Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Language
English, Zulu, Xhosa
Time Zone
SAST (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit
Nov–Mar
Typical Duration
4-26 nights
Price Range
From $236 pp
Port Type
Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Durban serves as a gateway to South Africa's stunning coastline and wildlife, offering cruisers access to the Indian Ocean and nearby natural reserves including the famous Garden Route and Kruger National Park region.
Cruises that visit Durban
- cruises to Durban
- Durban sailings
- Durban cruises
- 3-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 3-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 3-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 4-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 4-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 5-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 5-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 10-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 11-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 12-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 12-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 24-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 25-night Seabourn cruise
- 25-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 25-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 26-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 26-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 27-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 27-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 28-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 31-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 31-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 36-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 46-night Holland America Line cruise
Build Your Day in Durban
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
uShaka Marine World
Aquarium & family-friendly theme park
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Gateway Theatre Of Shopping
Large, upscale mall with global brands
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
The Pavilion Shopping Centre
Elegant shopping center with a theater
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Huge, futuristic sports & events stadium
Durban Botanic Gardens
Indigenous & exotic plant collections
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
The Workshop Shopping Centre
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Wilson's Wharf
Network of shops, eateries & services
City View (Game City) Shopping Centre
Landmark mall with stores & city views
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Durban Beach Front
Onsite services
Springfield Value Centre
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Windermere Shopping Centre.
Local complex for everyday shopping
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Victoria Street Market
Storied Afro-Indian food & crafts market
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Mini Town
Nonprofit park with building models
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon
uShaka Village Walk
In-store shopping
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Mitchell Park Zoo
Zoo with small animals & a playground
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Cubaña Durban
Latino cafe, cocktail bar & cigar lounge
Durban Beach Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
Southway Mall
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Roma Revolving Restaurant
Fantastic place to eat breathtaking views of Durban food was awsome
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Surf Riders Cafe
The Food and atmosphere is second to none in Durban.
Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Mon
Umgeni River Bird Park
Tropical bird center with exotic species
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
On Point Waterfront
An absolute gem overlooking the lively Durban Harbour!
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Blue Lagoon park
Next Chapter Restaurant
beautiful environment, good service and the food is to die for.
Beachview Mall
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Egagasini - Mondise MVG Restaurant And Cuisine
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
PheZulu Safari Park
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Gounden's Restaurant & Take Away
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
My Diners North Beachfront
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Blue Lagoon Beach
Onsite services
Amsterdam Bar & Grill
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Antique Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Durban Beach Front Promenade
Onsite services
Butcher Boys Morningside
Excellent food, outstanding service, and a truly memorable night.
Closes soon · 9 PM
Ansteys Beach
Jack Salmon
The food is ALWAYS fresh, stunningly presented and the menu is extensive.
Closes soon · 9 PM
9th Avenue Marina
World class food, service and atmosphere - every single time!
Connors Public House
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Dropkick Murphy's
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Cafe Mayfair
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Mon
Views at Twenty5
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
The Black Rabbit
The attention to detail in both the setting and the food really stood out.
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Abundant wildlife & bird viewing
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
The Chefs' Table
Chef’s Table in Umhlanga – incomparable food, service, and atmosphere!
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Mon
KuD'Ta
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Mozambik @ The Food Box
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
HAVANA
Compliments to the Chef, the food was amazing, our guests are still in awe.
The Food Box 031
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closes soon · 9 PM
Durban Natural Science Museum
Museum focused on Earth & its life
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Unity Bar & Brasserie
Busy spot for craft beers & comfort food
Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
The Lookout
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
La Parada Suncoast
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Savior Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon
The Keys on Florida
Dine-in·Takeout
Joe Cools
Dine-in·Takeout
Times Square Durban
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Mozambik Wilsons Wharf
Mozambik my happy place, best food ever, the vibe and excellent service.
Beach Front Swimming Pools
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Chairman
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Zai Restaurant Durban
We had an Amazing experience, the food was delicious, ambiance was topnotch.
