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Cruising Nowhere: A South African Contribution to Cruise Tourism

• First Online: 27 September 2019

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• Bradley Rink 6  

Part of the book series: Geographies of Tourism and Global Change ((GTGC))

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This chapter explores one aspect of South African cruise tourism, namely cruises-to-nowhere. Unique in the realm of cruise tourism, ‘cruises-to-nowhere’ has become a hallmark of the South African cruise season during the southern hemisphere’s summer months. Such cruises without a destination trade port call for the promise of liminality on the high seas. At the same time, these seaborne holiday experiences provide access to cruising to South Africans new to cruise tourism and generate income for cruise lines operating in South African waters during the European winter months. Using netnographic methods to collect and analyse online travel reviews, travel forums and social media, this chapter explores a new generation of domestic South African cruise tourists and the ways in which they perform liminality through a mix of sun, sea, sex and especially alcohol. Building as it does from tourism literatures focusing on cruise-, alco- and party tourism, this research does not intend to moralise debaucherous shipboard tourism, but rather to explore its development and growth in the unique context of South African cruising. This chapter concludes with a call for a more deliberate focus on what may be termed debauchery tourism, and South Africa’s contribution to this underexplored niche.

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Rink, B. (2020). Cruising Nowhere: A South African Contribution to Cruise Tourism. In: Rogerson, J., Visser, G. (eds) New Directions in South African Tourism Geographies. Geographies of Tourism and Global Change. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29377-2_14

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SOUTH AFRICA

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Cruising around South Africa is something I find exciting. It offers a variety of scenes, from busy urban areas to raw bushlands. It is important to select the optimum moment to begin the maritime expedition because the climate, animals, and cultural activities are not constant in every season. Here in the article, we shall explore the intricacies of South African weather conditions and what seasons are best suited for a cruising tour.

The Best Time to Cruise South Africa

Seasonal dynamics:.

There are also winter and summer seasons in South Africa, although these two seasons happen when it is winter in the northern hemisphere and vice versa. The country’s climate is varied, stretching from dry environments found in Karoo and moist coastal zones. It is important to grasp the different seasons in South Africa if you are looking at what time will be best for your cruise trip .

Summer (December to February):

• Weather: South Africa has hot summers accompanied by some showers. This is when beach lovers are advised to tour coastal areas since they tend to be hot and humid.
• Wildlife: During this season, one can look for marine life, like whales and dolphins. Many species have their calving period at that time, and this adds an air of cuteness to any cruise.
• Cultural Events: Summer also finds many festivals and outdoor events happening so that the tourists can get involved with the local culture.

Autumn (March to May):

• Weather: The Autumn is also quite favorable because it is characterized by moderate climate favoring movement. With changing foliage, the landscape turns golden.
• Wildlife: There are still many wild animals, although they do not move around as much as in summer. On the other hand, safaris can provide chances to see how some animals migrate.

Winter (June to August):

• Weather: The winter months in South Africa are usually moderate, and the inner parts experience slightly colder conditions. Coastal areas remain relatively temperate.
• Wildlife: The winter is a good period for ground safaris because the dry weather enables you to search for wild animals gathered near water points. This is an activity that equally pays off in bird watching.

Spring (September to November):

• Weather: During warm spring seasons, South Africa explodes in an abundance of flowers. Flowers make up the color of the landscapes, and hence, it looks beautiful.
• Wildlife: At this juncture, spring is characteristically transitional, for most of the animals usually give birth at this stage. It is a wonderful time of year that nature lovers enjoy, thanks to the wildflowers as well as many active animals.

Choosing the Best Time for Your Cruise:

Destination focus:.

• Cape Town: Summer provides better weather for outdoor events and tourism in Cape Town compared to exploration.
• Wildlife Watching: Winter and spring offer a good focus on wildlife, depending on whether it is for marine life or land-based safaris.

Budget Considerations:

• Peak vs. Off-peak: The peak summer season might have expensive cruises. Go cruising during the shoulder seasons, i.e., the spring and fall, in search of a combination of good weather and reasonable fare.
• Special Events: Festivals and events: Ensure that the cruising is aligned to seasonal calendars so as to coincide with local events, including cultural festivals, concerts, and others.
• Personal Preferences: Temperature tolerance: Determine how well you handle warm or cold weather. Autumn and/or spring could be your sweet spot if you want milder weather conditions.

Related: The Best Time to Take a Cruise to Africa

During summer, spring, and winter, one can engage in a maritime adventure in South Africa . Keep in mind, therefore, that you can customize your cruise experience by considering these factors, which will make your trip more enchanting and diversified through this wonderful destination.

