South Africans travelling to Zambia will have more choice ahead of the festive season as Proflight Zambia expands its Johannesburg and Cape Town schedules.

More weekend and festive-season choice from Johannesburg

The airline is now operating a third daily return service between Johannesburg and Lusaka every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, supplementing its existing services throughout the week. It will also operate 54 additional flights on the route during the December 2026 and January 2027 holiday period.

The additional weekend services between Johannesburg and Lusaka began on Saturday, 19 September. The new evening flight departs Johannesburg at 18:25 and arrives in Lusaka at 20:25. The return service departs Lusaka at 15:30 and arrives in Johannesburg at 17:30. The expanded schedule gives South African business travellers, holidaymakers, and people visiting friends and relatives more flexibility when planning weekend and festive-season travel.

Cape Town gains a new Friday connection

Cape Town travellers will also gain a new Friday service from 11 December, joining Proflight Zambia’s existing Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights.

The Friday flight will depart Cape Town at 15:55 and arrive in Lusaka at 20:10. The return service will depart Lusaka at 10:40 and arrive in Cape Town at 15:05.

Operating via Livingstone with a brief stopover, the service gives Cape Town travellers a fourth weekly connection to Lusaka and a fourth weekly direct link to Livingstone. It also improves access to destinations across Zambia through Proflight Zambia’s domestic network.

The Friday schedule connects with morning services from Ndola, Solwezi, Kalumbila, and Mfuwe, making it easier for passengers travelling between Cape Town and Zambia’s key business and leisure destinations to complete their journeys through a single airline network.

Captain Josias Walubita, Director of Government and Industry Affairs at Proflight Zambia, said: “Air connectivity works best when a schedule reflects how people actually travel. The Johannesburg additions provide greater choice over the weekend, while the Friday Cape Town service has been timed to connect with flights from key destinations across Zambia. Rather than simply adding seats, this expansion is about building a more useful regional network that supports the business relationships, family ties, and tourism links between Zambia and South Africa.”

Full schedules are available at flyzambia.com. All flights are bookable through flyzambia.com, Proflight Zambia’s sales offices, and travel trade partners. No flights will operate on Christmas Day, 25 December.

Europe’s border rules have shifted again. On 14 September, nine European countries were told they could keep easing the EU’s new biometric border checks, a week after the grace period was meant to end. It follows months of long queues at some of Europe’s busiest airports.

For South African passport holders, the border has never been simple: visa applications, supporting documents and paperwork are part of almost every long-haul trip. What’s new is how quickly the rules are moving, and how easily a traveller can arrive at the airport with last month’s information.

Europe: new checks, patchy enforcement

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on 12 October 2025, replacing the passport stamp with a digital record of every non-EU short-stay traveller’s entries and exits. On their first visit, travellers register their fingerprints, a facial image and passport details at the border. South Africans are included, even if they already hold a valid Schengen visa.

The rollout has been rocky. According to Airports Council International, waits at some European airports reached up to five hours in July, with Lisbon, Milan, Rome and Krakow amongst the worst affected. Faulty kiosks, staff shortages and issues with biometric registration were blamed.

The emergency rules that let countries pause the checks at busy times were due to end on 6 September. Instead, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland have been given informal approval to keep using them, with no new deadline set. France says it will do so until the end of the year. The result is a patchwork: the experience at one airport, or in one month, may be quite different from the next.

Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Senior Account Manager at FCM, says that fortunately none of her clients have yet missed a connection or had a trip seriously disrupted by the new checks, partly because corporate itineraries already tend to allow extra time. “There is often a preference for more conservative connection times, particularly when the journey involves immigration or a transfer through a major European hub,” she explains.

Closing the awareness gap

 Travel readiness depends heavily on the traveller. Some clients are behind, while others are well ahead: one company whose staff travel regularly to Geneva asked Mthembu to brief  them extensively on what EES means in practice. “There is still a strong preference amongst corporate travel programmes to use their TMC as a trusted source to interpret these changes and translate them into practical travel advice,” she says.

Outside dedicated travel teams, awareness is lower. “Realistically, most corporate clients are not asking proactively before booking,” says Za Nkosi, FCM Operations Manager. Questions tend to come just before departure, when a traveller sees a news report and asks their booker, “Do I need to do anything different at the airport?”, or after something has gone wrong, “when someone’s had a long queue or missed a connection and wants to know why nobody warned them.”

This is where a travel management company earns its place: flagging changes before travellers think to ask, and listing the current entry requirements with each booking. The aim is not to steer travellers away from particular airports, but to build flexibility into the itinerary. “A missed connection can have a knock-on effect on meetings, accommodation and the wider trip schedule,” says Mthembu.