Mahā Café
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
Virginia Beach
Comida Eatery
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Closes soon · 9 PM
Doughed - Woodfired Dining Experiences
Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Freedom Café
Cool cafe in former shipping containers
Closes soon · 8:30 PM
Patel Vegetarian Refreshment Room
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
The Grill Jichana Durban
Incredible kitchen and some great wines available, but beware the service.
Closed · Opens 6 PM Tue
Gatvol coffee
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Ushaka Beach
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
Suncoast Beach
Onsite services
Kwa Muhle Museum
Museum of Durban's history & people
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Zulumoon Gondolas Boat Rides
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Mon
Brighton Beach Braai Area & Toilets
Grimaldi's Cucina & Sushi Bar
Great food, cocktails and service with a beautiful view of the sea.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
Strangers Coffee
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Zuma Restaurant Contemporary Mediterrasian Cuisine Durban by chef raw
The food tasted wonderful and the presentation was incredible.
Skyline Coffee Durban
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 6 AM Mon
brighton beach
Durban Kota House
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon
Laguna Beach
Nguni Foods
Dine-in·Takeout
Barnaby's Grillhouse
Dine-in·Takeout
Dukkah Restaurant & Bar
Dine-in·Curbside pickup
The HideOut 360 Pub
Dine-in·No delivery
Golden Mile Durban
Beachfront path with markets & fishing
North Beach
Wedge Beach
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate
The cuisine was bold yet refined, delicate yet deeply expressive.
Closed · Opens 6:30 PM Tue
Fun Things Durban - Ushaka
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
City of Durban
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
Durban
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About Durban
Durban stands as one of Africa's most vibrant cruise destinations, offering travelers an intoxicating blend of cosmopolitan energy and natural wonders. This bustling port city on South Africa's east coast has earned its place as a premier hub for cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or arriving as a port of call, Durban serves as the perfect launching point for exploring some of southern Africa's most spectacular regions.
As both an embarkation port and a destination in its own right, Durban accommodates diverse cruise itineraries that cater to every traveler's interests. Those seeking longer voyages can embark on 4-night cruises—the most popular duration from this port—that venture to iconic destinations like Cape Town, Portuguese Island, Pomene National Reserve, Walvis Bay, and Richards Bay. The peak season runs from November through March, when warm summer weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
The port itself is remarkably accessible, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately immerses you in South African culture. From the vibrant beachfront promenade to world-class shopping and dining just steps away, Durban rewards both cruise passengers with limited time and those planning extended explorations. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this dynamic African port promises unforgettable experiences and seamless transitions between ship and shore.
As both an embarkation port and a destination in its own right, Durban accommodates diverse cruise itineraries that cater to every traveler's interests. Those seeking longer voyages can embark on 4-night cruises—the most popular duration from this port—that venture to iconic destinations like Cape Town, Portuguese Island, Pomene National Reserve, Walvis Bay, and Richards Bay. The peak season runs from November through March, when warm summer weather and calm seas make for ideal cruising conditions.
The port itself is remarkably accessible, with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately immerses you in South African culture. From the vibrant beachfront promenade to world-class shopping and dining just steps away, Durban rewards both cruise passengers with limited time and those planning extended explorations. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this dynamic African port promises unforgettable experiences and seamless transitions between ship and shore.
Cruise Lines at Durban
- MSC Cruises (58 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (14 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (7 cruises)
- Seabourn (7 cruises)
- Holland America Line (3 cruises)
- Silversea (3 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Durban
Cruises Visiting Durban
Ship Schedule at Durban
Durban Location
Other Cruise Ports in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durban known for?
Durban is known for its Golden Mile beaches, warm subtropical climate, diverse cultures, and bustling port.
When is the best time to visit Durban?
Durban has warm summers and mild winters; spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Is Durban safe for tourists?
Like any city, exercise ordinary precautions, stay aware in crowded areas, and use reputable transport.
How can I get around Durban and the port area?
Walk the Golden Mile, use taxis or rideshares, and consider guided tours for the port.
What are top attractions near Durban's port?
Top sights include uShaka Marine World, the Durban Botanic Garden, and the Golden Mile beaches.