Cruise Travel : The New Craze for Mauritians

Over the past years, the cruise industry has evolved tremendously around the world. If more cruise ships are coming to Mauritius, our local people also are now enjoying trips on these stylish oceanic liners. With a minimum budget of Rs 45,000, you can experience a holiday on cruises. Besides, Mauritius is expecting to give a boost to its cruise sector by 2021 with some 50 vessel calls coming to the Islands.

Technology has paved the way for more vessels to be built, hence giving a boost to this industry worldwide. At a time when going on cruise was considered as a luxury, today the same is very much affordable. From Costa Victoria to Dream Cruises or Freedom of the Seas, all of them are very much accessible. 

Business Development Manager of Shamal Group, Ajmal Tincowree explains that the demand for cruises have evolved significantly over the past couple of years. The first two reasons he gave are mainly due to increase in marketing and accessibility. “In the past, cruise travel was perceived as being a high-end and an expensive experience. But now, we notice that cruise offers for Mauritian travelers are better, with interesting packages being offered.”

Another reason highlighted by Ajmal Tincowree for this enthusiasm is the introduction of credit for travel, which has allowed aspiring travelers to fulfill their dreams. “Until now, travel credit has proven to be very popular among and accepted by travelers. Since the major launch in the end of 2018, we have had significant demand at Shamal Travels and in the industry overall. This new concept is poised to continue boosting the demand for cruise as well in the coming years.” According to him, the demand tends to increase during school holidays and festive seasons for families with children. As for senior citizens as well as young travelers, they travel year round. 

Similarly, Benjamine Li, Managing Director of Holiday Planners Travel Agency Ltd, confirms that the demand for Mauritians willing to go on cruise has increased significantly. She states that most families travel with their children, as they are able to enjoy full board entertainment onboard and they consider a cruise ship as being a 5* floating hotel. “As we represent many cruises company, it is saleable throughout the year and the Mauritians have more choices. During school holidays, we have more demands as well for St Valentine’s and honeymooners.”

Cost and different packages

There are different packages for Mauritians on a variety of cruise ships. For a dream holiday, you need a minimum of Rs 45,000. Ajmal Tincowree reveals that at Shamal Travels, they have partnered up with Dream Cruises from Singapore that offers cruises as from only Rs 7,000 per adult for two nights from Singapore. “We mix cruise experiences with land packages and attractive airfares, making the overall travel experience very fulfilling.”

As per his observation, the Mediteranean cruises have been very popular in the past. “However, we have noticed a shift in demand for cruises to Asia, South East Asia. And recently, we also saw a good increase with regards to South African cruises.”

Benjamine Li underlines that there are tailor-made packages for Mauritians in different countries at the most affordable price and the package includes air tickets, hotel accommodation, transfers and sightseeing tours. She underscores that for Mauritians, Far East cruises remain the most preferred, since in Europe, because of the winter season, there are not as much cruises but there is also a demand for the USA, Australia and New Zealand cruises. “Depending on the number of days, and period of travel, as we do have both low and peak seasons, a package can range from Rs 45,000 - Rs 65,000 per person.”

The different packages proposed by different agencies in Mauritius are as follows:

1. Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion Island by the Costa Victoria (14 nights) - Price is as from Rs 45,000 per person sharing twin/double inside classic cabin. This package includes accommodation, leisure activities and full board options. 
2. Italy, France, Spain and Balearic Island by the Costa Diadema (7 nights) - Price is as from Rs 64,000 per person sharing twin room/cabin. This package includes: Air ticket, accommodation for one night in Milan and two nights in Nice, transfers, breakfast and 7 nights’ cruise. 
3. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand by the Costa Fortuna (7 nights) - Price is as from Rs 64,000 per person sharing twin room/cabin. This package includes: Air ticket (Mauritius-Singapore, Kuala Lumpur Mauritius), one-night accommodation in Singapore in a 4* hotel, 7 nights’ cruise on Costa Fortuna, 7 nights in KL in a 4* hotel, daily breakfast, transfers. 
4. Kuala Lumpur – Phuket – Langkawi – Kuala Lumpur by the SuperStar Gemini (3 nights) - Price is as from Rs 17,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded. 
5. Cape Town to Durban by the MSC Musica (4 Nights) - As from Rs 18,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded.
6. From Hong Kong – Vietnam by the World Dream (5 nights) - As from Rs 19,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded.
7. From Singapore – Japan by the World Dream (5 nights) - As from Rs 19,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded.
8. Japan Cruise by the Royal Caribbean (9 nights) - As from Rs 38,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded. Ship leaves from Hong Kong. 
9. Mediterranean Cruise by the Royal Caribbean (7 nights) - As from Rs 26,000 per adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded. Leaving from: Barcelona. Sailings: Barcelona –Spain, Nice (Villefranche) – France, Portofino – Italy, Florence/ Pisa (Livorno) – Italy, Rome (Civitavecchia) – Italy, Naples (Salerno) – Italy and Barcelona. 
10. Norwegian Cruise by the Royal Caribbean (7 nights) - As from Rs 41,000 per Adult. Package includes only cruise fare (Accommodation and inclusive meal plan). Air fare excluded. Leaving from: Copenhagen – Denmark.  Sailings: Copenhagen – Denmark, Geiranger – Norway, Bergen – Norway, Stavenger – Norway, Kritiansand – Norway, and back to Denmark. 

Mala Raghoonundun: “An intimidating presence that took one’s breath away”

A social worker by profession, Mala Raghoonundun has been on Costa Neo Riviera cruise last year in December 2017 for a first experience. For her, it is the biggest ship she has ever come close to with twelve floors and nearly 700 feet long. She was mesmerized by the ship. “It had an intimidating presence that took one’s breath away. The ship is inspired by the charm and atmosphere of the Italian culture. There were around 600 rooms, exclusive restaurants and bars, the gym, one pool and two whirlpools. As entertainment, there were the theatre, the casino, the discotheque, the card room, library, duty free shops, photo gallery and the squok club. It was awesome!”

However, before going on this adventure, the social worker did not expect a lot, as for her, a cruise ship was only a floating resort and she had thought it would be boring. But to her surprise, it was not. She reveals that it was so enjoyable that when it was time to time to head home, she was unwilling to leave. 

She believes that cruises make for great luxury vacations; everything is taken care of, and you just need to show up for breakfast, lunch, tea break and dinner. “And that’s exactly what my cruise experience was like. It was filled with buffets, cheesy entertainment, and large amounts of time at the pool. A cruise was pretty much everything I thought it would be.”

Yasheena Naojee: “It feels like you are on a dream land”

Yasheena Naojee, Training and Development Consultant’s cruise experience started in December 2017 when she opted for the Indian Ocean Cruise with her family. She states that they had chosen the cruise because they wanted to experience life on a ship and explore more than one country. “It feels like you are on a dream land because you lose perspective of time and dates, as everything you need to do revolved within the vessel and there is no shortage of entertainment on the cruise.”

On different venues and floors across the ship, there are singers, guitarists, comedians, cabaret artists and dancers all throughout the night, she adds.  “During the day, there are dancing competitions, games, and different activities, lectures on beauty and health from experts and, interestingly, casual debates where people sit around one of the bars and are led through a discussion on a topic.”

Her stay was very amazing. She used to enjoy the panoramic view of the sea with her husband early morning. “Staring out the window, we could see the dolphins and whales. Afterward, we would head to the huge buffet selection breakfast. There were around five restaurants and several bars on the ship. Meals are served thrice a day in different restaurants and snacks and tea at 16:00.”

One of the things she loved about being on a ship is that you don’t have to go out in search of food, as we usually do when travelling on land. “What is most magical is that every morning when you get up, you found yourself in another country, a new place to explore. This was the cruising life that I have discovered and enjoyed so far.”

Shenaz Saumtally: “It gives you the opportunity to visit more countries at once” 

Shenaz Saumtally has been on cruise last October. She went on the Freedom of the Seas. It was her first experience. In a single trip, she has been to Barcelona and Rome. She confides having the best of her time on the cruise. “It has been one of the best experiences I have had so far. I did not expect such attractions. I love everything on board from its different activities to its meals. Food is unlimited.”

