In a recent interview with Bob Dixon, Cunard Line’s General Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he revealed to Cruise Arabia & Africa that the world’s most prestigious cruise line is seeing rampant growth in South African cruise bookings, as both a source market and cruise destination.

“South Africa is a very mature source market where Cunard has established itself as a recognised cruise brand with a loyal following,” Dixon told Cruise Arabia & Africa.

“Cunard has been trading there for more than 30 years, and while South African passengers would initially join the ship in Cape Town as she sailed her world cruise itinerary, we are now seeing an emerging market in people choosing 7 to 14-night European itineraries,” he added.

RELATED: South Africa becoming increasingly important cruise destination

RELATED: South Africa’s inefficient ports keeping big cruise ships away

According to Dixon, this more recent growth and diversification in bookings from South African cruise passengers is a result of new investment in the South African cruise market by their local partners White Star Cruise & Travel.

“We have been ably represented there by White Star Cruise & Travel for almost 30 years. In 2013, Imagine Cruising from the UK set up an operation in SA and we have seen a quantum leap in both passenger volumes and a step change in the type of cruises being booked, including more trans-Atlantics,” says Dixon.

Cape Town will be used this year as a turnaround port for Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 on April 18^th, while next year, Cunard Line’s two cruise ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will both call in Cape Town for the first time.