Solo journeys · Personal cruise advice
Djibouti — cruise port guide
Use this Djibouti cruise port guide to put the destination in context before choosing a luxury voyage. The original destination notes below can help you compare time ashore with the pace of a longer itinerary.
Plan your time ashore
For a visit to Djibouti, check the current arrival and departure times, the actual berth or tender arrangements, and the distance between the port and the places you hope to see. Leave a comfortable margin for returning to the ship.
Solo travelers may prefer an organized excursion, independent exploring or a quieter day on board. Ask about excursion availability, walking distances, accessibility needs and local transport before making plans. Entry requirements and local conditions need current confirmation.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Djibouti, Djibouti |
Luxury Cruises Single |
|
|
Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Djibouti, the former French Somaliland, is a small country sandwiched between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia consisting of little more than a port at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Its importance increased during both the Gulf War and the U.N. intervention in Somalia when it served as a base for Allied troops. The area known as Djibouti was only sparsely populated by nomadic people who used it as grazing land, until the French realized its strategic value in 1859. Their initial interest in the area was to counteract the British trading presence in Aden, fueled by the desire of both countries to control the entrance to the Red Sea. In 1862, the French established themselves on the coast and drew up a treaty with Afar leaders to legitimize their acquisition of the coastal region. International pressure from the Arab League, local unrest and the increasingly turbulent situation in the horn of Africa eventually led to the French withdrawing from Djibouti in 1976. Close links with France still exist, with over 3,500 French troops remaining in Djibouti. Independence did not bring Esprit to the former French colony due to the tension between the Afar and Issa tribes. These indigenous people are evenly divided, with the Issa located in the south and the Afar living in the northern part of the country. Both tribes are Muslim with nomadic culture. The country also harbors some 30,000 refugees who have fled into Djibouti as a result of various wars in neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia. The construction of the country's capital began under the French in 1888. More than half of the country's population, thought to be around 500,000, live in Djibouti City, which acts as an international transit port and refueling center. The town has an Arab flavor to it both in terms of its architecture and its culture. A colorful market near the mosque in the center of town is probably the main attraction. It retains elements of African, European and Arab culture. Most travelers visit the country for its desert scenery, interesting sea life and white sand beaches. Much of Djibouti's territory lies below sea level accounting for the vast deposits of salt. The only continuous annual vegetation is found in the upper part of the basaltic range, north of the Gulf of Tadjoura, where the altitude reaches more than 3,940 feet above sea level. Please Note: Guests must be aware of poor conditions and very limited infrastructure in Djibouti. |
Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Complimentary Spirits Await |
Return to Your Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment and Dancing Await You |
|
|
|
|
|
Luxury Cruises Single LUXURY CRUISES SINGLE |
Elegant DiningTop Entertainment
Questions before you book
How do I request a solo cruise quotation?
Email info@deluxecruises.com with your preferred ship, dates, guest count and cabin or suite preference. Ask for a fast response, current prices and personal advice.
Do the listed dates and prices confirm availability?
No. Treat the original schedules and offers as reference material. Deluxe Cruises will confirm current dates, accommodation, inclusions and the total fare in a written quotation.
What should I confirm before arranging travel?
Confirm the complete route, joining ports, time away, solo accommodation cost, payment terms and any flights, transfers or hotels you need. Ask which arrangements are included in your quotation.