Our story began with Jann's travels


In my 20’s, I back packed around the world for 3 years exploring many interesting places, as well as sailing on a 34 foot yacht from Cape Town to Brazil, with a week on St Helena. 

Out of this was born my love of travel, my passion for the sea and, ultimately, the thrill of cruising. I worked for a few travel companies but being entrepreneurial by nature and wishing to deal directly with clients, I ventured out on my own and in January 1999, Cruise Options was born. The first cruise specialist agency in the country.

Notwithstanding my thousands of hours on ships and at sea, I’m still so excited when boarding a ship and over 30 years later, I’m never ready to disembark at the end of a voyage. Through cruising I have experienced the magic of polar bears on ice, the sound of silence in Antarctica, the fascinating North West Passage, the incredible North Pole voyage, the splendour of the Baltic, the majesty of London Tower Bridge, the spectacular Norwegian Fjords and the elegance of Japan. So much already seen and so much more to come.
Cruising is my passion – I have a love of the sea – the gentle motion, the sound, the expectation of what lies ahead.

“Cruise Options have been part of our travel lives for many years. We first got to know Jann and her crew at a presentation on Antarctica and subsequently had the most amazing trip to the Continent. Memories of that trip from the early stages of booking, inquiries, itinerary and travel documents were always handled with professionalism and a passion to please. We have booked and undertaken many cruises since and all handled by Cruise Options. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff at Cruise Options have always been excellent; extremely helpful and courteous. And the cherry on the top is the floral arrangement received on our return to South Africa to just say “thank you for booking with Cruise Options. We trust you enjoyed your cruise.” When deciding to cruise, it is always Cruise Options we think of first. Is there any other?!”
Barbara and Hugh

Alison de Kock is our Operations Manager

My passion for travel began when I backpacked around Europe and the UK in my early twenties; this sparked a lifelong love of exploring new places, cultures, and ways of life. Thailand remains one of my favourite destinations for its relaxed way of life, welcoming people and vibrant culture.

In July 2024, I joined Cruise Options to manage the company’s operations. Planning, organising, and bringing together the many details that create a seamless holiday is something I genuinely enjoy. Cruising has introduced me to a new style of travel and each cruise line has its own character; knowing those differences first-hand is important, when matching a client to the right ship.

The expedition voyages are the ones I most love booking, where every day brings new landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and fellow travellers who are every bit as curious. One of my earliest cruising memories is sailing into Cape Town and the sight of Table Mountain rising majestically is one of the most beautiful views in the world; simply breath taking and a moment I’ll never forget.

Cruising is about so much more than the destinations, it’s the little “wow” moments that stay with you long after the journey has ended. One that particularly stands out for me is sailing out of Rouen – the sun was shining, I was sipping champagne and enjoying caviar, while the production team entertained us with songs from Mamma Mia!

Sitting there, surrounded by beautiful scenery, wonderful food, great music and the relaxed atmosphere of the river, I remember thinking: what more could you possibly want?

These are the moments that make cruising so special –

unexpected experiences, beautiful surroundings and memories that stay with you forever.

 
”A Passion for Cruising” in our minds expresses exactly how all of you at Cruise Options feel about cruising and your passion rubs off on Ian and I. Nothing is ever too much trouble, your warm friendliness is catching and much appreciated, your attention to detail perfection and your enthusiasm exceptional. You are all so in tune with your clients and their personal needs and wishes, no easy task. We salute Jann and your team, it is because of you all that we are now passionate cruisers and will continue to use this incredible cruise company again and again God willing, and more importantly recommend you to all our friends who show an interest in cruising. Congratulations to Cruise Options for your “passion”.
Ian and Annzie