2026 South African Wine Education Cruise - Cape Town to Mauritius

Cape Town, South Africa - Mar 21-24 | Pre-Cruise Activities

Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The presence of Table Mountain in all its splendor still invokes this kind of emotion. Cape Town is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer.

Mar 21 | Enjoy a wonderful welcome reception for all the attendees

March 22-23 | Join in on some fun and exciting excursions around South Africa

Mar 24 | All Aboard Oceania's Nautica - we set sail at 5p

At Sea - Mar 25-26 

Richard's Bay, South Africa - Mar 27 - 28 | 7a - 4p

Situated on KwaZulu-Natal's fertile south coast, Richards Bay started out as a holiday town and has developed into a major port. It is situated on a lagoon in the Mhathuze river and its potential as a great natural harbour were confirmed in 1897 after a detailed survey was carried out. Originally, the lagoon provided a home for a vast population of aquatic birds, attracted to the area by a rich supply of fish. Crocodiles, sharks and hippos frequented the lagoon, as did hunters and fisherman in search of trophies.Richards Bay is also known for being the point where the world’s most famous hippo, Huberta began her 2500km trek across the country traveling down the East Coast sometime in 1928. Huberta was a fascinating creature who, evidently, was scared of very little: she would cross roads, highways, railroad tracks, enter cities and city parks without a care in the world. The world loved her and followed her journey even allowing her to ruin golf courses and gardens. She had a phalanx of journalists tracking her every move and feeding her fruits and sugar cane to keep her energized. She is now on display in Kaffrarian Museum in King William’s town.

Maputo, Mozambique - Mar 29 | 7a

Maputo (previously Lourenzo Marques) is the sprawling capital of Mozambique, with a population of about two million people and a large harbour. Several rivers meet the sea Maputo and two islands lie just off the coast.

Lying just off the coast of Maputo is the popular Inhaca Island, which has extensive coral reefs, a fascinating maritime museum and historical lighthouse. North of Maputo there are beautiful beaches and a number of centres that offer some of the best fishing in the world, particularly the areas around Guinjata Bay and the Mozambique Channel.

At Sea - Mar 30

Toliara, Madagascar- Mar 31 | 11a - 7p

At Sea - Apr 1-2

Port Louis, Mauritius - Apr 3 - 4 | 11a - 11:59p

Mauritius is situated in the south-west of the Indian Ocean about 800 km east of Madagascar. Together with Runion and Rodrigues it belongs to the Mascarene Islands. The island is of volcanic origin and mostly surrounded by coral-reefs. The national territory of Mauritius surrounds the islands Rodrigues, St. Brandon, Agalega-Islands and several smaller islands near the coast of Mauritius.Attractions include the Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Bazaar, the Mauritian Chinatown and the old Port Louis theatre. The capital has also three museums which are: the Mauritius Natural History Museum, the Blue Penny Museum and the Mauritius Stamp Museum.​