cruise vacation durban

• Airlink Flights
• FlySafair Flights
• British Airways
• Lift Flights
• Qatar Flights
• Emirates Flights
• FlySafair specials
• Qatar specials
• Emirates specials
• SAA specials
• BA specials
• Cheap Flights
• Flights to Cape Town
• Flights from Cape Town
• Flights to Johannesburg
• Flights from Johannesburg
• Flights to Durban
• Flights from Durban
• Flights to Bloemfontein
• Flights to East London
• Flights to George
• Flights to Kruger
• Cape Town to London
• Johannesburg to London
• Cruises from Durban
• Cruises from Cape Town
• Cruises to Pomene
• Cruises to Portuguese Island
• MSC Sinfonia Cruises
• MSC Musica Cruises
• MSC Splendida Cruises
• New MSC Opera Cruises
• Grand Voyage Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• International Cruises
• Mediterranean Cruises
• First Car Rental Rates
• Bloemfontein car hire
• Cape Town car hire
• Durban car hire
• East London car hire
• George car hire
• Johannesburg car hire
• Lanseria Airport car hire
• Nelspruit car hire
• PE car hire
• Minibus Hire

Cruises from Durban 2024 & 2025

Earn exclusive SouthAfrica.TO cruise vouchers by emailing us a review and photographs of your cruise from Durban.

Cruises are restarting from Durban in Nov 2024. Enjoy island cruises from Durban to Portuguese Island, Inhaca, Pomene or Mauritius; or to Cape Town. Over New Year at the end of 2024 there'll be an 11 night cruise from Durban to Mozambique, Mauritius and Reunion. Early bookings get up to 40% discount on the Early Booking Rates. Cape Town has the mountain, but Durban has the warm water :)

To get a cruise quotation from Durban please fill in the form below - the questions have been especially tailored so as to enable our cruise experts to find the best cruise special for you.

Cruise Routes

There are Durban cruises to Mozambique (Portuguese Island and Pomene), Nowhere, La Possession (Reunion), Cape Town, Port Louis (Mauritius) and destinations in Europe . Popular routes are:

MSC Cruises South Africa operates boat trip along all the above routes. There are also the occasional cruises from other liners, like Silversea. There are no longer cruises from Durban to Ilha de Mozambique or to Madagascar .

Durban cruises are known to be the best in South Africa because of their favourable weather conditions (unfortunately cruises from Cape Town suffer the curse of the prevailing south-easterly wind), the warm waters of the Indian Ocean (compared to the chilly waters around Cape Town) and quality destinations - think beautiful Indian Ocean island destinations and sun-drenched beaches of Mozambique.

News & History

26 January 2018. Hapag & Lloyd Cruises' MS EUROPA 2 arrives in Durban from Port Elizabeth, and en-route to Mossel Bay.

6 November 2017. The first ever cruise from Durban to Pomene, on the MSC Sinfonia.

12 June 2015 - The MSC Sinfonia, no longer able to dock at Fort Dauphin in Madagascar due to her increased length, will set sail for a new destination instead, the Ilha de Mozambique. The first cruise to this new destination takes place from the 21st to the 28th of December 2015. The second cruise will take place from the 8th to the 15th of February 2016.

6 March 2014 - Durban harbour & King Shaka Airport are under increased security arrangements as a result of recent drug busts.

1 Mar 2014 - The MSC Sinfonia sets sail from Durban, saying its final goodbyes to the Port of Durban, where she's spent several seasons giving passengers oodles of joy on her cruise to Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar and Mozambique. In the 2014/2015 cruise season she won't be returning, but rather the MSC Opera will be the sole ship coming to SA.

10 Feb 2014 - MSC Cruises has upgraded the facilities on the Portuguese Island, increasing the size of the buffet area, introducing sports facilities, a larger bar area and a play area for the children. New and exciting shore excursions have been arranged for the island, including more water sports activities.

22 May 2013 - The top 6 cruises from Durban

20 November 2012 - The MSC Opera arrives in Durban for the first time.

From Dec 2010 to Feb 2011 there were some MSC Melody Durban cruises.

Reviews of cruises from Durban

14 November 2016: Rating 5/5: "We were on an MSC cruise in April 2016 for four nights. What a fantastic experience! There was nothing about this cruise that could get a bad review, as there was more than enough to do... more than enough to eat... what great food and drinks!... enough fun and enough time to relax. Friendly staff all round. We bought a drinks package and this was good value for money and also the internet package worked so well. I pre-ordered a bottle of bubbly for our room, and this was there when we arrived and a big surprise to my husband. Will I go again and recommend this? Oh yes!" Hanlie De Wit

22 February 2016: Rating 4/5: "My friend is to be married in March 2016 and so had her bachelorette party on a MSC Cruise from Durban in January 2016. We had an amazing time on the cruise. The staff were super friendly, entertaining and helpful. There was always plenty to do on-board and so we were never bored. Since my experience with MSC, my husband and I are planning to have our honeymoon on the ship. We are very much looking forward to it." Alyssa Balwanth

13 May 2015: Rating 5/5: "A sea-cruise? Oh well, I did not really feel like it, but the ladies in my wateraerobics class were adament...we must go! Some of them have been before and they insisted: it’s cheap, it’s grand, it’s wonderful, it’s idyllic, and so they badgered and cajoled until we booked...and started counting the “slapies” - a full 265 of them! We downloaded pictures of the MSC Opera and the islands and posted it on our Whats App group, we downloaded deck plans, and the bar lists and menus. We bought drinks packages and exchanged our rands for dollars. We downloaded maps for our destinations, especially Maputo, all in all we practically reached fever-pitch a week before our departure date! We went our separate ways towards Durban, and only met on the wonderful Opera at 17h00 as pre-arranged...and we had an absolute, unforgettable ball!"

