Though a cruise holiday is a wide term and can refer to anything from a paddle steamer to an exclusive yacht, for most of us big cruise ships are synonymous with cruising. These ships can carry thousands of passengers and truly represent floating hotels with all the facilities imaginable: pools, shopping arcades, theatres, gyms, spas, playrooms, nightclubs, bars, etc.
Cruising on a big ship is not only about arriving at a destination. It is about the pleasure of travelling. With superb entertainment, spectacular views, all included meals and comfortable accommodation, it is arguably the best way to spend your holidays.
A cruise holiday offers distinct advantages over traditional forms of travel, allowing you to avoid all the stress and hassle of planning a memorable vacation. Since all the boring details will be taken care of by the cruise-liner, you can relax and forget about making your own arrangements regarding getting from place to place, booking accommodation and planning meals.
You can choose to visit many ports of call – or to forgo visiting them, if that is what you prefer. Most cruise ships offer a variety of on-board entertainment facilities, allowing you to interact with people from different cultures and catering to the tastes of each member in your group.
Some services could cost extra, but since you’ll know this beforehand, you’re in control of your budget.
Cruises in South Africa
South Africa is becoming a popular cruising destination and is also a departure point for some lovely cruises. Some of the more popular South African cruises are:
- The Barra Lodge Cruise: Spend time on one of Mozambique's most unspoiled beaches. The Indian Ocean offers great bathing possibilities all year round.
- The Christmas Cruise: Enjoy delicious seafood, bask on the sun-kissed beaches, bathe in the turquoise blue waters and consort with the seagulls! Barra Lodge, Maputo and Portuguese Island are covered on this exciting cruise.
- Island Discovery Cruise: Stops at Durban, Pointe des Galets, Port Louis, Mayotte Is, Nosy Be, Maputo and Portuguese Island.
- Other popular ports are Richards Bay, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
