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Cruises to Port Elizabeth

30 Reviews
Port Elizabeth (Photo:Anke van Wyk/Shutterstock)

About Port Elizabeth

Set nearly 500 miles east of Cape Town in the Eastern Cape province, the industrial-port city of Port Elizabeth (or, PE, as it's called) is a fixture on the South African cruise circuit, thanks to its revitalized central historic district, bustling beaches and, above all else, its proximity to the superlative elephant sanctuary and game reserve at Addo Elephant National Park featuring the "Big 5": lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and elephants.

Here, sunbathers, active types (watersports and surfing abound), and old lighthouses fringe the swaths of sandy beaches (Humewood Beach ranks tops) hugging Algoa Bay. The city's central district sets the stage for a cluster of renovated Victorian buildings, historic sites and a surprising collection of engaging public art projects. Further afield, guided township tours propose insight into local African Xhosa culture and the nation's challenging political history. Visitors with a full day in port could tack on the can't-miss half-day excursion to Addo Elephant National Park with a half-day exploration of Port Elizabeth's urban-and-waterfront highlights.

  • More about Port Elizabeth

  • Why go to Port Elizabeth?

  • Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

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Nautica
Nautica

12 Night
Africa Cruise

368 Reviews
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Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

12 Night
Africa-south Africa

2,932 Reviews
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Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria (Photo: Cunard Cruise Line)

80 Night
World Cruise

560 Reviews
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Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

45 Night
Australia Cruise

1,281 Reviews
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15 Night
Africa Cruise

338 Reviews
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12 Night
Africa-south Africa

2,932 Reviews
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13 Night
Africa Cruise

129 Reviews
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12 Night
Africa-south Africa

2,932 Reviews
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15 Night
Africa Cruise

29 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

88 Night
World Cruise

490 Reviews
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11 Night
Africa-south Africa

2,932 Reviews
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123 Night
123 Night World Cruise

1,281 Reviews
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17 Night
World Cruise

560 Reviews
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63 Night
World Cruise

1,281 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

37 Night
Australia Cruise

1,281 Reviews
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More about Port Elizabeth

Why go to Port Elizabeth?

Pros:

Centrally located Port Elizabeth has lively beaches, a historic Old Town and easy access to the elephant sanctuary

Cons:

Port Elizabeth is an industrial city and, as such, you should be cautious regarding petty crime

Bottom Line:

This well-rounded city offers something for every type of traveler to enjoy

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The South African rand is the national currency (check www.xe.com for current currency conversion rates); ATM's are available throughout Port Elizabeth.

Language?

South Africa lists a staggering 11 official languages (with plenty more unofficial ones on top of that), but visitors needn't be concerned as English is spoken nearly everywhere. Apart from English, you're most likely to here Afrikaans and IsiXhosa spoken locally in the Port Elizabeth area.


Port Elizabeth Cruise Reviews
wonderful (though expensive) trip with a local guide who showed us the best and worst of the city and talked with honesty and insight about the issues facing his city and country. Inspirational. Read More
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feljen
Port Elizabeth is a place with more touring options. There is a nice mall there if you want to stay in town. There are a number of day trips that can be taken to surrounding sites. We opted to visit Addo Elephant Read More
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Rutman
Addo Elephant Park with Alan’s Tours. Excellent tour with Malcolm as our guide. Read More
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Madkel
Addo Elephant Park, highly highly recommendRead More
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The BarCarres

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