Johannesburg - South African holiday hopefuls who have seen their overseas travel plans scuppered by the volatile rand exchange rate and economic downturn can start packing those bags. As the popularity of cruising expands to South African shores, cruise lines are beginning to take notice of the market’s potential, making exceptional cruise deals available and offering travellers an affordable way to explore some of the world’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
With tough economic conditions globally, the value of cruising has become clear, says Robin Deller, MD Imagine Cruising. “The all-inclusive nature of cruising means that when compared to hotel stays, a cruise wins hands down every time. Cruising has not been totally immune to economic pressures, and that has been reflected in very competitive pricing from the cruise lines,” says Deller.
Research by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows 203 000 South Africans took a cruise last year.
The Mediterranean remains the most popular cruising destination for South Africans, especially with the growth of the Emirates Airlines network, making it much easier and affordable to reach key European destinations from South Africa to join a cruise.
“It’s difficult to imagine but currently a 13-night cruise around the Mediterranean, including flights and taxes, a two-night stopover in Rome, two nights in Venice and two nights in Istanbul, plus your entire cruise including accommodation, meals and entertainment, could cost you less than R26 000.
“If you had to pay for accommodation, meals and entertainment in each of the stops included in this particular Costa Celebration itinerary – Rome, Venice, Split, Corfu, Santorini, Athens and Istanbul – and add up your transport costs to travel between these stops you would far exceed the costs of a cruise holiday without even taking into consideration the return flights and taxes to get you there from South Africa.”
Seeing so many places on one journey without having to unpack more than once ensures that cruising represents a convenient and affordable way to travel for South Africans.
Imagine’s cruise holidays are sold in rand rather than foreign currencies and include flights and taxes, so South African travellers can see upfront what they’re likely to be spending on their overseas holiday.
Imagine has launched two travel concessions in Stuttafords, giving travel shoppers in-store access to a range of cruise destinations, cruise and holiday deals and expert knowledge to craft the best leisure breaks.
l www.imaginecruising.co.za
www.imagineholidays.co.za
Saturday Star