A more flexible form of cruising

YACHTING offers cruise
goers a good alternative
to big-ship cruising as it
offers more flexibility. South
Africa has a “mature” cruising
market and the exclusivity of
yachting has grown in appeal,
says Thomas Harrison,
SeaDream Yacht Club sales
director for Denmark, Finland,
Sweden, Belgium and South
Africa. He was in the country
on a three-city (Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Durban)
educational on selling yachting
versus cruising.
Thomas said yacht cruising
typically appealed to ‘baby
boomers’ and those in
their 40s; well-educated
(executives); well-travelled
(prefer boutique hotels and
villas); active (outdoorsy,
boat owners, empty-nesters);
experienced (well versed in
cruising); and those who prefer
smaller ships.
He said yachting’s appeal
was that it was relaxed,
exclusive, there were no
crowds, the atmosphere was
casual, and vessels could
stop at smaller ports and stay
overnight, allowing passengers
more time to experience
destinations.
Themed yacht trips featuring
on-board specialists and land
excursions, such as the wine
region in France, are popular.
SeaDream Yacht Club
currently has two mega-yachts:
SeaDream I and SeaDream II.
Each vessel accommodates
112 guests and is serviced
by 95 crew members.
Discussions are under way to
build another two mega-yachts
and add new sailings and
itineraries. These yachts can
be chartered either by one
travel agent or a consortium to
resell under their own banner.
Service on SeaDream is
highly personalised, with the
emphasis on anticipating
specific guest needs.
Monogrammed pyjamas
embroidered with the names
of each guest is a taste of
the attention to detail one can
expect throughout the trip.
Thomas said during trips,
the aim was to maximise
experiences above deck
and explore destinations
rather than spend time in a
stateroom or suite (hence no
balconies). Activities include
Champagne and Caviar Splash
with a beach barbecue on the
Caribbean cruises; Shaken,
Not Stirred martini deck party
on the Mediterranean cruises;
gaming; piano bar; movies
under the stars; and even
sleeping under the stars.
Wellness options include Tai
Chi and yoga; spa sessions;
and a fitness centre.
Cruises currently include
sailings in the Mediterranean
and Caribbean. The
Mediterranean itineraries
run from May to October
and include Spain, France,
Italy, Greece and Dalmatia.
The Caribbean cruises run
from November to April to
the Virgin Islands, Leeward
Islands and Windward Islands.
Itineraries ranged from six- to
nine-day voyages and guests
could combine two voyages
without too much overlap, said
Thomas.
Cruises International
md, George Argyropoulos,
who hosted Thomas in
Johannesburg, says any South
African who takes international
holidays can usually afford a
cruise or yacht experience.