"We danced every single night with the delightful and sexy dancing instructors teaching us, we fell about during the sailing-away party until we found our wobly sea-legs, and we thoroughly enjoyed the tropical evening, dancing until 01h20...We had cocktails, too many to count (and my sister and I, not being big drinkers, sometimes had the zero-proofs without telling anyone, so they thought we could really guzzle all those beautiful drinks without being the worse for wear!) We had smoothies from the ice-cream bar, we lounged like rich bitc#@s on the upper deck, sipping from a tall glass and contemplating life in its unsoiled and unspoiled splendour from the top of the gloriously beautiful ship, with a cool sea breeze ruffling our hair and funky music sounding from the deck as background."

"We attended every show, and breathtaking they were, with the Bollywood one my personal favourite! Lights out for 1 second and bang, there is an elephant on the stage!! And of course, we roared with laughter with the one and only Stephen Cloete, who had us laughing so much during the late-evening show that I nearly fell off my chair! We attended the quizzes, and every evening decided we are going to the disco, but that never realised, we either danced in the bar, partied on the deck, attended shows, visited with our friends, and before we could believe it it was, once again, after 01h00, and we had te retire to our luxurious and comfortable cabin to catch our beauty sleep before the next hectic wonderful day. (We are, after all, not spring chickens anymore!) Never in my life was I more grateful for my short hair...there simply was no time to do my hair, too many things awaited: sunrise, a jog on the track, a quick gym session before starting the day with the lovely croissants and real filter coffee...excursions to Maputo, to the tropical paradises of Portuguese Island and especially Inhaca, and the restful day slowly cruising back within sight of the ever-changing coastline. We adored the rocking motion of the big Opera, which made for very sound sleeping. And we ate...delightful meals, absolutely devine pastries, breads and pizzas, lovely fruit and food indigenous to the places we visited! The ship newspaper with all the stuff we could do for the next day we had to read in the privacy of a small place...there simply was no other time to read it!!"

"And then, too soon, it was Friday and we came into Durban harbour...and we felt like crying. My sister and I were standing on the deck, and we started saying goodbye to our favourite places, the back of the ship on our deck (deck 9, where the water rushed out and away, leaving a white trail in the blue water..., and the upper deck with the sun rising over the sea...and we stood there with tears in our eyes...and woved: we are coming back: 2017 we are doing it again! It will take us 2 years to save enough to go on a 7 day cruise, because there is so much that we must still do...visit the library, take a chance in the casino, go for a relaxing bali massage, learn how to fold napkins properly, really go dancing in the disco, go for coffee in the afternoon, eating in the bars and not only at the buffet and in “our” restaurant, trying even more cocktails and drinks, and sitting inside the lounges during the day...which we did only once, when we boarded the ship!!"

"So you will see our names on the booking lists in the future, because we must be lulled to sleep again, and watch the sun setting and rising over the ocean, we must dance under the stars once more, and feel free, safe, privilidged and spoiled again...thank you MSC Opera, and like Arnold Schwarzenegger said in Terminator1: I will be back!! ". Alta Landman

06 January 2015: Rating 4.5/5: " On the 8th to the 12th of December 2014, I went on a cruise to Portuguese islands and Inhaca islands, when checking in at Durban port ,the procedure took so long as I had to wait for almost an hour to get through but it was worth waiting for ,as the moment I entered that paradise hall , I knew that I belonged there, ,as I was welcomed by friendly cruise attendants,who explained every little thing I needed to know sufficiently. To top it all safety was enforced by the crew by demonstrating to us how to use life jackets in case of an emergency, and also our safety spots to rush to during the emergency alarm moments. The entertainment life is so fabouuuloous on that ship as it caters for all age groups, oow I even won the brains of the day award on the 8th of December 2014 during the daily afternoon quiz session. I am very certain that my next cruise I am taking my husband, mom, mom in law, brothers, my three kids as kids cruise for free and so much fun for them with the love showered by cruise attendants during their activities. Thank you MSC cruise team for a wonderful experience ". Botho Seitshiro.

02 December 2013: Rating 4.5/5: Kerin really enjoyed her MSC Sinfonia cruise to Mozambique , despite an itinerary change due to bad weather.

22 September 2013 : Rating 3/5 : The last cruise I was on was in January 2013 to Maputo. It was supposed to be to Portuguese islands but we missed that and we spent a day just in reach of Maputo, but could not get off due to the weather. The following day we therefore went to Maputo and then straight back home. So we spent 3 days at sea and one day at port and that was it. And the funny thing is that just the previous December I was on the same ship on the New Years cruise to Mauritius and what was meant to be 3 days on the sunny island ended in a few hours only. So both my trips were very traumati. Even the staff asked what do I do for a living as I was cruising back to back almost. Hoping that his cruise will change my mind about cruising and I'm sure some cruise vouchers will ease the pain. Hope third time lucky to actually see what I'm going to see. Mary-Ann Warries.

30 August 2013 : Antonia and family cruise from Durban to Maputo on the MSC Sinfonia, dancing the night away, and visiting the buzzing market.

