There's no doubt about that. The global cruise industry is having a hilarious moment. When the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released its 2024 State of the Industry Report earlier this year, it confirmed that passenger numbers in 2023 will reach 31.7 million passengers (compared to 2019, before the coronavirus outbreak). 7% more than the number). Experts believe that by 2024, this number will reach 36 million, an increase of more than 13% year-on-year.
The team at Flight Center Travel Group (FCTG) is not surprised. “We're seeing a lot of interest from first-time cruisers,” said South African Airways Center general manager Antoinette Turner. “Royal Cruisers is also exploring new services such as expedition cruises next year.”
Cape Town Cruise Terminal was recently awarded Africa's Best Cruise Terminal for the fourth consecutive year at the World Cruise Awards and is expected to see a record 88 cruises this cruise season. “Global developments, including the situation in the Middle East, have resulted in the redirection of some ships to our shores. ” says Turner.
But it's not just Cape Town that will benefit Turner. “When you think about the growing popularity of expedition cruises, where small ships head to new destinations to explore different routes and experiences, Africa has a lot to offer,” says Turner.
“As an example, along the South African coastline, ships sometimes dock off the coast of Hermanus, Mossel Bay and even Port Elizabeth for wine, food and tours to the Big Five,” says Turner. “Madagascar, Mauritius and Kenya all offer unique wildlife and cultural experiences along beaches that rival the Mediterranean.”
5 ways to cruise the continent of Africa
MSC Musica “Love Jazz” Cruise
MSC Musica will sail from Cape Town to Walvis Bay in March 2025, spending six 'nights of jazz' admiring the impressive coastal scenery and marine life of Namibia's Skeleton Coast. It then culminates in a spectacular international jazz festival set against the backdrop of the Namib sand dunes. desert.
Norwegian Dawn, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) midsize ships, has seven African itineraries scheduled for the 2024/2025 season, including South Africa, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Includes an 18-day cruise visiting ports in Ivory Coast. Via Ivory Coast and Senegal, we head to the Canary Islands and finally Portugal.
Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International is just one example of a cruise liner re-entering the South African cruise market as a result of tensions in the Middle East. Voyager of the Seas will operate two routes to and from Cape Town late next year, with a 17-night itinerary heading to Singapore via Port Elizabeth, Réunion and Mauritius.
Oceania has five Africa cruises planned for 2025, including Cape Town to Singapore on the Insignia via Maputo (Mozambique), Mayotte (French Comoros), Nosy Be (Madagascar) and Mahe (Seychelles). This includes the 33-day voyage up to.
silver wind of silver sea
Silversea's 19-day expedition cruise visits 11 ports in 7 countries, including Namibe (Angola), Point Noire (Republic of the Congo), Bonbon Island (Sao Tome and Principe), Lomé (Togo), Takoradi and Accra (Ghana) visit. A true adventure for those looking to explore Africa's dazzling and diverse coastline with fascinating day trips and excursions.
The growing appeal of cruising
“That’s the beauty of cruising,” Turner says. “Passengers can sign up for as many shore excursions as they like, many of which are specially hand-picked by destination experts for an immersive travel experience like no other. ” But sundeck, loungers and relaxation are promised. ”
Ease of travel (the benefit of only needing to unpack once), value for money, family-friendly onboard entertainment, dining options, and all-inclusive packages are the reasons seasoned cruisers answer the call of the ocean time and time again. This is just a small part of it. . For those looking to book their first (or second or third) cruise, Turner says there are three months at the beginning of each year (January to March) when cruise lines offer special promotions and sales. We recommend waiting until “wave season”.
“Wave season is the best time to book, as you can find discounted fares, upgrades, onboard credit deals, group discounts, and more,” says Turner. “Speak to one of Flight Center’s travel experts early in the new year and let us help you make your cruise dreams a reality.”
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