Queen Mary 2
February 1, 2024

Cape Town, South Africa, docks at V&A Waterfront, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 4 million. Travelers ascend Table Mountain via cable car for panoramic views. Local markets sell biltong. Excursions to Robben Island, 30 minutes by ferry, visit Mandela’s cell. Peak season November to March; taxis 50-100 ZAR. Dining includes bobotie at waterfront restaurants. Souvenirs feature beaded crafts.

Durban, South Africa, has docking at Durban Port. Travelers explore uShaka Marine World’s aquariums. Excursions visit Valley of a Thousand Hills’ Zulu villages. Local markets sell beaded crafts. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Indian Ocean shores. Dining onboard includes bunny chow. Souvenirs, like Zulu baskets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover South African culture. Light clothing suits warm conditions. Durban’s vibrant port offers a dynamic African coastal stop.

Reunion, France, offers docking at Pointe des Galets Port. Travelers explore Piton de la Fournaise and Saint-Denis’ colonial architecture. Excursions visit Cirque de Salazie’s waterfalls. Local markets sell vanille bourbon. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for volcano tours. Photography captures lava fields and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes rougail saucisse, a Reunionese favorite. Souvenirs, like vanilla pods, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Creole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Reunion’s volcanic allure offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and Creole culture, making Reunion an engaging destination for island exploration.

Port Louis, Mauritius, offers docking at Port Louis Port. Travelers explore the Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site and Caudan Waterfront. Excursions visit Black River Gorges’ trails. Local markets sell dholl puri. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Indian Ocean vistas. Dining onboard includes rougaille, a Mauritian favorite. Souvenirs, like dodo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mauritius’ multicultural history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Port Louis’ vibrant cultural blend offers a dynamic Mauritian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic nature, and island charm, making Port Louis an engaging destination for exploring Mauritius’ heritage.

Fremantle (Perth), Australia, provides docking at Fremantle Port with excursions to Perth. Travelers explore Fremantle’s Maritime Museum and Perth’s Kings Park. Excursions visit Rottnest Island’s quokkas. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Swan River views. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like boomerangs, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Western Australia’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Fremantle’s vibrant coastal charm offers a dynamic Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime history, scenic landscapes, and urban culture, making Fremantle an engaging gateway to Perth and its surroundings.