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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking the future of African tourism
As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Image: Supplied Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is perfectly poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress – and cruise tourism is one of the most promising ways to do just that. As Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've witnessed firsthand how cruising not only offers unforgettable travel experiences but also acts as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Together, through strategic collaboration and forward-thinking investment, I believe we can unlock the full value of cruise tourism across Africa. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships with some offering advanced facilities that allow servicing of the vessels too. These destinations are proving just how much potential exists, and they provide an inspiring foundation for future growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ We're particularly excited about MSC Cruises' upcoming 2025/26 season, which includes MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending her reach to stunning destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries are a testament to the growing appeal of African coastal cruising, and to what's possible when we embrace a shared vision for tourism growth. Laying the groundwork for growth To ensure this industry flourishes, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships like MSC's World America can carry nearly 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a bigger economic opportunity. However, many African cities will need to gear themselves up to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a truly world-class cruise experience depends on the entire journey, from seamless airport connections and modern roadways to efficient services and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, guests would be thrilled to be able to easily access highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg. Equally important are the enriching leisure activities that make each destination unforgettable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to savouring local cuisine and enjoying traditional music and dance, these experiences create lasting memories for guests while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a guided township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, curated excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination, transforming a port stop into a meaningful cultural journey. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism. At MSC Cruises, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and leisure activity providers to align our efforts with broader development goals and help build a vibrant, sustainable tourism economy. By co-creating cruise-ready cities where ports act as welcoming gateways to rich inland adventures and cultural experiences, we can generate lasting value for both local communities and international visitors. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth lies at the heart of MSC Cruises' approach. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to designing efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is embedded in everything we do. Just as importantly, we believe cruise tourism should uplift the people and communities it touches. That's why we prioritise partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs, ensuring that every stop on a cruise route contributes to local job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With the right training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success One of the most exciting aspects of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Around the world, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From shared marketing to joint infrastructure projects, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this even further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create a world-class, interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already proven its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, there's no reason Africa can't chart its own bold course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP – and it is poised to grow. We have only to look at the success of South African peers like Morocco or Greece to understand the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private collaboration have transformed coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. In Morocco, ports like Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to rich cultural experiences, while Greece has leveraged its islands to offer seamless itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These countries show that with the right infrastructure and partnerships, cruise tourism can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, job creation and global visibility, an inspiring blueprint for South Africa and the wider African continent. This is a moment filled with promise. With aligned policies, smart investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can emerge as a leading cruise destination, one that blends innovation, sustainability and authentic cultural connection. We believe this transformation is not only possible, but already underway. By working together with purpose and positivity, we can unlock the future of African tourism and shape it for generations to come. Ross Volk is Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa. He champions sustainable and inclusive tourism as a key driver of economic opportunity across the continent. Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa. Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Why a cruise might be an ideal holiday destination for your summer
