Seabourn centers 2028 Cape-to-Cape world cruise on South Africa

At a Glance

• Seabourn’s 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise places Cape Town at the midpoint of a 120-day global voyage.
• The itinerary spans five continents, including Antarctica, with expedition-led landings and rare island calls.
• The cruise marks Seabourn’s 40th anniversary and highlights South Africa’s growing role in luxury travel.

Luxury cruise operator Seabourn is putting South Africa at the center of its 2028 Cape to Cape World Cruise, a move that reflects the country’s growing pull among high-spending, long-haul travelers. 

The 120-day journey, aboard Seabourn Quest, is designed as a global crossing rather than a point-to-point holiday, linking the Americas, Antarctica, Africa and Europe in a single sailing.

At its midpoint sits Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, positioning South Africa as both a geographic anchor and a defining highlight of the voyage. 

For Seabourn, the choice speaks to South Africa’s appeal as a port with deep infrastructure, strong air links and a reputation for culture, scenery and food.

For the local tourism industry, it brings renewed attention at a time when cruise lines are looking beyond traditional Caribbean and Mediterranean routes. 

The itinerary also taps into history. The Cape of Good Hope, once a vital stop on global trade routes, is recast here as a focal point for modern luxury travel, blending heritage with curated, high-end experiences.

A global route built around the Cape 

Departing Miami on Jan. 7, 2028, the voyage will span about 26,000 nautical miles and call at more than 50 destinations across five continents.

After transiting the Panama Canal, the ship heads south to explore the Chilean Fjords and Antarctica, rounds Cape Horn, then crosses the South Atlantic to Cape Town. 

From South Africa, Seabourn Quest continues north through the Atlantic toward Europe, ending in Dover, England.

A shorter, 112-day option concludes in Lisbon, offering a more flexible schedule while preserving the core route.

Expedition focus and rare destinations 

For the first time on a Seabourn world cruise, expedition-style programming will play a central role.

An 18-member expedition team will guide Zodiac landings, hikes and wildlife outings in Antarctica and South America, with kayaking available in select areas. 

The route includes maiden calls to remote islands such as Robinson Crusoe Island and Nightingale Island, along with visits to more than 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, broadening the mix of natural and cultural stops.

Marking a milestone year 

The cruise opens Seabourn’s 40th anniversary year and mirrors elements of the line’s first voyage, including a Panama Canal transit.

Prices start at $77,999 per person for the full sailing and $72,799 for the Lisbon option.

Fares include business-class flights, a Machu Picchu excursion, shipboard credits, Starlink Wi-Fi and other amenities. 

As cruise operators widen their focus on Africa, Seabourn’s Cape-centered world cruise places South Africa firmly on the map as a cornerstone destination in the global luxury cruise market.