Imagine waking up to a new view every morning—today it’s the whitewashed villages of Santorini, tomorrow the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, and by week’s end, you’re sipping espresso overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal. This isn’t a dream; it’s exactly what you can experience aboard Explora Journey, and that is why cruising has captured the hearts of so many South African travellers.
“Having just returned from experiencing Explora’s revolutionary approach to luxury cruising, I can tell you first-hand: modern cruising has evolved into something extraordinary. Gone are the days of crowded buffets and rigid schedules. Today’s cruise experience—whether you’re gliding down Europe’s rivers or crossing vast oceans—offers a level of sophistication and ease that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.”-Tania Venter, Owner of Jenny’s Travel
What Makes Modern Cruising Luxurious and Stress-Free?
Let me paint you a picture from my recent Explora journey: I’m lounging on my private veranda, watching dolphins race alongside the ship, while my butler (yes, butler!) confirms my dinner reservation at Sakura, one of six restaurants onboard. My biggest decision today? Whether to attend the wine masterclass or enjoy a Balinese massage.
This is modern cruising—where luxury isn’t just about thread counts and champagne (though Explora’s 400-thread-count linens and complimentary champagne bars certainly don’t hurt). It’s about the freedom from logistics, decisions, and stress.
The Luxury of Simplicity: Everything is handled. No arguing over restaurant choices, no GPS confusion, no “Did we book that tour?” moments. Your itinerary flows seamlessly while you focus on what matters—experiencing the journey.
Space to Breathe: Modern luxury ships offer extraordinary space ratios. Explora, for instance, feels more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship. Public spaces flow naturally, crowds are non-existent, and finding your perfect quiet corner becomes part of the daily rhythm.
Culinary Excellence: Forget the midnight buffet stereotype. Today’s cruise cuisine rivals Michelin-starred restaurants. During my voyage, I enjoyed everything from authentic kaiseki to perfectly aged steaks, all included. The sommelier remembered my preference for South African wines after just one dinner.
Unpack Once, Wake Up Somewhere New
Here’s the magic of cruising: You unpack once, hang up your clothes, and settle in. Then, while you’re sleeping, dining, or watching world-class entertainment, your floating hotel transports you to the next destination. No dragging luggage through airports, no checking in and out of hotels, no wondering if you’ve left something behind.
Recently, we booked a couple from Johannesburg on an MSC cruise from Durban. They visited Portuguese Island, Pomene, and Mozambique without touching their suitcases once. “It’s like having a magic carpet,” they told us. “We went to bed in one country and woke up in another!”
Ocean vs River: Two Different Worlds of Wonder
One question I’m always asked: “What’s the difference between ocean and river cruising?” Having experienced both, I can tell you each offers its own magic.
Ocean Cruising is about grandeur and variety. Ships are floating resorts with multiple restaurants, theatres, pools, and endless activities. You’ll have sea days to completely unwind—imagine reading that book cover to cover while the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you. Ocean cruises take you to multiple countries, offering that thrilling sense of covering vast distances. The gentle rock of the ship becomes a soothing rhythm that many find helps them sleep better than they do at home.
River Cruising is intimate and immersive. Ships with just 150 guests glide directly into the heart of cities—no ports, no transfers. You might wake up docked next to a medieval castle on the Rhine or in Budapest with Parliament gleaming outside your window. Every day brings a new town to explore, and you can often bike or walk directly from the ship. It’s like having a boutique hotel that follows you through the countryside.
My advice? Ocean cruising is perfect when you want variety, relaxation, and that classic cruise experience. Choose river cruising when you want cultural immersion and to really dig deep into a specific region. Many of our clients do both—a Mediterranean ocean cruise one year, a Danube river cruise the next.
Perfect Destinations for First-Time Cruisers
Choosing your first cruise destination can feel overwhelming, but some routes are simply made for beginners. Here are my top recommendations based on years of client feedback and personal experience:
The Mediterranean (May to October) This is where I always suggest first-timers start, and it’s where my Explora journey took me. Why? The Mediterranean offers everything—history, culture, cuisine, and those pinch-me-I’m-really-here moments. Distances between ports are short, so you’re never at sea for more than a day. You’ll tick off bucket-list destinations like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens while only unpacking once. The weather is predictable, the seas are generally calm, and every port offers something extraordinary.
Alaska (May to September) Nothing prepares you for that first glacier calving into the sea or a whale breaching beside your balcony. Alaska cruising combines comfortable travel with raw, untamed nature. The Inside Passage route is perfect for those worried about seasickness—protected waters mean smooth sailing. Plus, it’s one of the few destinations where the journey truly rivals the destinations. Those days at sea become wildlife-watching adventures.
The Caribbean (Year-round, best November to April) Sometimes you just need azure waters and swaying palms. Caribbean cruises from Miami or Fort Lauderdale offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Each island has its own personality—from the Dutch heritage of Curaçao to the rainforests of St. Lucia. It’s also the most affordable entry point into cruising, with shorter 5-7 day options perfect for testing the waters.
Norwegian Fjords (May to September). For something truly special, consider Norway. Sailing into the Geirangerfjord as waterfalls cascade down thousand-metre cliffs is spiritual. The midnight sun in summer means you can read a book on deck at 11 PM. It’s more expensive than the Mediterranean but offers experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Local Favourite: Indian Ocean Islands (October to April) Don’t overlook our backyard! Cruises from Durban or Cape Town to Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles offer a tropical paradise without jet lag. These itineraries are perfect for South Africans wanting to try cruising without committing to international flights.
