Cruises embed multi-day land trips

V IEWS from the deck, endless culinary options and endless onboard entertainment. While these might have been the critical elements of a cruise in the past, nowadays, cruise lines are upping their game. They offer experiences that see travellers disembark for a few days, for river cruises, overland safaris, rail adventure and once-in-a- lifetime polar experiences. This enables cruise guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the destination, instead of being passers-by. Safari and sea Crystal Cruises has a set of unique cruise and land experiences. The cruise line, in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, offers unique safari experiences in Africa and the Galapagos. “With the support of A&K, Crystal Cruises offers a curated collection of pre- and post-cruise extensions and overland experiences that are designed to take guests beyond the traditional port call,” said Thaybz Khan, Head of Commercial at Cruises International. Crystal is represented in South Africa by Cruises International. “These experiences’ are typically multi-day and small- group, allowing guests to explore further inland and in greater depth.” Some recent safari and sail offerings took Crystal cruise-goers to the Masai Mara, the Okavango Delta and the Galapagos, on tailored multi-day itineraries, designed with A&K’s safari expertise. “These extensions’ focus is on immersive, destination- led experiences, with carefully planned itineraries that include unique accommodation, specialist guides and access to key sites, depending on the region,” explained Khan. “This type of experience enhances the overall cruise by adding context and depth to the voyage, allowing the cruise to form part of a broader, more immersive travel experience, rather than being limited to a couple of hours in a port.” Rail and sea Star Clippers, represented by Cruise Vacations in South Africa, has itineraries that combine sailings with luxury rail adventures. The 2027 season itineraries across the Mediterranean and Caribbean have been blended with rail-based pre- and post-cruise elements.