14 August 2013 : Rating 5/5 : My wife and I got married on 12 January 2013. Our dream honeymoon was to take a cruise ship from Durban, up the east coast of Africa. I contacted South Africa Travel Online for a quote and was pleasantly surprised with the speed at which I was contacted. I received great service and prices from Victor Bunjira, who did all the admin work quickly and professionally with a great attitude. A couple of days before we were to set of for the cruise I realised that I didn't save the e-tickets on my personal laptop we were taking with us. I called Victor, all stressed out, and he helped immediately and sent me the tickets. The cruise was an amazing experience for us, and something that we will never forget! All in all I received great service and I would definitely make use of the services of South Africa Travel Online again! Thank you for everything! Henko Spangenberg

4 August 2013 : Rating 4/5 : " Hi potential shipmates. Why don't you experience the most wonderful vacation ever. 31 January 2013 we departed on our third cruise that was organised in ten days. Thank you MSC for your professional service.  We took our teenage daughters with - they were sixteen and we only paid port taxes. Needless to say they are hooked too and can't wait for our next cruise. We boarded a Mango flight to Durban at Oliver Tambo Airport.  Comment: Flights two days before or after a cruise are often cheaper than flights on the the day cruises depart so why not stay over in Durban for a night or two. When the flight landed at King Shaka we just made the last bus to the ship. Comment : Next time we will use the shuttle service from the airport it costs R70 p/p. When we arrived at the boarding bay we were told that we are not cruising to Madagascar because there was a cylone. So our destination was the same as our previous cruise.  Comment: You get a discount voucher if the Port of destination change.  Get your discount voucher on the ship , no one told us an although we tried for weeks afterwards we could not get the voucher. We loved our cabin with a big window. The previous cruises we had an inside cabin. Comment: Get some motion sickness tablets at Clicks - it works perfectly and costs R29. Drink one before you board the ship. We went for a quick tour of the ship. Joined the departure party and did the emergency drill. Back to our cabin to get ready for the evening programme. Believe me the cabin is big enough for four ladies to shower, do hair and get dressed for the evening session. We went to the Bingo show, the concert, the lounge and the disco and then to bed for a few hours sleep.  We went to shore at the Portuguese Island on the last boat because the sea was rough, an experience in itself. The sea and the sun is wonderful and MSC holds a great Italian braai on the shore. No boerewors or chops rather sausage and patties. Our motto: Do everything! Don't try to diet! The food was even better than the previous year and we enjoyed the exotic foods like turkey, duck and Indian food. Comment: Don't forget extra money for the beautiful photos, it is expensive but absolutely worth it. Bring basic medication, a headache pill can cost you a few dollars.  The whole experience is like a fairytale. Leave everything behind and just focus on enjoying yourself. So relaxing to enjoy a few worryless days. This is a life changing experience. " Marlene Heyns

2013. Samantha spends hardly any time in her cabin on her MSC Durban cruise - the guys travelling with her were lucky enough to meet up with the captain below deck and play cards with him!

2013. Anthea takes her kids on an MSC Opera cruise for the first time, and they lap it up, enjoying the poolside, theatre, dancing, jacuzzis and the splendour of the ship: "I have grown addicted to cruising and already looking at what my next route would be. The staff, service and everything about MSC is of such a calibre that no one wanted to leave".

2013. Craig heads off with the Mrs for a 25th anniversary cruise on the Sinfonia to Mauritius , Madagascar & Reunion: His adventures included bumping into a couple of sailor girls at Durban Harbour, and getting roped in as a wedding photographer.

2013. Ingrid & Eddie sail from Durban to Portuguese Island : "Eddie was in hospital for 1 week in July and 2 weeks in September… all I have to say is he made it, by the grace of God he is still here today and this trip was to celebrate life!"

2013. Nisha & Riaaz cruise from Durban to Inhambane : " As nature lovers and people who appreciate the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants, we were in absolute euphoria. With increased jubilation, we decided to swim in the cool blue waters of the shores of Inhambane Bay ".

2013. Fairouza wins a Sinfonia cruise from Durban as a work incentive : " I’m saving every penny as I wish to take my family along on my next cruise. The 1st words from my hubby on my return at the airport was: ”Did you ever sleep?”  I must confess I hardly slept there was just so much to do. "

2012. Amanda cruises from Durban to Mauritius on the MSC Sinfonia with her family. We particularly liked this feedback: " I stumbled across the SouthAfrica.TO website, made an enquiry and got the best deal of my life! More helpful & professional will be hard to find! "

2010. Here's a review of a cruise from Durban on the MSC Sinfonia, by Chelna Mare, just after she started working at South Africa Travel Online.

Whilst there are mostly MSC cruises from Durban , on the MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia , in January 2014 season we are also offering ultra-luxury cruises from Silversea.

Port of Durban

South Africa has 3 ports which have been nominated for the 25 annual World Travel Awards in the 'Africa and Indian Ocean leading cruise port for 2018', Durban port being one of them. The port has seen over 180 000 passengers in the year of 2017 through 56 vessel calls. Durban has one of the busiest ports in Africa and can also be seen as home for MSC ships here in South Africa. For the 2017/2018 cruise season, Durban will be welcoming the MSC Musica for the first time. The MSC Musica is even larger than the MSC Sinfonia which has retired from South African waters and ventured on to Europe. The difference is size might due to and expectation of an increase in number of passengers based on the 173% increase in number of passengers accommodated by the port in 2017 as compared to 10 years before.

The Port of Durban is the busiest in South Africa and has the largest container terminal in the southern hemisphere. It's common to see ships waiting outside the harbour for their turn to enter.

Ships are guided (piloted) in and out of the harbour by a guide. Pilotage of ships into and out of the Port of Durban is compulsory. The pilot is picked up by helicopter from the ship once it has been guided out of the port. Alternatively, for ships entering the port, a helicopter drops the pilot off on the ship before it enters the port - the rendezvous point is 3 nautical miles   north-east of the habour's entrance.

The port serves not only Durban, but is also used as a point from which to transport goods to and from Gauteng, the economic hub of South Africa. The Port of Durban is run by Transnet National Ports Authority. A major initiative being looked at is developing a dig-out port where the old Durban International Airport was located (south of Durban), and moving the single buoy mooring oil loading facility.

Cruise ships berth outside N Shed, T-Jetty, at the dedicated passenger terminal facility. In addition to cargo and cruises, there are also quays for commercial fishing boats at the Silt Channel & Maydon Wharf and marinas for yachting.

