Press Release issued on behalf of Oceania Cruises and Cruises International
OCEANIA CRUISES REAPPOINTS CRUISES INTERNATIONAL AS PREFERRED PARTNER IN SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG, 13 OCTOBER 2022 – Oceania Cruises has reappointed Cruises International as its sole Preferred Partner in South Africa, bringing the luxury cruise line to the forefront of the cruise market segment in the country, ready for the brand’s growth in 2023 and beyond.
The reappointment comes as Oceania Cruises pursues its ambitious strategy of Re-inspiration, which Bernard Carter, Senior Vice President & Managing Director EMEA, describes as “a rejuvenation of the brand and metamorphosis of our offering”.
Says Carter: “The Re-inspiration of Oceania’s ships really is a game changer for us. In addition to the stem-to-stern transformation of Riviera and Marina, due to be completed in December 2022 and November 2023 respectively. Plus, we look forward to the launch of Vista in May 2023, and her as-yet unnamed sister ship in 2025, which will incorporate among other additions, brand new dining experiences that will solidify Oceania’s value proposition of delivering ‘The Finest Cuisine at Sea’.”
Oceania Cruises has set its sights on delivering the experience of an exclusive private club, adds Carter.
“We are reinvesting heavily into the evolution of the brand, and while there will be something to attract new guests, we will retain and even enhance many key elements that our loyal returning guests love so much.
“Guests who love our core attributes will still find these – the exquisitely crafted cuisine, small luxury ships, extensiveness of itineraries with more than 450 ports of call featuring numerous overnight stays, and our exemplary service. However, everything will be updated, to be more contemporary and fresher,” Carter explains.
South Africa a key market
South Africa is a key market for Oceania Cruises; not least as a market where the cruise line can trial creative approaches. To that end, the Oceania Cruises team will be visiting South Africa in October to meet with trade partners.
“It’s important to us to stay relevant to this market always. We are fully committed to working with Cruises International and our valued third-party travel agents to re-engage with past guests, and to welcome many more that have yet to enjoy the uniqueness of the Oceania Cruises’ signature experience,” says Carter.
It’s business as usual for Cruises International, says Marco Cristofoli, CEO Cruises International. “Oceania Cruises is a key brand for us and being the only cruise specialist preferred partner in the industry, our experience and expertise lend itself well to the brand’s evolution and expansion in the South African market.”
While demand for cruising from South African has been affected by the exchange rate and challenges of obtaining visas, the market tends to plan. Consequently, Oceania Cruises confirms it has seen bookings growth from South African trade partners for 2023.
Typically, South Africans book the Mediterranean, World Cruises and Grand Voyages, Riet Goetschalckx, Sales Director Mainland EU, ME and Africa for Oceania Cruises, explains.
“For the longer itineraries South Africans tend to book, there’s the option of combining three to four cruises to create a 50-night itinerary for example, or even ending their cruise in South Africa,” says Goetschalckx.
Oceania Cruises is seeing a trend towards longer voyages with the post-Covid fatalistic attitude of: ‘I might have the money, but don’t know what’s coming down the road, so I’m going to travel now’.
“They are seeking special moments which means a higher grade of accommodation. While they are ready to pay for enhanced experience, they are still very value conscious. And in the case of Oceania Cruises, they recognise that what we have to offer is worth every penny,” Carter concludes.
Ends
About Cruises International
Cruises International remains the largest most successful GSA company within the industry in South Africa and Africa, representing the world’s leading cruise lines and making cruise travel dreams a reality.
With a portfolio of 8* “best in their class” brands the value of a cruise holiday is unparalleled and caters for every budget, lifestyle and aspiration. Together with a team of highly dedicated, professional and passionate cruise specialists , we offer support and guidance to all our travel trade partners, corporate and leisure clients.
Let Cruises International show you why a cruise holiday is “Like no Vacation on Earth”!
About OceaniaNEXT
OceaniaNEXT is a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements so transformational, they are inspirational. This ambitious brand initiative elevates every facet of the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new levels. From thoughtfully crafted new dining experiences and reimagined menus to the dramatic Re-inspiration of the brand’s six better-than-new ships, guests savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea, are pampered aboard small and luxurious ships, and enriched through in-depth destination exploration.
About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,210 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 450 marquee and boutique ports across Europe, Alaska, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New England-Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Tahiti and the South Pacific in addition to the epic 180-day Around the World Voyages. The brand has a second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship on order for delivery in 2025. With headquarters in Miami, Oceania Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a diversified cruise operator of leading global cruise brands which include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. With a combined fleet of 28 ships with nearly 60,000 berths, these brands offer itineraries to more than 490 destinations worldwide. The Company has nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027, comprising of approximately 24,000 berths.
