5 Unique Shore Excursions in Africa & Indian Ocean with Luxury Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has been providing guests with an elevated world of service, inclusion, and immersion for many years. Crystal carefully curates each voyage to deliver the most relaxing and culturally enriching experiences around the globe, featuring distinct and unique shore excursions that stand out in the industry. From culinary discoveries to UNESCO World Heritage sites, each port stop with Crystal offers a wide array of incredible excursion options.

Crystal travels to every corner of the globe, and each destination presents guests with the opportunity to delve deeper into the region through various activities and experiences. The regions of Africa and the Indian Ocean are no exception. Here are five unique shore excursions offered by Crystal in this part of the world:

Luxor Temple & The Valley of the Kings

LUXOR TEMPLE & THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS W/ LUNCH ON THE NILE | Duration: 13 hrs

Begin your adventure in Luxor by visiting the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III in 1380 BC, and enjoy lunch on traditional sailing boats along the River Nile. Explore the Valley of the Kings, including the Tomb of Seti I and the Colossi of Memnon, before heading back to Luxor’s East Bank. Conclude your day with a motor coach return trip to the port of Safaga.

Dune Drive with Evening Safari

DUNE DRIVE WITH EVENING SAFARI & FALCONRY EXPERIENCE | Duration: Half-Day

In the afternoon, experienced safari drivers will take you into the desert in four-wheel drive vehicles, where you can enjoy a sunset from a tall dune while sipping champagne and snacking on crudités in a private tent with live music. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in falconry with a skilled falconer, handling and flying birds while learning about their behavior and biology.

This experience includes exploring traditional and contemporary falconry techniques and their significance in Arabian culture.

Maldives Submarine

MALDIVES SUBMARINE | Duration: 2 hrs

Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure in the Maldives, starting with a speedboat ride to a submarine that descends 45 meters for a 40-minute exploration of vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Suitable for both seasoned divers and first-time explorers, this experience offers a mesmerizing view of the underwater world.

Dhow Safari

DHOW SAFARI | Duration: 1 hour

Ilha de Mozambique, known for its traditional boat-building, offers a comfortable sailing tour on one of the largest dhows, where guests can observe skilled crew members. The journey includes views of mangroves, the slave memorial garden, and local landmarks, with a guide sharing stories about each sight.

Guests enjoy the authenticity of the local crew, appreciating their cheerful personalities and the support their visit provides to local sailors and fishermen.

Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning

SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOONING | Duration: Half-Day

Connect with your driver at the quayside and embark on a hot air balloon adventure over the Namib Desert, enjoying breathtaking views at sunrise with an expert guide. After landing, savor a light breakfast with sparkling wine before returning to the quayside along the scenic coastal road.

Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your cruise and experience these incredible shore excursions for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with Crystal Cruises. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.