Silversea completes 140-day 2026 World Cruise, featuring Cape Town gala highlight

Cape Town played a prominent role in Silversea’s recently completed 2026 World Cruise, with South African cuisine, culture, and safari experiences featuring among the highlights of the 140-day voyage.

The cruise line has announced the completion of its World Cruise 2026, titled The Curious and the Sea, which saw Silver Dawn sail to 59 destinations across 30 countries and six continents before concluding in Lisbon, Portugal.

South Africa formed a key part of the itinerary’s African segment, with guests attending an exclusive event in Cape Town inspired by the country’s heritage and cuisine.

The evening featured a bespoke menu created by renowned South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, who holds nine Michelin stars across his restaurant portfolio.

The voyage also included an optional overland safari experience between Durban and Gqeberha, allowing guests to spend time at a lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park, as well as game drives and traditional outdoor dining experiences.

“‘The Curious and the Sea’ was designed as a World Cruise rooted in cultural access and meaningful destination experiences,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea.

“This journey reflects a broader evolution in luxury travel, where guests are not just visiting places, but rather experiencing them deeply. It sets a new benchmark for what a World Cruise can be and informs how we are designing the journeys ahead,” he added.

Departing earlier this year, the itinerary connected destinations across the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. Throughout the voyage, Silversea organised a series of exclusive events intended to immerse guests in local culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Other experiences included cultural celebrations in French Polynesia and Vanuatu, culinary programmes in Bali and India, and a farewell event in Madeira during the island’s annual Flower Festival.

Beyond South Africa, the cruise’s African component also included destinations such as Walvis Bay, where guests could take part in off-road excursions through Sandwich Harbour and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, as well as safari programmes in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

The voyage also featured a series of destination-focused culinary experiences through Silversea’s Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme, which combines locally inspired menus, cooking experiences and expert talks designed to connect guests more closely with the places they visit.

Silversea has already unveiled its next three world cruises. The 2027 programme, The Three Oceans, will include destinations across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, while the 2028 itinerary, An Ode to the Moment, will visit more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The company has also announced A Pacific Awakening for 2029, a 125-day voyage focused on destinations across the Pacific region.

For South Africa, the inclusion of Cape Town, Durban and safari experiences within these global itineraries continues to reinforce the country’s importance as both a cruise destination and a gateway to wider African travel experiences.