Cruising Emerges As Affordable Travel Opportunity For South African Travellers

ALL, South Africa - Sept. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- CAPE TOWN – 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 increasingly apparent, 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.

According to research released this week by the Cruise Lines International Association, some 203,000 South Africans took a cruise in 2013. Australia, with less than half of South Africa’s population, ranks in CLIA’s Top 10 with 833,000 cruise passengers in 2013 so the potential for further growth in South Africa is substantial.

The Mediterranean remains the most popular cruising destination for South Africans, especially with the growth of the Emirates Air Line network, making it much easier, and affordable, to reach key European destinations from South African gateways 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 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 in to consideration the return flights and taxes to get you there from South Africa.”

What’s more, the convenience of seeing so many holiday hotspots on one journey without ever having to unpack more than once and the variety of activities and facilities on board today’s modern cruise liners, ensure that cruising represents an increasingly convenient, engaging and affordable way to travel for South Africans.

Uniquely all of Imagine’s cruise holidays are also 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.

“Today’s travellers seek reassurance and recommendations before booking their cruise holiday and with Imagine’s distinction as a leader in tailor-made cruise holidays in the UK market, this experience is proving to be valuable as the interest in and uptake of cruising expands in South Africa,” adds Deller.

As a result of the increasing demand, Imagine is taking cruising to the South African high street, having launched two travel concessions within luxury retail group, Stuttafords.

Stuttafords and Imagine, have signed a pioneering concession deal giving travel shoppers in-store access to a range of sensational cruise destinations and holiday hotspots, incredible cruise and holiday deals and expert knowledge to craft the best leisure breaks.

Deller says the value and all-inclusive nature of cruising today makes it a fantastic holiday experience representing terrific value-for-money. “It’s an exciting time for cruising in South Africa and Imagine are well placed to support the growth that’s coming our way.”