How many months must my South African passport be valid for before I travel?

Whether you are flying abroad or boarding a cruise, your South African passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your planned date of return.

What are the requirements for travelling internationally with minors from South Africa?

South African law requires parents travelling internationally with children under 18 to carry an unabridged birth certificate. If only one parent is travelling, you may also need a parental consent affidavit, regardless of whether you are cruising local waters or flying abroad.

Which destinations can South African passport holders visit visa-free?

South Africans enjoy visa-free entry to Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Thailand (up to 30 days), as well as the Maldives (free visa on arrival). For Europe, you need a Schengen Visa, and for the UAE, a tourist e-visa is required prior to departure.

Do I need a special visa for European or Caribbean Cruises?

If your cruise leaves the Schengen area (for example, visiting Turkey or North Africa) and re-enters, you will need a Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa. Always check your specific cruise itinerary with your Amazing Holidays consultant before applying for visas.

Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Zanzibar or the Islands?

If you fly directly from South Africa to Zanzibar, Mauritius, or the Maldives, a Yellow Fever certificate is not required. However, if your flight to Zanzibar transits through an endemic country (like Kenya or Ethiopia), you will need to present a valid certificate upon arrival.

Are Amazing Holidays quotes guaranteed in Rands (ZAR)?

Our quotes are subject to the Rate of Exchange (ROE) and may fluctuate based on the Rand's performance against the Euro, US Dollar, or UAE Dirham. Your package price is only guaranteed once full payment has been received and your tickets or cruise cabins are confirmed.

How do onboard cruise accounts work?

Cruises are cashless. You will receive a cruise card linked to your credit card.

How do I request a honeymoon room upgrade or special setup in Mauritius or the Maldives?

If you are travelling for a honeymoon or anniversary, let us know immediately. Most resorts in Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Maldives require a copy of your marriage certificate (usually valid up to 6 or 12 months after the wedding) to provide complimentary honeymoon perks like romantic dinners, room upgrades (subject to availability), or welcome champagne.

When will I receive my final travel documents and e-tickets?

Your final itinerary, e-tickets, hotel vouchers, and cruise boarding passes are typically emailed to you 14 to 21 days prior to your departure, provided your booking has been paid in full.

How early do I need to check in for my international flight out of South Africa?

For international flights departing from OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), or King Shaka (DUR) to Europe, the UAE, or island destinations, you must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Boarding gates usually close strictly 45 minutes before takeoff.

What is the check-in and embarkation process for MSC and NCL cruises?

You must complete your online check-in via the cruise line's website or app at least a week before sailing. You will be assigned a specific embarkation time on your cruise ticket. To manage crowds at the port (whether in Durban, Europe, or the Caribbean), you must arrive only at your designated time.

Mekong Discovery – Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh river cruise

Four Star | 9 Nights | Breakfast

R91990 Per Person Sharing

16 Aug – 26 Aug '27

Includes

Return flights from Johannesburg
Airport taxes
Airport to hotel transfer
2 Nights pre-cruise stay at 4* hotel in Ho Chi Minh City including breakfast
Transfer from hotel to port
7 Nights on board Avalon Saigon including all meals & drinks at meal times
Transfer from port to airport

Excludes

Meals and drinks not mentioned
Travel Insurance
All items of a personal nature
Visas where applicable

Highlights

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Embarkation in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Settle in and relax on board before enjoying a welcome reception and dinner as you begin cruising to Vinh Long.

Day 2: Vinh Long – Cu Lao Gieng Island. Take a sampan to a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. In the afternoon, explore Cu Lao Gieng Island by motor cart to observe local artisans crafting sampan boats and conical hats (Non la), concluding with a visit to one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches.

Day 3: Chau Doc – Long Khanh A – Border Crossing into Cambodia. Take a guided walking tour of Chau Doc’s vibrant market, followed by a backwater river excursion past floating homes and dry-goods markets. After lunch, visit Long Khanh A for a traditional cotton-weaving demonstration before cruising across the border into Cambodia toward Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Explore the Cambodian capital on a private cyclo tour, visiting the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, followed by a traditional song and dance performance by local village children on board before dinner.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Cruise to Wat Hanchey. Choose between a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, or a tuk-tuk excursion to Phnom Penh's iconic Art Deco Central Market. Return to the ship after lunch to set sail along the river.

Day 6: Wat Hanchey – Angkor Ban. Visit the 8th-century hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey to enjoy panoramic views and receive a traditional water blessing from local monks. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the rural village of Angkor Ban to see traditional Khmer homes and interact with local schoolchildren.

Day 7: Konpong Louang – Kampong Tralach. Discover the silversmith village of Konpong Louang to see traditional silver-crafting techniques. Continue to Kampong Tralach for an authentic ox-cart ride through the countryside and a visit with a local farmer, followed by an afternoon of scenic cruising on the Tonle River.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Phnom Penh. Your Mekong River cruise comes to an end following breakfast on board.

T's & C's

All prices are subject to availability and subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
High season supplement may apply over school holidays and peak travel periods.