Johannesburg - With just three months to the start of the 2015 local cruise season, MSC is reporting a 60 percent occupancy rate for the season.
“Currently cruise sales for the upcoming season are 48 percent ahead of the same time last year,” notes Allan Foggitt, marketing and sales director of MSC Cruises SA. “It’s phenomenal that sales for November, December and January are 90 percent sold out.”
It is with this growth and demand in mind that MSC have launched the 2016–17 South African season months earlier than normal, which will allow passengers the opportunity not only to plan and budget for their holiday but also to benefit from a 50 percent early booking discount.
This choice of cruising as a preferred holiday option can be attributed to a number of factors,such as major upgrades and a complete refurbishment to the MSC Sinfonia, which returns to South African waters, bigger and better, on November 19.
Cruising also remains one of the most affordable holiday options. With the weakening rand, travellers are looking for solid holiday value closer to home and an MSC Cruise is arguably the most exotic and exciting local holiday option.
Children under 18 cruising free is also a strong incentive for families to select cruising as their holiday of choice.
Last year’s season moved close to 78 094 passengers, with a 98 percent occupancy rate.
This success has spurred holidaymakers to book early and given the cruise tourism industry a welcome boost.
The 2016-17 season will see MSC Sinfonia return to South Africa through the Suez Canal down the east coast, and arriving earlier than usual on November 1 next year.
The ship has an extended season, offering both Cape Town and Durban departures until the April 30 2017.
Itineraries will remain similar to the current season, including Maputo, the ever-popular Portuguese Island, Ilha Mozambique, and additional departures out of Cape Town to Walvis and Luderitz.
For those wanting a longer cruise experience, Reunion and Mauritius remain on the programme.
New for the 2016-17 season is the My Choice Dining option – a benefit offered to balcony/ suite passengers, which allows them to enjoy flexible dining times.
Guests can dine any time between the opening and closing hours of the restaurant not adhering to the previous allocated dining slots.
Saturday Star