The Durban-to-Mozambique route is the most popular among local cruisers, while overseas cruisers prefer the Cape Town-to-Walvis Bay route. Earlier this year The Citizen was invited on the MSC Musica, sailing from Durban to Portuguese Island, Mozambique. Picture: Supplied Six months into the year and snuggled in a fetal position because of winter's freezing temperatures, there is probably no better time to work on those summer holiday plans than now. 'Planning your trip in advance and looking out for early bird prices as well as ongoing promotions is very helpful in managing costs,' Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa Ross Volk, tells The Citizen. Planning is vital; however, I would never have imagined including a cruise in my plans. I grew up with the idea that cruises are a pastime for retired oldies whose retirement funds had dodged the odd scam, or simply a bucket list item for senior citizens. The diverse demographics of people on the cruise took me aback. Earlier this year, The Citizen was invited on the MSC Musica, sailing from Durban to Mozambique's Portuguese Island. 'Each season, regular cruisers and new cruisers alike grow in numbers. This is potentially also linked to more and more people discovering cruising as an affordable, value-for-money option to travel,' says Volk. MSC Cruises operates four routes from two ports in South Africa. The Durban-to-Mozambique route is the most popular with local cruisers, while the Cape Town-to-Walvis Bay route is particularly popular with overseas cruisers as well. The other two routes are from Durban to Mauritius and from Durban to Cape Town. ALSO READ: Cruise line mourns the death of passenger who suffered a heart attack on board A community on board We left Durban port on a Friday, and by around 6:00 am, we had arrived in Mozambique. There was some motion sickness during those few hours on Friday, and one got a sense of actually being on a cruise, the less visible the Durban port was. When I described it to people, being on a cruise felt like being in a moving hotel, yet the beauty of the ocean was right there throughout the voyage. There is so much to do on the vessel, from enjoying a massage to maintaining your workout routine in the gym, to karaoke or enjoying renditions of classic songs from the in-house band while unwinding at the bar. After the first 10 to 24 hours on the cruise, a sense of community emerges. You know who your cabin neighbours are and have found some routine to your life on board, seeing certain faces at dinner and lunch and bumping into people on the lift. What makes the cruise a more enjoyable experience is the staff on board, which is comprised of young people from different parts of the world, with a fair share of young South Africans. The South Africans who are part of the staff are recruited through the recruitment agency, The Shosholoza Ocean Academy. 'The academy handles interviews, training in simulated environments and places young people onboard, not just in South Africa but on all our vessels across the globe,' shares Volk. With just more than 3,000 people on board, including the staff, the operation can be a lot to handle for the staff that comes from countries such as India, Indonesia, and Kenya. However, they are patient and helpful with people who have lost their cabin access cards, those who can't find their way on the gigantic ship and can't find their way back to their room, or need direction to the lavatory. According to Volk, the staff on the vessel go through intense training before being approved to work on board. 'This is of course specific to the roles, with some being more technical than others. Regular refreshers and drills are also conducted to ensure the staff stays sharp.' MSC Cruises is also the only liner with a ship based in South Africa. It serves the market every season (six months annually) with cruises departing from Durban and Cape Town to destinations such as Mozambique, Namibia, Madagascar, and Mauritius. The buffet area is open for over 20 hours a day, offering a variety of food options. The nightclub, which starts operating only from around 11 pm, is a fun fixture for those who have the urge to 'go out' as soon as the sun sets. Although the buffet temporarily stops serving a variety of food late at night after 11 pm, drunkards from the club can still grab slices of pizza and fries to quench those late-night cravings. ALSO READ: Rage festival organisers make U-turn on cruise to Mozambique after backlash Being in Mozambique We disembarked from the ship and boarded boats that took us to the island. As soon as you get on the island, you're welcomed by zealous local vendors. For a second, you'd think you're in Joburg's Small Street, but then the beautiful blue waters and sand beach remind you exactly where you are. The Portuguese Island is located approximately 32km off the coast of Maputo, where just weeks and months before our visit in January, devastating protests took place, resulting in the loss of many lives. According to the cruise line, none of the MSC Cruise sailings in the Indian Ocean to the island destinations of Pomene and Portuguese Island have been affected by any civil unrest in mainland Mozambique. 'We have continued to monitor the situation closely and have comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of our guests and crew,' Volk said. We spent a few hours on the island, where activities included snorkelling and tubing. NOW READ: Scientists say ocean health and biodiversity at a tipping point, new survey reveals