Closer to home

The rules are changing in South Africa too. Since 1 July 2026, everyone entering or leaving the country, residents included, has been required to complete an online traveller declaration through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), via the SARS portal, the mobile app or a QR code. SARS encourages travellers to submit it before they reach the airport, although no one will be turned away for not having done so. South Africa has also launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for inbound visitors, which matters for companies hosting international colleagues or clients.

In Kenya, a mandatory health insurance requirement for foreign visitors was introduced, then suspended by the High Court while the case is heard. “For a corporate traveller, the practical lesson is that even when a requirement appears settled, its status can change,” says Mthembu.

Make the check routine

“We need to communicate proactively with travellers before departure rather than waiting for them to ask, and treat border processing time as a variable to plan around,” says Nkosi.

Mthembu recommends a simple “before I travel” check for every trip, whether a traveller flies four times a month or once a year. Before confirming, check three things: what documents or authorisations are needed, whether there are health or entry requirements, and whether the itinerary allows enough time for connections and border processing. Length of stay matters too, as some destinations apply different rules depending on the duration or purpose of the visit.

“The key is not to make travel preparation complicated,” she says. “A few minutes spent checking the current requirements before departure can prevent a much bigger problem at check-in, at the border or during the journey.”

That familiarity, however, has been complicated by a regulatory shake-up that caught many businesses off guard. Under South Africa’s National Land Transport Act, which came into effect in September 2025, e-hailing platforms were required to register with the National Public Transport Regulator within 180 days. While some platforms met that deadline, others did not, and in the North West, police have already begun impounding vehicles belonging to unregistered operators.

South Africa’s evolving e-hailing regulatory landscape has raised a question that most businesses haven’t had to ask before: do we actually know what’s happening once an employee gets into that car?

The honest answer, for many SMEs, is no.

“That gap has nothing to do with e-hailing being the wrong choice and everything to do with the fact that the governance hasn’t kept pace with the convenience,” says Herman Heunes, General Manager at Corporate Traveller South Africa.

The good news? Closing the gap is simpler than most businesses think.

The managed travel illusion

E-hailing arrived in South Africa’s corporate travel landscape and immediately made itself indispensable with real-time tracking, digital receipts, cashless payments, and a rating system that creates at least some accountability between driver and passenger. As part of a broader managed travel programme – sitting alongside chauffeur transfers, hotel bookings, and flight management – it’s a powerful tool. Used in isolation, without policy or oversight, it looks and largely feels like a managed solution.

The problem is that looking like managed travel and being managed travel are two different things.

South Africa’s new e-hailing regulations have made a previously invisible assumption very visible, very quickly.

“Visibility is the biggest challenge we see with SMEs and e-hailing,” says Carmen Hidalgo, Customer Success Team Leader at Corporate Traveller South Africa. “If companies don’t know how employees are moving around, they can’t effectively support them when things go wrong. That’s a policy problem. The tools to create that visibility already exist. Most businesses just haven’t connected them to a formal framework yet.”

The myth around SMEs and duty of care

There’s a persistent assumption in the SME market that duty of care is something multinationals worry about. For smaller businesses, the thinking often goes, the informal approach has worked fine so far.

But, ultimately, rather than the size of your travel programme, duty of care is about the fact that when an employee travels for work, whether they’re flying to Johannesburg or getting into an e-hailing vehicle to reach a client meeting across town, their employer has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep them safe and to support them if something goes wrong.

“Liability may sit with multiple parties in a ground transport incident, but responsibility cannot be outsourced,” says Heunes. “What we want SMEs to understand is this: building a duty of care framework that properly supports your travellers doesn’t require complexity – it requires clarity. Clear guidelines, approved providers, and a defined process for escalation. That’s achievable for any business, regardless of size, and it changes the experience for your travellers and your risk profile significantly.”

The shift Heunes describes is already visible in how Corporate Traveller’s SME clients are approaching ground transport. “We’re seeing companies move from convenience-led bookings to visibility-led bookings,” he says. “The question used to be ‘how do we get a ride?’ Now it’s ‘how do we manage the journey?’”

That change reflects a growing understanding that e-hailing is no longer simply a transport choice.

“It’s a traveller experience, a business risk, and a duty of care decision, all at once,” Heunes adds.

So, what does that actually look like in practice?

What good looks like

Sensible e-hailing governance for an SME requires a few deliberate decisions, consistently applied.

Start with an approved provider list. Knowing which platforms are operating within the legal framework is a reasonable baseline. That list may evolve, and a good TMC will help you stay current, but having one at all puts you ahead of most SMEs.

Build basic safety guidelines into your travel culture. When using e-hailing, encourage employees to conduct the following safety checks:

• Verify the vehicle registration, make, and model against the app before getting in.
• Confirm the driver matches the photograph.
• Never accept a different vehicle on the driver’s say-so.
• Keep the trip inside the app – if a driver asks you to cancel and pay directly, decline.

