Publications
Partners
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of staying afloat? Look no further than a seaside escape as you cruise through balmy beaches or Frozen-esque icy mountain destinations, that offer breathtaking backdrops for your OOO message.
Instead of red-eye flights and rushing, why not kick back and get a tan while you travel between destinations in style? Contrary to myth, lore, and misconception - cruises are not reserved solely for retirees, Disney’s Zack and Cody, or cabaret singers. They offer idyllic travel routes suited for all types of travellers – from family to foodie to solo travellers.
(Image: Supplied)
We caught up with Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Vice President and Managing Director for Continental Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Kevin Bubolz, to find out more about the pioneering cruise line. We also discussed what travellers should know when getting on board with sea travel.
As a family man and father of two with a penchant for travel and cruises, Kevin has a vested interest in the cruise industry beyond his job title. While his role means he is managing internal and external team processes, he’s also able to visit and explore plenty of incredible destinations through their cruises.
(Image: Supplied)
We asked him a few questions regarding cruise travel with his personal and professional expertise and here’s what he had to say for travellers looking to go the ocean way:
When is the ideal time to consider booking a cruise?
“The beauty of cruising is its year-round appeal!” enthuses Kevin. “With ships constantly sailing to fascinating destinations around the globe, there’s always a perfect cruise out there, no matter what time of year it is.”
However, Kevin does suggest that if there is a specific time of year travellers would like for their cruise – the NCL team is always ready to assist and find a cruise best suited to your schedule and travel interests. Kevin also mentioned that NCL has cruises that will offer you a seasonal change if you wish to experience a different climate than the heat or cold from back home.
“For South African travellers looking to escape the local winter, the Mediterranean offers a warm and inviting cruise experience where you can bask in the sun, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences,” he adds. “Alternatively, for those seeking a winter wonderland adventure, destinations like Alaska are popular due to their snowy landscapes.”
Looking for something local? You can start your journey immediately from SA shores. Kevin says that NCL’s itineraries start from Cape Town’s docks and offer convenient options for SA travellers.
“Whether sailing the Indian Ocean or Africa’s west coast, these departures eliminate the need for a long-haul flight to reach the embarkation destination, making the cruising experience even more accessible and enjoyable for local travellers.”
(Image: Supplied)
What should you pack for your cruise?
Like with any travel – you need your documents. “Most importantly, you’ll need your passport, travel insurance, visa(s), and a copy of your eDocs, which function as your cruise tickets,” Kevin stresses.
“It’s also crucial to pack versatile clothing – always do your research into your destinations’ climates as they’re unlikely to all be similar.”
Other travel essentials to always keep on hand include a list of all the exciting highlights you want to see in each port – to make your trip truly memorable. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea, to stay hydrated and fill up at the ships' refill stations.
Debunking cruise myths
“A lot of people have preconceived notions about cruises, but the truth is these holidays offer incredible convenience, amazing entertainment, and a sense of freedom that you won't find with many land-based options,” explains Kevin.
Despite the myth that cruises are reserved for wealthy retirees, Kevin explains that they’re all-inclusive (aside from shore excursions and speciality dining) and tailored to all types of travellers and budgets.
“Another widespread myth is that cruises are cramped and claustrophobic,” explains Kevin. “Many modern cruise ships are designed to cleverly manage the guest flow and it’s surprising how easy it is to avoid crowds on board.”
He goes on to say that NCL ships are designed in such a way that a wide variety of public spaces is available for cruise travellers to enjoy the view, read, or relax in a peaceful spot across the ship.
When embarking on a NCL cruise, travellers can rest assured that they're receiving an incredible value-for-money as many services like multiple dining options, award-winning entertainment, aqua parks and kids clubs are already included in the cruise fare.
The last myth is the idea that all one does on a cruise is sunbathe and eat...
“While the food IS fantastic, cruise ships are packed with exciting activities. From rock climbing walls and waterslides to quality entertainment like Summer: The Donna Summer Musical or Beetlejuice, it’s easy to stay as busy as you’d like,” enthuses Kevin.
(Image: Supplied)
Are you ready to earn your sea legs with NCL?
With cruises crafted for every traveller, over 400 destinations to choose from, and up to 21 different dining options – there’s plenty to choose from for your next vacation.
“The sun worshippers will love our Caribbean cruises, as well as sailing to the Greek Isles or the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean,” shares Kevin. “Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Getaway boast amazing pool decks and outdoor spaces, perfect for soaking up those rays in style.”
History buffs can immerse themselves in the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean, walk through the cobbled and culturally rich streets of Far Eastern cities, or soak up the vibrancy of the Caribbean lifestyle and culture.
“Our Alaska cruises promise once-in-a-lifetime adventures for families and nature lovers, where you can witness glaciers calving, spot majestic whales breaching, and hike to your heart’s content,” explains Kevin.
“Speaking of family cruisers, all our ships are packed with exciting activities for all ages, from action-packed onboard waterparks and glow-in-the-dark bowling to dedicated kids’ clubs and teen lounges.”
These exciting offers allow parents to also relax and kick back for some quiet time while their little ones are enjoying themselves safely through these supervised programmes.
And if you’re worried about costs, NCL has value offerings that travellers can look forward to, namely their ‘Free at Sea’ deal. “This deal enables you to maximise your budget with a selection of perks, from unlimited open bar and speciality dining to shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi packages. Moreover, on select sailings, the third and fourth guest in a stateroom only pay taxes,” explains Kevin.
(Image: Supplied)
Some cruises to look forward to and expect coming up with NCL include:
- Plan out an idyllic Eurotrip along the Mediterranean with the Norwegian Viva cruise line and or explore Northern Europe with the Norwegian Prima cruise line.
- Unleash your inner island boy or girl while soaking up balmy climates along the Caribbean with the Norwegian Joy cruise ship.
- Their newest ship in the fleet, the Norwegian Aqua, will be setting sail in April 2025 – where travellers can look forward to a thrilling onboard ‘aqua coaster’ experience as well as other upgrades aimed to redefine the NCL traveller cruise experience.
(Image: Supplied)
This post was sponsored by NCL and produced by Studio24 for News24.