The South African Advantage
Living at the southern tip of Africa, we’re perfectly positioned for incredible cruise experiences:
Local Departures: No expensive flights needed. MSC and other cruise lines offer regular departures from Cape Town and Durban, exploring our stunning coastline and the Indian Ocean islands. These local cruises have become incredibly popular, offering a taste of international travel without the jet lag or visa hassles.
Indian Ocean Paradise: Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Zanzibar—these dream destinations are right on our doorstep. A 12-night Indian Ocean cruise can show you paradise islands that would cost a fortune to visit individually.
Repositioning Cruises: Catch ships as they move between seasons. These longer voyages from Cape Town to Europe or Dubai offer exceptional value—sometimes as low as R1,000 per night for an ocean-view cabin.
World Cruises: Cape Town is a major stop on world cruise itineraries. Join a segment and experience the luxury of these grand voyages without committing to four months at sea.
Health and Safety: The Industry's Transformation
If you’re thinking about those cruise headlines from years past, it’s time to update your perspective. The cruise industry has undergone a complete transformation. Advanced air filtration systems, medical facilities that rival hospitals, contactless technology, and rigorous health protocols have made cruising one of the safest ways to travel.
Ships now feature:
- Hospital-grade air filtration in all areas
- Expanded medical centres with ICU capabilities
- Reduced capacity for more space per passenger
- Enhanced sanitation protocols that have become the gold standard
- Flexible booking policies that protect your investment
The Hidden Value Most People Miss
Beyond the obvious inclusions, cruises offer value that’s easy to overlook:
Currency Advantage: Book with South African agents for cruises priced in rands, avoiding foreign transaction fees and currency fluctuation risks.
No Hidden Costs: That “resort fee” hotels love to spring on you? Doesn’t exist. WiFi, parking, gym access—all those nickel-and-dime charges vanish.
Group Benefits: Travelling with friends or family? Group rates, onboard credit, and perks kick in with as few as 8 cabins. Perfect for family reunions, milestone birthdays, or incentive travel.
Loyalty Rewards: Cruise lines have some of the best loyalty programmes in travel. Within a few cruises, you’re earning free drinks, priority boarding, and cabin upgrades.
Sustainability at Sea
Modern cruise ships are engineering marvels of efficiency. Liquefied natural gas engines, advanced wastewater treatment, and coral reef-safe practices mean you can cruise with a clearer conscience. Many lines have eliminated single-use plastics and support local communities at ports of call.
Norwegian Fjords cruises now run on hybrid power in protected areas. Caribbean cruises include beach clean-up and shore excursions. Mediterranean cruises partner with local businesses to ensure tourism benefits communities. The industry has heard the concerns and responded with real change.
A Personal Note from My Explora Experience
[Photo: Sunset from my veranda, somewhere between Monaco and Portofino]
I’ll admit, I was a cruise sceptic. Years of selling cruises without experiencing them myself left me wondering if the magic was real. Then, last month aboard Explora Journeys, sipping wine on my veranda as we sailed away from Cinque Terre, it clicked.
It wasn’t just the luxury—though waking up to breakfast on my private terrace was pretty special. It was the freedom. The moment I realised I could be as social or solitary as I wished. I joined a fascinating conversation about art history with fellow travellers from Germany one evening, then spent the entire next day reading in peaceful solitude. No schedules to coordinate, no one to please but myself.
The moment that sold me completely? Watching sunrise over Santorini’s caldera from the ship’s bow, coffee in hand, in complete silence except for the whisper of the wind. No crowds jostling for photos, no tour buses to catch. Just me, the view, and the realisation that this—this—is why people become cruise converts.
Making the Most of Your Cruise Investment
Here’s where having a travel advisor who’s actually cruised becomes invaluable. I now know first-hand:
- Why midship cabins on Deck 7 offer the perfect balance of views and stability
- Which speciality restaurants are worth the splurge (Sakura’s omakase menu—absolutely yes!)
- Why a veranda is worth every extra rand in the Mediterranean but less crucial in the Norwegian Fjords
- The game-changing difference between mass-market and luxury lines
- How to maximise included amenities while avoiding unnecessary extras
We recently saved a Durban family R15,000 by suggesting they book their 2026 Mediterranean cruise during Wave Season (January-March) rather than waiting. Plus, we secured them free drinks, WiFi, and gratuities—perks you won’t find booking directly.
Your 2026 Cruise Adventure Awaits
After experiencing cruising myself, I can honestly say: if you’ve been curious, 2026 is your year to try it. Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy of river cruising through Vietnam’s Mekong, the adventure of expedition cruising to Antarctica, or the pure luxury of sailing the Mediterranean on ships like Explora, there’s never been a better time.
The ships have evolved, the experiences have multiplied, and the value proposition has never been stronger. But more than that, cruising offers something we all need: permission to truly disconnect from daily life and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.
Not sure which cruise is right for you? Let us match you with your perfect journey. With first-hand experience across luxury, river, expedition, and family cruise lines, Jenny’s Travel doesn’t just book cruises—we craft journeys that match your dreams to the perfect ship, itinerary, and time of year.
Contact us today: Call 012 347 8891, WhatsApp 066 297 0631, email info@jennystravel.co.za. Let’s find your perfect cruise for 2026!
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