Define what visibility means for your business. This doesn’t have to mean real-time GPS monitoring of every employee, but it might mean ensuring that travelling employees share their trip details with a colleague, or that bookings are made through a platform that generates reportable data. The goal is that if something goes wrong, you know where your people are and you have a process for responding.

Create a simple escalation path. Who does an employee call if their driver doesn’t match the app or if they feel unsafe? If the answer is “I suppose they’d call their manager,” that’s a starting point, but it should be written down, communicated, and tested.

Treat e-hailing as part of your travel policy, not an exception to it. “If employees are already using it, it belongs in the policy,” says Hidalgo. “Ignoring it doesn’t reduce the risk – it just means you’re managing it without a framework. The businesses that have taken the time to include ground transport in their travel governance tell us the same thing: it’s one of the easiest wins in the whole travel programme. A few clear decisions, and suddenly you have visibility and accountability where you previously had none.”

The regulatory framework will settle, and the industry will find its footing under the new rules.

But the underlying question – do we actually know what’s happening once an employee gets into that car? – remains.

E-hailing is the right choice for most SMEs. It’s cost-effective and accessible, and when it’s working well, it supports the kind of lean, efficient travel programme that smaller businesses need.

“We know SMEs aren’t interested in replacing it with something more expensive and more complicated. The goal is to make sure the governance is as good as the convenience,” comments Heunes.

That’s a realistic ambition, and for SMEs that haven’t started yet, the distance between where they are and where they need to be is shorter than they think.

“Good travel governance doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Hidalgo. “It just needs to exist.”

That shift in mindset – more value-conscious and more willing to ask whether the obvious choice is actually the best one – is exactly the right lens through which to look at Time Out’s 2026 Best Cities ranking. Built on the responses of more than 24,000 locals across 150 cities worldwide, it is the most resident-informed ranking of its kind. And what it reveals, for South African travellers open to looking beyond their usual itineraries, is a set of destinations that deliver extraordinary experiences at a fraction of the cost of the cities that typically dominate South African booking patterns.

Cape Town’s sixth-place ranking (above Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, and Singapore) is proof that South Africans already know what world-class looks like. The question is whether they’re finding it when they travel.

“Right now, South Africans are asking better questions before booking,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “They want to know that their money is really working for them – not just that a destination is popular, but that it will actually deliver value. The cities that come up again and again in that conversation are often not the ones people expected to be considering.”

Porto, ranked 17^th in the world, is one of them. 80% of its residents describe it as “welcoming” and “friendly”. 99% say it’s “cheap to grab a coffee”. Portugal remains one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe, and the city rewards exactly the kind of unhurried, exploratory travel that South Africans are increasingly drawn to. It is also, for those who have already done Lisbon, a revelation: smaller and considerably more characterful.

Edinburgh, ranked 3^rd globally, is the city that consistently surprises South Africans who expected to love London more. It scored the joint-highest walkability rating of any city surveyed, a 94% approval rating for its food scene, and 91% of its residents report finding genuine joy in their everyday lives there. It is also accessible on existing routes through London or Amsterdam without adding significant travel time or cost.

Kraków, ranked 16^th, is the most compelling value proposition in Europe for South African travellers right now. Retaining its own currency (the Polish złoty) rather than using the Euro, it provides a high-standard, UNESCO-protected historic experience at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe or Eurozone hotspots. Plus, its 87% food scene approval rating and its extraordinary walkability make it a destination that delivers on every measure that matters.

Marrakech, ranked 24^th, is rated by 82% of its residents as a city with a strong sense of community and offers an exciting cultural shift without having to cross into a totally unfamiliar time zone. Just an hour behind South African time, it delivers the immersion of a genuinely different culture with almost no adjustment on arrival, making it a rewarding choice for anyone after a proper change of scene. Just plan ahead, because if you don’t hold one of the pre-qualifying visas (for example, US, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, or the UAE) you will need to apply directly to the Embassy of Morocco in Pretoria.

None of these cities are obscure. They’re simply underleveraged, chosen less frequently than their quality and affordability warrants. In a year when South African travellers are being more intentional about every rand they spend on travel, that gap between what’s popular and what’s truly worth it is worth closing.

“When budgets are tighter and the world feels less predictable, the instinct is often to book what you know. But the real value in travel right now isn’t necessarily where it always used to be,” says Turner.

“The lesser-known cities on Time Out’s list are not consolation prizes for travellers who couldn’t afford somewhere better. They are, by the measure of the people who live in them, among the most rewarding places on earth. They simply require someone who knows that… and knows how to get you there,” she concludes.

