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Set on age-old trade routes, centuries of influences meet around Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean, creating a fascinating tapestry of cultures, cuisines and traditions for you to explore.

African Elephants near a large pool and others inside the water that cool down with mud. Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Summer season in a sunny day.

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2028

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Cape Town, the famous South African city nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, is our first recommendation for this region. Take in the views riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular, or meet native African penguins on Boulders beach.
Our second highlight is Colombo, in Sri Lanka. Explore local history in the Colombo National Museum, try the unique flavours of local curries or travel outside the city to visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple, once visited by the Lord Buddha himself.
Last but not least is Réunion, an island east of Madagascar with a unique French flavour. Sun yourself on perfect beaches and explore lush, green forest on a visit to this ocean oasis.

What are the top sights in Africa and the Indian Ocean?

Namibia, South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand are all available to visit on a Cunard cruise. Explore further on our Africa &amp; Indian Ocean&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/africa-and-indian-ocean/africa-and-indian-ocean-ports">ports page</a>.

What countries does Cunard go to in Africa and the Indian Ocean?

Temperatures in Africa and around the Indian Ocean tend to be on the higher side: though the region is large and weather can vary depending on where you cruise. Generally, the summer months are best avoided, and cruises tend to operate between September and May when days are cooler and crowds are smaller.

What is the best time to cruise to Africa?

Cunard visits over a dozen colourful locations in the region, including Cape Town (South Africa), Port Louis (Mauritius), and Walvis Bay (Namibia). Discover more on our Africa &amp; Indian Ocean&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/africa-and-indian-ocean/africa-and-indian-ocean-ports">ports page</a>.

What ports do African and Indian Ocean cruises stop in?

The climate in Africa and around the Indian Ocean is warm, and sometimes humid. Light, breathable layers are key here: loose shirts and shorts/skirts are a good choice. Bear in mind that local cultures can be conservative, particularly in the Middle East and when visiting temples and other religious sites. Cover shoulders and legs above the knees, and avoid scoop-neck or low-cut tops. It might be wise to carry a loose scarf or shawl as well. Check advice for specific locations before you travel for more information.Sun protection and a light waterproof jacket are also advised, as well as comfortable shoes for exploring cities, or more rugged terrain, on foot. Each Cunard Queen is fitted with pools and spa facilities for your enjoyment, so pack swimwear, and formal wear for our glittering Gala Evenings.

What should I pack for a cruise to Africa?

Frequently asked questions: Africa and the Indian Ocean

A little more spa. A little more dining. A little more adventure. Tailor every moment with US$250 on board credit to spend your way. Plus, reserve your next voyage with our new unmissable fares. Book by 31 August.

The Norwegian Fjords with new, unmissable fares

Reserve your next escape from just £50 per person with our new low deposits on selected 2026 and 2027 voyages. Book by 23 June 2026 to enjoy this exclusive offer.

We're delighted to introduce our new Cunard Signature Packages. Save up to 30% and enjoy drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining credit to use in our alternative restaurants.

Guests relax beside Queen Anne's Pavilion Pool

By booking within 90 days of sailing, you’ll unlock savings on select Late Saver Fare voyages.

Discover a world of inimitable luxury, inspired entertainment, and flavoursome world cuisine on board a Cunard Queen, all with the added advantage of a special offer.

Cape Town and Table Mountain, South Africa

Sit back and relax as journalist Valerie James takes you on a cruise to South Africa's capital city, with her witty, unique account of the voyage.

A bartender finishes off a fruity cocktail

Let life slow down and enjoy a cold glass as our Head Mixologist talks mixed spirits, and introduces a Cunard cocktail to make from the comfort of your own home.

The Grills Courtyard on board Queen Victoria

To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, Cunard’s Captain Aseem Hashmi teamed up with Grant Harrold, the UK’s pre-eminent etiquette expert, for the ultimate masterclass in one of Britain’s favourite pastimes.&nbsp;

Flamingos in lagoon of Walwis bay, sandy dunas on the background. Namibia, Africa

Camps Bay and beach and rocky coastline with restaurants and bars, a popular travel destination in Cape Town.

As pioneers of the World Voyage, we certainly think so! Exploring the world by ship is unlike any other mode of travel, giving you access to sights and wonders that flying or travelling by road cannot offer. Cruising also gives you the luxury of going to sleep only to wake up in your next destination; no connections or weary travelling required. If you travel on a Full World Voyage, you will be sailing roundtrip; with no flights, your luggage allowance is as large as you need it to be (as long as each item is below 23kg). And speaking of luggage, perhaps one of our favourite things about cruising is that you can see dozens of destinations and only unpack once for your entire voyage! Plus, with Cunard, you have access to additional Full World Voyage benefits on selected cruises, and everything else that makes a Cunard voyage so special, including White Star Service, fine dining, world-class entertainment and a world of wellness at sea.

Are world cruises worth it?

A world cruise will require several documents, including visa, vaccination certificates and insurance, plus a versatile suitcase with everything you might need. Fortunately, we have a&nbsp;<a title="Preparing for your world cruise" href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/world-voyage/preparing-for-a-world-cruise">handy online guide</a>&nbsp;to help you through your preparations.

