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MSC SINFONIA

Itineraries.

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

MAIN FEATURES

Family & kids.

Children of all ages will love the spray park packed with fun water features and the other delightful new play areas. From the Pinocchio Playroom to the Teens Area, they were created in partnership with household names like Chicco , LEGO ® and Namco®.

Fitness and Relaxation 

The sports and leisure options span all tastes and ages, video games to a lavish pool complex, not forgetting the fully-equipped gym and MSC Aurea Spa with its modern beauty treatments and exotic Balinese massages.

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

From the lavish San Remo Casino and the panoramic Pasha Club Disco to the chic lines of the Teatro San Carlo or the brand new 3400 square-foot space for music and dancing, MSC Sinfonia boasts a wealth of elegant entertainment areas.

STATEROOMS AND SUITES

Comfortable accommodations on MSC Sinfonia were designed to satisfy every need. From ocean view stateroom to spacious suites.

• Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds
• Spacious closet
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Interactive TV. telephone, safe and minibar
• Wi-Fi access available ($)
• Approx. 140 ft 2 with a balcony that is approx. 32 – 43 ft 2
• Located on decks 9 - 10  The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).
• Relaxing armchair
• Approx. 129 - 237 ft 2 Choose the stateroom type that best suits you: Premium Ocean View (approx. 237 ft 2 , deck 9 Junior Ocean View (approx. 140 ft 2 , decks 10 - 8) Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View (approx. 129 – 140 ft 2 , deck 7) The image is representative only; the size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same stateroom category).

ENTERTAINMENT

Every day and every night on board MSC Sinfonia offers a wide choice of entertainment and activities. So after relaxing by the pool, enjoying a theater show, trying your luck in the casino and dancing to your favorite tunes, there’s still more to do!

Restaurants & Buffet

Each of the onboard restaurants on MSC Sinfonia promises an excellent dining experience in elegant surroundings, using prime ingredients to create delicious, freshly prepared menus from the Italian, Mediterranean and international traditions.

La Terrazza Buffet

Il covo restaurant, il galeone restaurant, caffè del mare, bars & lounges.

Smart, distinctive bars and lounges on MSC Sinfonia serve a selection of international wines and beers, fruit smoothies, gourmet coffee treats, traditional and creative cocktails and more. So whatever your desire, refreshment is never far away.

Manhattan Bar

Café le baroque, shelagh's house irish pub, sinfonia lounge & library, sanremo casino bar, pasha club disco, gelateria italiana, vitamin bar.

Use the deck plans to select your ideal stateroom. The plan allows you to pinpoint the locations, while the colors distinguish the stateroom category.

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• 5. Beethoven
• 9. Tchaikovsky
• 10. Sibelius
• 11. Debussy
• 13. Schubert
• Junior Interior
• Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View
• Junior Ocean View
• Premium Ocean View
• Deluxe Suite Aurea

• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you.

• All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds, except in cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility (H).

• 3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view

• 4th bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view,

• Junior Balcony, Deluxe Suite Aurea.

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking.

• Gross Tonnage: 65,591 tons
• Numbers of passengers: 2,646
• Crew members: 721
• Number of staterooms: 976, incl. 5 accessible staterooms
• Length/Beam/Height: 902 ft. / 94 ft. / 177 ft.
• Maximum speed: 21.7 knots

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23 Ships in the Msc Cruises fleet

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Msc Sinfonia Overview

Listen, can you hear that? It’s the sound of everything going perfectly. That’s the only sound you’ll ever hear on the MSC Sinfonia , which translates to symphony. On this 9-deck ship you’ll find that the crew onboard is always on hand to get you a drink, answer your questions and direct you to the dining room, pool or anywhere else you’re headed. Their friendliness makes it easier for you to experience all the fun features of the MSC Sinfonia , from Shelagh’s House, an Irish pub, to the Golf Simulator and the San Remo casino.

• Passenger Capacity:  1,952 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2002
• Last Refurbished: 2015

Msc Sinfonia Cruise Destinations

Visiting an array of exclusive and exciting ports all over the world, MSC crafts each itinerary to showcase the best of the region and ensure a perfect vacation experience. You can cruise with MSC to destinations like the Caribbean, South America, and across the grand Atlantic. Whether it's an adventurous cruise to the Red Sea, or a historically-focused voyage to Northern Europe, MSC can take you there in style.

Mediterranean

Whether you’d like to try Gaudi’s Experience, or create your own adventure along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never forget your Mediterranean cruise.

Msc Sinfonia Departure Ports

With their flair for Mediterranean style MSC offers a variety of sailings in and around that area. However the cruise line is actively expanding with cruises to Dubai and Caribbean cruises leaving from Miami. MSC also visits South America with sailings leaving from Rio de Janeiro.  Find out more about MSC by talking with a qualified cruise consultant at The Cruise Web. 

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Bari, Italy

Cruise to Bari and explore this extraordinary city in the South of Italy. Highlights include its interesting history and friendly people, who are always ready to show you their way of life.

Brindisi, Italy

This ancient city is sure to charm with its immaculate architecture, tranquil harbor and coastline, delicious cuisine as well as its Greek-Italian feel.  

Split, Croatia

Beaches, historic sites and a melting pot of cultures can be found in this delightful city along the Adriatic Coast.

Izmir, Turkey

Ismir is a bustling metropolitan center located in Western Turkey, surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Izmir and the Gediz River.

Zadar, Croatia

This historic city is rich with Roman architecture as well as many national parks and attractions making this city an exciting one to explore.

Msc Sinfonia Deck Plans

Beethoven deck, mozart deck, brahms deck, tchaikovski deck, sibelius deck, debussy deck, schubert deck, msc sinfonia staterooms.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bm1), balcony (br1), balcony (b3), balcony (b2).