– Renderings of the Reimagined Spaces Aboard Norwegian Aura are Available for Download HERE –

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the industry leader in delivering freedom and choice in experiences with uncompromising hospitality, today revealed the new standout wellness and dining offerings coming to Norwegian Aura, its largest ship to date and the newest evolution of the award-winning Prima Plus Class, designed to give every guest the freedom and choice to vacation exactly how they want without compromise.

Guided by guest feedback and NCL’s brand promise that the best vacation is one where no one has to settle for less than the experiences they want most, Norwegian Aura will introduce more of what guests love to create unforgettable moments for families, couples, solo travellers and everyone in between. Additions include the industry’s most expansive Thermal Suite, featuring 15 wellness experiences designed for relaxation, recovery and rejuvenation; as well as Tamara, NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine and The Panorama Room, an immersive reimagining of complimentary dining at sea. Throughout the ship, favourite restaurants, bars and lounges have also been redesigned and repositioned to create more space and inviting places to gather with the ease to move from one experience to the next.

“Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacation feel even easier,” said Gary Anslow, Vice President UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, Norwegian Cruise Line. “From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favourite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”

A New Era of Wellness at Sea

Spanning two decks, the Mandara Spa, beautifully designed by the Rockwell Group, will utilize the restorative power of nature to create an expansive wellness sanctuary, with spaces and experiences inspired by forest canopies, cave-like retreats, cascading waterfalls and the rhythms of nature.

At the heart of the experience is the industry’s most expansive Thermal Suite, offering 15 wellness amenities, including 11 new experiences, built around the principles of contrast therapy. Guests can move between warm and cool spaces, water features and quiet lounges to create their own relaxation routine, whether they want to unwind after a day ashore, recover from travel or simply enjoy a slower moment at sea.

Among the signature experiences is the Sensory Rain Pool, the first of its kind at sea. This immersive 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, complete with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder, surrounding guests by nature in an unforgettable way.

Supporting the Thermal Suite’s contrast therapy journey are several new water and thermal offerings, including a Blue Glow Suite, a gentle blue light experience designed to encourage relaxation and support post-travel recovery; a dedicated Foot Spa, to soothe and refresh tired feet and muscles; the Waterfall Experience, where guests can unwind as water cascades over their head and shoulders; a Snow Cave, with rugged, rock-like walls layered with fresh powder white snow whose cold therapy benefits have been known to support the effects of inflammation; a Reflection Pool with panoramic sea views; and guided Hot and Cold Plunge experiences.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of dedicated relaxation spaces throughout the spa, including a Salt Room, the Meditation Lounge, an Aromatic Steam Room, a Finnish Sauna, a Charcoal Sauna and a Zen Lounge.

The spa also features 24 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, Skin Lab, and expanded medi-spa services with IV therapy, NAD+ injections (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) to support energy and overall vitality, with acupuncture also available. Additionally, the facility will include a state-of-the-art fitness center with dedicated training studios and wellness programming.

New Dining Experiences Plus Expanded Guest Favourites

Continuing NCL’s commitment to delivering more choice and variety, Norwegian Aura’s culinary program includes 22 food and beverage options spanning over 10 distinct cuisines. The offerings on board have been thoughtfully designed so guests can dine how they want, whether seeking a relaxed meal with family, a standout specialty experience or a new global flavour to discover at sea.

Making its debut aboard Norwegian Aura, Tamara will become NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine. Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of the Indian offerings introduced at Indulge Food Hall with the launch of the Prima Class ships, the new venue elevates those guest-favourite flavours into a dedicated dining experience featuring authentic regional dishes in a sophisticated setting inspired by the architecture and craftsmanship of North Indian temples and courtyards.

Located on Deck 8, Tamara’s design incorporates warm earth tones, intricate detailing and an open-view kitchen anchored by striking tandoor ovens, creating an inviting atmosphere that celebrates both culinary tradition and contemporary dining. Guests will enjoy authentic flavours with dishes like Short-Rib Dosa, a crisp rice-lentil crepe with tomato sambar, fenugreek and coconut chutney; Lamb Biryani, with basmati rice, warm spices and caramelised onions; and a Green Papaya Salad, tossed tableside with pomegranate, tamarind, peanuts, jaggery and chili.  

Also new to Norwegian Aura is The Panorama Room, a completely reimagined complimentary dining experience that transforms traditional main dining through immersive visual technology. Located on Deck 6, the venue features expansive LED displays, multi-channel audio, synchronised lighting and dynamic visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening, transporting guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine. Additionally, Hudson’s, the signature main dining room renowned for its sweeping 270-degree ocean views, will debut an elevated new design.

