

54-night Transcultural Peregrination Cruise
Aboard
Seven Seas Mariner
From
Singapore, Singapore
1 Sailing
Apr 9, 2026
Published prices from
$37,399
per person*
taxes & fees included
A bustling West African port city with cultural flair.

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Overview
Cotonou is the largest city and economic powerhouse of Benin, a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea. Though Porto-Novo is the official capital, Cotonou functions as the de facto seat of government and is the country's main port and commercial center. It's a vibrant, bustling city characterized by its lively markets, unique mix of modern and traditional life, and its deep connection to the Vodun (Voodoo) religion, which originated in this region. Cotonou offers a raw, authentic, and truly immersive West African experience.
Cotonou is a less common but increasingly featured cruise port of call for specialized West Africa and expedition itineraries. Due to its busy commercial nature, cruise ships typically dock at the Port of Cotonou's commercial berths. While the port area is primarily industrial, organized shore excursions are essential for safe and meaningful exploration of the city and its surrounding unique attractions. A visit to Cotonou offers cruise passengers a profound cultural immersion, an opportunity to witness daily life in a dynamic African city, and a chance to explore significant historical and spiritual sites.
Explore the enormous and chaotic Dantokpa Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa. It's a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, with everything from food and textiles to electronics and, in a specific section, the intriguing Vodun fetish market.
Tip: Be prepared for crowds, and consider hiring a local guide to help navigate and explain the various sections, especially the fetish market.
Take a fascinating excursion to Ganvié, often called the "Venice of Africa." This unique village is built entirely on stilts in Lake Nokoué, where residents live, work, and commute by traditional dugout canoes.
Tip: This is a highlight for many visitors. Ensure your tour includes a boat ride through the village to observe daily life.
Journey to the historic town of Ouidah, a significant site in the transatlantic slave trade. Walk the Slave Route from the former slave market to the "Gate of No Return" monument. Also, visit the Python Temple and learn about the origins and practices of Vodun.
Tip: This excursion is a powerful and somber historical experience. A knowledgeable guide can provide crucial context.
Admire the distinctive architecture of the Cotonou Cathedral (Notre Dame de Miséricorde). Known for its striking red-and-white striped facade, it's a prominent landmark in the city and a significant religious site.
Tip: Its unique exterior makes for interesting photographs.
Visit the Fondation Zinsou, a renowned museum dedicated to promoting contemporary African art. It showcases high-quality works by local and regional artists, offering a modern artistic perspective on the continent.
Tip: This provides a calmer, more reflective cultural experience compared to the bustling markets.
See the impressive Monument de l'Amazone, a towering bronze statue inaugurated in 2021, honoring the bravery and strength of Beninese women, inspired by the historical female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
Tip: This is a relatively new and significant landmark, reflecting modern Benin.



Aboard
Seven Seas Mariner
From
Singapore, Singapore
1 Sailing
Apr 9, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included


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