NCL heads back to South Africa for its longest season ever

Norwegian Dawn, Cape Town, South Africa.

Edited by Travel Weekly

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has returned to Southern Africa for its second and longest season with Norwegian Dawn arriving in Port Louis, Mauritius on 20 January, 2024.

Ben Angell, NCL VP and managing director, APAC, said his team is thrilled to set sail again in African waters following a successful cruise season out of Cape Town in 2022/2023.

“Africa is on most travellers’ bucket lists, and our Southern African itineraries offer the best way to experience this fascinating region with our extensive range of roundtrip and open-jaw sailings, a rich selection of destinations and two seasonal homeports,” Angell said.

“On these destination-rich itineraries guests could encounter elephants, lions and hippos in Richards Bay on one day, and on the next enjoy an award-winning spa experience or relax on the beach at Befotaka Bay in Madagascar. Furthermore, Norwegian Dawn provides an intimate size ship so guests can combine diverse cultural and wildlife experiences with the height of convenience and comfort.”

Norwegian Dawn’s Africa season offers 12-day sailings departing from Port Louis, Mauritius and Cape Town. These sailings feature stops at locations like Réunion, known for its volcanic landscapes and rainforests; Nosy Be, Madagascar, famous for its coral reefs; Richards Bay, a gateway to South Africa’s wildlife safaris and Mossel Bay, a haven for beach lovers.

Aerial of Norwegian Dawn passing Le Morne mount, Port Louis, Mauritius island from helicopter (NCL)

Guests seeking wildlife and cultural experiences can embark on Norwegian Dawn’s 12-day roundtrips to South Africa and Namibia on 1 February and 8 March, 2024 with calls to Mossel Bay and Durban in South Africa, and Luderitz and Walvis Bay in Namibia, before she repositions on 20 March, 2024, sailing from Cape Town to Barcelona, Spain.

During the 21-day voyage along Africa’s west coast, she will call to Luanda, Angola; Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Banjul, Gambia and Dakar, Senegal for the very first time in the Company’s history. Building on the success of its Africa deployment and global demand for exotic sailings, NCL will reinforce its commitment to the region when Norwegian Dawn returns to homeport from Port Louis, Mauritius and Cape Town, South Africa in 2024/25 and 2025/26 with a similar roster of itineraries.

With a capacity of 2,340 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Dawn features a total of 14 dining options, including guest favourites Cagney’s Steakhouse, elevated French eatery Le Bistro and Brazilian churrascaria Moderno, as well as nine bars and lounges. Guests can get active in the Pulse Fitness Center or indulge in wellness at Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna.

The voyage fare includes accommodation, daily meals, world-class entertainment, numerous activities on board as well as taxes and gratuities. Guests wishing to customise their cruise holiday can opt for NCL’s Free at Sea offer and receive five additional amenities which includes a beverage package, a speciality package, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursion credits and more.

(Featured Image: Norwegian Dawn, Cape Town, South Africa – NCL)

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