Beyond introducing new concepts, Norwegian Aura’s restaurant collection has been thoughtfully reconfigured for more comfort, easier access between venues and to create additional seating in some of the ship’s most popular venues. On Deck 7, guests will find Le Bistro, featuring a new design with uninterrupted ocean views, where they can enjoy timeless French cuisine; as well as Sukhothai, showcasing a refreshed design that celebrates the culture, craftsmanship and flavours of Thailand. Palomar, offering Mediterranean fare, and the Italian Onda by Scarpetta will be located on Deck 8, where the venues will benefit from expanded seating and a new aesthetic. Cagney’s Steakhouse will also receive a sophisticated redesign, pairing rich and dark colours with the classic atmosphere of a modern steakhouse. The popular Japanese specialty restaurants, Hasuki for hibachi and Nama for sushi, will also return with new decor and a lighter colour palette for a welcoming atmosphere.

Additional enhancements include an expanded Surfside Café, which will now span both sides of the vessel to create a more seamless guest experience, and the return of Indulge Food Hall, featuring nine globally inspired stations. Building on the popularity of NCL’s culinary portfolio in Indulge, guests will enjoy complimentary Mexican favourites inspired by Los Lobos, along with a new Middle Eastern concept and returning favourites including Q Texas Smokehouse, Planterie and Nudls. The Local Bar & Grill is another returning guest favourite, offering an additional complimentary dining option featuring classic pub fare nearly all day.

Guests staying at The Haven, the keycard-access only luxury complex, will enjoy a newly designed The Haven Bar and Lounge and The Haven Restaurant. Studio DADO, longtime partners of Norwegian Cruise Line, designed the private lounge, restaurant and outdoor deck to emulate a tranquil oasis that immerses guests into the world’s natural beauty with earth tones, a lush canopy of trees and delicate finishes.

More Room to Relax, Gather and Explore

Throughout Norwegian Aura, public spaces have been refreshed to feel more open, comfortable and connected, reflecting NCL’s signature hospitality with more room for guests to gather, relax and move naturally from one experience to the next on their own terms.

Bars and lounges across the ship will feature refreshed interiors and expanded layouts, including a larger Penrose Bar & Atrium with more than double the seating and a dedicated stage for daily entertainment. Guests will also enjoy the Metropolitan Bar, known for its award-winning sustainable cocktail menu; the intimate Swirl Wine Bar, a contemporary wine lounge; Belvedere Bar and Whiskey Bar, all redesigned to create more open and inviting environments for guests to gather, socialise and enjoy the ship’s vibrant onboard atmosphere. Overlooking the pool on Deck 18, the Daybreak Bar features beautiful vibrant colours and will be the perfect spot to feel a part of the action. The updates are designed to make it easier for guests to find their favourite spot, meet up with friends and enjoy the ship’s lively atmosphere from day to night.

Adventure, Action and Family Fun Awaits Aboard Nowegian Aura

Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, the ultimate hub for fun, action and relaxation for the entire family, giving parents and kids more ways to spend quality time together without sacrificing the moments of adult enjoyment that make a vacation feel complete. The sprawling activity zone will combine brand-new NCL attractions with reimagined favourites, transforming from day to night using immersive lighting and LED projections. Adventure seekers will enjoy six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course, Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course. For those looking to slow down, guests can relax at NCL’s first-ever overhanging cabanas overlooking Vibe Beach Club, and enjoy a dedicated bar.

NCL’s newest vessel will first set sail in Europe with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, Spain on May 21, 2027, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage to Miami. In the summer of 2027 as well as the summer of 2028, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages with calls to sun-soaked island destinations, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the Brand’s newly enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer week-long Western Caribbean voyages taking guests to lush, tropical destinations like Roatan (Islas de la Bahia), Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 21-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call +27 087 550 3914 or visit www.ncl.com.

At the heart of the restructure is the consolidation of sales and marketing under unified regional leadership. For travel agents across the MEA region, it means a single, aligned team working in step to help them sell NCL more effectively and grow their cruise business with confidence.

Leading that charge in MEA is Gary Anslow, appointed as the region’s new VP. Anslow brings considerable experience to the role, which will serve alongside his position of VP and Head of UK and Ireland, one of NCL’s most established and high-performing markets. He takes over from Kevin Bubolz, who spearheaded NCL’s growth across MEA. Bubolz will now assume full oversight of NCL’s Continental European business. Both report into Jason Krimmel, NCL’s Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer.

Commenting on the transition, Bubolz said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading our strategy in MEA. The engagement and support we have had from our partners in the region has been exceptional. I know Gary and the team will continue to build on very solid foundations.”

Anslow added: “MEA is a region with tremendous energy and real appetite for cruise travel, and I am committed to making sure our trade partners have everything they need to capitalise on that. I am looking forward to deepening our relationships across the region and to ensuring that agents feel the full benefit of a more integrated sales and marketing approach.”