• Priority choice of early or late dining seating
• 50% off all fitness classes & personal trainer
• Cooking & language classes for kids
• Free room service delivery (6am-11pm)
• Free Continental breakfast in stateroom upon request
• Earn MSC Voyagers Club points for discounts on your next cruise and other benefits

Balcony (BW)

• Welcome Kit (T-shirts, shorts, towel, bracelet, Technogym wellness bag)
• One-on-one consultation including body fat composition test with your personal MSC Master Trainer trained by Technogym
• Exclusive Wellness shore activities including Zumba on the beach, bike tours & more (6-nights or less: 1 excursion included; 7-nights: 2 excursinos included; 8+ nights; 3 excursions included)
• 1 gym class per day; every other day for cruises longer than 7 nights (excluding embarkation & disembarkation day)
• 1 Sports drink each day in your stateroom
• Mineral water in bars, restaurants, buffet & stateroom
• Selection of fresh, healthy food & drink options in restaurants & buffet
• Health check-up with MSC doctor including blood pressure test, electrocardiogram and cholesterol test
• Laundry services for your MSC gym gear
• Free internet access to the Technogym App

Inside (IM1)

Inside (im2).

Inside (IB)

Inside (i2), inside (i1).

• Choice of seating at early or late dinner
• Earn MSC Voyagers Club points for discounts on your next cruise & other benefits
• Add on amenities at a fee

Inside (SPL)

Inside (iw).

Oceanview (O3)

Oceanview (ob), oceanview (ol1), oceanview (om1), oceanview (om2).

Oceanview (OO)

Oceanview (o2), oceanview (o1), oceanview (ow).

Suite (SR1)

Suite (sr2).

• Priority boarding
• UNLIMITED drinks including specialy coffee, non-premium cocktails, soft drinks, beer and gelato
• "My Choice Dining" for dinner anytime during dinign room hours
• Spa treatment (60 min.massage, sauna & steam room acess - adults only)
• Complimentary bathrobe & slippers to use during your cruise
• Access to the exclusive Top 18 sundeck

Photo Gallery for Msc Sinfonia Cruise Ship

This photo gallery of MSC’s stunning ships will give you an idea of what an MSC cruise is like, but to really see it sparkle we recommend a cruise on one of these Italian based ships. 

MSC Sinfonia

Fine dining at II Galeone

Top 10 Msc Sinfonia Cruises

• MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Brindisi, Italy (Apr 2024 - Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Zadar, Croatia (May 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 1 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Split, Croatia (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 4 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Split, Croatia (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 3 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 6 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 5 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 3 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Bari, Italy (Nov 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 4 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Bari, Italy (Nov 2024)

Learn More About Msc Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about MSC Cruises' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with disabilities or special needs, including dietary restrictions, audio and visual impairments and mobility issues.

Enjoy dining aboard MSC Cruises, including the Main Restaurant, La Locanda Pizzeria, Eataly, Ristorante Italia, La Palmeraie, L'Etoile, Galaxy Lounge and many more.

Entertainment

Enjoy MSC Cruises' onboard entertainment, including theater shows, casino games, bars and lounges, bowling, video arcade, 4D movies and more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in MSC Cruises' onboard activities, including aqua parks, water slides, fitness classes, art auctions, pools, sports courts and duty-free shopping.

Service & Awards

Learn how MSC Cruises' staff and crew take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view MSC Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in MSC Cruises' Aurea Spa - featuring a sauna, steam room and whirlpool bath - fitness centers and wellness classes like yoga, dance and nutrition.

Special Events

Learn about MSC Cruises' special themed cruises, including a baseball themed cruise celebrating America's pastime.

Explore MSC Cruises' ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms, as well as the luxurious MSC Yacht Club exclusive retreat.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard MSC Cruises. Kids sail free on select sailings, and there are various youth programs for children ages 3-17, including DoremiLand's Mini and Junior Clubs.

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MSC Sinfonia Deck Plans & Reviews

MSC Sinfonia

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MSC Sinfonia : Durban to Portuguese Island

I'm writing this on the last night of our MSC Sinfonia cruise from Durban to the Portuguese Island and Maputo , and feeling a bit down that it's coming to an end - my cure for the end-of-cruise-blues is to start researching my next one! I'm looking at the Sinfonia Genoa to Cape Town cruise later this year. I yearn for more time at sea, to sit on the deck and feel time and the ocean stretch out in front of me, to be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the ship and to hand myself completely over to the power of this giant hulk of metal to guide me safely through the waters.

A day at the Portuguese Island

Portuguese Island

Aside from the Dream Team's (the ship's entertainment crew) hilarious rendition of the song "Big Bamboo" (see further down), the highlight of this trip was the visit to Portuguese Island. So rather than move through events in chronological order, I'm going to start with the main course, and show you why I love Portuguese Island.

The best thing about Portuguese Island is to swim in its warm azure waters, to suck salt air into one's lungs and lie in the buoyant sea water, a happy distance from the noise of citylife. In this photo, we can see Inhaca in the background.

From the Sinfonia to Portuguese Island

We were transported between the ship and Portuguese Island on little motorboats. Those piloting the boats have a kewl deal, in that they can cruise for free. The crew are really good, offering a lot of assistance for those with babies, the frail and the criple. We were a bit wary of taking our 3-month-old along, but he fell asleep on the motorboat!

Snorkelling at Inhaca

My personal highlight of this cruise was the snorkelling excursion at Inhaca. After the Sinfonia dropped anchor of Portuguese Island, I caught a lift to the island, and then another boat took us to a point just off a reef at Inhaca, which we floated along seeing the fish, eels and fishermen's ropes.

Here we are piling off the boat at Portuguese Island.

The MSC Sinfonia's cooks set up some braai stands on Portuguese Island, and for lunch there was braaied sausage, lamb and burger patties.

For most meals on the Sinfonia you've got the choice between being served food at a restaurant (Il Galeone or Il Cove) or eating from a buffet (pool deck). The advantage of the buffet is that you can zone in on what you enjoy, and eat as much as you like of that dish, but sometimes it's also nice to sit down and be served. Here's a photo of us queueing up for the braai buffet on the beach.

