Norwegian Cruise Line are growing evermore confident in the South African cruise market with Norwegian Dawn returning to the country for the 2025/26 season out of Cape Town. 

This will mark Norwegian Cruise Line’s fourth cruise season in South Africa, and Norwegian Dawn’s third. The ship will sail from Cape Town three times during the 2025/26 season.

The first cruise will be a 12-night Cape Town to Port Luis, Mauritius itinerary, visiting ports in South Africa, Mozambique and the Indian Ocean.

The cruise departs Cape Town on November 23rd, 2025 sailing overnight to Mossel Bay, a scenic harbor town, where passengers can explore from early morning to late afternoon. 

The ship cruises overnight again to Port Elizabeth where shore excursions are filled with rich cultural experiences and natural beauty, and then the following day, the ship arrives in Richard’s Bay for an extended stay, providing ample time to discover its vibrant local culture and wildlife.

Norwegian Dawn then sails for Madagascar, first docking at Nosy Be on November 30th for an afternoon and evening of exploration in this stunning island paradise. The next day brings a visit to Diego Suarez, a city known for its unique landscapes and historical significance.

Offshore, conical Nosy Lonja, or Sugar Loaf Island, is considered sacred by locals. Long, sandy Ramena Beach lies to the northeast. The city’s French colonial architecture is highlighted by the old covered market and the ruins of the Hôtel de la Marine.

On December 3rd, the cruise reaches Saint-Denis, Reunion, a French overseas region famous for its volcanic landscapes and diverse cultural tapestry. Guests have a full day to immerse themselves in its beauty and charm.

The final stop is Port Louis, Mauritius, arriving on December 4th. This island nation, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, marks the end of this unforgettable journey, with passengers disembarking the following day.

Norwegian Dawn then sails for the Middle East and Asia, but returns to South Africa in February, 2026, with two cruises on offer.

The first is another 12-night itinerary from Cape Town to Port Luis, departing February 19th, 2026, and the second is a March 15th repositioning voyage from Cape Town to Lisbon, sailing up the West Coast of Africa.

Norwegian Dawn features 11 dining options, including the Aqua and Venetian dining rooms, Garden buffet restaurant, Bamboo – A Taste of Asia, Cagney’s Steak House, La Cucina and Le Bistro French restaurants, Teppanyaki restaurant, Moderno Churrascaria, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, and Los Lobos Mexican Cantina. 

Complementing these are 12 bars and cafes, such as the Java Cafe, Bimini Bar & Grill, Sushi and Sake bars, Juice Bar, The Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Gatsby’s Champagne Bar, and the Havana Cigar Club.

There are also three pools, seven whirlpools, a spa, gym, beauty salon, sauna, and steam room, along with a basketball/volleyball court, jogging/walking track, and a Deck 7 Promenade walk.

In terms of entertainment, passengers can enjoy the Stardust Theater, Dawn Club Casino, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and an Internet cafe. For families, there’s the Splash Academy kids’ center and Entourage teen center, alongside a video zone and a library.