The announcement comes at a particularly compelling moment for travel trade partners to be selling NCL. Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s iconic private island in The Bahamas, is set to launch the new Great Tides Waterpark on 4 September – a significant enhancement, with 19 waterslides, unique cliff jumps, and a Tidal Tower standing over 50m tall, that adds fresh appeal for families and gives agents a powerful new conversation-starter with clients.

An impressive portfolio of 2027 Europe itineraries, including expanded Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings, offers strong options for the well-travelled South African market, while a pipeline of innovative new ships continues to grow one of the industry’s most modern fleets.

“The investment is real, the support is growing, and the opportunities for agents who lean into cruise have never been greater,” Anslow concluded.

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has unveiled photos of reimagined spaces and additions to Norwegian Jade^® and Norwegian Gem^®, including the brand-new adults-only Vibe Beach Club and an enhanced Thermal Suite in the award-winning Mandara Spa and Salon.

“Listening to our guests and delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is at the heart of what we do,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “These recent transformations bring some of our most beloved amenities to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, creating greater consistency across our fleet while giving guests more ways to personalise their vacation — from adults-only outdoor spaces to serene relaxation areas designed to help them unwind at sea.”

Expanded Thermal Suite Experiences at Mandara Spa & Salon

Redesigned with guest feedback in mind, the refreshed Thermal Suite aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now feature three times as many of the popular hot tile loungers, a more centralised layout with an upgraded reception area, updated steam rooms and saunas, and new relaxing and reinvigorating experiences, including:

• A Charcoal Sauna thatutilises a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer with potential benefits of boosting circulation and releasing toxins from the body. Its warming properties reduce muscle stiffness and tension.
• An Ice Room with cold air invigorates the respiratory tract.
• The Salt Room benefitsskin health and induces deep relaxation.
• An IV Lounge, which has become an increasingly popular treatment to quickly deliver essential nutrients to the body.
• Four-Senses Loungers providethe ultimate sensory experience for deep relaxation and tranquility.

Additionally, Norwegian Jade offers brand-new Experiential Showers, featuring multiple water jets and lighting effects to help invigorate the body, as well as a Plunge Pool for brief cold-water immersion to accelerate muscle recovery, boost circulation and leave guests feeling refreshed and revitalised.  Norwegian Gem provides an updated hot tub and Thalassotherapy pool which uses massage jets, bubble loungers and countercurrents to detoxify the body and soothe joint pain.

Debut of Popular Adults-Only Vibe Beach Club & Starbucks

Both Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now provide an adults-only respite with the guest-favourite Vibe Beach Club, repurposing the existing sundeck on deck 14. This exclusive outdoor oasis offers expansive ocean views, a private full-service bar, an additional hot tub, over 50 premium lounge chairs and seven new private cabanas for guests to unwind in style.

As the first in the cruise industry to offer the world’s most recognised coffee brand – Starbucks^® – across its entire fleet and private destinations, NCL adds an all-new licensed store aboard Norwegian Jade, making it easy for guests to enjoy the same favourite hot and cold handcrafted beverages, seasonal blends and sweet and savory food items as they do at their neighborhood store.   

Summer Escapes to Europe and Alaska

Now through late summer 2026, Norwegian Jade offers a series of seven-day sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska with scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and glacier regions, as well as visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Meanwhile, aboard Norwegian Gem, guests can dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Mediterranean and Greek Isles on a variety of voyages departing from Rome (Civitavecchia) or Venice (Ravenna), Italy while visiting ports such as Cannes, France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia; and some of the most sought-after islands in Greece. As the year progresses into late 2026, Norwegian Gem offers fun-in-sun cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Tampa, Fla., while Norwegian Jade returns to Asia for immersive, bucket-list worthy voyages.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call +27 087 550 3914 or visit www.ncl.com.

The return of these services, beginning this week with Qatar Airways on 16 June and Turkish Airlines on 17 June, significantly enhances global connectivity and visitor access during the traditionally quieter summer months.

Qatar Airways is the first of the three carriers to resume operations to Seychelles this summer, with its return to Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue marking the start of an expanded summer schedule. From 16 June 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, further strengthening Seychelles’ links through Doha and providing convenient connections to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Adding to the positive momentum, Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Seychelles, marking its first summer operation to the destination in three years. Previously, the airline served Seychelles seasonally between late October and March before suspending services during the summer period. The carrier will operate three weekly flights using an Airbus A330-300, connecting Seychelles to Istanbul; one of the world’s largest aviation hubs and a key gateway to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

As Turkish Airlines reintroduces its summer programme, the airline has implemented minor schedule adjustments during the initial launch period for commercial reasons. Until the week commencing 6 July, flights will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thereafter, the airline will increase operations with an additional weekly flight on Fridays, bringing the total to three flights per week.