How can I prepare for a world cruise?

At the time of writing, a Full World Voyage with Cunard will last 107-116 nights, as your Cunard Queen takes a full circumnavigation of the globe from Southampton, New York or Hamburg. However, we also offer World Voyage sectors, which are smaller ‘pieces’ of a Full World Voyage, so you can join your ship for a shorter journey. For example, join Queen Mary 2 in Singapore and disembark in Fremantle, or join Queen Anne in San Francisco and disembark in Hong Kong.&nbsp;View all World Voyages currently on sale&nbsp;to find an itinerary to suit your schedule.

How long is a world cruise?

Full World Voyages with Cunard are up to three months in length, and at the time of writing cost as little as £9,999 per person for a Britannia Inside stateroom. Aside from Full World Voyages, we also have World Voyage sectors, pieces of a full world cruise sold individually, so you can sail on a shorter holiday with a lower price.&nbsp;&nbsp;View all Full World Voyages and sectors currently on sale&nbsp;for current prices.
Prices change frequently and will vary on the cruise, your stateroom grade, and whether you choose our Early Saver, Late Saver or Cunard Fare. Early and Late Savers are restricted to certain booking periods but will save you on cost, whereas the Cunard Fare gives you several valuable booking benefits. You can learn more about our different fare types and their benefits on&nbsp;<a title="Cunard's fares" href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/our-fares">our fares page</a>.
Whatever you decide, your cruise fare includes dining in your stateroom restaurant, entertainment and activities, plus our daily Afternoon Tea and use of our gym facilities, pools, and children’s clubs. You can see the full list of inclusions, and items/experiences not included, on our&nbsp;<a title="What's included in your cruise" href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/whats-included">'What's included' webpage</a>.

How much does a world cruise cost?

Some incredible destinations to visit on a world cruise include the Norwegian Fjords, New Zealand's Fiordland, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, The Whitsunday Islands, ancient Petra in Jordan, the Caribbean and South-East Asia. Check our World Voyage itineraries for more exciting destinations.

What are the best places to visit on a world cruise?

A World Voyage (the Cunard version of a world cruise) is one that calls at several continents, offering guests the opportunity to explore a variety of ports in a wealth of countries. Our World Voyages can be experienced in their entirety, but can also be booked as smaller &quot;sectors&quot;, so you can choose a voyage that can span either weeks or months at a time.

What is a World Voyage (world cruise)?

There is no currency that will be universally accepted on a world cruise or world cruise sector: even within the same continent, currencies can vary from country to country. If you don't want to travel with multiple currency types, or continually withdraw currency in the ports you call at, you could register for a prepaid debit card which would allow you to upload funds in your native currency and pay in the local currency of each country you visit (where such cards are accepted).
While you are on board, the currency will be US Dollars.

What is the currency on a world cruise?

Your World Voyage (world cruise) or world cruise sector itinerary will take into account local weather conditions in the ports you're due to call at, timing your voyage to coincide when temperatures and conditions are at their peak for exploring. That said, it never hurts to prepare for all eventualities. The weather can be changeable in parts of Europe, while Asia can be extremely hot and humid, depending on the season. It's best to be prepared for everything, from intense sun to rain!

What is the weather like on a world cruise?

Whether you are embarking on a full world cruise or a shorter world cruise sector, you're likely to hear a variety of languages spoken, from Spanish and Arabic to Japanese and Cantonese, depending on where in the world you call. You'll find some level of English is spoken in most ports you call at, and your ship's crew will primarily converse with you in English on board too.

What languages are spoken on a world cruise?

On a world cruise or world cruise sector, the ship will become your home for several weeks or even months, so it's vital to pack a variety of clothing options for both good and bad weather, as well as daytimes exploring and evenings on board.
Outfits for formal evenings on your ship are a must, as are a couple of pairs of sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Swimwear and flip flops will ensure you're able to make full use of your ship's pools and spa, plus any beaches you call at on your voyage. A waterproof coat will keep you warm and dry if the weather takes a turn for the worse, while cardigans and shirts are perfect for layering over T-shirts and dresses when you need a lighter cover-up.

What should I pack for a world cruise?

This will depend on your nationality and which ports you call at, but the likelihood is you will need to apply for some visas if you're embarking on a world cruise or world cruise sector. Visa requirements differ from country to country, even within the same continent, and in some countries, those visiting on a cruise ship may need a different visa to those entering the country for longer periods by land or air.&nbsp;It's best to list out the ports of call included in your itinerary in order and then spend a little time researching the visa stipulations of each.
Be aware that on top of visas, some countries may also require you to have certain vaccinations, so it's best to look into this also. Seek advice from your travel agent or a doctor if you are unsure.

Will I need a visa for a world cruise?

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Africa and Indian Ocean

Africa and Indian Ocean cruises

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The Norwegian Fjords with new, unmissable fares

Low deposit from £50 per person

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Explore Africa and the Indian Ocean

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Cape Town, South Africa

Port Louis, Mauritius

Be inspired

Cruises to Cape Town

The cocktail hour

A lesson in Afternoon Tea

More destinations to explore

Australia and New Zealand

Asia

Mediterranean