Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is making waves once again in Southern African waters, marking its return with the second and longest season to date with the Norwegian Dawn.

• The magnificent Norwegian Dawn visited Port Louis, Mauritius, on 20 January 2024.
• The 12-day sailings departing from Port Louis and Cape Town will take passengers on a mesmerizing journey.
• The voyage fare encompasses accommodations, meals in the main dining rooms, snack and buffet restaurants, world-class entertainment, and numerous onboard activities.
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NCL unveiled a spectacular array of 12- and 21-day itineraries that promise to redefine the contemporary cruise experience in the region.

We are thrilled to set sail once again in African waters after our successful 2022/2023 cruise season out of Cape Town. For 2024, we’ve elevated our deployment to new heights. We are offering not one, but two seasonal homeports, a myriad of roundtrip and open-jaw sailings, and new-to-NCL destinations across the continent.

// Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Vice President and Managing Director of Continental Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Kevin Bubolz

Norwegian Dawn, with its capacity of 2’340 guests at double occupancy, will make its debut as it sets sail from Port Louis, Mauritius, as a seasonal homeport for the very first time. This move emphasizes NCL’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region, offering passengers an unprecedented selection of destinations, ports, and homeports.

The itineraries include stops at sought-after locations such as Réunion, famous for its volcanic landscapes and rainforests; Nosy Be, Madagascar, renowned for its spectacular coral reefs; Richards Bay, a gateway to South Africa’s wildlife safaris, and Mossel Bay, a haven for beach lovers.

For those seeking a blend of wildlife and cultural experiences, Norwegian Dawn’s 12-day roundtrips to South Africa and Namibia on 1 February 2024 and 8 March 2024, are a good option. The cruise includes stops at Mossel Bay and Durban in South Africa, and Luderitz and Walvis Bay in Namibia. The ship will then reposition on 20 March 2024, sailing from Cape Town to Barcelona, Spain, offering a truly unique cruising experience.

One of the highlights of this season is the 21-day voyage along Africa’s west coast, introducing passengers to new and exciting destinations. For the first time in the company’s history, Norwegian Dawn will call at Luanda, Angola; Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Banjul, Gambia, and Dakar, Senegal. NCL aims to solidify its commitment to the region with Norwegian Dawn’s return to homeport from Port Louis, Mauritius, and Cape Town, South Africa, during the northern hemisphere winter of 2024/25 and 2025/26. The cruise line plans to offer a similar roster of itineraries, showcasing the company’s belief in the continued global demand for sailing experiences.

Beyond the enchanting destinations, Norwegian Dawn itself is a floating resort. With 14 dining options, including favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Moderno, passengers will experience a culinary journey like no other. Norwegian Dawn also boasts nine bars and lounges, a Pulse Fitness Centre for the active, and the Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite for those seeking relaxation.

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