The Russian market will also receive a welcome boost with Aeroflot scheduled to resume services on 8 July 2026. The airline will operate two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, restoring additional seat capacity from one of Seychelles’ important source markets and providing greater travel options for Russian visitors seeking direct access to the islands. Commenting on the enhanced connectivity, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Ms Vesna Rakic, said:

“At a time of intense global competition for travellers, the decision by Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot to expand their presence in Seychelles is a strong endorsement of our destination. Improved air connectivity is key to tourism growth, giving travellers more choice while strengthening access from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Russia.”

She further added; “We sincerely thank our airline partners for their continued confidence in Seychelles. Their support is essential to maintaining strong international links and driving the success of our tourism industry. We are also encouraged by ongoing discussions within the aviation sector, with the potential for further positive developments in connectivity. While official confirmations are still pending, the outlook is highly promising. Together with our airline and trade partners, we remain focused on driving demand and supporting the long-term success of air services to Seychelles. “

With increased summer capacity from key international gateways, Seychelles is reinforcing its position as one of the most accessible island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Improved air access remains a critical factor in driving visitor arrivals, and the additional capacity provided by these airlines will support demand from multiple markets while offering greater flexibility and convenience for travellers choosing Seychelles.

Despite fares rising by between 10% and 50% on many routes, only 10% of South African travellers have cancelled their holiday plans, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Southern African Travel Agents and Advisors (ASATA). That says everything about the South African traveller’s relationship with travel. But absorbing a crisis and navigating it intelligently are two very different things.

“The fuel crisis is real, and, in some cases, the cost increases are significant, but South Africans are still travelling,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “Our job is to help them do it smartly.”

Here’s what you actually need to know before your next booking decision.

What’s driving the price increases?

Jet fuel more than doubled in price between late February and early April 2026, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supply. The Middle East accounts for roughly 41% of European aviation fuel imports, and that supply has been severely disrupted.

The knock-on effects have been significant: 13,000 flights cut globally in May alone, nearly two million seats removed from the market, and Lufthansa announcing 20,000 cancellations through October. Closer to home, jet fuel at South African inland airports jumped 115% month-on-month as of 1 April, with coastal airports up 145%, and FlySafair’s temporary fuel surcharges rose nearly 400% in March.

A recent dip in global oil prices followed ceasefire talks, but experts are clear: even if the Strait fully reopens, it will take months for pricing to normalise. The fuel arriving at South African ports today was purchased at higher prices, so relief, when it comes, will be slow.

Should you wait, or book now?

Book now – and here’s why.

Capacity is being removed from the market while South African demand remains high. Less supply plus sustained demand points in one direction only: higher fares. The travellers waiting for clarity are, in most cases, waiting for prices to rise.

The good news? You can lock in today’s fares for travel up to 12 months out. For peak-season travel (school holidays and long weekends), Garrett says that booking four to six months in advance is advisable, as seats fill quickly.

“From a currency perspective, the rand is currently sitting at around R16.34* to the dollar, which is meaningfully stronger than the R17–R18 range South Africans were navigating for much of the past two years. That makes now a relatively favourable moment to lock in international fares. Waiting for a better rate is a gamble, and fare increases could easily outpace any rand strengthening,” Garrett explains.

One important note from Flight Centre’s Travel Experts: quote and ticket on the same day, particularly on international routes. Fares can shift between quote and purchase, and in the current environment, that gap can be costly.

Where is the value right now?

Surprisingly, some of the most competitive fares currently available are on routes that travellers might be avoiding out of lingering uncertainty.

Emirates has confirmed that 96% of its global network has been restored, and Qatar Airways is targeting more than 150 destinations from mid-June. Both carriers are currently offering fares that, on certain routes, are lower than pre-conflict February levels – in some cases, over 60% cheaper than non-Gulf alternatives on the same routes.

According to Garrett, for long-haul travel, Asia is currently the most competitively priced destination, with fares ranging from approximately R11,000 to R15,000 per person return, making countries like Thailand and India consistent value picks despite the broader disruption.

“Carrier selection has become one of the most important conversations we’re having with clients right now,” she says. “South African travellers who are still defaulting to non-Gulf alternatives out of lingering uncertainty are, in many cases, paying a significant premium for a risk that has materially diminished.”

The surcharge conversation nobody is having

When you see an advertised fare, it rarely tells the full story. Fuel surcharges appear on your ticket as YQ (fuel surcharge) or YR (carrier-imposed charges), and on some international routes, these charges alone exceed the base fare.

Surcharges are proportionally higher on longer flights, which means domestic and regional African travel is currently meaningfully more affordable relative to long-haul, simply because the surcharge component is smaller.

“The critical thing to know is that surcharges are fixed at the date of ticketing, not the date of travel. If you book today, you are protected against any future surcharge increases – unless you change your ticket – another compelling reason not to wait,” Garrett comments.