A new terminal is being built, and recently Transnet announced that a JV between the Africa Armada Consortium (30% ownership) & MSC Cruises SA (70% ownership) has been announced as the preferred bidder (their JV is called "KwaZulu Cruise Terminal") - they've quoted R100m for the job. Africa Armada Consortium is a BEE company. It is expected that the new terminal will be operational by October 2019, and that KwaZulu Cruise Terminal will be granted a 25 year concession to operate the terminal.

Airport Transfers

Most passengers who are cruising with MSC book their shuttle service between the airport and the port. We have found that for groups of 3 or more it's more cost effective to book with Uber.

There's a large car park at Durban harbour where cruise passengers can leave their vehicles whilst they enjoy their boat trip.

Richards Bay

As you leave the Port of Durban and head north you'll pass Richards Bay - keep an eye out for loads of ships ferrying coal from South Africa to India and China - it's quite a sight to behold.

What to do in Durban before and after your cruise

Durban offers perfect beach weather all year round even when the rest of the country is freezing! So the number one thing to do while you are in Durban is head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. The famous North beach stretch is great for surfing and swimming and also offers some great spots to eat and drink with a view of the sea. Within walking distance is uShaka Marine World which is a must visit for families. Here the kids (and young at heart) can enjoy loads of fun water slides as well as dolphin and seal shows and an aquarium.

Adventure seekers should be sure to visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium which hosted some 2010 soccer world cup matches. Here, visitors can try out the SkyCar ride to the top of the stadium's arch to enjoy spectacular views of Durban. The stadium also boasts the world's only stadium Big Swing which is not for the faint hearted.

If you are feeling lucky, visit the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World to try your hand at some gambling. For the shopaholics, Gateway Theatre of shopping will not disappoint.

Durban is famous for its curries so make sure you don't leave without trying one!

Hola! Thank you for reading to the bottom of the page :) Hopefully you now have all the info you require to book your cruise from Durban (with us, of course) - if not, then please pop us a question in the comment box below (in fact drop us a note anyway, we love it when clients say hello). And remember, please take lots of photos of your cruise and email some to us at [email protected] (we just love it when clients share their adventures). Ciao. Wishing you blue skies and calm waters.

Back to Top

• Discover Exclusive Offers and Special Deals on 4th of July Cruise Deals
• Discover Exclusive and Special deals on MSC Kids Sail Free
• MSC Cruises June Deals & Add Drink & Wifi to Save More
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Poesia Mediterranean Cruises for 2024
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Sailings from New York
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Euribia Northern Europe Cruises for 2024
• Get exclusive cruise deals on MSC Cruises from Miami and Port Canaveral
• Discover Exclusive Offers and Special Deals on MSC Cruise Deals
• +1 (866) 622-3344

• Top Cruise Destinations
• All Cruise Destinations
• Top Departure Ports
• All Departure Ports
•  Ocean Cruises
•  River Cruises
•  Cruise Length
•  2 to 3 nights
•  4 to 6 nights
•  7 to 9 nights
•  10 to 13 nights
•  14 and more nights
• All Cruise Lines
• Cruise Booking
• Departure Ports

Cruises from Durban

• Cruises From

Durban, South Africa Cruises

This beach-side city in South Africa is a tantalizing cosmopolitan with Zulu, Indian, and European African populations. You will find Durban teeming with activities as you set foot at the port. Get to know the culture of Shakaland Zulu Village. Shop for traditional Chinese and Zulu handicrafts as souvenirs along the way at Victoria Street Market. If you are a daredevil, plunge into the water in a cage to observe the deadly sharks up-close. Go the extra mile for the worth-it PheZulu Safari Park to explore the wildlife.

Highlights of Durban

You should include Durban on your itinerary if you're visiting South Africa. Whether you don't know where to begin or where to go, we've got you covered! There are many highlights in Durban, but these are the most notable.

1. African Market Experience

Durban is home to three African markets, including Victoria Street Market, Herb Market, and Bead Market, where you can find unique souvenirs and new flavors. You'll find fine dining, shopping, and entertainment on Florida Road, considered one of Durban's hottest nightlife spots. Locals and tourists browse galleries, boutique shops, and eateries in the early morning hours when they close late at night. The sidewalk cafes open in the early morning hours. However, you shouldn't leave yet. It's at this time that trendy bars and clubs begin to buzz.    

2. Experience Indian Culture

Durban has the highest concentration of Indians in all the countries outside India . Indian cuisine is famous, and many women in KwaZulu-Natal still wear sarees, the national dress of India, and work on sugar cane farms. Among the many good foods available in Delhi are samosas (savory deep-fried pastries filled with spiced vegetables or meat) and bunny chows (hollow, curry-filled half-loaves of bread).

3. Dive into History

Explore the city's most important historical sites along the Inanda Heritage Route. The Phoenix Settlement, a communal living society founded by Mahatma Gandhi, houses his house, the International Printing Press, and the Gandhi Museum. Nelson Mandela voted for democracy at Ohlange Institute. Make a day out of it by continuing to the beautiful Inanda Dam.

Interesting Spots to Visit in Durban

In addition to its subtropical climate and sandy beaches, Durban has many attractions that appeal to domestic and international tourists. Here are some suggestions for the best things to do in Durban for a day, a week, or more.

1. Valley of a Thousand Hills

An exciting gateway to South Africa's cultural side, the Valley of a Thousand Hills is just half an hour away from Durban. The valley can be seen from afar as you drive through the hills. Green mountains and gushing rivers surround this valley. Throughout the valley, you'll find stunning arts and crafts produced by locals in suburbs and villages. Zulu villages are one of Africa's largest and most famous tribes, providing unparalleled insight into their culture, history, and life. Also, Westville and both as hill are suburbs with B&Bs, restaurants, and upscale shopping. During the Dusi Canoe Festival in February, the world-famous Comrade's Marathon is held here. Giba George Mountain Bike Park offers mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding.