Shopping on Portuguese Island

On Portuguese Island you don't go to the shop, the shop comes to you. Locals try to sell beer, rum (alcoholic drinks are stowed away by the ship), cooldrinks, cloth, sunglasses, shoes and wooden carvings. The wooden carvings of the MSC Sinfonia impressed me the most (although the ship warns you of the risk of woodworm, and may want to stow wood items away).

History of Portuguese Island

The visit to Portuguese Island and Inhaca was the highlight of the trip. Perhaps, like me, you don't know much about Portuguese Island - here's some history. Two Islands lie in the Bay of Maputo (32km east of Maputo)) - Inhaca (84 square km) and Portuguese Island (2.5 square km). Portuguese Island looks like a large extension to the sandbanks in Inhaca's lagoon. Portuguese Island has been known about at least since the 14th Century Arab trading days (and probably before then, by local Mozambicans). In 1545 Portuguese traders and hunters used Portuguese Island as their trading headquarters for ivory...thus becoming known as the "Island of the Portuguese". The island played a major role in the decimation of elephants in Africa, thus becoming known as the Portuguese Elephant Island, which was later shortened to Portuguese Island.

Portuguese Island inland

On future cruises I'd love to spend some time exploring the interior of the island. Here's a photo I took from the top of the dunes at the beach where we landed. By the way, the sand on the dunes gets piping hot, and I advise you to take slip slops with, to prevent the soles of your feet from frying.

The Hut on Portuguese Island

The only permanent building on Portuguese Island is a wooden hut, which has a patch of its roof missing. At the top-right of the photo you can see Inhaca Island in the background, and the white trails in the water are the motorboats ferrying passengers between Inhaca and Portuguese Island.

Butterflies

Whilst anchored off Portuguese Island I was surprised to see a number of black and white butterflies flying around the ship. I was impressed that they could get out that far.

Priority boarding

We paid R450 to get priority boarding on the Sinfonia , effectively jumping almost all the queues (yes, there are more than 2) at the Port of Durban . We probably saved 2 or 3 hours of our time by purchasing that, which if you do the maths works out to costing us each some R40 per hour (there were 4 of us) - well worth it, as my time is worth much more than that to me.

And here's how the queue outside looked:

Setting sail

A highlight of the first day was watching the ship set sail. Climb out onto the top deck and join the crowd. As the Sinfonia exits the harbour a helicopter flew alongside the ship, tossed a line over and hauled the assistant off the deck onto the helicopter. The ship gave 3 long blasts on its siren as we left Durban harbour.

Also interesting on the first day was watching the various groups of people - you could tell the groups by the fact that they were wearing the same clothing. I saw 3 gents wearing ACDC shirts, and there was a large group of men and women wearing pink shirts with "Altyd Jonk" inscribed on them. There was also another group with blue shirts and an anchor on it, and a group of kids on a school excursion.

Just after we'd left the Port of Durban, there was a pool party hosted by the legendary Stephen Cloete. This is not to be missed, it sets the tone for a week of festivities on board the Sinfonia. Stephen kicked things off by singing his take on Summer Holiday, and then we had the All Star Dancers:

And then the Dream Team entertained us with their rendition of "Witch Doctor":

Cruises are festive occassions, and it was great to hear some joyous folk singing away in the passages in the early hours of the morning, whilst I snoozed away in my cabin (the Pasha disco bar keeps going till the wee hours).

We had a cabin on the 8th deck (Bach). I love the design of the Sinfonia's cabins , and prefer them to those on the MSC Melody , even though they are smaller. The main difference is the massive port window (you are after all out at sea) , and the fact that the bunk beds fold up.

In the old days they would have thrown them both overboard

My congratulations to the Sinfonia's fast acting security, who managed to break up a situation which developed at the swimming pool. A man had run and jumped into the pool right next to a 6-year-old (my guess of her age), and she had swallowed some water and was coughing as she made it to the side. The girl's father (my guess) and the pooljumper decided to sort out their differences the old fashioned way, and after a few blows were exchange and a bit of blood flowing, the security stepped in and seperated them (a good thing too, as friends were now hovering around). As the liquor flows the rationality goes, and these kind of situations are bound to occur - well done again to the crew for dealing so efficiently with it.

Richards Bay fleet

As we sat down for supper, we passed Richards Bay and with it joined a fleet of coal ships, and I attained a first hand appreciation of the immense volumes of coal which are being exported from South Africa into the global economy, by companies like Grindrod.

Internet connections

The ship offers an internet connection, costing $20 for 60 minutes (if you get stuck with logging on, just ask the friendly folk at accounts for assistance). If you've got a 3G card, you can easily get a connection in Durban harbour, and also in Maputo (but be warned, if you're using international roaming it'll be fairly pricy in Maputo - Vodacom charged us R52 a meg). When anchored off the Portuguese Island, there was a faint GPRS signal which could best be accessed on the top deck closest to Inhaca.

Photographs

The Sinfonia employs some brilliant photographers - here's one of them in action at the Portuguese Island:

It was wonderful swimming in the Sinfonia's pools. The water, drawn from the Indian Ocean, is warm; and its saltiness creates sufficient buoyancy to make it easy to float on one's back, and watch the world go by. When the water's a bit rougher there are waves, which are fun to play in. The Sinfonia has 2 pools, both on the same deck, each of which is divided by ropes into a children's shallow section and a deep section for adults.

I felt a strong sense of history seeing the crumbling remnants of Portuguese gun batteries on Xefina Island, as we cruised into Maputo . Here's a video I took, so you know what to look out for.

As we cruised into Maputo, passengers flocked to the lookout points, armed with their choice of electronic gadget with which to record the moment.

Coming in from sea gives one a unique view of Maputo.

