Cruising continues to grow as the main travel option for South Africans, offering luxury and unrivaled value for money. With new ships, experiences, and itineraries coming in 2025, there's never been a better time to plan your sea vacation.
Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing and Marketing, Flight Center Travel Group South Africa, attributes this growth to the inclusive value and accessibility of cruising.
“Local cruises, particularly MSC’s Durban and Cape Town-based options, remain very popular for first-time cruisers and cruise ships on a budget due to their affordability, ease and convenience. After all, it's a great way to avoid long cruises, with both air transportation and travel visa costs! ” says Garrett.
Garrett said cruises are proving to be popular with both couples and families in 2024.
“For international cruises, 65% were couples, 28% were families, 5% were solo travelers, and 2% were groups,” Garrett said. “Similar numbers are seen on domestic cruises, with couples making up 62% of cruisers, followed by families (29%), solo travelers (6%) and groups (3%).Interestingly, we The average length of a cruise is 10 days, and cruisers cherish their time at sea.”
Keep reading as Garrett has the inside scoop for those looking for 2025's “Sea Day.”
What’s new for cruises in 2025?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
More at Sea Package (debuting January 2025): NCL is simplifying service with an all-new “More at Sea” package that replaces the “Free at Sea” program. Premium Drinks: Now you can enjoy even more drinks, including over 100 signature cocktails. Specialty Restaurant: Enjoy even more dining at our specialty restaurant. Improved Internet Access: Make the most of your extra time and faster Wi-Fi.
“NCL's new 'More at Sea' package is exactly what it sounds like, offering more value than ever before. It also simplifies the guest experience, making it easier to relax and enjoy the cruise,” says Garrett.
Norwegian Aqua Launch (March 2025): The state-of-the-art Norwegian Aqua will feature the world's first Aqua slide coaster, an exhilarating combination waterslide and roller coaster. Expanded family zone with recreational activities. NCL's first specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai, and its first plant-based restaurant, Planterie, will debut onboard.
msc cruise
South Africa's favorite: South Africans love MSC's themed cruises and they're coming back with a bang in 2025. Super Sockie Cruise (February 21-24, 2025): Who doesn't love a “hometown is dirty” vibe complete with high-octane Sockie music and dancing? Bangla Boat (February 28 – March 3, 2025): A Bollywood-themed festival that promises world-class entertainment. Jazz Cruise (March 16-22, 2025): Coinciding with the 1st Namib Desert International Jazz Festival, this voyage is a must-see for jazz fans and desert adventurers.
costa cruise
Cape Town Cruises: For the first time, Costa Cruises is offering direct departures from Cape Town, making it easy for South Africans to embark on exciting world travel itineraries with this acclaimed cruise line. For example, Cape Town to Genoa (20 days) departs on March 18, 2025 and stops in Walvis Bay, Tenerife, Tangier and Corsica.
Royal Caribbean International
Star of the Seas Debut (August 2025): Star of the Seas, the second ship in the Icon class, will feature a Category 6 waterpark and Crown's Edge aerial adventure. Back to the Future: The Musical is the new Broadway production. 8 unique “neighborhoods”. Allure of the Seas Renovation (April 2025): This $100 million upgrade introduces the Lime & Coconut Bar and Perfect Storm water slide. We've redesigned spaces for kids and teens, including Social298 and Splashaway Bay.
princess cruise
Launch of Star Princess (October 2025): Marking the second Sphere Class ship, Star Princess features: An environmentally friendly LNG propulsion system. Dome – the first maritime geodesic dome. Expanded non-smoking areas in the casino area.
New cruise trends for 2025
Digital detox cruises: Wi-Fi may be improving across the fleet, but 2025 will see an increase in cruises designed to help travelers unwind from their daily lives. Culinary-Focused Cruises: Food-themed cruises are popular right now. The ship will offer more local ingredients, signature menus, special guest celebrity chefs and culinary workshops. Women-Only Cruises: These cruises, like Uniworld River Cruises' women-only cruises, have a strict “no men” policy and are designed by women, for women. Workation Cruises: Now that you can work from anywhere, why not take your job at sea? Check your chosen cruise line/ship's Wi-Fi quality and rates (if applicable) before booking Please. River cruises: River cruises, which are smaller and often more personal, are also on the rise.
“2025 is the perfect time to get on board with the cruising trend. First-time cruisers can start small with affordable local cruises, but as they get used to vacationing at sea, As the industry continues to rise, travelers can rest assured that there is a cruise itinerary for everyone, as the industry continues to rise. Please,” Garrett concludes.
