenic beauty with MSC Cruises. Our carefully curated Durban tours help you explore the city and its surroundings, so you can fully experience this laid-back coastal destination.

Our Durban tours cover all the bases for your time in the city, whether you want to explore its urban heart, learn more about its history or venture further to enjoy a safari or unique cultural performance.

 

Planning pays off, too: book your Durban excursions before departure to receive a discount of up to 20%.
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How to reach Durban's cruise terminal

Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Durban?

MSC Cruises’ ships dock at the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal when stopping in Durban.  This is located at 65 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa. The cruise terminal can be found near the southern end of Durban Beach, a close three kilometres south-east of central Durban and on the north-eastern shore of Durban Harbour.

How do I reach the car park at the Durban cruise port?

The car park for MSC Cruises' passengers at Durban cruise port is located on Marine Terminal Street, just under three kilometres  north-west of the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal.  

If heading towards the coast, take the N3 towards Durban, turning off at Junction 1, following signs to the city. Once you enter the city from the highway, turn right at the first junction onto Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street. Drive to the end of the street and take a left onto Margaret Mncadi Avenue (formerly Victoria Embankment). Keep right and follow the signs to the Port of Durban. Turn right onto Quayside Road, taking the second exit at the first roundabout to Marine Terminal Street, where you'll find the car park to your left.

If driving north, take the N2 towards Durban, turning off at Junction 151 onto the M4. Continue on the M4 until Junction 3, turning off on Margaret Mncadi Avenue and follow the signs to the Port of Durban.  

If heading south, take the M4 south towards Durban. Upon reaching Durban, you will drive onto Prince Alfred Street. Continue along Prince Alfred Street through the city until you reach Margaret Mncadi Avenue. Take a right on Margaret Mncadi Avenue and then an immediate left to Quayside Street towards the Port of Durban.

How do I get from Durban Airport to the cruise port?

The main international airport in Durban is King Shaka International Airport, which is situated 35 kilometres north of Durban and the cruise port. The easiest way to get from the airport to the cruise port is to request an MSC transfer service by calling the MSC call centre. You can also take a taxi from King Shaka International Airport to the cruise port, which should take around 30 minutes.

Is Durban expensive?

Durban is generally considered an affordable city to visit. You could easily spend a day exploring the city with a budget of less than £30 per person. A good meal can cost as little as £6 per person or up to £15 at a mid-range restaurant, while taxis are also cheap.  

There are also many free things to do in Durban, such as exploring the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa, visiting a number of galleries, including the Durban Art Gallery, and relaxing on one of the city’s many beaches.

What's Durban's weather like?

Situated on the eastern coast of South Africa, Durban has a subtropical climate, with hot and fairly wet summers, and winters that are mild-to-warm and reasonably dry.  

The hottest months are typically from January to March, which have average daily high temperatures of 29°C. The coolest months are typically in Durban’s winter, with average daily high temperatures of 24°C between June and August.  

June and July are also typically the driest months, with just two-to-three days of rainfall per month on average, while the wettest months (October through until January) see an average of 11 days of rainfall per month.

Is there a beach in Durban?

Located on the coast of the southern Indian Ocean, Durban has plenty of beaches to explore and relax on. Near the city centre you can find the Golden Mile, a long stretch of popular city beaches, including North Beach and South Beach. These beaches are great for sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters, and are backed by numerous restaurants and bars.  

North of the city, you’ll find Umhlanga Rocks, which has slightly rougher waters than the Golden Mile but has arguably one of the world’s most beautiful piers.

uShaka Beach can be found south of the Golden Mile, and is backed by the popular uShaka Marine World waterpark. The beach is also conveniently located just 800 metres from the cruise terminal.