And here's the MSC Sinfonia docked at Maputo harbour:

We did the city tour last time we cruised into Maputo , so gave it a skip this time, and met up with a friend for lunch at Cafe Acacia, which was pleasant. Our friend reported that things are slowly but steadily improving in Mozambique, and evidence I saw of that was that the 3G internet connection is far stronger than last year.

2 Weddings & an engagement

There were 2 marriages on this cruise - great to see - and a gent surprised everybody and proposed to his lady in front of a packed crowd at the theatre (yes, there's a theatre on the Sinfonia).

The dream team

As mentioned the Dream Team are the Sinfonia's entertainment team. They're the life and soul of the ship. Whilst the officers on the Sinfonia are mostly Italians, the kitchen and cleaning staff are mostly Malaysians, Indonesians, Mauritians and Madagascans; the dream team are mostly Saffa's.

Special guest : Mob Barley

On the 4th day out at sea, none other than Mob Barley joined us in singing the hilarious "Big Bamboo" - this was an absolute hoot to watch, a real gem.

Grand variety show

The Dream Team treated us to this "Gran" Variety show. Here's their version of "Hey Big Spender":

Rebecca from the Dream Team impressed us with her tap dancing skills:

The legendary Stephen Cloete

Stephen Cloete is the cruise director, and is at the top of the entertaining game. We have been on several cruises with him, and he never fails to create a happy mood. He's also a brilliant stand-up comedian, and we watched several of his shows. Here's some clips:

On why the pool water on cruise ships is rough:

On man overboard sexism :

The real reason you have to wear oxygen masks on planes, if there is a loss of cabin pressure:

On the South African Airline industry:

On Mango Airlines :

Our cruise reservation

We booked through Starlight Cruises (now MSC Cruises) on SI123, leaving Durban on the 31st January and returning on the 4th February 2011. If you want to make a reservation on the Sinfonia, email [email protected]

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MSC SINFONIA

Itineraries.

Mediterranean

Get ready to dive into one of our pools, let your hair down at the themed parties, treat yourself to something delicious in one of our amazing restaurants, and much more!  

MAIN FEATURES

Family & kids.

Children of all ages will love the spray park packed with fun water features and the other delightful new play areas. From the Pinocchio Playroom to the Teens Area, they were created in partnership with household names like Chicco , LEGO ® and Namco ®.

Fitness and Relaxation 

The sports and leisure options span all tastes and ages, video games to a lavish pool complex, not forgetting the fully-equipped gym and MSC Aurea Spa with its modern beauty treatments and exotic Balinese massages .

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

From the lavish San Remo Casino and the panoramic Pasha Club Disco to the chic lines of the Teatro San Carlo or the brand new 319 square-metre space for music and dancing, MSC Sinfonia boasts a wealth of elegant entertainment areas.

CABINS AND SUITES

• Surface approx.  13 sqm, balcony approx. 3-4 sqm, deck 9-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

The image is representative only

Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Surface approx 12-22 sqm, deck 7-10
• Window with sea view
• Relaxing armchair

Choose the cabin type that best suits you:

• Premium Ocean view (surface approx 22 sqm, deck 9 )
• Junior Ocean view (surface approx 13 sqm, deck 7-10 )
• Junior Ocean View with obstructed view (surface approx 12-13 sqm, deck 7 )

Size, layout and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category).

• Surface approx. 13 sqm, deck 7-10
• Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request*)

*Cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility have only single beds

ENTERTAINMENT

Every day and every night on board MSC Sinfonia offers a wide choice of entertainment and activities. So after relaxing by the pool , enjoying a theatre show, trying your luck in the casino and dancing to your favourite tunes, there’s still more to do!

Restaurants & Buffet

La terrazza buffet, il covo restaurant, il galeone restaurant, caffè del mare, bars & lounges, manhattan bar, café le baroque, shelagh's house irish pub, sinfonia lounge & library, sanremo casino bar, pasha club disco, gelateria italiana, vitamin bar, {{deckplaninfoheader}}.

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• 5. Beethoven
• 9. Tchaikovsky
• 10. Sibelius
• 11. Debussy
• 13. Schubert
• Junior Interior
• Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View
• Junior Ocean View
• Premium Ocean View
• Junior Balcony
• Deluxe Suite Aurea

B:  Cabin with bathtub • All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds, except in cabins for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility (H). • 3rd bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view • 4th bed available in all categories except for Junior Ocean View with obstructed view, Junior Balcony, Deluxe Suite Aurea.

• Our ships offer the possibility of combining 2 or 3 connecting cabins based on the ship class. Call our Contact Center to choose the best accommodation for you.

Ship configuration, data and descriptions may be subject to change depending on the season and on the destination and must be verified at the time of booking. 

• Gross Tonnage: 65.591 tons
• Numbers of passengers: 2646
• Crew members: About 721
• Number of cabins: 976, incl. 5 for guests with disabilities
• Length/Beam/Height: 274.9 m / 28.8 m / 54 m
• Maximum speed: 21.70 knots

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Historical: what happened to South Africa’s cruise ships?

The cruise ships that pioneered the South African cruise industry and proved that Durban and Cape Town could be used as cruise home ports are varied and loved or hated for different reasons, but what became of these ships? 

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A varied selection of cruise ships of all sizes have operated regular cruise sailings in the South African cruise market, some will only be remembered by the veteran South African cruisers, such as Derek Walker of AllatSea.co.za , while the more recent vessels, such as the venerable MSC Melody will continue to hold a place in the heart of the general cruising public.

Cruise Arabia & Africa wanted to create a record of the fate that befell each of these cruise ships that played a part in making the South African cruise industry the dynamic emerging sector it is today. Some of South Africa’s cruise ships met a sad and undignified end on the infamous breakers’ beaches of Alang, while others continue to serve to this today. If we’ve missed any, or if any of our details are incorrect, let us know!

