Stunning Cape Town

One of the great destination for cruising is Cape Town in South Africa. I have visited this city 2 times already and I am always sad when I need to leave.
So, when you want to visit this great location, just give me a call on my direct free number 0800 408 6084 (in UK) or send an email to Hannah Wilson at Cruise.co.uk and I will all I can to assist you in selecting the best cruise for your needs.

Cape Town With its stunning location, surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean, white-sand beaches and set against the canvas of Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No wonder Sir Francis Drake described it as “…the fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth,” when he sailed into Table Bay in 1580.

In and around what is affectionately nicknamed the Mother City, there’s a great variety of attractions, plus excellent shopping in the malls and lively craft markets, and world-class cuisine in the trendy restaurant districts. In summer, it’s difficult to escape the glitz of the rich and the fabulous who holiday here, and the international media – film crews for fashion shoots, music videos and commercials are lured to the city by exotic backdrops, a world-class infrastructure and the seemingly endless supply of drop-dead gorgeous models and extras.

Sightseeing
One of the biggest problems facing the first-time visitor to Cape Town is how to fit in all the attractions. The small and compact city centre is easy to explore, and contains a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Cape Dutch, Victorian and Edwardian, wedged between modern skyscrapers.

Away from the centre, the cableway ride to the top of Table Mountain is a highlight for any visitor, while the jagged mountains, sweeping beaches and breathtaking views in the Table Mountain National Park encompass most of the Cape Peninsula as far as Cape Point.

Less than an hour’s drive away are the impossibly pretty historical wine estates where you can sample the best of South African wine and gourmet food. Cape Town’s cultural and historical wealth can be explored on a tour of the friendly townships, a thought-provoking visit to Robben Island, or at the variety of top-notch contemporary museums.

Highlights
• Table Mountain
• Bo-Kaap (Top Cape, also known as the Malay Quarter)
• Robben Island
• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Cape Winelands
• Boulders Beach
• District Six Museum
• Two Oceans Aquarium

Shopping
Shopping is a popular pastime for cruise visitors to Cape Town, especially at the international stores in the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, which is right near the port. The city has embraced American-style mall culture with abandon and the shopping malls have hundreds of shops under one roof. Additionally, there are a number of outdoor craft markets, which are enjoyable to visit on a sunny day.

Where? Greenmarket Square, Church Street, Long Street, Victoria & Albert Waterfront, Waterfront Craft Market, Green Point Fleamarket, Canal Walk Shopping Mall.
What? African art, local jewellery, handmade clothing, music, books and antiques.

When To Go
Summer (December to February) brings long, hot beach days and balmy outdoor evenings, but this is also the busiest season. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) promise golden hazes of warm days. Winter (June to August) can be wet and is often cold, but the city is wonderfully green and tourist free.

Getting There
By Water
Cruise liners longer than 200m (656ft) are accommodated at various berths at the Duncan Dock within the main Port of Cape Town, while smaller liners dock at the V&A Waterfront.

By Air
Cape Town International Airport
Transfer Distance 5km (3.1 miles).
Transfer Time 10-15 minutes.

Key Facts
Region: South Africa
Time Zone: GMT + 2.
Currency: Rand (R) = 100 cents.
Language: English.
Location: Southwestern coast of South Africa.
Population: 3.29 million.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1910.
Religion: Most inhabitants profess Christianity of some form and belong to Catholic, Anglican and other protestant denominations, Afrikaner Dutch Reformed churches or African independent churches. There are also significant Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be shown when visiting someone’s home. Casual wear is widely acceptable, though no shorts in the evening, and formal evening wear is only required for special functions; this will be specified on the invitation. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport, and restaurants have enclosed or outdoor smoking sections.

Tipping: It is customary to tip 10% for good service.