Times
13-06-2025
- Times
17 of the best cruises in Croatia
Croatia is one of Europe's best cruise destinations. Once you have stepped foot on its pine-backed beaches, swum in sparkling blue coves and toured its terracotta-topped fishing villages you'll understand why. There are more than 1,000 islands to explore as well as adventures inland for forest hikes and winery visits. When it comes to bustling centres, there's no need to limit yourself to Dubrovnik's walls. Cruising allows visits to the palaces and cathedrals of ancient waterfront cities such as Split and Zadar, while sampling the seafood restaurants, snorkelling and sunsets of the glittering Adriatic. Whether you prefer to sail on a large cruise ship packed with facilities or a glamorous yacht, these are some of the best cruises in Croatia. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Explora Journeys was launched by MSC Cruises in 2023 and the ships feel a cut above your average cruise line. Expect chic suites with walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling windows, and lavish all-inclusive packages that cover everything from thermal spa access to fine wines. Children over six months are welcome on board, but only those over six can use the excellent Nautilus Club with its games consoles,digital library and pool table. Croatian itineraries include seven-night cruises between Athens and Fusina, near Venice, calling at Zadar and the picturesque town of Rovinj, with its cobbled streets, busy fishing port and baroque church. • Read our full guide to Croatia Sea days will sail by on a Seabourn cruise thanks to a generous all-inclusive fare that includes servings of caviar and champagne, a bespoke in-suite bar and wi-fi powered by Starlink. There are several Croatia itineraries, including a 14-day sailing from Dubrovnik to Istanbul and a seven-day round-trip from Dubrovnik tracing the Dalmatian coast, with stops in some of the country's prettiest ports. Optional activities along the way include a winery tour in Korcula, a Dalmatian cookery class in Zadar and brandy tasting in Opatija, a seaside resort often likened to the French Riviera. • Discover our full guide to cruise holidays This holiday company, catering to UK travellers, has a ten-day Venice, Split and Treasures of the North yacht itinerary. You'll glide through Croatia's crystal-clear waters on the comfortable 36-passenger MS Stella Maris and visit islands such as Losinj and Rab, with plenty of time to explore. Shore excursions include a land-train trip to see the natural beauty of Brijuni National Park. Riviera offers flights from regional airports and you can upgrade for a stress-free home pick-up service, too. Built in response to the growing interest in small-ship cruising, river line Emerald Cruises launched a pair of 100-passenger superyachts — Azzurra and Sakara — which both offer Croatian itineraries. Almost 90 per cent of the cabins, which go up to the two-room 110 sq m Owner's Suites, have balconies and terraces with unimpeded views. Shore excursions are geared around authentic experiences, including visits to island towns like Korcula where you can sample its white wines amid the medieval walls and towers; and contrasting outcrops from bustling Hvar to far-flung Vis. Back on board there's a spa and a water sports platform for paddleboarding and snorkelling. You'll find plenty of quirky shore excursions designed to showcase the many facets of Croatia on a Celebrity cruise. Swim, cycle and kayak in and around Dubrovnik, and explore big-name TV and film locations from a tuk-tuk at Split. Trips to coastal towns, such as the tree-lined Cavtat, the southernmost Croatian resort, show a sleepier side to the country. On board, splash out on the Retreat suite, giving you access to an exclusive restaurant plus a clubhouse-style lounge open 24/7. Little ones will be equally happy in the Fun Factory area, or taking part in Camp at Sea activities adapted to suit four age groups. Renowned for its friendly, smaller ships that attract a loyal band of repeat guests, Fred Olsen has round-trip cruises to Croatia from Newcastle, Southampton and Liverpool on ships including the Balmoral and Bolette. It also runs one-way cruises from the UK to Dubrovnik. Your itinerary might include basking next to waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, scouring Roman ruins in Zadar and Split, or delving into Dalmatia's beloved red wines. Some sailings also slip into the fjord-like waters of the Bay of Kotor in neighbouring Montenegro. An onboard art studio means that you can join classes to capture highlights of your voyage on canvas. Get under the skin of Croatia with Azamara Cruises, focused on showcasing local life and culture. You'll have more time to explore with a different port of call each day and late-night departures on the line's immersive cruises of varying lengths. Your cruise could call at Pula, which was picked by the Romans as an administrative base and has a magnificent amphitheatre. Insightful excursions include discovering truffles in Istria, sampling local wines at vineyards in the Konavle Valley, and seeing a silk-weaving workshop outside ships in Silversea Cruise's all-inclusive luxury fleet sail to Croatia, including Silver Nova, one of the newest vessels. Active passengers can set off on hiking tours in national parks