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South Africa Cruises

With endless sunsets, breathtaking scenery and diverse cultures and cuisine, South Africa makes a spectacular cruise destination. Full of natural beauty there are impressive beaches, forests and vineyards to explore. Take a trip up to the top of the iconic Table Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to Cape Town or relax in the sun on Durban's beautiful stretch of beachfront The Golden Mile. From mountain biking and hiking to wine tasting and safari tours, on a cruise to South Africa you'll experience the extraordinary.

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Situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world.

Situated on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is South Africa's third-largest city.

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Cruise Tourism Potential in South Africa

I receive many email replies to my column “Talking Tourism”, which is particularly rewarding. These emails include many from local students; like one who recently asked me my views about “cruise tourism.” By Michael Bertram.

The standard response is normally “Cruise tourism is just like any other tourism although it involves cruise ships. It is a great way to expose a country’s beauty and culture and also a nice way to travel the world giving tons of jobs and employment to places that it visits, mostly “ports of call”.

Students, by their very nature are inquisitive creatures who always have follow-up questions. Such as how big is the market, how are we going to access this growing sector and most importantly what is in it for us?

Interesting questions; having attended several meetings over the past few years, my interest was piqued once again. History is never as straight-forward as it would seem.

The South African National Department of Tourism identified Cruise Tourism as a niche tourism product with the potential to accelerate growth of the tourism sector. A study conducted in 2009 included four coastal cities, and the Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, stated “We need investment in port facilities. We want to be part of this industry as tourists, working on board and as operators.”

The official SA Cruise Tourism Report, which covered the prospects, benefits and strategies for the industry, noted that the return on public sector funding would be an estimated R14.81 for every R1 spent in terms of a medium passenger forecast of more than 400 000 by 2025.

For low and high passenger forecasts (of 200 000 and almost 1 million, respectively) the returns would be R11.49 and R48.83, respectively. But the report stated: “If international passenger numbers do not materialise as envisaged then the project is not viable from a South African perspective.”

Readers, please note that; “Public sector funding includes investments in new passenger terminals at ports and marketing of South Africa to cruise liners”.

The economic benefits are far reaching and include port charges, spending by international crew, earnings by local crew and spending by the ship operators. The contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to increase from R682m in 2010 to R1.3 billion in 2025. It is estimated that the cumulative contribution to GDP by 2025 will be R14bn.

According to the International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing (Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 205-226); “cruise tourism has been the fastest growing sector of the travel industry for the past twenty years with an average annual growth rate of passengers of 7.4%. It has increased at almost twice the rate of growth of tourism overall and this growth is expected to continue in the future”.

Questioned about the status of the cruise terminal plan for Durban harbour during a tour of the port during February 2012, Mr Hamilton Nxumalo, head of the infrastructure at Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA), said; “No decision has been made, despite a pre-feasibility study having been undertaken… We are spending about R21.3 billion in upgrades to the Durban Port over the next seven years, which is part of the R300bn infrastructure spending plan”.

Nxumalo added; “Transnet was looking for a partner to invest in the cruise terminal development either as a public-private partnership or some sort of joint venture. It will cost anything upwards of R800m. But we are yet to put out tenders calling for expressions of interest from possible partners or investors”.

MSC Starlight Cruises, reported early this year that it had already carried more than 100 000 passengers on the MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody for the present SA summer; Stefano Vigoriti, a director of MSC Cruises, said a plan needed to be finalised and construction under way by 2013, adding “Insufficient infrastructure for cruise tourism in Durban won’t stall growth for now… But, it could inhibit growth in the future and business could go elsewhere” .

Ships such as the Queen Mary 2, which has visited Cape Town twice in recent months, is too large to be accommodated in the V&A Waterfront, and therefore a new cruise liner terminal in the main port would be first prize. It has been suggested that due to the relatively small number of cruise line visits to date, the new cruise liner terminal should be developed as a multifunctional venue, suitable for weddings and conferences too.

It would appear that South Africa is particularly well positioned to leverage good growth off this niche market as we are now part of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA) check out http://www. cruiseindianocean.org/ – for more information – clearly this is one area where we must develop our infrastructure now.

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The beaches of the Indian Ocean on one side, deserts stretching towards the Atlantic on the other. A land of contrasts, the southernmost part of Africa offers a travel experience which is one of a kind, where nature reigns with breath-taking landscapes , from volcanoes to giant reefs of smooth, dark granite rock and soft skies and lagoons suspended in time. This is the background to life in this great and multifaceted continent.

A journey on an MSC cruise will take you on a discovery of locations deep in wild and luxuriant natural settings. Visitors to the African Continent, will be overcome, on their return home, by a subtle nostalgia and a desire to return to those lands. This feeling is known as mal d'Afrique, and there is good reason for it. So don't  hesitate to be seduced by fascinating tours to  places such as Cape Town  in South Africa , Pomene  in Mozambique , Port Louis in Mauritiu s  and Lüderitz  in Namibia . Africa has never been so close.