Astor 1 and 2 (1980s)

In the mid to late 1980s South Africa was associated with two cruise ships called Astor. The first, built in 1981, was purchased in 1984 by Safmarine Line, which was then interested in re-starting the Southampton-Cape Town liner service abandoned by Union Castle Line in the 1970s. However, the 1981-built Astor proved under-powered for liner service and was sold in favour of a new build to the same design.

The new ship was also named Astor and was ordered in 1985, but by 1987 Safmarine had decided to abandon the UK-SA liner service as well and sold the half-built cruise ship to an East German shipping company. Neither of these cruise ships ever made a mark in South Africa’s then-fledgling cruise industry, but ironically, have done so later on in their service careers.

The first Astor, built in 1981, now sails under the Saga Cruises brand, while Cruise & Maritime Voyages recently acquired the 1985-ordered Astor on a long term charter from Global Maritime Group. The second Astor is a regular caller to South Africa, in 2015 and 2016 she will cruise her originally planned route from Cape Town to the UK.

Oceanos (1989 and 1991)

Oceanos’ fate is world famous and she remains to this day the most serious cruise ship accident in South African waters since the loss of SS Waratah, which sank suddenly and under mysterious circumstances off the Wild Coast en-route from Durban to Cape Town in 1909.

Some 211 passengers and crew were lost aboard Waratah, but not a single life was lost in the 1991 Oceanos sinking, which was at the time the greatest airborne evacuation of an ocean liner in history. More than 200 of 571 passengers were lifted from the sinking ship in rough weather by the South African Air Force, the rest managing to escape into life rafts and life boats.

Oceanos had cruised a highly successful season in South Africa during 1989 and had returned in 1991 with great expectations of becoming South Africa’s first regular seasonal cruise ship offering roundtrip cruises from South African ports. She set sail on August 3rd from East London bound for Durban, battering her way into 40-knots winds and 30-foot seas.

Flooding in the engine room spread and eventually overwhelmed the ocean liner turned cruise ship and she began to sink. Oceanos took almost a full day to die, finally rolling over and sinking bow first a full 18 hours after the alarm was first raised by the ship’s entertainment team, who were credited with saving the lives of her passengers after Captain Yiannis Avranas and his crew abandoned ship without informing passengers that the vessel was sinking.

Achille Lauro (1986 to 1989 and again between 1992 and 1994)

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Achille Lauro and Oceanos are the two most famous of the cruise ships that temporarily cruised roundtrip from South Africa in those pioneering days of the South African cruise market.

Achille Lauro was made famous by a 1985 hijacking, but became a popular cruise ship with the South African public in the latter half of the 1980s and early 1990s when she sailed several successful cruise seasons out of Durban. In 1994 when cruising from Italy to Durban, she caught fire.

The fire started when one of her engines exploded on November 30th off the coast of Somalia. Due to a lack of supervision, the fire burned out of control before crew intervened, by which time it was too late.

After battling the blaze for several hours, the ship was abandoned and her burnt out hulk sank two days later on December 2nd. According to Derek Walker of AllatSea.co.za , this left a “huge void” in the South African cruise industry, but it was filled the following year by MSC Symphony.

Betsy Ross (1988)

A converted ro-ro passenger ferry, Betsy Ross’ career as a cruise ship is a tale punctuated by one disaster after another. The only time she was ever marketed in South Africa proved a failure, during 1988, as mechanical failures and bad publicity from disgruntled South African cruise passengers forced her cruise season to be cut short.

Betsy Ross’ service career never recovered from her disastrous South African cruise season. She was chartered and re-named Amalfi in 1989, but was placed under port arrest due to unpaid debts by her owners, ultimately being placed on auction and purchased by Stargas in 1990.

They re-named her Star of Venice, but a fire in 1991 forced her to undertake repairs and in 1992 she became a floating police hostel housing members of the Italian Mafia. The cruise ship was laid up for several years before Mediterranean Cruises (not to be confused with MSC Cruises) tried to re-start her cruising career in 1998 with similarly unsuccessful results as those seen in South Africa ten years before.

She was used as a hotel ship during 2000 before ultimately being towed to Turkey for scrapping in 2001. Even in death the former Betsy Ross could not avoid controversy, while being scrapped in 2002 Greenpeace staged demonstration aboard her hulk, protesting against toxic waste and poor working conditions in the shipbreaking industry.

Aegean Dolphin (1992)

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Aegean Dolphin made her debut in South Africa’s cruise market in 1992, sailing roundtrip cruises to firm favourites such as Bazaruto Island under charter to TFC Tours (now Starlight Cruises).

Cruise Arabia & Africa is unsure how long Aegean Dolphin spent in the South African market, but according to Allatsea.co.za she was definitely cruising out of Durban in January of 1992.

Aegean Dolphin proved unsuccessful at winning the hearts of the South African cruising public and she did not, apparently, return for a second roundtrip South African cruise season, but she remains to this day a regular caller in the country.

Aegean Dolphin is now operated by the one-ship British cruise line Voyages to Antiquity. Aegean Odyssey will cruise roundtrip from Cape Town to Cape Town on January 5th, 2016 on a 14-night destination intensive tour of South Africa. She will cruise again from Cape Town on January 17th bound for Singapore.

MSC Symphony (1995 and 1997 to 2000)

MSC Symphony was arguably South Africa’s first real cruise ship in terms of offering a regular season cruise program each year that allowed the South African cruise market to develop into the fast growing sector it is today. She was also the first cruise ship to sail year round from Durban during the winter months.

MSC Symphony pioneered roundtrip cruises out of Durban to the favourite destinations of the 1990s, such as Inhaca Island, Portuguese Island, Il de Mozambique and Bazaruto and made cruising an accessible holiday option for middle class South Africans. MSC Symphony sadly sailed her last South African season in 1999/2000 and was sold by MSC Cruises in 2001.