while there are lots of gentler options such as wine tasting and visiting an intriguing salt museum and salt pan in Zadar. Back on the ship, Silversea places a big emphasis on regional dining experiences in the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) restaurant, along with cookery classes to learn how to create local specialities. You'll also be extremely pampered because all suites on Silversea come with personal butler a fly-cruise to Croatia on the 3,100-passenger Azura, one of the larger ships in P&O's fleet. Sailings visit the headline cities of Dubrovnik, Spilt and Zadar. A walk along the walls of the old city of Dubrovnik in the morning or when the sun goes down will give one of the best views across the red-roofed city. In Split, Diocletian's Palace, one of Europe's best-preserved Roman palaces, is another highlight. Among the many excursions P&O offers in Croatia, you could be visiting the Unesco-listed old town of Trogir, or foodie corners such as Ston, the oyster capital of Croatia. Families can schedule sailings to coincide with school holidays. Built for shoreline cruising, CroisiEurope's sea-going vessel MV La Belle de l'Adriatique spends much of its time sailing in Croatia and provides a comfortable floating home from which to explore a string of coastal towns. Carrying 197 guests, the small but sturdy vessel reaches ports that are inaccessible to larger ships; itineraries include a round-trip cruise from Dubrovnik. Meals reflect the line's French heritage and lunch is always a proper sit-down affair. Sailings will appeal to active types looking to hike through Krka National Park or set out on a bike tour on the island of Vis. Resembling a swish private yacht, the 36-passenger Lady Eleganza was custom-built for cruising up the Croatian coast and provides an intimate setting for Adriatic exploration. It offers a selection of sailings, up to 14 days. This ship is small enough to moor beside islands such as Rab, where the namesake town's perfectly preserved medieval buildings are squeezed onto a narrow peninsula, as well as the seaside city of Zadar, studded with Roman and Renaissance architecture. On board, relax in the air-conditioned lounge or take the plunge and leap straight into the Adriatic from the swimming buzzing race tracks to scented spas, there's something to float everyone's boat on Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative ships. The headline port of call on Adriatic sailings is Dubrovnik, where the tender to shore provides inviting views of the city and its trove of historic buildings. Upgrade your sailing with a stay in the Haven zone: a ship-within-a-ship complex that comes with spacious top-deck cabins and 24-hour butlers plus an exclusive restaurant, lounge and sundeck. If you have little ones, look out for the family cabins close to the action of the kids' clubs and nursery catering for mini-mariners as young as six sailors can expect to be kept busy aboard MSC's fleet of colourful, glitzy vessels. There are five children's clubs for all ages (over six months), including complimentary babysitting. This gives parents plenty of time to scale the city walls that encircle Dubrovnik, explore Unesco-listed Diocletian's Palace in Split or relax on a beach, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having fun with their shipmates. MSC has a long Italian sailing heritage and offers a choice of departure points such as Venice, Trieste and Bari, bound for Istria and the Dalmatian the Adriatic Scandi-style aboard Viking's adults-only ships — the line has several Mediterranean cruises that include Croatia. There are plenty of staterooms to choose from: those on deck seven are closest to the panoramic Explorer's Lounge. This deck is also home to the incredible 134 sq m Owner's Suite, which has a sauna, if you want to splash out. Expect plenty of nature-focused shore excursions to keep you entertained, including the chance to head to Krka National Park or visit the Dubrava Falconry Centre that cares for endangered birds of cruising comes to the fore on these elegant all-suite ships, which offer multiple shore excursions along the way. Game of Thrones fans can visit the real-life location of the fictional city of Meereen, which is actually Klis Fortress just outside Split. Or you can go on a leisurely drive through the countryside to find out how flour is produced at a 15th-century mill — rounding things off with a wine tasting. The line does welcome children, but you'll find families are in the minority outside school on a small-ship sailing adventure with the over-50 specialist firm Saga. You'll sail with 40 passengers or fewer, and discover highlights of the Dalmatian coast, including lesser-known islands, national parks and ancient walled cities. Interesting shore excursions include a visit to a stonemasonry workshop in Pucisca, and as the ships moor overnight you can wander ashore to explore in the evening. These cruises come with Saga perks including an open bar and door-to-door chauffeured transfers. Classy Ponant reflects its Gallic roots by embracing the French art of living, which, happily, means a big accent on fine food and drink, with an open bar to boot. Croatia-focused sailings take in the island of Korcula, said by locals to be the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, as well as stops at Split and Dubrovnik. Continuing the gastronomic theme, excursions include oyster and mussel tasting and a visit to a winery to learn about the local malvazija grape. Youngsters are allowed in limited numbers and can practise their French at the kids' club. • Best honeymoon cruises• Best western Mediterranean cruises