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• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Portuguese Island (Inhaca Archipelago), Mozambique
• Walvis Bay, Namibia

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Cruises - South Africa

• South Africa
• By 2024, the revenue in the Cruises market in South Africa is projected to reach US$39.65m.
• A steady annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 3.60% is expected, leading to a projected market volume of US$45.67m by 2028.
• Moreover, the number of users in the Cruises market is expected to reach 44.01k users by 2028.
• In 2024, the user penetration rate is 0.06% and it is expected to increase to 0.07% by 2028.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be US$1.00k.
• Furthermore, it is projected that online sales will account for 19% of the total revenue in the Cruises market in South Africa by 2028.
• It is interesting to note that in a global perspective, United States will generate the most revenue in this market, with a projected revenue of US$15,160m in 2024.
• South Africa's cruise market is growing as it offers unique experiences such as safari cruises and stops in remote ports.

Key regions: Germany , Singapore , Indonesia , India , Vietnam

Definition:

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Cruises market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Multi-day cruises
• Ocean cruises and river cruises

out-of-scope

• Trips by ferry (including trips with overnight stay)
• Trips by ferry mainly for transport purposes

Travel & Tourism

• Vacation Rentals
• Package Holidays
• Analyst Opinion

The Cruises market in South Africa has been experiencing significant growth and development in recent years. Customer preferences: Customers in South Africa are increasingly drawn to cruise vacations due to the unique experiences they offer, such as exploring multiple destinations in one trip, all-inclusive packages, and onboard entertainment options. The convenience of unpacking only once while visiting various locations is particularly appealing to travelers seeking a hassle-free vacation. Trends in the market: One notable trend in the South African cruise market is the rise of domestic cruises catering to local tourists. These cruises offer opportunities to explore the country's picturesque coastlines and ports, providing a convenient and luxurious travel option for South Africans. Additionally, themed cruises and experiential travel packages are gaining popularity among travelers looking for niche experiences. Local special circumstances: South Africa's strategic location as a gateway to other African countries and its diverse coastal landscapes make it an attractive hub for cruise operators. The country's ports serve as key embarkation points for cruise ships traveling to various destinations in the region, contributing to the growth of the local cruise industry. Moreover, South Africa's rich cultural heritage and wildlife make it a compelling destination for international cruise tourists seeking unique and immersive experiences. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the South African economy, coupled with increasing disposable incomes and a growing middle class, has fueled the demand for leisure travel, including cruises. As more South Africans prioritize experiences and travel, the cruise market is poised to expand further. Additionally, government initiatives to develop the tourism sector and improve infrastructure, including port facilities, are enhancing the country's attractiveness as a cruise destination.

• Methodology

Data coverage:

Modeling approach:

Additional notes:

• Key Players
• Sales Channels
• User Demographics
• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

Along the South-African Coastline

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the beautiful Robben Island, a tiny UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Discover Cape of Good Hope and look over its immense white sandy beaches
• View the emblematic species of the Africa during a safari in a reserve
• Explore Phezulu Safari Park and the history of the traditional Zulu tribes
• Wildlife Viewing
• Small Ship Cruises
• South Africa
• Port Elizabeth
• Richard's Bay

Full Itinerary

Day 1: cape town, south africa | embark, day 2: cape town.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: At Sea

Day 4-5: port elizabeth.

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 6: At Sea

Day 7: richards bay, day 8: durban, day 9: durban, south africa | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Dates & Prices

My preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Ponant Special Terms & Condition - Ponant

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• 8 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Onboard Entertainment 
• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
• 24h Room Service (special selection)
• English-Speaking Lecturer 
• Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
• Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
• Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
• Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
• Luggage Handling 
• Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
• Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
• Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
• CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

We Love to Talk Travel

Africa travel guide.

• All Africa Trips
• Luxury African Safari
• Africa River Cruises
• Okavango Delta
• All Africa Travel Stories
• What to Expect on a South Africa Safari: A How-To Guide to Help you Prepare for Your Trip
• Best Times to Visit Africa
• South Africa Safari: 10 Zany Creatures You Never Even Knew Existed
• Victoria Falls

Favorite Africa All Trips

• Best of Northern Tanzania
• South Africa Snapshot
• Mt Kilimanjaro Machame Climb
• Golden Trails of Africa

Why Travel With Adventure Life

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

Norwegian cruise employee arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people on board

A Norwegian Cruise Line employee was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing multiple people during an Alaska cruise.

Personnel onboard Norwegian Encore saw Ntando Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late on Sunday evening, according to an affidavit signed by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Matthew B. Judy.

Sogoni, a South African citizen, had joined the ship that day in Seattle.

Ship security officers took him to the medical center for evaluation. When he was taken to an exam room he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” attacking a security guard and a male nurse, the affidavit said.

