Norwegian Dawn docked near Cape Town South Africa. Picture: Supplied
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is set to return to the Southern African waters in November for the 2024/2025 cruise season.
According to the cruise line, it will offer African and transatlantic itineraries on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sky this summer.
These cruises will embark and disembark in either Cape Town or Port Louis, Mauritius, reducing the need for long-haul flights for travellers.
The cruise line said that South Africans of all ages are paying attention to the rising tide of cruising, with Mediterranean cruises, in particular, growing in popularity amongst South African families who are drawn in by the notion of exploring multiple European destinations with ease and the convenience of unpacking only once.
It also said that cruising statistics from Cruise Cape Town show that cruising popularity has increased significantly over the past two years, with the city of Cape Town welcoming 70 ships, bringing in approximately 145 000 total passengers and 42 000 crew members during the 2022-2023 cruise season.
Kevin Bubolz, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) VP and Managing Director of Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the two ships will be sailing 10 itineraries, each spanning between 11 to 21 days from November 2024 to May 2025, with departures in either Cape Town or Port Louis, Mauritius.
“With these itineraries, travellers can explore more of Africa and enjoy a beach holiday in Mauritius once the cruise ends.
“Alternatively, travellers can fly to Mauritius first and return home via one of our cruises, visiting Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique, and other beautiful ports along the SA coast before disembarking in Cape Town,” said Bubolz.