Major cruise lines still have availability for last-minute 2025 cruising, providing clients and agents with the opportunity to secure savings on selected deals.
Nirosha Sidat, NCL Country Manager for Africa, told Travel News that the current geopolitical landscape had opened up more inventory for the South African market.
“NCL still has availability across several destinations for the remainder of 2025, which is great news for South African travellers. This includes itineraries that are particularly popular in the South African market,” she said.
NCL
Sidat said NCL’s Greek Isles cruise featuring Santorini, Mykonos and Croatia (departing Athens on September 13) was perfect timing for South Africans looking for a touch of Mediterranean warmth after a long winter.
Other options include NCL’s Asia itineraries, such as the Kochi, Kobe and Mt Fuji cruise from Seoul/Incheon (departing September 24) and the Hong Kong and Thailand voyage from Taipei (departing December 6), with vibrant cultural encounters and shore excursions.
NCL’s Paris Cruise Tour (departing October 10) gives visitors a taste of Paris before they embark on a European river experience, while its seven-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan (departing December 7) visits Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia. “It remains a favourite for South African families and is an incredible way to end the school or work year,” Sidat said.
In addition, NCL still has shoulder-season sailings available.
“These itineraries are perfect for people not bound by school terms, who will benefit from all the advantages of shoulder-season travel, including fewer crowds at popular destinations and potential savings on shore excursions, tours and experiences.
“There is still availability for cruises in the Mediterranean and Europe over September, October and November. This means people can still get on a cruise before the end of the year – and enjoy all the benefits of shoulder season,” said Sidat.
She added that, if clients were flexible with their travel dates they could often find great last-minute cruise deals. “For example, a selection of NCL’s family cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Bermuda currently have an offer whereby kids sail free.”
MSC
Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises South Africa, said the cruise line still had availability for its 14-night New Year's cruise from December 27 to January 10, which clients can book with only a R6 000 deposit.
“For families who are looking for a different kind of holiday over New Year, this departure offers great value for money and the opportunity to visit four destinations, including Madagascar and Mauritius,” Volk said.
Princess
Sabrina Allcock, Director of Discover the World Southern Africa, which represents Princess Cruises in South Africa, highlighted five cruises the line still has availability for:
- Japan: 10-day Southern Islands with an overnight in Taipei (departs September 4).
- Alaska: Eight-day Voyage of the Glaciers (departs August 23).
- Asia: Six-day Malaysia Getaway (departs October 28).
- A seven-day Western Caribbean and Mexico cruise (departs November 30).
- A 21-day Andes and South America cruise (departs November 16).
“We are seeing strong interest from the South African market, especially during the December holiday season. December 2025 promotional rates are still available and selling fast for Asia, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, and South America/Panama Canal cruises.”
She added that Alaska had always been a popular destination for Princess from South African travellers, but difficulty with Canadian visas has dampened demand.
Cruise Vacations
Gaynor Neill, CEO of Cruise Vacations, told Travel News that because many cruise lines were offering off-peak late Mediterranean cruises, there were still some with availability.
“River cruises with Scenic and Emerald still have some limited availability for this current summer season, as well as the stunning Christmas Market Cruises. Star Clippers also has some limited space on the current Med season.”
She added that Cruise Vacations was witnessing a trend of late bookings, particularly on river cruises with Scenic and Emerald, with passengers snapping up some of the late booking offers and booking within weeks of travel. “Schengen visas are very quick at the moment, which is great news for late bookers.”
Some of the current special offers include Silversea offering between 10% and 40% savings (ending July 13), Scenic Eclipse has some sailings with up to 45% savings, and Swan Hellenic is offering rates on its forthcoming Seychelles voyages in October.
“Agents who sell these Seychelles voyages are also in the running to travel free of charge on one of those voyages,” Neill said.
