Day 1 — Sun, Jan 11 | Southampton, England (Embark)
Board at Ocean Terminal. If you arrive early, stroll the medieval Old Town Walls, visit Tudor House & Garden, or enjoy harbor views from Mayflower Park. Sailaway this evening—settle in with Afternoon Tea and a relaxed first dinner.
Days 2–4 — Mon–Wed, Jan 12–14 | At Sea
Ease into the crossing with elegant sea days: ballroom dancing, classical recitals, spa time, enrichment talks, deck walks, and a black-tie gala night.
Day 5 — Thu, Jan 15 | Funchal, Madeira (early morning–afternoon)
Subtropical gardens and cliff-top vistas.
Ideas:
- Cable car up to Monte and the botanical gardens, then the classic wicker toboggan ride.
- Sample Madeira wine at a historic lodge.
- Browse the Mercado dos Lavradores.
- Quick photo stop at Cabo Girão Skywalk.
Day 6 — Fri, Jan 16 | Tenerife, Spain (morning–evening)
Volcanic drama and Canary-blue skies.
Ideas:
- Explore Teide National Park (cable car views if conditions allow).
- Stay coastal in Santa Cruz and wander the pastel-hued old quarter of La Laguna.
Days 7–8 — Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18 | At Sea
More unhurried ocean time: library lounging, bridge lessons, wine tastings, sunset cocktails.
Day 9 — Mon, Jan 19 | Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde (early morning–afternoon)
Cape Verde’s cultural capital—colorful colonial facades, cafés, and live morna music.
Ideas:
- Stroll Praça Nova.
- Shop the Mercado Municipal.
- Relax on Laginha Beach.
- Drive up Monte Verde for island panoramas.
Days 10–16 — Tue–Mon, Jan 20–26 | At Sea
A restorative stretch of ocean days: spa rituals, fitness classes, guest lectures, film screenings, stargazing, and another formal evening—perfect for portraits on the grand staircase.
Day 17 — Tue, Jan 27 | Walvis Bay, Namibia (early morning–evening • possible tender)
A bird-rich lagoon meets the oldest desert on earth.
Ideas:
- Lagoon & catamaran—watch for flamingos, pelicans, and often dolphins; local oysters are a specialty.
- Sandwich Harbour 4×4—where the Namib dunes meet the Atlantic; dramatic dunes, wildlife, and tide-dependent access with licensed guides.
- Short hop to Swakopmund for German-colonial architecture, seaside cafés, and craft markets.
Days 18–19 — Wed–Thu, Jan 28–29 | At Sea
Final sea-day stretch: last spa appointment, Afternoon Tea, packing with time to spare, and a farewell gala.
Days 20–21 — Fri–Sat, Jan 30–31 | Cape Town, South Africa (arrive early morning • overnight • disembark Sat)
World-class scenery, wine, and waterfront energy.
Day 1 (Fri):
- Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (weather permitting) for iconic city-and-sea vistas; enjoy short plateau walks.
- Explore the V&A Waterfront for dining, live music, and Cape design stores; sunset from Signal Hill or a stroll along Sea Point Promenade.
Day 2 (Sat):
- Cape Peninsula drive: Chapman’s Peak → Cape Point → Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony.
- Or head to the Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek) for cellar tastings and classic Cape Dutch architecture. Disembark afterward.
Practical Notes
- Short calls: Funchal, Mindelo, and Walvis Bay have limited hours—pre-book key tours.
- Weather: Atlantic trade winds can be breezy; Cape Town’s midsummer is warm and dry—pack light layers, hat, and sunscreen.
- Walvis Bay: Sandwich Harbour access is tide/permit dependent—book reputable 4×4 operators via ship or trusted local providers.
- Dress codes: Expect at least one formal night per week; smart attire most evenings.