
South Africans have never had more choice or reason to cruise. Find freedom at sea from this December and upgrade your local cruise with a contemporary cruise line that boasts an exciting line-up of new destinations. Be one of the few to experience the best of Southern Africa in just one sailing.
Get ready to set sail! Recent global stats show there is an incredible demand for cruising, with more South Africans than ever looking to cruising as the flexible and culturally rewarding choice to explore a variety of destinations in one holiday with all the amenities of a world-class ship.
The Cruise Lines International Association released new consumer data in early October showing that the appetite for cruise travel is now greater than in 2019.
According to Sune Cornelius, Wesgro Cruise Business Development Manager, five new cruise ships have been added to Cape Town’s cruise schedule, with 75 ships arriving this season.
“For the next cruise season, there will be 120 ship calls, seven of which will be new to our shores. We are working with 16 cruise lines to develop itineraries to incorporate the Western Cape,” she added.
One such highly awaited visitor is the Norwegian Jade, arriving in South African waters from December 2022.
Norwegian Jade is offering cruises from 12 days, sailing around South Africa and Namibia (visiting Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban, Luderitz and Walvis Bay), as well as cruises from 18 to 19 days visiting South Africa, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius and Dubai.
“Why not skip the long-haul flight and take the leisurely approach cruising from SA to Dubai or vice versa,” says Nick Wilkinson, Norwegian Cruise Line Regional Vice President for the Middle East & Africa. “For the South African traveller eager to dip their toes into the world of cruising or enjoy an entirely new cruise experience exploring the best of Southern Africa and beyond, these are cruises not to be missed.
“South Africans in particular love NCL’s freestyle concept which allows a completely flexible holiday, the opportunity to experience contemporary ships at sea and the chance to snap up 5 free add-on offers with our Free At Sea promotion. Choose from Free Unlimited Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining, Free Shore Excursions, Free WiFi and Free third and fourth Guests.”
6 Reasons to cruise SA with Norwegian Jade
- Choice – you can do as much or as little as you like on board, from soaking up the sun on deck, to enjoying luxurious treatments in the spa, to dining in world-class restaurants and watching industry standard shows.
- Visa-free with shore excursions in South African rand – a huge money saving bonus (excursions in other destinations would usually be priced in USD).
- No long or expensive flight costs – simply hop on a domestic flight to Cape Town.
- Explore South Africa and Namibia from a new perspective. It’s not often you’d get the opportunity to see South Africa like this.
- Freedom at sea – accommodation, selected dining, activities and entertainment are included in two out of the five different packages offered.
- Unpack once – and relax!
If you’re already an avid cruise lover and are planning a holiday further afield for next year, put a European cruise for 2023 on the list – and book soon. Staterooms are already filling up for the popular European summer season.
Consider also these overseas cruise destinations for 2023:
- The Mediterranean – the number one bestseller for the South African market. Visit Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Spain, Turkey, Portugal and more.
- The Canary Islands – A different European cruise visiting a few ‘new’ and exciting ports.
- Northern Europe – Are Greenland, Iceland and Scandinavia on your bucket list? The most rand-friendly way to experience these incredible destinations is on a cruise.
Don’t delay making your cruise dreams come true. Contact NCL today via NCL.COM or call +27 021 200 6586 and book early to ensure you get your first choice of vessel, destination and cabin and find true freedom at sea.
This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by NCL.