2. Umgeni River Bird Park

More than 200 species of birds inhabit the Riverside district, near the Umgeni River Bird Park, some of which are unique to Africa . On a network of paths and waterfalls, visitors can see native species and birds from Southeast Asia and Australia , such as cockatoos and lories. Visitors to the park can learn more about exotic species during the bird show, which is one of the highlights.

3. An evening on Florida Road

The elephant tracks that now lead to Greyville Racecourse used to be Florida Road. Having recently received an injection of development cash, it is now one of Durban's trendiest areas. Morningside is known for its collection of fashion, designers, coffee, ice cream, art galleries, and cocktail bars, many of which are situated inside historic Edwardian buildings. Many restaurants serve various cuisines, such as Indian, Mexican, pizza, chicken, falafel, Italian, Thai, and others. 

4. The Golden Mile

For joggers, surfers, sunbathers, bikers, water sports enthusiasts, and those enjoying a relaxing stroll, the Golden Mile beachfront is a favorite destination . Addington Beach and Durban Harbor are located four miles (6.5km) south of the 'mile.' Golden sand beaches line the city's coast. The broad pavement makes walking, jogging, and biking the route accessible. It is also possible to soak up the warm sun while surfing, kiteboarding, or constructing sandcastles.

5. Safari and PheZulu Village Day Tour

A full-day tour, including the Natal Lion Park, the Africa Raptor Center, and Tala Game Reserve, takes place in the PheZulu Cultural Village. To experience traditional Zulu culture, we stop at the 'Valley of 1000Hills'. You can make the most of every passing minute with the kind of music, vibes, and embellishments here. Suitable for all ages, the tour is ideal for everyone.

When to Visit Durban?

Durban is easily the best place to visit during these months. It is a sunny, dry day with pleasant temperatures. As the International Film Festival and the Good Food and Wine Show take place in June and July, Durban is bustling with life and activities.

Cruise Inquiry

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!

* I consent to receive communications by email or phone. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications. Please proceed to the Privacy Policy page or read our Terms & Conditions to understand how your data might be used.

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Privacy Policies

Durban Cruise Port Information

The port of Durban is the second most popular cruise terminal in Africa, boasting just five sailings yearly from MSC to Africa .

Best Durban Cruise Deals

Last minute durban cruise deals, monthly durban pricing.

On average Durban is rather inexpensive compared to other ports. Prices are around steady throughout the year. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises from Durban (Cruises only depart from Durban between January and March).

Get Last Minute Cruise Deals!

Signup for free and get notified of the best cruise deals, like $483 for 11 days from Florida, or NYC to Bahamas for $299.

Price Drop Alert

Be the first to know when this cruise drops in price. Enter your email and the price at which you want to be notified.

Book Cruises

Canal boat cruises / rides / tours.

Showing all 3 results

Luxury Canal Boat Cruise Tour on the Durban Waterfront Canals

Sunset Canal Luxury Boat Cruise – 1 Hour

Canal Boat Cruise – 1 hour with Platter / Snack

Harbour & ocean boat cruises / rides / tours / charters.

Showing all 2 results

Luxury Harbour Cruise – 1 hour Boat Ride on Fun Things Pontoon

Sunset Harbour Cruise on Luxury Boat Ride for 1 hour

All boat activities cruises / rides / tours / charters.

Showing all 6 results

Pedal Boats Ride on Durban Waterfront Canals

Best Boat Cruises Experience in Durban

Boatcruises Durban offers truly memorable experiences out at sea for young and old.

Canal Cruises

Guided Tour in Durban Point Waterfront Canals.

Luxury Fun & Great for everyone Educational

Ocean / Sea Cruises

Explore our incredible Ocean / Sea cruises offers on all sorts of boats.

Party  Family time Fishing Charter

Harbour Cruises

Durban Harbour is the Biggest and busiest harbour in the southern hemisphere.

Durban Sky-line Watch the array of birds Enjoy an educational cruise

Canal Boat Rides

Parties & special event, pedal boat rides.

Pedal Boat Rides are great fun for everyone and very inexpensive. Located on the Durban Point Waterfront Canals

Magic Night Boat Ride

Don’t miss out on this Magical Night Boat Ride on one of our beautiful gondola boats. Looking for romantic things to do in Durban?

Corporate Hospitality

Treat special clients, colleagues, or business associates. Tailor-make your corporate excursion to suit your objectives.

Fishing Charters

We specialise in fishing excursions in Durban Bay, out to the backline, or at deep-sea – depending on the weather conditions and the client’s preference.

Boat Cruises Durban

Luxury Boat Cruises Tour at Durban Harbour Sea Ocean and Waterfront Canals

Sea Boat Cruise – Isle of Capri – Durban

Pedal Boats Ride on Durban Waterfront Canals

Private Luxury Durban Harbour Boat Cruise

Gondola Boat Ride – Venice in Durban

Royale – Sea Boat Cruise – Durban

Book a cruise today.

Boat Cruise - Canal Tour Ocean - Sea Cruise Harbour Cruise Private Charter Other

Testimonials

Happy cruisers.

Jabu & Friends

“Me and my friends had a great time on the cruise. The tour guide was really nice and friendly.”

Boatcruises Office

Call: +27 67 116 4887 Shop C08, Wilsons Wharf, 14 Boatman’s Road , Durban Central, Durban, 4001

Directions to our Office

1. Wilsons Wharf 2. Walk to the front Shops where you can see the boats 3. Walk to the Shop – Fun Things Durban – Harbour 4. Show your booking and Get your ticket at Fun Things Durban – Harbour Boat Cruise 5. Enjoy your experience

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10am – 5pm

Thursday: 10am – 5pm

Friday: 10am – 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 5pm

Sunday: 9am – 5pm

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Launches Cruise Industry’s Best Price Guarantee on 2025 & 2026 Cruises

The line’s new “better than best price guarantee" lets smart shoppers book early with absolute confidence.