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Your ultimate guide to a seamless voyage: 15 tips for first-time MSC cruisers
Indulge in luxury and explore new horizons with MSC Opera cruise, Image: Supplied Indulge in endless entertainment . Enjoy access to Broadway-style shows, thrilling water parks, casinos and more – all included in your cruise fare. Dine your way, all day. Savour unlimited buffet and main restaurant meals, and drink packages for added indulgence. Make every port count. Pre-book excursions for the best deals. As MSC Opera returns to South African waters for the highly anticipated 2025/2026 local cruise season, now is the perfect time to experience the magic of cruising. If you've booked your first cruise (or you are seriously considering it) – congratulations, you're about to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation and endless entertainment. Here are 15 essential tips to help you make the most of your experience, from prepping and packing to your final sunset at sea. Trip preparation: Packing and pre-cruise essentials 1. Pack smart, pack light While MSC Opera has plenty of storage, overpacking can make your cabin feel cluttered. Opt for versatile clothing, comfortable shoes for excursions and don't forget formal attire for elegant evenings. 2. Know what's not allowed Leave behind prohibited items like irons, candles and drones. Most essentials, like hairdryers and bathrobes, are provided in your cabin. 3. Print and prepare your e-ticket Boarding is a breeze with your MSC Cruise e-ticket or boarding pass. This document contains all your essential travel details, luggage tags and itinerary information. 4. Pre-book shore excursions and special packages Popular excursions sell out fast! Booking early not only secures your spot but often saves you money compared to purchasing onboard. Consider adding a Fun Pass for extra onboard activities at a discount. 5. Set up your cruise card and payment method MSC Cruises operates cash-free. Link a credit card to your cruise card for easy onboard purchases or make a cash deposit at guest services when you board. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Guests browse and book shore excursions to make the most of every destination Image: Supplied Onboard experience: Dining, entertainment and more 6. Enjoy unlimited dining options. You can eat as much or as little as you like, from breakfast buffets to gourmet dinners. Remember, all buffet and main restaurant meals are always included in your cruise fare. 7. Take advantage of drinks packages. Water, coffee and tea are complimentary, but sodas, alcohol and specialty drinks require a package upgrade. If you plan to indulge, consider purchasing a drinks package that will work for you, before your cruise, for great savings. 8. Stay connected (if you must!) Wi-Fi isn't free, so if staying online is important, purchase an Internet package in advance for the best rates (up to 20% savings). Otherwise, embrace the digital detox and enjoy the ocean breeze. 9. Catch Broadway-style shows and nightlife for free. MSC Cruises offers world-class entertainment – live performances, comedy shows and even thrilling casinos – all included in your cruise fare. No extra ticket required! 10. Embrace the fun – day and night. From water parks to arcades, mini golf to shuffleboard, there's never a dull moment. Many activities are free, while some require a Fun Pass—so plan accordingly. Shore excursions: Making the most of every port 11. Plan ahead for the best excursions. Booking shore excursions in advance guarantees availability and better pricing. Whether it's snorkelling in turquoise waters or exploring historical ruins, don't miss out! 12. Dress comfortably for exploration. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a small backpack for essentials will keep you prepared for any adventure ashore. Extra insider tips to elevate your cruise 13. Check the daily cruise planner. Your daily planner (delivered to your cabin or available on the MSC app) highlights scheduled activities, entertainment and dining specials – don't miss out on exclusive events! 14. Budget for extras but stick to a plan. While plenty is included, extras – like spa treatments, tickets purchased in themed gaming venues, Wi-Fi and specialty dining – can add up. Set a budget to avoid surprises on your final bill. 15. Relax and enjoy every moment. Cruises are designed for enjoyment—whether that means lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet meals, or dancing under the stars. Knowing what's included, what you may want to plan ahead for and how to get the most out of every moment will make your cruise one to remember. Encounter flamingos in their natural habitat, a serene highlight of your shore excursion adventure Image: Supplied Bon voyage! Take this opportunity and plan for your festive holiday, and book a Christmas or New Year's cruise onboard MSC Opera. Choose between 5-nights of endless relaxation and family time, with visits to the white sandy beaches in Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique or 14-nights and a range of great activities to fill your days including visits to Nosy Be, Port Louis and La Possession. With these essential cruise tips, you'll be a little more ready for your incredible journey at sea. Click through to the MSC Cruises website to learn more about cruising, savings deals, entertainment onboard and the MSC Opera 2025-2026 itinerary.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises
