Cruise port Richard's Bay
Info for port Richard's Bay on 20 Mar 2028
Port information & tips for Richard's Bay
Richards Bay on the wild and romantic coast of KwaZulu-Natal is considered the gateway to the fascinating natural wonders of South Africa and impresses with a unique blend of modern port flair and untouched wilderness. Its location on the Indian Ocean offers incomparable safari experiences thanks to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, famous for its rhinos. In addition, the nearby Enseleni Nature Reserve invites you to discover the local flora and fauna. Cruise ships usually dock at the Small Craft Harbour or at the Commercial Berths at berth 606, from where the city center, about six kilometers away, as well as the lively Tuzi Gazi Waterfront with its restaurants can be easily reached by shuttle or taxi.
Richards Bay in South Africa serves as the gateway to Zululand and is primarily reached by cruise guests from the DACH region by plane followed by transfers. Since there is no dedicated cruise terminal and ships dock at industrial quays, good planning of the arrival is particularly important. Due to the long flight time, arriving a day prior to embarkation is recommended.
Airplane
For international guests, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) near Durban is the primary point of entry. It is located about 130 to 150 kilometers south of Richards Bay, with a travel time of around 1.5 to 1.75 hours. The smaller Richards Bay Airport (RCB) is located just about 3 to 7 kilometers from the city center or port and mainly offers domestic flights, often with connections via Johannesburg.
Transfer & Shuttle
Various transfer options are available from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. In addition to taxis and private transfer services, local shuttle services like the "North Coast Runner" offer regular connections to Richards Bay. The journey to the port is comfortable via the N2 and the John Ross Parkway (P496). It is advisable to book transfers in advance, as public transport is not suitable for tourists and the port area is industrial.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the need for organized transfers to the industrial port, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is highly recommended. Hotels in Richards Bay itself or in nearby Durban are ideal for starting your cruise experience relaxed and simplifying arrival logistics on embarkation day.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the cruise: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 20 Mar 2028
