Azamara’s World Cruise Puts Cape Town at the Heart of Global Tourism

Published on December 15, 2025

Azamara Cruises has announced the 2028 World Cruise, marking a significant milestone for Cape Town as a pivotal embarkation and disembarkation port. Set to depart on January 5, 2028, aboard the Azamara Onward, this extensive 175-night journey will cover six continents, visiting 40 countries and 91 ports, with Cape Town featuring prominently as a key stopover for African and international tourists.

Cape Town’s strategic inclusion not only elevates its status as a prime cruise destination but also offers African travelers the rare opportunity to embark on a world-class cruise from their home continent without the need to travel to distant European or North American ports. The cruise’s dual segmentation, with two extended stops in Cape Town, highlights the city’s growing importance as a key player in the global cruise sector and offers additional opportunities for local tourism businesses to cater to an influx of high-value, long-haul cruise guests.

Cape Town’s Role in the 2028 Azamara World Cruise

The inclusion of Cape Town as an embarkation and disembarkation port for the 2028 Azamara World Cruise is an exciting development for South African tourism. The cruise will feature Segment 9, a 14-night journey that weaves together destinations like Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, and South Africa, culminating in Cape Town. The following Segment 10 will be a 21-night adventure, departing from Cape Town, exploring the Atlantic coast, with stops in Namibia, the Canary Islands, and Morocco, before continuing to Europe.

Cape Town’s position as both an arrival and departure point underscores its role as a significant cruise turnaround hub, catering to travelers who wish to explore multiple destinations in Africa, Europe, and beyond. This development not only boosts international arrivals but also encourages extended pre- and post-cruise stays in South Africa, benefiting local accommodation providers, tour operators, and the hospitality sector as a whole.

Exploring Africa and the World Through Azamara’s World Cruise

The 2028 World Cruise offers an exciting array of destinations across continents, with a focus on providing immersive cultural experiences for travelers. As the cruise departs Cape Town, it will continue to Mauritius, the Seychelles, and across the Indian Ocean before heading towards Asia. Key ports of call in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore will offer tourists a taste of the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the region.

The journey continues through the South Pacific, with overnight stays in the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora, before reaching the shores of New Zealand and Australia. The cruise will then sail to Asia, offering further stops in key ports like India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives before making its way to South Africa.

As the cruise heads to Europe, it will visit famous Mediterranean destinations, including the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and the French Riviera, before concluding in Athens, Greece, on June 29, 2028.

Increasing Tourism Potential in Africa

The inclusion of Cape Town as a primary stop in this major global cruise further strengthens South Africa’s position as a key destination for international tourists. The 2028 Azamara World Cruise will not only drive tourist traffic to Cape Town but also increase demand for local services such as hotels, restaurants, tours, and cultural experiences.

The cruise’s commitment to offering optional overland excursions will allow passengers to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most iconic cultural and natural wonders. For African travelers, the cruise offers the opportunity to experience global destinations while also discovering the richness of local landscapes and wildlife in South Africa. Additionally, the cruise’s stops in Victoria Falls, Madagascar, and Seychelles offer guests a variety of unforgettable experiences unique to the African continent.

For tourism professionals in Africa, this cruise represents an opportunity to expand into the growing market for long-haul travel and luxury cruises. The segmented approach of the cruise also allows tourists from Africa to join the journey for shorter portions, broadening accessibility for more travelers.

Cruise Tourism: A Growing Market in Africa

The success of Cape Town as a major cruise port is indicative of the growing importance of cruise tourism in Africa. The region has seen a steady increase in the number of cruises arriving in African ports, with South Africa leading the charge. Major ports like Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town are benefiting from the growing interest in luxury cruising and eco-tourism, providing passengers with an opportunity to explore the continent’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

In addition to bringing tourists to local destinations, cruise tourism also generates significant revenue for Africa’s hospitality industry, local businesses, and tourism infrastructure. With growing investment in the cruise industry and improvements to port facilities, Africa is poised to become an increasingly important player in the global cruise market.

Conclusion

The launch of the 2028 Azamara World Cruise, with Cape Town as a primary embarkation and disembarkation port, is a significant milestone for South African tourism. The inclusion of Cape Town in this global journey highlights the growing importance of Africa as a key player in the cruise tourism sector. The cruise’s unique dual-segment format, allowing guests to experience the best of Africa and beyond, opens up exciting possibilities for both tourists and local businesses. As the tourism industry continues to expand, Cape Town’s role as a turnaround port will help to further boost its reputation as one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations for international travelers.