For such a beautiful and historic ocean liner, her demise was an ignoble one. South Africa’s favourite cruise ship of the millennium was placed under port arrest in Dover, UK in July, 2001 while under charter from an MSC Cruises subsidiary as Ocean Glory 1, authorities said she had failed numerous safety and hygiene inspections.

On September 18th 2001 the former MSC Symphony was sold at auction to Carpenthai Holding and renamed Classica. She departed Dover under that name, quietly slinking away beneath a setting sun, bound for Alang, India, that great ship graveyard, where she arrived on October 30th. By May the following year, she had been entirely broken up.

MSC Rhapsody (1996 and intermittently until 2006)

Launched in 1974 and undertaking her maiden voyage in 1987, Rhapsody started out life as a Cunard liner, the Cunard Princess. In 1995 she was chartered to MSC Cruises (then StarLauro) before being bought altogether and re-named Rhapsody.

The cruise ship first sailed a South African cruise season in 1996 and did intermittent seasons between then and 2009 when she was sold out of the rapidly modernising MSC Cruises fleet.

Cruise Arabia & Africa last sailed aboard her to Portuguese Island in 2006. Rhapsody now sails as the Golden Iris for the Israel-based Mano Maritime cruise company on Mediterranean itineraries marketed almost exclusively at Israeli passengers.

MSC Monterey (1990 and intermittently until 2006)

Launched in 1952 as a cargo ship and converted to a cruise ship ocean liner in 1955. MSC Monterey was one of the cruise ships purchased by MSC when they acquired the StarLauro cruise brand in 1990.

She often tag teamed with MSC Symphony sailing out of Durban or Cape Town during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The ship had actually been marketed for a full year deployment in South Africa through 2007, cruising the west coast of Africa out of Cape Town, with MSC Melody based out of Durban, when a boiler explosion in October, 2006 temporarily crippled her in the Mediterranean.

Only able to operate under reduced power, the wounded old lady was sold for scrap and towed to Alang, India, to be broken up.

MSC Melody (2001 intermittently to 2006 and regularly after 2012)

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Built in 1982 for the now defunct Home Lines and sailing initially as MS Atlantic, MSC Melody made her debut in South Africa in the early 2000s following the sale of MSC Symphony.

A significantly larger and more modern cruise ship, she was warmly embraced by the South African cruising public and had a strong following for almost ten years sailing regular South African cruise seasons alongside MSC Rhapsody, which was sometimes deployed in her place to cruise roundtrip out of Durban.

With MSC Cruises rapidly modernising their fleet throughout the last decade, the writing was on the wall for the ageing Melody. By 2012, MSC Melody’s fate as an MSC cruise ship had been sealed and conflicting stories began to emerge about what would be done with her.

In July 2012, there was speculation that she was to be chartered to new operators in Japan, but in August it was reported that she had been sold to a South Korean company, Lotus Mine, and that as from February 2013 she would operate a regular service between Shanghai and Jeju Island, South Korea.

That arrangement appeared to fall through as she was decommissioned on January 7 th , 2013, with the remainder of her summer season abruptly cancelled. By November, after a brief period in lay-up, she was sold to Sahara India Pariwar, a multinational group involved in finance, leisure, hotels, construction, property and industry.

Under the new name Qing, she was to be delivered in Goa, India, and converted into floating accommodation.

As of November, 2014, she was still in Goa, moored at the Vasco Harbour in Vasco de Gamma, Goa. There had been some speculation that she would be used as a hotel ship, but in the absence of any marketing for such a role, Cruise Arabia & Africa suspects she may just be an accommodation ship for workers.

A rather forlorn end to one of the longest serving South African cruise ships.

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Categories: Cruise History

Tagged as: Achille Lauro , MSC Cruises , Oceanos , South Africa , South African cruise

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

2 replies »

interesting to see 4 of the ships i cruised on shown here achille lauro – betsy ross – oceanos – msc rhapsody

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MSC Cruises to Nowhere from Durban or Cape Town

MSC Cruises offers two unique options for cruises to nowhere in South Africa. Departing from Durban or Cape Town, these round-trip journeys take passengers on a voyage without having to worry about where they're going or passport requirements - an ID card is all you need!

• No passport needed
• All meals & entertainment included
• Have an experience of a lifetime

Experience the Magic of a quick getaway with MSC

• All your meals & entertainment are included*
• A cabin steward will clean your cabin daily
• Delight your senses with world-class dining and entertainment
• Relax in style and enjoy all the amenities a cruise has to offer
• Sip cocktails on the deck while enjoying the amazing views

What is a cruise to nowhere?

A cruise to nowhere is a trip on a ship where you go out at sea (nowhere) for a couple of nights. You can relax and enjoy the ship without having to worry about where you're going. MSC Cruises offers two unique options for cruises to nowhere in South Africa.

Departing from Durban or Cape Town, these round-trip journeys take passengers on a voyage without having to worry about where they're going or passport requirements - an ID card is all you need!

Why do a 2 nights cruise to nowhere?

Nowhere cruises are the perfect weekend getaway experience for first-time cruisers. This quick escape is the ideal opportunity to experience life on board or get to know the cruise lines. Even though the cruise ship is not heading to a specific destination, there are still plenty of daily activities to do onboard, including watching live music on the deck or in the various lounges, enjoying the sun and water activities on deck, or spending quality time with your family at the restaurants.

Cruises to nowhere are also ideal if you do not have all your travelling documents in order. The cruise ship will only sail in local waters and you will not disembark at any port in a different country. Therefore, you do not need a passport to embark on all cruise ships with a cruise-to-nowhere itinerary. This also allows you to book your cruise without much planning beforehand.

There is no better place to celebrate any special occasion than on a cruise ship. Whether you are planning milestone birthdays, bachelor parties, or weddings your cruise line will help you plan a glamorous event. The crew onboard promises that you experience your perfect fun-filled break while enjoying your own personal occasions.

