Following a successful Travel Expo in February, Cruiseabout, a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, has introduced a new line-up of special pet-friendly sailings for South African pets and their owners, to meet demand.
Cruiseabout says it won’t stop campaigning for pet-lovers’ rights to a stress-free holiday experience and has negotiated various specials with several leading international cruise lines.
Pet-owners can now take their (medically fit) animals on an Antarctic expedition cruise, across the Mediterranean, or exploring in Seychelles, thanks to Cruiseabout.
“Cruise lines have started to realise the value of offering pet-friendly cruises,” says Divan Viljoen, Marketing Campaign Manager and Chief Animal Ambassador at Cruiseabout. “Family and multigenerational travel is a huge trend for 2019, and for many families, their beloved dog or cat is as much a member of the family as gran and granddad.
“Leaving a beloved animal at home can be stressful for the pet and the owner,” he said. “We are the first in South Africa to jump on this trend and can now offer our clients this exclusive experience to make amazing travel memories with the whole family, fur members included.”
Cunard was the first cruise line in the world to allow specific breeds of dogs, cats and other small animals on certain transatlantic cruises. On the Queen Mary 2, pets are accommodated in kennels on the sun deck, and the cruise ship’s pet-friendly services include freshly baked biscuits at turndown, a coat with a QM2 logo, complimentary gift pack, their own cruise card and even speciality dining at a pop-up restaurant, Bow-Wow. More cruise lines are considering pet accommodation and areas on board, Viljoen revealed.
“The cruise line, destination and type of pet will determine the cruise fare as well as the type of pet-friendly accommodation,” advises Viljoen. “On some ships, such as Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, there are specific kennels provided while on other cruise lines, the animal may be accommodated in the owner’s cabin.
“We don’t want to discriminate against species of any kind so although we anticipate that the majority of bookings will be for dogs and cats, pet-owners are welcome to contact us to inquire about a pet fare, irrespective of species,” he added.
Pet-owners will be required to submit registration papers and pass a vet check before embarkation, Viljoen explained. “These pet-friendly cruises are expected to be very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment,” he said.
To book your pet-friendly cruise or find out how you can save on your next family cruise holiday, click this link for more info.