Cruising remains one of the fastest-growing travel segments in the world, with 34.6 million cruise passengers in 2024 alone (up 9.3% on the year before). Notably, intent to cruise is stronger than ever before. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that 1 in 3 international travellers have now taken a cruise, with 82% of them planning to cruise again!
Not only are South Africans embracing life on the waves, but Cape Town just recorded its best-ever cruise season, welcoming 83 ships during the 2024/25 period, including 11 inaugural calls.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Vice President & Managing Director for Continental Europe, Middle East & Africa, Kevin Bubolz, is not surprised by the numbers:
“Cruising today looks very different from even 10 years ago. The cruise industry is dynamic, exciting and quick to respond to market trends, with each new ship and itinerary carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s traveller.”
For Bubolz, slow travel is one of the most exciting trends. Here are just a few reasons a 2025/2026 cruise will deliver the most unhurried, immersive and enriching experience imaginable:
Extended itineraries
Global travel group Virtuoso reports a growing demand for extended itineraries – think 14, 16, 21 and even 60-day itineraries – allowing travellers to explore multiple regions in their own time. These itineraries offer more overnight port stays, fewer rushed calls and an altogether more leisurely pace.
“The biggest appeal of cruising is the ‘one airfare, multi-destination’ nature of the holiday,” explains Bubolz. “The money you save on flights and transfers can add extra days – and shore excursions – to an itinerary. It’s a great way for people to maximise their holiday time. You unpack once and really relax into the journey.”
Flight Centre South Africa’s Year in Travel Report 2024 shows that South Africans, on average, are opting to cruise for at least 10 days, which is above the global average of 7.1 days.
“South Africans love NCL’s European and Asia sailings,” says Bubolz. “The Med is popular at the moment, with our September and October sailings offering a welcome reprieve from South Africa’s winter weather – and you can choose from quick escapes (1 to 8 days), extended vacations (up to 14 days) and global journeys (15+ days).”
Carefully curated excursions
Forget lying on your lounger for days on end – today’s cruise itineraries include culturally rich cities like Istanbul, Tokyo and Lisbon, and quieter, lesser-known ports in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. This is your chance to experience the old world in a new way, with shore excursions offering everything from guided walks, gallery tours, cycling adventures and immersive cooking classes to satisfy even the most serious foodies.
On-board cultural immersion
Onboard experiences are just as important as those on shore. Imagine enrichment programmes where you can learn from wine connoisseurs, historians, wildlife experts and more. Instead of just visiting destinations, you’re understanding them – sipping Mediterranean wines while learning terroir secrets or attending lectures and language classes with local experts who bring centuries of history to life.
Cuisine, music, theatre
There really is something for everyone in the cruising world. For instance, in 2025, passengers don’t just dine; they learn to cook regional dishes, listen to local musicians and enjoy incredible theatre productions that stack up against the best of Broadway.
Slow sea days that prioritise wellness
According to Bubolz, it’s important to build in downtime. “We’re all carrying invisible backpacks filled with stress, deadlines, and family commitments. Sea days work as a magical reset button, where you have permission to do absolutely nothing except read by the pool or enjoy a nourishing treatment in NCL’s Mandara Spa and Salon – with the best view in the world!”
Family fun and connection are priorities on board, and it’s easy to get the kids to ditch their devices and join them on waterslides, racetracks and rollercoasters that you’ll talk about for years to come.
“Spend some time planning your cruise,” advises Bubolz. “And speak to a travel advisor. There are so many different options, with a combination of itineraries, ports and excursions that can make your journey truly personal and special. And with NCL’s More at Sea™ package, you can elevate your experience even further with special dining options, open bar, unlimited Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment and shore credits.”
Bubolz’s final advice? “If you’re still toying with the idea of booking a cruise, now is the time. It is one of the best ways to see the world.”
For more information about Norwegian Aqua, NCL’s award-winning 20-ship fleet, and worldwide itineraries, please contact a travel professional, call 021 200 6586 or visit www.ncl.com.