Your MSC Cruises Ship for a cruise to nowhere in South Africa

Msc splendida:.

MSC Splendida offers guests an array of onboard entertainment options, from Broadway-style theater shows and a glamorous casino to designer discos and dedicated areas for kids and teens. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from, with different cuisines to explore ranging from Mediterranean specialties to American steakhouse fare.

Guests can also enjoy exclusive dishes created exclusively for MSC Splendida by the German chef Harald Wohlfahrt. The ship is home to the MSC Yacht Club, a luxurious “ship within a ship” area that features 71 suites, private concierge and pool.

What is included in your Cruise to nowhere Fare

Included included.

• All meals in the two main dining rooms, the buffet and selected other eateries.
• All shows in the theatre and other venues are included!
• Speciality Restaurant ($/€) for a unique dining experience!
• Shop ’til you drop in the duty-free shopping gallery ($/€)!
• Get your reading on in the library & game room
• Keep the little ones entertained with our award-winning kids club for all ages
• Service fees /gratuities are included so you don’t have to worry about a thing
• Accommodation in well-appointed cabins - as a crusie vacation is all about spoiling yourself
• Water, coffee and some juices are included in certain areas of the ship
• Most on-board activities such as group games, competitions, quizzes, and crafts classes are included - something for everyone to enjoy
• No entrance fee for the disco / nightclub - let's get this party started!
• All evening shows are free to enjoy

Excluded Excluded

• All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and selected juices in the buffet
• Shore Excursions
• SPA treatments & access to SPA area (Subject to experience)
• Wifi (unless specified otherwise)
• Casino, photos, shops
• Service fees (please check - it is INCLUDED in some markets)
• Aditional Kids activities

Cruise to nowhere - an ideal quick getaway

Some question you might have on your cruise to nowhere with MSC

No you don't. A passport is only necessary if you plan on leaving the country.  A cruise to nowhere typically stays within South African waters so you will not need your passport. Enjoy!

• Private Air Conditioning
• Spacious wardrobe
• Bathroom with Showers or Bathtub
• Interactive TV
• Telephone (€)
• Mini-Bar (€)
• Wi-Fi Connection (€)
• Safe-deposit box
• Double bed / twin bed on request

Further on all MSC ships feature:

• MSC Aurea Spa
• Spray park for kids
• Inside, outside, balcony and suite cabin type MSC Splendida features MSC Yacht Club as well

Dining is included in the price of your cruise - drinks are not. So if you're looking to enjoy a few cocktails or glasses of wine with your meal, be sure to bring your credit card along with you, or buy pre-paid packages.

Enjoying a drink or two while enjoying dinner is definitely a popular pastime on cruises, so don't let the extra cost keep you from indulging. Just be aware that you'll need to budget for it upfront. And who knows - maybe you'll even find yourself sipping cocktails while watching the sunset over the open sea!

All kinds of weather can be expected on a cruise to nowhere - it just depends on when you go.

However, no matter when you go, the ship will definitely have all kinds of weather covered so don't worry! You'll be able to enjoy your cruise to nowhere regardless of what the weather is like outside.

While there are a variety of different cruise durations out there, cruises to nowhere are typically only two nights long. This is because they depart from and return to the same port, so there's not as much need for a longer voyage. Plus, it's the perfect amount of time to get a little relaxation and luxury without having to commit to a week-long trip.

If you're looking for a quick and easy escape, consider booking a cruise to nowhere from South Africa – you won't regret it!

All the cruise departs Cape Town from the Cruise terminal in the V&A Waterfront. 

All the cruise departs Durban harbour from the KZN cruise terminal next to the Durban harbour. 

Read this blog post for more on the Durban Terminal . 

The number 1 destination is Portuguese Island out of Durban on a typical 3 nights cruise.

The second one is Pomene, Mozambique on a 4 nights cruise. 

Currently, the MSC Orchestra has her base in Durban and will travel to Portuguese Island and Pomene. 

From Cape Town and only during the 2022/2023 season, the MSC Sinfonia will also travel to Mossel Bay.

The ship has stops in Port Elizabeth on a coastal cruise during some of the previous season. 

When booking, port charges / port fees, mandatory charges, insurance, service charges / fees. And a reminder that Kids cruise free - they only pay the mandatory charges when travelling with 2 paying adults.

We'd love to help you book your cruise to nowhere! With Hupla, your online travel agency, we can make sure that your trip is perfect in every way. We have a wide variety of cruises to choose from, and our experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about booking your cruise.

MSC Cruises to Nowhere Cruise Specials

2024/2025 is open for bookings ! A couple of cabins left on 2024 season.

Other MSC South African Popular cruises

Msc to walvis bay, msc from durban, msc form cape town.

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BOOK A CRUISE ON THE MSC MUSICA

Msc musica – in south africa for 2024-25 cruise season, we have been the official shuttle operator for starlight & msc cruises for more than 31 years. we have proudly and safely conveyed in excess of 1 million passengers to cruise ships in durban – an achievement that we are truly proud of..

Embark on an unforgettable journey with MSC Musica as it sets sail for another enchanting November to March cruise season in the stunning landscapes of South Africa. This floating marvel beckons adventure seekers from across the globe, promising an extraordinary experience that transcends the ordinary.  Step into a world akin to a floating city, where the grand atrium boasts a three-tier waterfall, more pools than any other MSC ship, and a plethora of entertainment options. The cozy yet modern lounges and restaurants create the perfect ambiance for an indulgent escape at sea.  Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heartbeat of the MSC Musica, a ship that lives up to its name by offering unparalleled music entertainment. From enchanting live-piano concerts in the atrium to electrifying shows in the main theater, every moment resonates with harmonious delight.

