Refurbished Crystal Symphony to cruise from Cape Town in late 2024 on Red Sea concerns

Crystal Cruises has announced that a series of voyage in the Middle East and Indian Ocean in late 2024 and early 2025 have been cancelled due to ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea.

Crystal Symphony was due to sail from Athens to Singapore via the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Indian Ocean on a series of voyages departing November 24th, December 6th and 23rd, 2024, and January 7th, 2025, but these voyages have been cancelled.

The ship will instead reposition for Asia via South Africa, with a new 13-night cruise from Cape Town to Mahe in the Seychelles departing December 23rd, 2024, followed by another 13-night voyage from Mahe for Singapore on January 5th, 2025.

The Cape Town-Mahe cruise features 8 ports of call, including Mossel Bay, East London and Durban in South Africa, along with Fort Dauphin in Madagascar, Saint-Denis in Reunion, and Port Louis in Mauritius before arriving in Mahe, Seychelles.

“This Christmas cruise around the Indian Ocean embarks in Cape Town and ventures to Mossel Bay, at the western end of South Africa’s Garden Route,” explains Crystal Cruises. 

Mossel Bay, South Africa

Mossel Bay is where 15th century Europeans first made landfall on South African soil. The town offers almost 40 miles of wide, sandy beaches and at least 300 days of sunshine and is one of the country’s most popular destinations for both locals and tourists. From June to mid-November, Mossel Bay is a major whale watching destination.

“There will be plenty to keep you amused onboard for the following sea day, before reaching East London and Durban’s wildlife-rich savannas, best seen on an Abercrombie Kent safari tour,” Crystal adds. 

East London, South Africa

South Africa’s only river port, East London lies on one of the most scenic pieces of coastline in the country. There is Nahoon Beach, featuring miles of inviting sandy splendour, with southern right whales breaching offshore on their migratory route to Antarctica. On inland safari tours at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, passengers can also spot the elusive “big five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, cape buffalo).

Durban, South Africa

Durban, South Africa’s third largest city is known for its vast, golden beaches. The city’s bustling seaside promenade, filled with hotels, restaurants, and street vendors is known as the Golden Mile. Three-wheeled “tuk-tuk” tours taking in the historical buildings in the city center, as well as public parks and manicured gardens offer a unique perspective. Passengers can also stop at the famous Victoria Street Indian Market, where you can visit temples, do some shopping, and sample local delicacies, including Bunny Chow, a famous curry, a legacy of the Indian community in Durban.

From Durban, Crystal Symphony then sails to Madagascar, spending two days at sea before arriving at Fort Dauphin, disembarking in little-visited Taolagnaro, a small town on the island’s southeastern tip almost entirely circled by beaches. 

“Ring in 2025 on your way to the island of La Reunion, followed by Mauritius with its dreamy powder sands lapped by clear blue waters. Your journey ends in the Seychelles, at its largest island, Mahe,” Crystal Cruises adds.

This is Crystal Cruises’ only cruise from Cape Town during 2024, but Crystal Symphony will return in April next year for a 13-night cruise from Cape Town to Tema in Ghana, as part of the ship’s return repositioning from Asia to the Mediterranean.