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Seabourn Enhances 2028 World Cruise with New Cape Town Departures, Elevating South Africa’s Role Seabourn Enhances 2028 World Cruise with New Cape Town Departures, Elevating South Africa’s Role

Seabourn is amplifying its 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise by adding two new departure options from Cape Town, solidifying South Africa’s strategic position as a pivotal embarkation point in one of the cruise line’s most extensive and luxurious global voyages to date. This expansion underscores Cape Town’s growing importance within the luxury cruise sector as both a geographic and cultural nexus.

The flagship 120-day Cape to Cape World Cruise aboard the Seabourn Quest charts an epic journey from Miami to Dover, navigating iconic maritime landmarks including Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles and visiting over 50 destinations across five continents, the voyage places Cape Town at the heart of a global circumnavigation—both literally and symbolically.

The newly introduced 38-day Africa’s West Coast, Spain & France itinerary sets sail from Cape Town to Dover between March 29 and May 6, 2028. This segment offers discerning travellers the flexibility to join the world cruise mid-journey in South Africa, bypassing the initial transatlantic leg from the United States. From Cape Town, the Seabourn Quest will call at key ports along Africa’s Atlantic coast, including Namibia, Angola, São Tomé & Príncipe, Benin, Ghana, and Senegal, before crossing to Atlantic island destinations such as Cabo Verde and the Canary Islands. The European portion of the itinerary features stops in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, and concludes in Dover.

Complementing this, Seabourn has launched a shorter 30-day Africa’s West Coast: Cape Town to Cabo Verde cruise that zeroes in on the African and Atlantic island portion before transitioning into Southern Europe. This route includes visits to the same African countries and island stops, finishing in Portugal after calls in Morocco and Spain.

These Cape Town departures reinforce South Africa’s vital role in contemporary world cruise itineraries. The rounding of the Cape of Good Hope remains a maritime milestone steeped in history, symbolically and operationally linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Its continued prominence in such voyages highlights both the enduring allure and navigational significance of this passage.

Adding further allure to the 2028 voyage, Seabourn is integrating expedition-style experiences for the first time on a world cruise. An expanded, expert-led 18-person expedition team will guide guests through select regions—such as Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords—offering complimentary Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and optional kayaking in select locations. These immersive adventures enhance the luxury cruise experience by blending exploration with comfort.

The comprehensive itinerary boasts multiple maiden port calls and access to over 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering travellers a rare combination of cultural depth and natural wonders. Notably, the journey also commemorates the start of Seabourn’s 40th anniversary, with a nostalgic Panama Canal transit designed to echo the company’s inaugural voyage.

For Africa’s travel and tourism professionals, Seabourn’s enhanced Cape Town offerings highlight the continent’s rising stature in the global luxury cruise market and underscore the potential of integrating cultural heritage and expedition-style tourism into premium itineraries. The move is expected to stimulate regional tourism economies and strengthen partnerships between cruise operators, local destinations, and service providers.