On 21 August 2024, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille launched Tourism Month in the Northern Cape, which focused on astrotourism. The Department of Tourism is finalising the national astrotourism strategy to present to Cabinet, aiming to position South Africa as a world-class astrotourism destination.
As South Africa positions itself to become the first African country to focus on astrotourism, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is at the forefront of this emerging travel trend, offering South Africans unique opportunities to explore the night sky at sea in prime destinations around the world. This August, the annual Perseid meteor shower illuminated the sky, providing an extraordinary spectacle around the world and highlighting the travel star of the show – astrotourism.
Olga Makarenko, NCL’s Destination Director states: “With astrotourism a key global trend for 2024, it’s wonderful to see the many astrotourism opportunities South Africans can enjoy in their backyard – and that our global visitors can witness when exploring South Africa.”
“For our South African guests, NCL is perfectly positioned to offer incredible stargazing experiences in all corners of the world. Travelling to isolated places without traffic or light pollution to witness the celestial spectacle is magical. Guests can enjoy serene horizons, free of distractions, to admire the stars, constellations, planets, or astronomical phenomena such as meteor showers or the Northern Lights.”
Three South African favourite destinations showcasing NCL’s astrotourism offerings include:
- Mauritius: A bestseller among South African travellers, Mauritius offers some of the darkest skies in the world. NCL’s 12-day cruise aboard Norwegian Dawn includes stops in Port Louis (Mauritius), Pointe Des Galets (Reunion), Fort Dauphin (Madagascar), Maputo (Mozambique), Richard’s Bay, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, and Cape Town (South Africa). This itinerary provides multiple opportunities for stellar night sky viewing, including the chance to spot constellations unique to the southern hemisphere. The ship’s top deck offers unobstructed views for stargazing, while expert-led astronomy sessions are available on select nights.Norwegian Dawn returns to South African waters for the highly anticipated 2024/25 regional cruise season.
- Hawaii: Voted the best Hawaii itinerary for 15 consecutive years by Porthole Cruise magazine, NCL’s Pride of America offers access to prime stargazing locations. The 7-day bucket list cruise visits four islands, including overnight stays in Kahului (Maui) and Nawiliwili (Kauai). Guests can enjoy stargazing at Haleakala National Park on Maui, known for its exceptional dark sky conditions, or visit the world-renowned Mauna Kea Observatory on the Big Island. The ship’s own star-viewing parties on deck provide additional opportunities to explore the night sky.
- Norway and Iceland: The Norwegian Prima’s northern Europe itineraries coincide with peak aurora activity, offering travellers the chance to witness the Northern Lights in optimal conditions. The 10 and 11-day cruises visit ports including Geiranger, Bergen, and Alesund in Norway, and Akureyri, Isafjörður, and Reykjavik in Iceland. Onboard, the Observation Lounge and the unique Ocean Boulevard provide perfect vantage points for aurora viewing. The ship also offers educational talks on the science behind the Northern Lights and photography workshops to capture the phenomenon.
These cruises align with the growing interest in astrotourism, providing travellers with opportunities to observe celestial phenomena away from light pollution, while also enjoying NCL’s award-winning amenities and service.
As South Africa develops its astrotourism strategy focusing on infrastructure development, optimal functioning of astronomy-tourism streams and community transformation, NCL’s offerings provide South African travellers with options to engage in this emerging trend while travelling the world.
For more information on the company’s award-winning fleet of 19 ships and worldwide itineraries or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.