As George Argyropolous, founder of Cruises International, reputed to be the largest international cruise line representative in Southern Africa, said in a 10 Things I Love About... interview: "No resort on land can offer the quality of service, attention to detail, unlimited high quality dining on a 24hr basis, room service, entertainment and activities and the ocean transportation as well, at a price which is often less than US$100 per person per day!".
Founded in 1992, Cruises International was reputed to be the first agency of its kind specialising in representing and marketing selected international cruise lines and represent Royal Caribbean International, Crystal Cruises, the Yachts of Seabourn, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Oceania Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club and Variety Cruises.
One of my dreams is to cruise into Cape Town and hear first-hand the gasps from passengers as Table Mountain comes into view. I'd also like to cruise out of Cape Town and hear of peoples' experiences in our beautiful city.
Clem Sunter, well-known keynote speaker and futurist, will be one of the quality speakers on board the 10 March 2014 Crystal Serenity itinerary sailing from Singapore and calling at Cape Town on 28 March. Other luminaries during this cruise are Tony Leon, recent author, former Ambassador and Leader of the Opposition, shark expert Chris Fallows as well as business motivator Rob Caskie.
George Argyropolous says this Crystal Serenity sailing will attract many South Africans: "Firstly it involves a single airfare to Singapore, or Mauritius for the second leg, with an unbelievable six star luxury cruise experience for their return home, and secondly the familiarity of outstanding South African guest speakers is very appealing. Sunter's lectures will include topics such as twenty first century megatrends, how to think about the future like a fox and beyond reasonable greed - why sustainable business is a good idea", he says adding that guests will also have the opportunity to chat with Sunter on a one-to-one basis.
Lectures by and discussions with these fascinating speakers are among activities cruisers may choose to participate in. The Crystal Cruises Creative Learning Institute provides on-board music classes, art classes, computer courses, writing courses, various unique wellness, fitness and sports training courses and more.
Aside from the convenience of being able to visit several ports of call without having to move from hotel to hotel (and pack and unpack luggage) - as would be necessary on a land-based vacation - Crystal Cruises offers incredible all-inclusive value for money. The cruise fare includes prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; free fine wine and premium spirits throughout the ship; speciality coffees, pastries and all non-alcoholic drinks; and multiple dining options including speciality restaurants - Prego by renowned restaurateur Piero Selvaggio, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar by the world's most recognized Japanese restaurant owner and chef, Nobu Matsuhisha.
Another value add is that those who take the full cruise from Singapore to Cape Town will receive a complimentary three-night pre-cruise package from 7 to 10 March. This package, which includes hotel stays, dining and transport, offers guided tours that will reveal the wonders to be discovered in Laem Chabang and Bangkok in Thailand and Siem Reap in Cambodia, before the guests are flown to Singapore where they will board the Crystal Serenity.
For more information and to make bookings, contact your travel agent, call Cruises International on +27 (0)11 327 0327 or visit www.cruises.co.za.