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 27, 2024) – Smart shoppers looking for the very best price on their 2025 or 2026 cruise vacation will appreciate the new “Better than Best Price Guarantee” from Princess Cruises. From July 1-September 2, 2024, guests can book their dream Princess vacation with the added confidence of knowing they are securing the absolute best price available.

With the “Better than Best Price Guarantee” guests are assured that if they find a better price for the same Princess cruise, stateroom category, and sail date at any time before their final payment, Princess will honor the lower rate and provide 120% of the difference in the form of an onboard credit.

“Our new guarantee underscores the Princess commitment to offering unparalleled value and exceptional service to guests…value that is unmatched by land-based vacations,” said Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer. “With our booking volume for 2025 voyages already nearly 30% higher than it has ever been at this point in the typical booking cycle, securing your spot early has never been more important and this offer not only guarantees the best rates, but also ensures guests can choose their preferred dates and destinations. This way, guests can enjoy the best selection of Princess worldwide destinations and accommodations, knowing they have the best rate available for their cruise.”

How it Works

If a guest who books a cruise between July 1 and September 2, 2024, for any 2025 or 2026 departure, finds an active, publicly available lower price for the identical verified booking on princess.com prior to the final payment of the cruise, guests can submit a Guarantee Claim Form and Princess will give the guest an onboard credit (OBC) with a value of 120% of the difference between what the guest actually paid for the original booking and the located fare (or other mutually agreed makegood). Full terms and conditions can be found here:  https://www.princess.com/en-us/plan/best-price-guarantee/terms-and-conditions .

All 16 ships in the Princess fleet offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities.

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew appreciation and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately. 

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

New! Disney Cruise Line Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Itineraries

Advance Booking Open for Pearl, Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members and Golden Oak Members

Prepare to be swept away on a family adventure at sea brimming with new discoveries. With so many destinations to explore—from the vibrant shores of The Bahamas and the Caribbean to the historic Yucatan Peninsula and the breathtaking Pacific Coast—Disney Cruise Line has the perfect cruise for you and yours. Choose to cross the Atlantic on an epic voyage or immerse yourself in the urban charm of Vancouver and the tropical beauty of Hawaii. Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, explore our new ports in New Zealand or cruise the South Pacific, either to or from Australia. And through fall 2025, don’t miss out on the holiday magic on board with a spooktacular Halloween on the High Seas or a holly jolly Very Merrytime cruise. Receiving numerous awards recognizing us as the top cruise line for families, Disney Cruise Line will take you on whichever itinerary you choose in style—with all the refined dining, legendary entertainment and award-winning attention to detail you’ve come to expect from us. And with our flexible, pay-over-time option, there’s no better time to start planning your best vacation ever. Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

Surrender to the swaying palm trees, blue-water bliss and endless sunshine of such dreamy locales as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Tortola and our very own private island Disney Castaway Cay on a 5- or 7-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, Florida. Or set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico on a 7-night island-hopping adventure to destinations that might include St. Kitts, Antigua, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Dominica and St. Lucia. Along the way, delight in live shows, action-packed kids clubs and themed restaurants and bars.

Cruises from Galveston, Texas

The Bahamas

Soak up the laid-back pleasures of island life on a 3-, 4-, 5-night cruise departing from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or on a 7-night sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Your magical journey drops anchor in sun-kissed ports of call that may include a stop at Nassau, Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. From stingray encounters, fly-fishing and parasailing to celebrating the arts and culture of The Bahamas, there’s something for everyone.

Westbound Transatlantic

Experience the maritime history of Southampton, England before taking off on an epic cross-continental voyage over the Atlantic Ocean to sunny Port Canaveral on a 13-night transatlantic voyage. Along the way, drop anchor in Vigo and La Coruña in Spain, as well as Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal. And with 9 luxurious days at sea, you’ll have ample time to fully enjoy all the magical offerings on board—from sparkling pools, engaging youth clubs and fireworks at sea to Broadway-style shows, world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments and more.

Panama Canal

Embark the ultimate adventure during a 14-night cruise through the Panama Canal, starting in Galveston and ending in San Diego. Along the way, drop anchor in Cartagena, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas to explore rich culture, delicious food and enchanting cobblestone streets. Each destination promises unforgettable experiences and stories waiting to be told.

Baja California and Mexican Riviera

Cast off from sunny San Diego, California on a 3- or 4-night cruise with stops to Catalina Island and Ensenada, home to beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and a vibrant culture. Or delight in a 7-night cruise to such balmy locales as Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada in Mexico. While sailing the Pacific, enjoy a dazzling array of onboard entertainment, cuisine and amenities—including Character greetings, deck parties, live shows and kids clubs.

Pacific Coast

Delight in the sights and sounds of beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia before setting sail on a fun-filled 4-night cruise to sunny San Diego, California. Voyage along the rugged Pacific Coast while enjoying magical days at sea, complete with spectacular deck parties, Broadway-style shows, themed dining, Character greetings, imaginative kids clubs and more.

Embark on a sun-splashed Hawaiian adventure aboard the Disney Wonder. Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver or Vancouver to Honolulu on a 10-night sailing with stops in Nawiliwili (Kaua’i), Kahului (Maui) and Hilo (Hawai’i’s Big Island). Marvel at waterfalls at Akaka Falls, explore the lush flora at Liliuokalani Gardens and soak up the sun and surf at Kanaha Beach Park. On board, enjoy fabulous days at sea with dazzling Broadway-style shows, immersive themed dining and fun activities for the whole family.

