A recent trend of major carriers incorporating Africa into their itinerary rosters is now typified by a recent voyage aboard NCL ‘s 2004-passenger Norwegian Sky. This demonstrated the appeal of an itinerary that visits places few cruise fans had previously experienced, but were willing to sample assuming everything stayed positive.

 

 

From Europe to Africa
Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Cape Town, South Africa, a November 16 – December 7 voyage first called at Funchal, Madeira. That prosperous former Portuguese colony—like four subsequent Spanish Canary Islands stops (Santa Cruz de la Palma, Arrecife Lanzarote, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Las Palmas, Grand Canara—had similar lineage and appeals.

 

Each were lovely stand-alone sites, first discovered during the late-15th and/or early-16th century. Today, each destination feature appealing centers where elegant municipal and private dwellings, impressive churches, narrow streets and by-ways, inventive restaurants and shopping, and an aura of calm and comfort abound.

 

These islands also boast natural wonders, ranging from volcanic outcroppings to lush growing regions, and/or stark natural rock formations. All provided a fascinating change of pace to the experiences awaiting passengers in Africa proper.

 

 

Dakar, Senegal Port of Call
Dynamic, pulsating Dakar, Senegal was our first mainland Africa port. Today’s bustling economy is quickly grasped by viewing the action in and around the port. Urban towers are seemingly everywhere, as are masses of solo street sellers urging all to buy their goods.

 

Dakar also features two striking cultural draws: the IFAN African Arts Museum and the Museum of Black Civilizations. Ship tours frequently call one or both depending on when they are open. Other prime choices include Goree Island, once a major distribution center for the gathering, sale and transport of masses of Africans, many of whom were destined for horrendous sojourns and desperate futures in Europe or the new world.

 

Goree’s importance peaked in the 18th century, then declined quickly during the mid 19th century when slave trade with Europe was abolished. Today, visitors flock to see La Maison des Escalves (House of Slaves) built during the 1780s. Above ground are the comfortable quarters of a prosperous businessmen. Below lie dungeons where slaves were warehoused prior to their grim, outbound voyage.

 

Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Abidjan, Ivory Coast, was next. Here, too, tall structures dominate the downtown skyline. Particularly striking was the soaring St. Paul’s Cathedral designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito. Its collection of stained glass biblical scenes as well as colonial oppression are memorable.  Also impressive was the Musee des Civilizations de Cote D’Ivoire filled with stunning statuary and masks.

 

 

Sao Tome and Principe
Next was Sao Tome and Principe, Africa’s second smallest nation, located some 200 miles west of Gabon in the Gulf of Guinea. We walked roughly a mile from our tender’s docking point to reach a sturdy cathedral surrounded by brightly colored municipal government and private buildings. Several blocks further was the bustling and throbbing daily market, including a massive interior section filled with all manner of goods, plus extensive street sellers displaying hardware, handmade craft, and plenty of fresh-caught fish, fruits, vegetables, masks, spices, etc. A lunchtime pause at a local fish restaurant, and a visit to Diogo Vaz, a major purveyor of chocolates, were added highlights.

 

 

Luanda, Angola
Luanda, Angola’s capital was our next stop. Highlights here are the Iron Palace designed by Gustav Eiffel. We also explored the star-shaped 15th century castle, boasting a vast collection of weaponry, but also multiple classic blue and white Portuguese tiles depicting a huge panoply of animal life from antelopes to elephants.

 

An interesting footnote, Luanda also boasts a fascinating slavery museum which, unfortunately was not accessible on our day in port which coincided with an arrival by President Biden. Here he conducted a ceremony lauding new economic and transportation developments in Angola.

 

 

Walvis Bay, Namibia
Our next port, was Walvis Bay, Namibia’s second largest city though its estimated population is only 76,000. Nearby is Swakopmund a coastal resort featuring sandy beaches and home to multiple flamingos. While many Sky passengers booked four-wheel drives up and down some of Namibia’s world-famous sand dunes, we explored this lovely town, established by German colonists in 1892. The restored rail station, now a hotel, is an architectural highlight.

 

 

Cape Town, South Africa Disembarkation
After a final day at sea we disembarked in Cape Town, South Africa. Discovered by 15th and 16th century Portuguese explorers, fleets later operated by the Dutch East India Company regularly sailing between Europe, recognized that this fertile and temperate spot was an ideal mid-trip port to replenish stocks of fresh produce, water, and all manner of supplies.

 

The Company Gardens, a DEI company creation still stands in the heart of the city. Today, however, instead of still being a vast fruit and vegetable garden, this is a magnificent park that’s a must see.
We spent four days here, re-adjusting to life on land, exploring the bustling Victoria Waterfront, visiting the 17th century fort, the Castle of Good Hope, fascinating historic sites such as the District Six museum which recalls the darkest days of apartheid, plus Robben Island, Table Mountain, Boulders beach where African penguins abound, and also explored nearby towns that are major producers of South Africa’s famous wines.

 

Also refreshing was once being able to savor cuisines in a culture where spices are not feared but embraced. Ultimately the Norwegian Sky delivered what it promised: A fascinating and itinerary, and a comfortable cabin with balcony, well-maintained, and pleasingly staffed.

 

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