The key question for travel agents is no longer whether clients are interested in cruise holidays, but rather where they want to go and who to target for domestic versus international cruises.
Travel consultants are advised to tailor their selling strategies to distinct customer segments.
The beauty of cruising right now is choice, said Antoinette Turner , GM at Flight Centre South Africa. For those looking to skip long-haul flights or streamline their travel plans, local departures offer an incredibly convenient starting point, especially with the calibre of ships visiting our shores. But equally, many travellers are flying overseas specifically to cruise iconic routes in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Its not about choosing one over the other anymore its about having more options than ever before.
Local cruisingDomestic cruising is attracting South Africans who prioritise affordability, ease of travel and family-friendly options.
According to Flight Centres 2024 cruise stats, couples dominate local bookings at 62, followed by families 29, solo travellers 6 and groups 3.