South Pacific

Bask in the enchantment of breathtaking sunsets at sea when you set out on a 15-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney or a 14-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu. Sail across the international dateline and drop anchor in dazzling destinations, including Nouméa, New Caledonia; Suva, Fiji; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and the Hawaiian Islands. While at sea, you’ll have ample time to delight in all the magical offerings on board from award-winning entertainment and exciting deck parties to imaginative dining, Character encounters and more.

New Zealand and Australia

Disney Cruise Line is bringing enchantment and cherished Disney friends Down Under for a new season of 3-, 4-, 5- and 10-night cruises sailing from Auckland, New Zealand; and 3- and 5-night sailings from Sydney, Australia; and 3-night sailings from Melbourne, Australia. Depending on your itinerary, stops on New Zealand cruises may include Wellington, Christchurch, Fiordland National Park, Tauranga and Napier, and Australia sailings, Hobart and Eden. While on board, immerse yourself in the magic of Disney storytelling with favorite Characters, imaginative dining, spectacular entertainment and themed events throughout your sailing.

Adventures by Disney Escapes

Discover the perfect getaway when you add on a pre- or post-trip to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Create a lifetime of family memories when you travel with Disney-trained Adventure guides to beautiful Sydney, Australia or dazzling European cities like London, Rome or Barcelona on 3- or 4-day Escapes. Tour the Sydney Opera House, see London’s Crown Jewels, partake in Barcelona's flamenco artistry or explore Rome's iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and more.

Browse our New Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries . Reservations start June 24, 2024.

Icon of the Seas cruise ship continues voyage after small fire and power loss; no injuries reported

MIAMI (WSVN) - A small fire caused a vacation scare on the world’s largest cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas is the newest vessel in the Royal Caribbean company’s fleet.

However, that was at the back of passenger’s minds on Tuesday as a small fire was detected on the ship.

“They called the fire crews, all of them reported to their stations,” said one passenger.

Firefighters were seen rushing through the ship as the smell of smoke swelled within the ship.

“Burning in here it smells super bad,” said another passenger.

The company said a small fire broke out in the crew area knocking out power on board.

“Within two minutes the flo rider turned off, kids were coming down the slide and the blenders to make mixed drinks stopped working,” said another passenger. “They immediately saw black smoke coming out of the top.”

The cruise ship was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico when the fire erupted.

“About an hour and a half later, things started to turn back on,” said a passenger. “We saw staff running to their emergency locations.”

Passengers describing the situation to 7News while on board the ship.

“Guys, I wouldn’t go in the elevator now, even though the power is on,” said a passenger to a group of people.

Some passengers shared videos of the warnings issued by the ship crew.

“Attention crew, attention crew, instruction number 23, report to your emergency stations,” said the public address announcer.

Video shows alarms blaring as passengers walked around the ship.

“It was the same thing over and over again which was a little scary,” said a passenger. “They were saying a bunch of different numbers to the crew.”

The Icon of the Seas has a record-setting size of 1,196 feet long, 20 decks high and accommodates more than 5,600 guests at double capacity.

A spokesperson with Royal Caribbean released a statement confirming a small fire.

The ship experienced a small fire (isolated to the crew area) and experience a brief loss of power while docked at Costa Maya, Mexico; back-up power kicked in immediately and teams restored the main systems; all necessary safety procedures were taken and the team were able to quickly extinguish the fire; safety of our passengers and crew are always our top priority; thankfully there were no injuries.” Royal Caribbean spokesperson

The ship is expected to continue its voyage as scheduled.

It’s due back in Miami on Saturday.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

• A new airport could spark the economy in a rural part of Florida. Will the workforce be ready?
• SWAT standoff in Fort Lauderdale ends with 1 subject in custody
• Investigation underway after BSO deputy takes life in Homestead
• 1 killed, 3 hospitalized after Turnpike crash in SW Miami-Dade
• Women may be required to register for the draft

I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival's newest cruise ship. I recommend shelling out for better food and more fun.

• I turned down almost all upcharged amenities during my four-day Carnival Firenze cruise .
• The new ship has more complimentary family-friendly activities than some of its competitor's latest vessels.
• But snubbing the up-charged food made for a less-than-amazing cruise.

Looking for a vacation that lets you ball on a budget? You'll certainly hit your "budget" requirement on Carnival's new Firenze ship — so long as you don't expect to truly ball out.

Cruises are an economical vacation option . After all, what other ticket includes unlimited food, a hotel room, activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one trip — all for less than $80 a day like Carnival is offering in 2024?

But if you're unwilling to spend more than the base fare, you could have a pretty different vacation experience from your peers who are ready to pay-to-play. At least, that's how I felt during my first Carnival cruise in mid-May on the new Firenze.

My stubborn stance against upcharged services resulted in a less-than-amazing experience.

Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, the cruise line's parent company, told investors in late June that the company wants to continue to be known as a "cost leader" in the industry.

Its new ship is a great example of this. Carnival says it's seeing strong demand from its US market. But instead of building a new vessel, the company acquired Firenze and its sister ship from Costa Cruises, another Carnival Corp brand, in 2022.

Besides WiFi, I refused to front for Firenze's up-charged activities and services.

I went on Carnival Firenze for work, which meant I had to cave on the ship's premium WiFi at $85 for all four nights.

Internet connectivity, specialty dining, and drinks packages are always extra on mass market ships . But over the last few years, cruise giants have added more irresistible pay-to-play amenities to their vessels, all while still luring travelers in with affordable base fares.

On Norwegian's newer ships , for example, this means paying $10 for a round of mini-golf or $29 for an hour at the VR arcade.

Not bad compared to Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas , where travelers have to pay $200 for the fanciest restaurant or $49 for a ropes course that could be completed in less than a minute.

To Carnival’s credit, Frienze had more complimentary family-friendly amenities than some of its competitors’ newer ships.