“Always compare the total ticket cost, not the advertised price. What looks like a cheap fare can carry a surcharge that significantly changes the picture,” she adds.

Flexible fares: worth it or not?

With 57% of South African travellers worried about losing money on non-refundable bookings, the flexible fare question is front of mind, and rightly so.

A flexible fare will typically cost R3,000–R8,000 more than the cheapest standard economy fare on the same route, depending on the airline and season. Whether that premium is worth it depends on your circumstances, but in an environment where airlines are cutting flights and adjusting schedules, the cost of inflexibility has rarely been more visible.

There is, however, a middle path worth knowing about. Emirates and Qatar Airways are currently offering complimentary date-change options on new bookings – a direct response to the uncertainty of the current environment. In practice, this typically means one or two permitted changes, with restrictions around ticketing and travel dates, and you would still pay any fare difference if the new fare were higher. The specifics vary and are changing frequently, so confirm the exact terms at the time of booking.

Travel insurance: the detail that matters most

Approximately 20% of South African travellers are now actively opting for “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance, even at a premium. If you’re considering it, there’s one rule that overrides everything else, according to Flight Centre’s Travel Experts:

Buy your travel insurance on the same day you pay your first deposit.

Pre-existing condition waivers and CFAR cover typically expire within 14 to 21 days of deposit. Miss that window and you may find yourself with a standard policy that doesn’t cover the scenarios you’re most concerned about.

“CFAR is an add-on to a comprehensive travel insurance policy, not a standalone product. It allows you to cancel for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement – typically 50–75% of pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs, which significantly reduces your exposure,” Garrett explains.

The case for not going it alone

“Travellers no longer want to navigate the current landscape alone,” says Otto de Vries, CEO of ASATA. “They want a professional in their corner who can guarantee flexibility and provide a safety net. No app or online booking platform can call an airline at midnight, fight for a refund, or redesign an itinerary in real time.”

Flight Centre’s own research, conducted before the conflict began, found that 97% of South African travel intenders see value in using a travel agent – the highest proportion of any market surveyed globally. In a Middle East crisis that has doubled jet fuel prices and made the cost of a wrong booking decision more consequential than ever, that instinct is well-founded.

South Africans haven’t stopped travelling, but the gap between travelling smart and travelling blind has rarely been wider.

*Based on ZAR/USD exchange rates on 25 May 2026.

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced that the highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, the Company’s private island in the Bahamas, will take place on Sept. 4, 2026, during Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing.

Beginning today, all guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after Sept. 4, 2026 can purchase day passes* to Great Tides Waterpark and personalise their ideal island day with seamless, advance booking. Elevating the experience even further, guests can reserve private cabanas for up to six guests, which includes admission into the waterpark and offers shaded comfort just steps from the park’s signature Tidal Tower featuring jaw-dropping slides, perfect for relaxing between thrills. Additionally, the waterpark experience extends beyond the 19 exhilarating slides with three all-new food trucks serving a dynamic lineup of dining.

“Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the best activities for families and for every type of traveller—from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences—guests can now purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean.”

Spanning nearly six acres, Great Tides Waterpark will deliver a bold, family-friendly adventure across immersive attractions for all ages. At its center will stand the 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring the Breakwater Blasters—industry-first water coasters with downhill drops and uphill blasts within an inner tube—alongside the Whitewater Dash with two body slides; Rapid Mat Racers featuring two mat slides; and a selection of tube slides, Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral, with spirals and spins for an adrenaline rush.

Additional highlights will include Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide; Fearless Falls racing slides; and the hidden Grotto Bar tucked beneath the action for prime viewing. Younger guests will be able to splash through Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ zone, while adventure seekers can float along the Wandering River, an over 800-foot, high-energy take on the classic lazy river. The waterpark builds on the recent transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, which includes the expansive Great Life Lagoon, featuring a beach-style entry pool, swim-up bars and ample space to unwind with ocean views. Guests can also elevate their day at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, enjoy family-friendly offerings like Splash Harbor and explore the island with ease with the island’s latest tram system.

Travellers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with voyages sailing seasonally from convenient homeports including New York and Philadelphia as well as Florida ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Miami.

Guests wanting to celebrate the grand opening of the waterpark can embark on Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing from Miami on Aug. 29, 2026. Norwegian Luna offers itineraries through November 2026 with visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands as well as Great Stirrup Cay — perfectly pairing the latest ship innovation with NCL’s newest island experience. For shorter sailings from Miami, Norwegian Getaway offers three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas through October 2026.

Guests may purchase a pass to Great Tides Waterpark by logging into their myNCL account after completing their cruise reservation.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call +27 087 550 3914 or visit www.ncl.com.

*Tickets and pricing will vary based on seasonality and availability.  For additional information on pricing and age requirements, visit www.ncl.com