She states that cruising is attracting many Mauritians, as it is more affordable and gives people the opportunity to visit more countries at once. “On board, it is like you are staying in a town with all the facilities. You don’t get time to be bored. Once inside, you will not feel you are in a boat.” Now Shenaz Saumtally is willing to live through a second experience and this time, she wants to cruise towards United States and Mexico. 

Mohammad Ishad : “You never get bored” 

Mohammad Ishad travelled in the Costa Victoria in November 2018. He visited Seychelles, Madagascar and Reunion Island. He reveals that it was fun and interesting on this first experience at sea. “I wanted to know what it is to travel by a ship. I always wanted to go to Seychelles. So, this was an opportunity for me. Like travelling by air, it has its own advantages.” 

What he really enjoyed was the variety of food he used to get the whole day. “For a holiday where you get unlimited food and activities, you never get bored and it is affordable as well. Travelling by ship is extreme fun and you don’t get nausea.” If he has time and a second opportunity comes along, he will go for another cruise, this time discovering the Caribbean countries. 

Cruise coming to Mauritius 

If Mauritians are going to opt for cruises, we must not forget that cruises are also coming to Mauritius. According to recent statistics, besides Costa Cruises, there are two new global cruise lines which began homeporting from Port Louis during this year. Likewise, Fred Olsen Lines and AIDA Cruises, which contributed to a significant increase in the number of cruises, calls from 24 in the Financial Year 2016-2017 to 37 (+54.2%) in Financial Year 2017-2018. 

Similarly, cruise passenger arrivals rose by 29.9% from 30,367 to reach a new high of 39,451 in Financial Year 2017-2018. In order to enhance cruise reception facilities at the Cruise Jetty, the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) are proceeding with the construction of a 7,500 sq. metre dedicated Cruise Terminal Building capable of accommodating up to 4,000 passengers. Construction is expected to start by April 2019 and is expected to be completed by July 2020. In addition to the cruise traffic, the facility will also be used to handle inter island passengers and change of crew. The Terminal Building will be located on a site of 25ha.

The MPA intends to make the Cruise Terminal Building a focal point to promote cruise homeporting activities for the region. This buoyancy is expected to continue, as the MPA is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, the Ports Association of Indian Ocean Islands and the Iles Vanille Association to position Mauritius not only as a world class cruise destination but also as a leading ‘fly-cruise’ gateway for the Indian Ocean region. The number of cruise passengers on arrival is expected to increase from 39,451 in 2017/18 to about 44,000 passengers in the upcoming cruise season with some 44 vessel calls. By 2021, about 60,000 passengers are expected with some 50 vessel calls.

Vimal Ramsurrun : “Everyday it is a new world” 

Vimal Ramsurrun, 24, has been working on a cruise ship since four years now. He has worked on ships like Splendour of the Sea, Oasis of the Sea and Norwegian Cruise Line. After spending seven years in the hospitality sector, he decided to take up a new challenge. For him, working on a cruise ship is a unique experience. “The only issue is you are alone and have long working hours. But the conditions are good and the salary is really worth it.” 

He reveals that during these travels, he has met several Mauritians on board for holidays. “It is an exquisite experience with lots of entertainment and it is a different world. “Every day it is a new world. Personally, I have been to more than 35 countries. I have spent one week as a guest on board.”

Career opportunities for Mauritians 

If Mauritians are enjoying their holidays on cruises, there are other Mauritians who are earning their living working on different cruises. With an attractive salary reaching Rs 100,000, working and traveling on these vessels help to solve our unemployment issue. Mauritians may easily earn as from Rs 24,000. We met two persons, who have been working on cruising ships, to tell us about their experiences so far. 

Kevin Aubeeluck: “An incredible experience” 

Kevin Aubeeluck has been working on Cunard Line and Royal Caribbean as Head Waiter. For him, it is an incredible experience so far. “We get a very good salary, accommodation and laundry. Our motivation is competition on board. It is very challenging.” He shares that since some time now, he has been meeting several Mauritians.