Cruises from and to Cape Town, South Africa

MSC Cruises ships dock at the E-Berth passenger terminal at Duncan Dock in the Cape Town port. The cruise terminal is located two kilometres north of the centre of Cape Town, a mere 10-minute drive (depending on traffic) or a 30-minute walk from the city centre.

Secure parking is available at Silo, Portswood Square & Breakwater Parking Facilities. Parking rates are pre-determined by the car park facility. The parking areas are a 5-minute walk from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal on a clearly marked pedestrian route from the parking to terminal area.

The cruise terminal is located off South Arm Road in the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront area of Cape Town. If driving from the east of Cape Town or outside of the city, make your way to the N1 or N2 and follow signs to Cape Town or Waterfront. Keep following signs to Waterfront and turn right onto Dock Road, where you can follow signs to the ferry, which will lead you to the cruise port.  

It's worth noting that it's often easier to avoid renting a car to drive to Cape Town Cruise Terminal and to use private taxis instead. If you are driving, make sure to plan your route carefully and allow enough time for heavy traffic delays.

Cape Town International Airport is located to the east of the city, close to 20 kilometres from the cruise terminal. The easiest way to reach Cape Town cruise terminal from the airport is to request an MSC Cruises transfer service or take a taxi, which should take around 25 minutes in good traffic conditions.

Lying on the south-western coast of South Africa, Cape Town has a Mediterranean-like climate, with hot and sunny summers and wet, cool winters with some rain. The hottest months in Cape Town are typically January and February, with average daily high temperatures of 29°C, while the coolest months are in Cape Town's winter from June to August, with average daily highs of 17°C. The driest months are usually from January to March.

Cape Town is generally considered quite affordable to visit, in comparison to popular cities in Europe and North America. Travelling around the city is relatively cheap, and both taxis and buses are generally affordable.  

There are also many free things to do in Cape Town, including one of the city's top activities - hiking or riding the cable car up Table Mountain to marvel at the views. Other great free activities include walking around Bo-Kaap (a vibrant central neighbourhood filled with brightly coloured houses,  shops and restaurants) and relaxing in one of the city's many public parks and gardens. There are also a number of museums and galleries that are free or with relatively cheap entry fees.  Many others open their doors for free on the first Thursday of every month.

Cape Town lies on the Atlantic Ocean side of South Africa and one's spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches,  both within the city and the surrounding area. Some of the most popular are situated in the upscale seaside neighbourhoods of Clifton and Camps Bay. The beaches here are perfect for sunbathing, with golden-white sand, palm trees and stunning views of Table Mountain.  

Further down the coast you'll find Llandudno Beach, one of the most impressive beaches in the area, offering a more tranquil feel and surrounded by weathered boulders, compared to the beaches further north. Along the peninsula is Boulders Beach, an enchanting spot, not least because of the ever-loveable colony of African penguins that call it home. If you head back to Cape Town, you'll stumble across Muizenburg, a haven for surfers and the occasional sea otter (if you're lucky to spot one).   

There are over 70 beaches in and around Cape Town to choose from, so you can be sure to find one to suit your needs.