Date: Feb. 2, 2007
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Next Port: Richards Bay, South Africa, Feb 6-7
Quick Summary: Anticipation was building as we headed to Cape Town. Our arrival exceeded all expectations. In addition to a fireboat, we were also greeted by two frolicking Southern Right Whales, several dolphin and many seals. The magnificent Table Mountain looms over what must be one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. It was warm, sunny and clear…a perfect day.
Report: As we sailed down the west coast of Africa, it was hazy, windy and quite cool. But as we turned into beautiful Table Bay, the winds died and the temps rose. We passed to the right of Robbens Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. It is now a national museum.
You will see in the photos that the entrance to the downtown wharf area is quite narrow. Directly ahead of us as were approaching the inner breakwater were two Southern Right whales frolicking in the kelp beds. They were quickly joined by several dolphin and some seals. We had to make a diversion so as not to hit them. From the top deck, we could look straight down on the whales and even see them as they glided underwater. It was quite a welcome. Captain Dag said it’s the first time he’s ever had to go around whales in such a maneuver.
We passed through the narrow entrance to the wharf and pulled into the prime spot in front of the Victoria and Alfred shopping complex. We provided great entertainment to thousands of folks. The V&A Mall and the surrounding shops, bars and restaurants reminded Larry of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on steroids.
Reigning over the wharfs, the shopping areas and the downtown is the magnificent Table Mountain…with Devil’s Peak to the left and Lion’s Head to the right. Often Table Mountain is blanketed with a thin layer of clouds across the top of its wide flat summit. That cloud formation is locally referred to as the table cloth. Thankfully, today it was clear; so we decided to take advantage and go to the top.
We docked about 2:30 p.m. As soon as the ship was cleared for disembarkation by the local customs authorities, we walked around the wharf to a taxi stand. Our destination was the cable car up Table Mountain. It’s a beautiful 15-min. drive up to the cable station. The cable car is very modern, holds about 60 people and rotates. In just several minutes, we were at the 3,000 foot summit. The views were breathtaking. From the edge of the flat summit we looked down to Cape Town, the harbor, other bays and seaside towns – as well as the distant mountains. We spent about two hours on a circle path admiring the wild flowers, small lizards called agamas and the views.
We caught a cab back to the ship and rested for bit in the Voyager Lounge. After a quick change of clothes we headed out for a light dinner at a restaurant in the wharf area that specialized in African home cooking. We had a nice table for two on the second floor balcony overlooking the harbor and the Seven Seas Voyager. Though the service was very, very, very slow, we did have an interesting conversation with our waiter about African family life and culture. We were also treated to a glorious rising of a full moon out over the harbor.
After dinner, we strolled through a few shops enroute back to our ship. The Voyager is the largest ship that can be accommodated in the smaller “downtown” harbor. What a delight to be able walk right off and be in the middle of everything.
We know that we are really going to enjoy this clean, beautiful city.
Karen and Larry
Photos of our cruise are now available at the following web site:
picasaweb.google.com/larryworldcruise
Photos of our arrival and first day in Cape Town have been added.
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