Luxury cruise ship caters to the discerning traveller

LUXURY Azamara Pursuit cruise ship is set to sail in South Africa and Mozambique in December. The 5-star vessel will embark on its first voyage in South Africa on December 21. Their last season was almost three years ago on board the attractive Azamara Quest.

The 12- and 13-day itineraries will introduce travellers to Cape Town, Gqeberha, East London, Richards Bay, Durban, and Maputo in Mozambique. Depending on the itinerary, travellers will get to disembark at ports to explore the area for the day.

For example, the 12-night South Africa golf cruise will showcase one of the world’s most challenging links courses, The Hill and Humewood in Gqeberha, as well as the famed Durban Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another 12-night cruise will feature exotic safaris, golden beaches and Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Cruises are priced from $2 589 (about R35 514). The rate includes all meals, select non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, self-service laundry, entertainment and more.

All travellers need to be vaccinated. Melany Sonia Pugin, the managing director for Haniel Travel Solutions, said the return of Azamara to South African shores proves that cruising is making a comeback.

“The arrival of these cruise ships back in South Africa does show that tourism is opening up, especially within the cruising sector. We’re excited about Azamara as it caters to the discerning traveller. The boutique ship has pretty much everything you could ever want in a cruise,” she said.

Meanwhile, the MSC Group recently announced the launch of Explora Journeys with discerning luxury travellers in mind.

Built by Fincantieri, the first of four luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

The ships will use cutting-edge maritime technology for journeys on and off the beaten path. Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division, said building a luxury brand will redefine the cruise experience.

“It has been a long-held vision of me and my family.

“Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury,” he said.