What is included in the cruise fare?

Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.

How far in advance should I book this cruise?

For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Zambezi Queen.

What documents do I need to board?

Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Cape Town may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies depend on AmaWaterways's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.

What is a 12-night cruise like?

A 12-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Zambezi Queen. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.

Zambezi Queen 12-night Iconic Africa from Cape Town, May 18, 2027

AmaWaterways · Zambezi Queen · May 18, 2027 – Jun 01, 2027

Visit Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, Chobe River, Botswana and 5 more ports

Departure Cape Town

Return Johannesburg

Duration 12 Nights

From $18495 pp

Itinerary

Day 1

Cape Town Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 2

Cape of Good Hope Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 3

Robben Island Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 4

Cape Town Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 5

Chobe River Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 6

Botswana Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 7

Chobe National Park Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 8

Victoria Falls Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 9

Victoria Falls Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 10

Johannesburg Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 11

Soweto Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 12

Kruger National Park Area Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 13

Kruger National Park Area Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 14

Kruger National Park Area Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 15

Johannesburg Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM

Cabin Prices

Prices as of 2026-10-19.

Prices per person, based on double occupancy in USD.

Balcony $18495

Ports of Call

Cape Town
Cape of Good Hope
Robben Island
Chobe River
Botswana
Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls
Johannesburg
Soweto
Kruger National Park Area

About This Cruise

12-night AmaWaterways Zambezi Queen cruise from Cape Town to Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, Chobe River and Botswana Compare cabins from $18,495.

Cruise Line AmaWaterways

Ship Zambezi Queen

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the cruise fare?: Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.
How far in advance should I book this cruise?: For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Zambezi Queen.
What documents do I need to board?: Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Cape Town may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.
Can I change or cancel my booking?: Change and cancellation policies depend on AmaWaterways's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.
What is a 12-night cruise like?: A 12-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Zambezi Queen. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.