The mini-golf course wasn't nearly as flashy as Norwegian's. But mini-golf is mini-golf, no matter the number of bright lights and animated courses.

The same was true for Firenze's ropes course. While it didn't have the same thrilling floor drop as Icon of the Seas', the multi-part walkway was longer, more diverse, and, more importantly, free.

I much preferred it to the one on Icon.

Families could spend their afternoons shooting hoops, going on the waterslides, and competing over board games — all without spending a cent.

The arcade was one of the few activities that wasn't free. Then again, they rarely are.

But don't book Firenze if you're seeking a quiet, relaxing ship. I struggled to find a peaceful public space where I could churn out some work without being distracted by the loud music and guests.

The only truly quiet space could've been the spa. But again, I wasn't going to pay for a massage.

In the eveing, I passed the time by catching the nightly movies and attending the theater's shows.

Just know that the latter isn't a must-do. Some singers in the cheesy song-and-dance production "Dear Future Husband" were painfully off-key.

And if you want to munch on a bag of popcorn during the movie, you'll have to pay $4. Smelling the buttery snack without having one in my hands was a torturous tease.

Several of Firenze’s bars — like Piano Bar 88 — featured live musicians, too.

Moda Bar and Lounge also had singers, if you count karaoke night.

But if you want a drink to accompany the entertainment, you'll have to spend about $13 for cocktails and $9 for beers and seltzers.

So, late-night foosball it was — for four nights in a row. At least it was free.

Activities like live music and board games are almost always free on cruise ships.

But that doesn't exempt Carnival Firenze from the industry-wide push for more pay-to-play amenities . There's a reason the company saw a spike in onboard spending in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same time last year — despite rising ticket prices.

I doubt it's solely because of increased participation at Firenze's live "Deal or No Deal" game show, which starts at $25 to play. Or the $4 shuttle from the port at Ensenada, Mexico on day three to downtown (which I regret not paying for).

In retrospect, I wish I had fallen for Firenze's upcharged foods.

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean's newer ships had complimentary dining that was as good as, if not better, than the premium options. I still crave Norwegian Prima's free food hall .

I can't say the same for my no-fee dining experience on Firenze.

The ship had six specialty restaurants ranging from teppanyaki to steaks.

The cruiseliner has a kitschy Italian theme, as its name might suggest. But if I had wanted to continue the Italian tune with some shrimp scampi and burrata at the Il Viaggio restaurant, I would've had to drop more than $40.

So, instead, I had my nightly meals in the mediocre main dining room, which served the same dinner dishes as the buffet.

None of my Carnival Firenze dinners were stellar, and finding a piece of plastic in my pasta didn't help, either.

I always have juice with my breakfast at home.

But continuing my ritual on Firenze would've meant coughing up $5 per glass. It was tempting, especially as the main dining room server stopped by every table with a tray of the colorful concoctions.

For lunch, I bounced around options like the Guy Fieri-branded burger shack and the pizza, Italian-Mexican fusion, and Italian sandwich stands.

My no-spend requirement meant I had to snub the almost $40 teppanyaki lunch, $1.50-a-piece empanada, and $6 Korean barbecue steak pizza (the pizza stand had free and upcharged pies).

That meant none of my lunches were standouts. The burgers were too heavy (mine came with a slab of fried mozzarella), the salsa verde at the sandwich stand was inedible, and the buffet was forgettable.

Even worse, the chicken wings at the buffet cost extra. Oh, Carnival.

The only craveable lunch was at La Strada Grill, a tucked-away buffet with sandwiches and fresh vegetables.

It was the only light and fresh meal I had on the ship. I couldn't understand why it and another salad stand were closed until the last day of the cruise.

At that point, I had already grown tired of all the heavy foods.

But a quick pick-me-up at the coffee shop would have required me to break my no-spend rule, too.

The buffet had free coffee, Lipton, and Bigelow's green tea bags. But if you want something closer to your neighborhood coffee shop, the onboard café charges $4.50 for a latte and $4 for a doughnut.

I don't remember the last time I drank that much Lipton tea.

Activities like the afternoon 'Tea Time' also had a cost barrier.

Tea bags at the program were $1.50, unbeknownst to me until I was seated. After expressing disinterest in paying, I was later offered the buffet's teas.

Caffeine might be mandatory if you stay in the cheapest windowless cabin.

Like any mass-market cruise ship, the most affordable option was a windowless interior stateroom and letting Carnival assign me my cabin.

Traveling alone for work meant I had to eat the solo supplement . My interior cabin, booked fairly last minute, cost $735, including $64 in optional gratuities.

But in 2024, the cheapest itinerary starts shy of $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night sailing — from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — as the one I went on.

Carnival put me in one of Firenze’s accessible, wheelchair-friendly rooms.

This meant the shower — a curtain surrounding floor drains — was one of the largest I've had at sea. And all the furniture came pushed against the wall, making the cabin feel spacious for someone without physical disabilities.

But where the stateroom excels in size, it fails in design.

It was one of the ugliest rooms I've ever stayed in. The furniture looked dated, the bathroom had almost no storage, and there were no bedside outlets.

That said, the starting price of $90 a day is hard to beat. At least it encouraged me to spend more time around the ship than inside my windowless dungeon.

Overall, my no-spend Carnival Firenze cruise was fine. Not amazing. Not life-changing. Just fine.

The surplus of complimentary onboard activities rivaled that of more expensive ships. But if my meals weren't lackluster, they were bad.

I'm sure I would have a different review if I had spent an additional $50 on the steakhouse or $100 on the chef's table . But the less-than-desirable complimentary food ultimately plagued my four nights at sea.

If you're considering cruising on Carnival Firenze , I'd recommend paying for at least one of the specialty restaurants. The money will be worth skipping the buffet and uninspiring dining room.

• Main content