About us

Cruise specialists since 1980

Journeys that stay with you

Whitestar Cruise & Travel is a boutique, independent cruise specialist based in Johannesburg, helping South African travellers plan voyages with the world's leading cruise lines.
Founded
1980
Years of experience
45+
Partner cruise lines
12
Offices
Johannesburg & Cape Town

Our story

Independent, personal and focused on cruising

Whitestar Cruise & Travel was established in 1980 under the guidance of Carol McCarthy, and is now run by Shaun McCarthy.

We are a boutique, independent business. Our strong partnerships with the international cruise companies we represent mean you get real support and benefits, and we put personalised service and attention to detail first.

From our head office in Fourways, Johannesburg, and our Cape Town line, our cruise specialists help you choose the right line, ship and cabin for the way you like to travel.

Who we represent

12 partner cruise lines

Ocean cruising, luxury, river, expedition and yacht charters, from one specialist team.

Compare all cruise lines

A member of ASATA. Whitestar is a member of ASATA, the Association of Southern African Travel Agents. Visit asata.co.za (opens in a new tab)

Trusted by travellers like you

What our clients say

Reviews shared by our clients, shown as they wrote them.

  • I can absolutely recommend Whitestar Cruise and Travel for your cruise bookings. I have booked 4 cruises over the past couple of years with Jacqui at Whitestar and have had amazing service. She is prompt with providing quotations and assists immediately with any queries that I might have. Whitestar offers amazing deals on cruises. We have always opted to book Cunard cruises as we love the "Queens". Well done Jacqui and Whitestar.

    Charmaine
  • Our bookings were done by Whitestar Cruise & Travel, and it was a pleasure to do business with. I must mention Jacqui Coupland who handled our arrangements; always friendly and quick to respond. We are regular cruisers, but this cruise ship (Queen Anne) was extra ordinary especially the layout and décor. The cabins, restaurants, public open spaces and other facilities in the ship is a pleasure to use. The cabin attendant , waiters and other staff has given us top class service during the whole cruise, and nothing was too difficult to satisfy any request.

    The activities and entertainment were excellent, we had difficulty to choose from the comprehensive daily program.

    We can recommend Cunard and especially this ship as well as Whitestar Cruise & Travel to anyone who consider cruising.

    Phillip & Annie Vermeulen
  • A is for Anne and A is for ACME - the pinnacle of perfection!

    My seventeen night voyage aboard Cunard's Queen Anne was the most memorable of all my seven intercontinental cruises.

    I am able to describe my experience aboard Queen Anne using only the superlative form of the most complimentary adjectives.

    She offered, and gave to me in abundance, only perfection, more than satisfying my appreciation of all her features and functions - including all four of my daily meals.

    Every day offered new experiences in terms of places on board in which to dine, to learn, to be entertained or simply to relax.

    I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to reserve my stateroom for her voyage from Cape Town to Singapore.

    Keith
  • We travelled on Cunard's Queen Anne from Durban to Cape Town for four days in April 2025.

    The word majestic comes to mind, we were blown away with her beauty and elegance. The crew made our stay memorable and every single meal was outstanding. Our cabin was beautiful with the most comfortable mattress and bedding.

    Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard's representatives in South Africa, thank you for the amazing service and support to your clients. It is always a pleasure to book through you.

    Marga
  • Cunard once more lived up to it's reputation of relaxed luxury, with attention to detail and top quality delivery. My experience during my journey from Cape Town to Southampton aboard the Queen Anne was exceptional with first class entertainment and fascinating talks and insights.

    I look forward to my next cruise with Cunard and will once more engage the services of Jacqui Coupland from White Star who has dealt with my past reservations professionally and cheerfully.

    Catherine

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