How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises Show Caption Hide Caption MSC World America: The most American cruise ship yet MSC World America, the newest ship from MSC Cruises, features 19 dining venues, 18 bars and lounges and many more. How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises Last-minute deals are a surefire way to save big when booking a Caribbean cruise, but let's be honest: Most of us can't cut it that close. Taking off work, securing flights for the whole family, and finding a stateroom that can comfortably accommodate everyone (and that is in a desirable location of the ship) all become a heck of a lot harder to do when you're a few weeks or even months away from departure. Let's not add that unnecessary stress to our plates, OK? With a little strategizing, you can snag an unbeatable discount on one of the best Caribbean cruises for families. You can save even more with kids sail free promos, which are offered by nearly every major line. Bonus add-ons such as $100 in onboard credit, 'free' gratuities, and specialty restaurant inclusions further boost the value of your bottom line. So, where to start? The best places to search for deals are on cruise planning websites (which feed you offers from many online travel agencies) and directly on the cruise lines' sites. You can also keep tabs on deals by subscribing to email lists for alerts. Broaden your results by signing up with multiple cruise sites and lines. Once you're tapped into a network of deals, it's time to put some money-saving tools into play. Here are three ways to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises for families. FIND YOUR MATCH: From kids to teens to grandparents, these are 12 best family cruise lines for all ages 1. Book a cruise during 'wave season' Think of wave season as the cruise industry's Amazon 'Prime Day' – only this buying window stretches for a few months. Every year from January through March, cruise lines roll out some of their most competitive prices after the holidays wind down. Deals advertised during wave season entice travelers to 'hit the waves,' so the cruise lines can fill their ships for the year(s) ahead. This is a win-win for the lines and families, who can save a pretty penny on sailings that give them plenty of time to plan. GO BEYOND: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for the best trip ever Just about every major line gets involved in wave season. You'll find deals on all types of ships – including big, small, and expedition – and itineraries. Occasionally, cruise lines offer discounts on sailings during more sought-after times of year, like mid-summer or holidays. Common wave season deals include discounts of up to 50% off, BOGO offers, onboard credits, and extras such as free cabin upgrades and complimentary packages. 2. Be strategic with Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials Not all Black Friday and Cyber Monday promos are good deals. Some lines have even been known to raise prices around this time. The true value typically lies in more generous extras like significantly reduced deposits, 'free' shore excursions, and higher onboard credits. Some lines will also have an option to include airfare. Sign up for deal alerts on the best Caribbean cruises for families, at least a few months beforehand, to glean how prices and offers are trending. This will allow you to spot a deal better when you see one. You don't need to wait until the end-of-month retail rumpus, either. A handful of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are quietly made available in early November. CARIBBEAN DREAMS: These 6 cruise lines offer the best Caribbean cruises for families Additionally, some cruise lines will advertise a deal for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and keep it rolling through wave season – only rebranding it and perhaps refreshing some of the extras. So, don't get discouraged if you're financially stretched too thin during the holiday season, and not quite ready to book. 3. Plan to cruise during the fall September, October, and November are among the cheapest months of the year to cruise in the Caribbean. There are two reasons for this: It's hurricane season, and kids are back in school, so the demand is much lower. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Any ship sailing within this time frame technically has a greater chance of being rerouted away from a storm. Despite all this, June, July, and August are some of the most popular months for Caribbean cruises. However, that's not the case for the latter part of hurricane season, which peaks from mid-August to mid-October. NO HIDDEN FEES: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world Even with a higher probability of storm activity, the chances of your cruise being affected are still relatively low. In the most likely scenario, you would have to call at a different port or spend an extra day at sea in order to move further away from a storm's path. You also might run into some rain or choppy seas, but that can happen at any time of the year. If you don't have your heart set on a particular destination, and your family is down to go with the flow, then sailing in the fall might be your ticket to the best Caribbean cruises for families. Want to slash your chances of getting seasick? Consider a Southern Caribbean itinerary. Due to their southern location and climates, islands such as St. Lucia and Aruba rarely see tropical activity. How to score big savings on the best Caribbean cruises for families originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
