Norwegian Cruise Line freestyle dining and free add-ons popular with SA market

Norwegian Cruise Line’s freestyle dining concept and its choice of five free add-ons (such as drinks, wifi and more) have proven popular with the South African market.

Nick Wilkinson, Norwegian Cruise Line Regional Vice President for the Middle East & Africa, says the cruise line’s decision to homeport in Cape Town has generated immense interest in the local market.

While South Africa is not a major global fly-cruise market in terms of sourcing, it is popular with American, British and European passengers, and when cruise line homeport in the country, there’s always more interest from South Africans, who prefer to cruise domestically.

“Why not skip the long-haul flight and take the leisurely approach cruising from SA to Dubai or vice versa,” says Wilkinson. “For the South African traveller eager to dip their toes into the world of cruising or enjoy an entirely new cruise experience exploring the best of Southern Africa and beyond, these are cruises not to be missed.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is homeporting Norwegian Jade in South Africa, out of Cape Town, for the coming 2022/23 cruise season.

Norwegian Jade is offering cruises from 12 days, sailing around South Africa and Namibia (visiting Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban, Luderitz and Walvis Bay), as well as cruises from 18 to 19 days visiting South Africa, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius and Dubai.

“South Africans in particular love NCL’s freestyle concept which allows a completely flexible holiday, the opportunity to experience contemporary ships at sea and the chance to snap up 5 free add-on offers with our Free At Sea promotion,” adds Wilkinson. “Choose from Free Unlimited Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining, Free Shore Excursions, Free WiFi and Free third and fourth Guests.”

According to Sune Cornelius, Wesgro Cruise Business Development Manager, Norwegian Jade is among five new cruise ships that have been added to Cape Town’s cruise schedule, with 16 cruise lines scheduled to cruise to or from the city this season.

“For the next cruise season, there will be 120 ship calls, seven of which will be new to our shores. We are working with 16 cruise lines to develop itineraries to incorporate the Western Cape,” she added.