eBusiness Weekly
Enacy Mapakame
Waking up early morning to a soothing feeling — perhaps only akin to how babies swing to a lullaby in their mothers’ arms feel — is one of the best experiences on a boat cruise.
After four nights and five days cruising from the Marine Land on the shores of Lake Kariba to Changa Bay then Gordon Bay and back to the harbour again, I made a conclusion.
Cruise vacation is pure joy, peace and total relaxation!
Listening to the sound of waves, the fresh breeze, the twinkling stars at night (it may sound a bit cliché) are a real on-board feels that culminate in the cruising experience.
When docked on the bay, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy watching marine wildlife like crocodiles and other animals such as hippos, water bucks, elephants as well as bird watching.
Fishing is another activity to partake in, depending on the location you decide to dock.
Now, as the world’s most popular holiday — Christmas — is fast approaching, people are making plans on how to spend it while others already have their schedule set out.
If asked to make recommendations for the holidays, boat cruising will top the list.
It’s a hotel on the waters, on the move!
Those privileged enough to be on-board larger ships that cruise across the ocean, it is like a floating city.
For those who have not made up their minds, perhaps they can try a cruise vacation and enjoy the peace.
Despite being a landlocked country, Zimbabwe is still blessed with significant water bodies ranging from lakes, dams to rivers. It has everything to offer in every province.
There is, therefore, no excuse for not enjoying a cruise vacation one of these days.
The temptation, perhaps to compare the locally available houseboats to huge ones sailing on oceans, but the available ones are sufficient enough to give a world class experience.
But it is not the size of the water body that matters, but the comfort, and relaxing environment one gets on a cruise vacation.
According to Travel Zoo, river cruises are becoming popular worldwide and Zimbabweans can get comfort from that.
The Washington Post says cruising has ever been popular with 27,2 million people expected to set sail by the end of the year as stated by a cruise industry trade organisation.
This will represent an increase of nearly 10 million people since 2009, when 17,8 million passengers embarked.
If concerned about being stranded on waters, today’s vessels are now fitted with Wi-Fi, satellite television services in line with current technological trends while others have spa facilities to pamper yourself.
Locally, there different sizes to cater for large groups while others are small enough to cater for smaller people or a family.
Generally, cruise vacations are cozy.
