I’m taking a cruise next year which involves visiting a few ports I’ve never been to. Appreciate any feedback. Likes-food, history, galleries, architecture. All stops are 1 day except Cape Town-3 days
The ports are.
Mauritius.
Reunion
Durban
Port Elizabeth
Cape Town
Walvis Bay
Tenerife
Madiera
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4821 posts
I would highly recommend that you check out the Cruise Critic website. There is a Ports of Call forum with subforums for many different parts of the world. You will also find a forum specific to your cruiseline, amongst many others.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Google each port "Things to do and see in _________". Also google ports for cruise excursions. As well, your cruise line should have information available for each port.
Posted by
7639 posts
I have seen cruises from MSC that visits those ports. We have friends that did a couple of crises on MSC and they said the food was terrible.
We are planning a safari in Kenya/Tanzania, but not so interested in these ports, except perhaps Cape Town.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Check out your cruise line’s forum on Cruise Critic (MSC, Azamara, etc.). Also find the Roll Call for your specific cruise - other people on the same cruise will be sharing ports and DYI tours info.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
I was in Madeira and though not Tenerife, several other Canary Islands over Christmas. I researched the appropriate country's travel guides. The Canary Islands have history leading back to before the Spaniard settlements, so if you decide to rent a car for the day in Tenerife, there could be some archeological options. A guide book will also cover the local food and wine.
Madeira is the the 'garden island'. Lush. Also steep. If you are gong to be in Funchal as port, there is Monte Palace Tropical Garden. It was a private home and garden for many years. It includes a African art gallery that was very interesting.
Funchal port doesn't have any public transport close by so you either taxi, pay the ship shuttle or walk into town. Walk is flat and about 25 minutes to the tram that takes you up to Monte where the garden is. As mentioned, things are steep, so if you have mobility issues, then this isn't the garden to choose. They still run the old woven toboggans down the street in Funchal, but it is pretty touristy. They stop about a kilometre or more from town and the taxis waiting there rip you off. There is a loal bus, or the Hop on Hop Off bus as a transport option, or a 25 minute downhill walk.