Day 90 Cape Town. South Africa (Day 1)

Weather
Sunny, low 70's

Map

What we did
We woke to a spectacular view of Table Mountain right from our balcony, wow! An unforgettable way to start the day in Cape Town.

Our morning excursion took us to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins (previously named “jackass penguins” for their distinctive braying call). It was especially heartwarming to spot several chicks being carefully tended by their parents. We also encountered the South African dassie; small, furry creatures that look like over-sized hamsters yet surprisingly, are related to elephants. From there, we continued on to Kalk Bay, a charming seaside village where we had time to explore. Between the quaint shops, the working fishing harbor, and the sweeping ocean views, Kalk Bay was a pleasant enough stop. The bus trip to get to the two locations also afforded us views of Table mountain from several angles.

After lunch, we made our way to the V&A (Victoria & Alfred) Waterfront via the complimentary shuttle. This lively area, set within a historic working harbor, is filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment, and reminded us a bit of Disney Springs in Orlando. We later learned it’s the most visited tourist destination in South Africa. We browsed for souvenirs, spotted a few fur seals, and took a well-earned break with a cocktail at the Kapstadt Brauhaus in the Clocktower Precinct; enjoying the fresh air and some prime people-watching. As it turned out, the shuttle drop-off was farther from restaurant than the ship so we opted for a scenic walk back instead.

That evening, after dinner, we were treated to a special destination performance featuring a marimba band and the South African Youth Choir. The choir, known for performing around the world, delivered an uplifting and memorable show—an inspiring way to end a truly wonderful day.