I’ve recently become rather obsessed with the idea of visiting my friend Yolande in South Africa, but flying there and back seems like a bit of a drag. Since I’m embarking on a world tour next year, I am going to try to fly as little as possible so this could be a good option when I need to return to Europe.

The ship MSC Sinfonia sails from Cape Town to Genoa which takes around 18 days. Because it’s a repositioning cruise (the ship returns to Europe for the summer months), it’s very low cost. Even with a flight to South Africa thrown in, and one back from Italy included the price can be as low as £890. Compare that to my two weeks’ rent or business class air ticket. Buying the cruise only will bring the price down further.

http://www.iglucruise.com/msc-sinfonia/3rd-april-2010_c46027

The only other alternative I can think of to get back from South Africa without flying would be to hitch a ride on a freighter which will set you back around $70-100 per night, so a lot more expensive and without the dining choice of a cruise liner. But then some people prefer to travel by freighter; your cabin is bigger and you don’t have to put up with annoying cruise passengers!