German cruise line Phoenix Reisen returns to South Africa for 2020 cruise

Phoenix Reisen will send its cruise liner Artania to Cape Town in 2020 for a cruise along the South African coast, and across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius.

Departing January 16^th, 2020, Artania will spend a night in port in Cape Town, before cruising to Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban (where she’ll stay overnight) and Richard’s Bay before heading out into the Indian Ocean for Fort Dauphin in Madagascar and Saint-Denis, Reunion.

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When she arrives in Port Louis, Mauritius, Artania will stay overnight again in port on the last night of the cruise.

This 14-night cruise itinerary is unique because it is the only schedule cruise from Cape Town to Mauritius for the whole of 2020, although other cruises from Cape Town visit the islands of Reunion and Mauritius.

The itinerary is also unique in the MSC Cruises-dominated South African cruise market as it gives SA cruise passengers an opportunity to experience a totally different type of cruise line.

Because Phoenix Reisen is marketed exclusively to Germans, cruising aboard one of its ships can feel very much like you’re in Hamburg or Berlin itself.

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It’s not for the inexperienced cruiser then, but is great for those looking for something a little different, specially if you’re a ship buff with an interest in vintage cruise ships.

Built in 1984, Artania is an old cruise ship by modern standards in the global cruise ship fleet, but she doesn’t look or feel it. Phoenix Reisen keeps its ships up-to-date in terms of modern décor and amenities.

Artania was thoroughly refurbished in 2011 and boasts three dining rooms, 7 bars and cafes, two pools, a whirlpool, spa, library and show lounge. At 230m she’s a mid-size ship, carrying just 1,200 passengers.

You won’t find any children aboard either, as Artemis is an adults-only cruise ship, which is reflection of the passenger demographic the cruise line caters to (German retirees and empty nesters).

If Phoenix Reisen’s 14-night cruise to Mauritius seems a bit adventurous or expensive, AIDA Cruises, the mass-market German line, will be sailing its first-ever South African cruise season during the same timeframe, with AIDAmira cruising roundtrip out of Cape Town.