He then ran to another exam room, grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman there for a medical assessment “several times in the arm, hand, and face.” The woman was a U.S. citizen.

“Security guards intervened and Sogoni stabbed two guards with the scissors before they could subdue and detain him,” the affidavit said. He allegedly stabbed one in the head and the other in the back and shoulder. The injuries were not life threatening. 

The attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. PDT on Monday, according to the document. The ship was west of Vancouver Island and roughly 16.5 miles from land at the time.

Sogoni was held in the ship’s jail until Encore reached Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska said in a news release that he is charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

An attorney for Sogoni was not listed.

A Norwegian spokesperson told USA TODAY that a "newly employed crew member was observed exhibiting unusual and irrational behavior."

"The ship’s security team escorted the crew member to the medical center for evaluation and assessment, where he became violent without provocation, attacking two other crew members and a guest," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The security team quickly detained him, and the onboard medical staff treated those involved for non-life-threatening injuries."

Relevant law enforcement authorities were "immediately" contacted and took custody of the employee upon the ship's arrival in Juneau. "We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships," the spokesperson added. "We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions."

Senior ship leadership has been monitoring the situation, and senior company executives traveled to Juneau to meet and help the passenger. "We will continue to assist the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigation," the spokesperson said.

The news comes after a Carnival Cruise Line guest pleaded guilty in February to assaulting a fellow passenger and smashing a glass in their face.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a nude cruise for 2025 – and these are the rules for passengers

The ‘big nude boat’ will take passengers around private islands and long-time tourist favourites such as the bahamas, article bookmarked.

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A specialist tour and travel company has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a new nudist cruise to the Caribbean .

Bare Necessities, a nudist travel company that aims to “break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option”, has teamed up with the well-known cruise operator to set up the 11-day trip, which leaves from Miami and takes in destinations including The Bahamas , St Lucia, Dominica and Puerto Rico.

The cruise, which will take place on Norwegian’s 295-foot 2,300-person capacity Norwegian Pearl , will set sail on 3 February 2025 and return on 14 February.

Prices start at $2,000 (£1,592) per person for a standard two-person cabin, rising to $33,155 (£26,400) for a three-person ‘garden villa’.

The trip is marketed as “an 11-Day adventure back to Bare-adise”, offering “a wide range of amenities to fit everyone’s style of bare cruising”. The Norwegian Pearl contains “loads of entertainment, lots of open deck space, and multiple dining options”, including 14 restaurants, 14 bars and “a large buffet area for nude outdoor dining”, in addition to a casino, spa and several “nightspots”.

“As always, it’s our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear”, reads a final message on the information page.

However, it isn’t an entirely clothing-free experience. Cruise rules require passengers to be clothed during the Captain’s reception and introduction, while docked in port, and at all times in the main and specialty dining rooms.

Other rules include putting a towel down before sitting “in the stateroom, pool deck, and buffet area”, as well as a ban on “being nude in front of other ships in port” and “fondling or inappropriate touching”. A message on the site urges passengers to “use common sense”, emphasising that proper cruise etiquette “is not any different from proper etiquette in any other social situation”.

In a statement to CNN , a Bare Necessities spokesperson said: “Our mission is to provide relaxing, entertaining and health-conscious vacation opportunities that offer non-threatening, natural environments where the appreciation, wonder and compatibility of nature and the unadorned human form can occur.”

The Independent has contacted Bare Necessities for comment.

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Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the ‘late evening” Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney’s office says.

South African working on cruiseliner 'stabs people with medical scissors'

Ntando sogoni arrested by fbi on tuesday.

A South African man accused of stabbing multiple people with medical scissors after trying to get off a cruise ship in Alaska has been arrested.

Ntando Sogoni, 35, an employee on the cruise ship, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday after disembarking from the ship in Juneau.

The US Attorney's Office said other ship employees had on Monday seen him attempting to deploy a lifeboat.

Ship security escorted him to the on-board medical centre for an assessment.  Once there, court documents state: “Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a US citizen, was being examined.

“He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face.

“He also stabbed two security guards who intervened — one in the head and one in the back and shoulders.”

Sogoni was detained and held in the ship’s jail before his arrest. He is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (R4.7m) fine for each count.

The FBI Anchorage field office, FBI Juneau resident agency and the Coast Guard Investigative Service are investigating the case.

USA Today reports Sogoni had only boarded the ship, which it named as the Norwegian Encore , that day in Seattle. The alleged attack happened at 2am on Sunday, the report said.

Heavy traffic congestion alert as cruise ships arrive in Cape Town

I will stand by him: wife of south african man convicted of alaska murders, why you’ll never be bored on board the brilliant new norwegian viva, podcast | south african accent led cops to murder suspect in alaska.

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