Some of the most memorable places in the world are also among the hardest to reach by sea. That is part of what makes Azamara’s newest announcement so exciting.
For its 2028–2029 season, Azamara Onward returns to Africa and the Indian Ocean after a multi-year absence, visiting 27 countries across southern, eastern, and western Africa. It’s an ambitious deployment, bringing together coastlines, islands, and wildlife that rarely fit into a single trip.
Table Mountain rises above Cape Town, one of the key ports on Azamara’s Africa voyages.
A rare call at Saint Helena
The headline stop is Jamestown, Saint Helena, on Dec. 12, 2028. Set in the middle of the South Atlantic, Saint Helena is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, and very few cruise itineraries include it.
It is best known as the place where Napoleon spent his final exile after his defeat at Waterloo, and where he died in 1821. Today, Jamestown’s colorful Georgian buildings sit at the bottom of a steep valley, beneath the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder, which climb from the town to the cliff top.
For travelers who love the feeling of reaching somewhere few people have been, this is a stop worth planning around.
Jamestown at twilight, tucked into its valley on remote Saint Helena.
Three ways to see Africa
The season falls into three regions, each with its own character.
South Africa. These voyages spend more time along South Africa’s coast, with its wine country, dramatic scenery and easy access to safari. They suit travelers who want depth in one country rather than a quick look at many.
East Africa and the Vanilla Islands. These Indian Ocean itineraries include calls in Mombasa, Kenya, along with the Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, the Comoros, and Mayotte. Together, these destinations are known as the Vanilla Islands, a name that comes from the region's long history of growing and trading vanilla. Expect white-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, vibrant markets, and a blend of African, French, Indian, and Creole cultures.
West Africa. These voyages run north along the Atlantic coast from Walvis Bay, Namibia, to Praia, Cape Verde. Namibia’s desert meets the ocean here, and the route connects places that are seldom visited on the same trip.
Along Namibia’s coast, towering desert dunes run right down to the Atlantic.
Add a safari with Micato
For many travelers, a trip to Africa isn’t complete without a safari. Azamara partners with Micato Safaris, one of the most highly regarded safari companies in the world, to offer land programs before or after the cruise.
Current options include:
Greater Kruger National Park (4 nights): Stay at a lodge on a private concession in the western Kruger, with morning and evening game drives in search of the Big Five.
Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park (5 nights): See Victoria Falls, then head into Botswana for game drives in Chobe and a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.
Pairing a voyage with a safari means you can see Africa’s coastline and its wildlife in one trip, without piecing it all together yourself.
An elephant and her calf in the golden grass, a classic sight on an African safari.
Finding the right voyage for you
With three regions, island stops and safari add-ons, there are many ways to experience this season. Some travelers will want the rare call at Saint Helena. Others will be drawn to the beaches of the Seychelles or the chance to see the Big Five.
The 2028–2029 voyages are open for booking now, and the most popular sailings and suites tend to go first. If Africa has been on your list, we’d love to help you find the voyage that fits your interests, your pace and your budget.