Holland America Line Africa Cruises

For an adventurous, unique, and sometimes mysterious vacation experience, choose an Africa and Arabia cruise with Holland America Line. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Mediterranean-influenced North African countries like Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, and more. Explore Egypt and Arabia, finding treasures and enriching yourself with foreign dance, cuisine, and history. You may even have the opportunity to visit Africa’s crown jewel--South Africa—where you can interact with the incredibly blended cultures and spend time getting acquainted with Africa’s wildlife. For a special and memorable journey, choose an Africa & Arabia cruise with Holland America Line.

Things to Do on an Africa Cruise with Holland America Line

Africa and the lands of Arabia offer a desert wonderland. With Holland America Line, you can delve into the history of the Holy Land, explore the pyramids and go 4x4 riding in a landscape that mimics the moon.

• Namib Desert 4x4 Adventure (Walvis Bay, Namibia)
  When you picture desert sand dunes, you’re thinking about the Namib Desert. This amazing landscape is filled with dunes reaching tens of feet in the air. You’ll also explore the Swakop River Valley, which is said to look a lot like the surface of the moon. You’ll also stop in the Welwitschia Valley which offers another interesting environment. Before heading back to the ship you’ll enjoy some local treats: oysters.
   

• Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Overnight Tour (Haifa, Israel)
  You’ll spend two days discovering the religious roots of Jesus Christ on this excursion. First you’ll visit Nazareth where he grew up, then you’ll drive by the site where Jesus gave his famed Sermon on the Mount. In Jerusalem, visit the Western Wall, the only remaining part of the Holy Temple built by King Solomon. On your second day you’ll visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and return to Jerusalem later to visit the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion and the spot of the Last Supper.
   

• Magical Marrakech (Casablanca, Morocco)
  This mystical city has a lot of beautiful Islamic architecture to view, including the Bahia Palace, which was once the home of the Sultan’s harem. You’ll visit a 12th century minaret and after lunch you’ll head to Jemaa el-Fna Square to see the acrobats, snake charmers and soothsayers all perform for your attention.
   

• Cape Town: A Military City (Cape Town, South Africa)
  Visit the Castle of Good Hope, which was a fortress built just 14 years after Dutch settler Jan van Riebeeck came onto the shores of South Africa. You’ll explore both the Military History Museum and the William Fehr Art Collection which contain artifacts associated with the colonization of Cape Town. At noon you’ll hear the Noon Gun at Signal Hill, a local tradition. After lunch, enjoy the South African Air Force Museum.
   

• Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (Port Said, Egypt)
  One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are not to be missed. Nearby is the mysterious Sphinx, a statue depicting a lion with a man’s face. In the afternoon, travel to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities where you’ll get a great understanding of Ancient Egypt and its customs. One of the highlights of this museum is the treasures of King Tut, the boy king.
   

• Petra: the Rose Red City (Aquaba, Jordan)
  Walk into this tucked away city through the Siq gorge in Petra. You will be guided through this experience as you pass by stone carvings and water channels until, seemingly out of nowhere, you’ll see The Treasury, an intricate building carved out of rock. You’ll also visit the Greek Theater and the royal tombs.