More about Cape Town
Why go to Cape Town?
A stylish waterfront welcomes you as soon as you are docked; it's like the Hamptons of South Africa
It's a major city, so be savvy; don't flaunt valuables or walk in unfamiliar places after dark
From Table Mountain and game reserves to shopping and vineyards, Cape Town has a surprising amount to offer
Cape Town Cruise Port Facilities?
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain in the distance, is a focal point of Cape Town and is home to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, which features more than 450 shops, including fashion stores like Topshop and Mango, as well as markets, restaurants, hotels, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Iziko South African Maritime Museum. You will find plenty of ATM's and Internet cafes in the V&A Waterfront, as well as two information centers, found on Dock Road (alongside Ferryman's Pub) and at the Waterfront information kiosk in Victoria Wharf.
Good to Know?
Like other cities in South Africa, crime can be an issue in Cape Town. Safeguard yourself! Don't walk anywhere after dark. Don't wear expensive jewelry or carry lots of camera equipment in areas with which you're not familiar. If you rent a car, don't leave valuables in the trunk.
Getting Around?
On Foot: During the day, you can easily and safely walk from your ship to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront complex if you are moored nearby. If you are farther away at Duncan dock, you should order a taxi.
By Taxi: Taxis are the best way to get around the city. Restaurant hosts and shopkeepers will gladly call a cab on your behalf. You can't hail a taxi on the streets of Cape Town, so order a cab by phone through one of the many taxi companies. They're not cheap, but they are safer than the mini-bus taxis -- especially at night.
By Train: The Southern Line Rail Route, which stretches from Cape Town to Simonstown, is highly recommended. The train stops at several beautiful suburbs and coastal villages. Train travel does not always run on time, so consider this when planning your day. Be aware of potential pickpockets.
By Bus: One of the best ways to get around is by using the City Sightseeing bus, which gives you the option of hopping on and off at various major attractions throughout the day.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Locals refer to their currency as the "buck", but the rand (ZAR) is the official term. Each rand equals 100 cents. Note denominations include R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10. The current exchange rate is one U.S. dollar to 9 rand. For current currency conversion figures, visit www.oanda.com and www.xe.com.) While MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are widely accepted, it's a good idea to carry rand for small purchases. Cape Town offers many foreign exchange facilities, including American Express and Rennies Travel. Be aware when using ATM machines, and keep your pin number hidden, especially in busy downtown areas.
Language?
The population is multilingual, but English is most commonly understood. The three ethnic, tribal languages you'll hear most often are Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans, but you might also hear Sepedi, Sotho, Tswana, Swati, Venda, Tsonga and Ndebele. Among English speakers, a strong vernacular has developed, with several slang words that would be unrecognizable, such as:
Braai: barbecue
Cooldrink: the common term for all fizzy drinks
Howzit? : how are you?
Just now: in the foreseeable future
Lekker: cool, nice, great
Where You're Docked?
Most cruise ships dock at Table Bay Harbour, within walking distance of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. But some larger ships dock at Duncan dock, where you will require a taxi or transport organized by the cruise line to get to places of interest. As a U.S. or U.K. citizen, you won't need a visa to enter South Africa. However, you will need a passport with four empty pages. It must also be valid throughout your stay, as well as six months after your departure.
