Aboard Azamara Quest with Azamara
Cruise Overview
Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay.
The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region.
The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit.
Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year.
The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns.
Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period.
A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.
Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488.
As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799.
Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha.
Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife.
The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports.
Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha.
Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches.
Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.
South Africa’s only river port city is situated on the south-east Indian Ocean coast between the Buffalo and Nahoon Rivers.
Its location is widely regarded as one of the most attractive on the Eastern Cape coast and it is ideally placed for exploring the coast towards Port Elizabeth and the surrounding Transkei region.
The city you see today was born when the British-built Fort Glamorgan was constructed here in 1847 and it was British governor Sir Harry Smith who named the town London after the Empire’s capital as an open declaration about its promising position as a port.
The town later became East London due to its location on the east of the Buffalo River, and in more recent times is sometimes referred to as Buffalo City.
East London is renowned for its superb golden beaches such as Eastern, Orient and Nahoon, both popular with surfers, and a variety of places to dine and drink have sprung up along the bustling beachfront.
While the city is predominantly modern you can see a number of historic buildings and monuments such as City Hall, whose clock tower commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region.
The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit.
Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year.
The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns.
Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period.
A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.
Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488.
As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799.
Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha.
Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife.
The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports.
Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha.
Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches.
Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.
South Africa’s only river port city is situated on the south-east Indian Ocean coast between the Buffalo and Nahoon Rivers.
Its location is widely regarded as one of the most attractive on the Eastern Cape coast and it is ideally placed for exploring the coast towards Port Elizabeth and the surrounding Transkei region.
The city you see today was born when the British-built Fort Glamorgan was constructed here in 1847 and it was British governor Sir Harry Smith who named the town London after the Empire’s capital as an open declaration about its promising position as a port.
The town later became East London due to its location on the east of the Buffalo River, and in more recent times is sometimes referred to as Buffalo City.
East London is renowned for its superb golden beaches such as Eastern, Orient and Nahoon, both popular with surfers, and a variety of places to dine and drink have sprung up along the bustling beachfront.
While the city is predominantly modern you can see a number of historic buildings and monuments such as City Hall, whose clock tower commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Azamara Quest
Launch Year: 2000 Length: 180 Width: 25 Currency: USD Capacity: 690 Crew Count: 408 Deck Count: 8 Cabin Count: 355
Your boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Quest® is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras.
Across the fleet, our authentic service goes beyond the expectations of even the most well-traveled cruisers. Friendly and approachable, our staff are attentive, and happy to offer everything from poolside service to recommendations for your on-shore exploration. After all, we love sailing the world just as much as you do!
Re-imagined staterooms include modern amenities, furnishings, and European linens. Plus the ship features a large number of staterooms and suites with balconies, perfect for starting your day with fresh sea air and stunning views.
Add to all of that world-class dining options, spa experiences to relax and refresh, and all-new entertainment offerings, you’ve got an onboard experience that’s matched only by the immersive cultural encounters we’ve got in store on shore.
Azamara Quest Facilities
Azamara Quest Includes
Cabin Details
YOUR OWN SEASIDE RETREAT
Welcome to your vacation home with ocean views, sea breezes, and all the style and amenities of a boutique hotel. Relax in your cruise stateroom with plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and 24-hour room service. Our goal is to make you comfortable so you can spend more time on important things. Like exploring the world.
EXPERIENCE THE SUITE LIFE
The premier way to travel, discover luxury with each Azamara voyage from our Club World Owner's Suite, Club Ocean Suite, Club Continent Suite or Club Spa Suites. As a suite guest receive a variety of exclusive benefits in addition to modern accommodations and authentic service. We take care of all the details, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
A boutique hotel at sea, each of our cruise suites offer the comforts of a five-star hotel suite with the added decadence of ocean views, sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like sea breezes, and butler service. Relax with spa-like amenities including plush cotton robes and slippers, French bath products, fresh flowers, and fine linens. Open the sliding glass doors to your private balcony and curl up with book, dine al fresco dining, or stargaze. Share a drink of your favorite spirit—on the house. And should you need anything, your English-trained butler is never more than a call away, ready to assist with reservations, private parties, dinners for two, and much more.
THE LUXE LIFE: YOUR CRUISE STATEROOM
When you book a cruise stateroom, you'll love the polished style and stellar service in your own private retreat. You'll appreciate the finer touches included, but it takes more than a beautiful room to elevate a voyage from "good" to "great." With Azamara®, you'll discover just how much professional service and a friendly attitude can add to your enjoyment.