Experience a melting pot of cultures as MSC Musica welcomes guests from diverse corners of the world, fostering an atmosphere where languages like Afrikaans, Zulu, Italian, Spanish, and German seamlessly blend together.  Beyond its aesthetic charm, MSC Musica stands as a pioneer in eco-friendly cruising, introducing a new class of ships that redefine luxury and sustainability. This spacious haven of graceful lines and superlative choices is a testament to MSC Cruises’ commitment to creativity, fine natural materials, and meticulous attention to detail. Prepare to be enchanted by a magical world of warmth and hospitality that awaits every guest on board.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary voyage. Seize the moment and let us take YOU on a sea cruise where luxury, entertainment, and unparalleled experiences await!

Things you need to know before booking a cruise.

1. MSC Cruises South Africa determines the prices of the cruises and agents need to abide by them. There are many factors that also have an effect on the prices, for example: 1.1 There are various types of cabins – Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. 1.2 These cabins then have an experience class for example: Bella (cheapest), Fantastica (popular) and Aurea (expensive). Each of these offers a guest much more and upgraded services as you climb up the proverbial tree. MSC Cruises operates on a dynamic pricing app that changes the prices DAILY!

2. MSC offers the agents a small commission for all the hard work they have put in by marketing the product and dealing with clients. This is one of the basic standards in the travel industry, however, this is NOT the case for themed cruises. Now, we as agents are pretty much on par with the thought of most people that they will not work for free! In the case of a themed cruise, agents are allowed by law to charge an administration fee which will be added to your booking. This is now done by most airline agents worldwide. The admin fee is usually added to your required deposit. On standard cruises, agents may take their commission upfront (just in case you cancel and then they have done all the hard work for nothing)

Please do not waste an agent’s time by saying “Hey I can get it R5 cheaper from my brother who is also an agent”! We at CSA, quote exactly what the MSC booking portal for agents supplies us – except for themed cruises as mentioned above.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

2024 - 25 cruise season msc season's departure dates, msc ships visiting south africa 2024-25 cruise season: the msc musica, * book a cruise on the msc musica * book the shuttle bus to the ship * the musica cruise schedule * the musica  cabins & staterooms * the musica  entertainment * the musica facilities * the musica pools & deck * the musica deck plans * the musica tech statistics * the musica kiddies clubs * the musica 360 virtual tour * msc document downloads, msc destinations in south africa:, from durban nowhere cruises pomene bay portuguese island christmas & new year cruises cape town - non-stop, from cape town durban - one way non-stop walvis bay.

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COMBO DEALS

A combination of fully escorted land safaris and tours with an ocean cruise. our "best of both" experiences, escorted tour: kruger & cruise.

A 13 DAY 12 NIGHT TOUR IN 3, 4 & 5 STAR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION. Starts in Johannesburg and ends in Durban. Visit the famous Kruger National Park, the magnificent Panorama Route, Swaziland, Hluhluwe and St Lucia, Durban and then by sea on the MSC Splendida to Pomene Bay in Mozambique.  

ESCORTED TOUR: GARDEN ROUTE & CRUISE

An 8 DAY 7 NIGHT TOUR IN 3 & 4 STAR LUXURY ACCOMMODATION. Starts in Cape Town and ends in Durban. Visit the Southern most tip of Africa, Route 62, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, and Knysna. Fly to Durban (included) and join the MSC Splendida for a cruise to South Africa's favorite cruise destination.

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Our Captain is busy preparing your page for you - Please be patient! Did you know? We have just celebrated our 30th anniversary in the cruise ship industry. Did you know? Cruising South Africa and Waver Coaches have teamed up offering you almost 50 years of combined tour operator experience!

14 nights, from Mombasa

Cruise: 30,676,464.

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Cruise Details

Short cruise program, specification.

Mombasa / Kenya

Zanzibar / Tanzania

Day at sea / Sea

Mamudzu / mayotte, maputo / mozambique, richards bay / south africa, durban / south africa.

Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa—after Johannesburg and Cape Town—and the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is famous for being the busiest port in the country. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches. Durban forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which includes neighboring towns and has a population of about 3.44 million, making the combined municipality one of the biggest cities on the Indian Ocean coast of the African continent. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. In 2015, Durban was recognised as one of the New7Wonders Cities (along with Vigan, Doha, La Paz, Havana, Beirut, and Kuala Lumpur).

Port Elizabeth / South Africa

Mossla bay / south africa.

Cape Town / South Africa

Cape Town  is the oldest city in South Africa, colloquially named the Mother City. It is the legislative capital of South Africa and primate city of the Western Cape province. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality.

The Parliament of South Africa sits in Cape Town. The other two capitals are located in Pretoria (the administrative capital where the Presidency is based) and Bloemfontein (the judicial capital where the Supreme Court of Appeal is located). The city is known for its harbour, for its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. As of 2014, it is the 10th most populous city in Africa and home to 64% of the Western Cape's population. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, reflecting its role as a major destination for immigrants and expatriates to South Africa. The city was named the World Design Capital for 2014 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by both  The New York Times  and  The Daily Telegraph .

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town, as the oldest urban area in South Africa, was developed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established Dutch Cape Colony, the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.

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THE 80’S & 90’S CRUISE BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR 2025 Cruise #3

Re-live the magic of the 80’s & 90’s in the most unforgettable way possible! Cruising for its third year; fans of all things retro can get ready to experience a cruise like no other on the spectacular 80's & 90's Cruise - a voyage into the heart of the most iconic decades in entertainment. The highly popular and fast-selling 80’s & 90’s Cruise sets sail from Durban along the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, aboard the dazzling MSC Musica from 10-13 January 2025 to the Portuguese Island, Mozambique.  It’s a cruise that brings you an ideal mix of sun, sea and perfectly curated non-stop 80’s & 90’s entertainment over 3 incredible nights #TheIdealNostalgicGetaway MSC Musica – A Superlative Cruise Experience! As you cruise through time, indulge in the contemporary and exceptional luxuries of MSC Musica that will exceed your expectations. This beautiful ship offers the ideal blend of opulence, elegance and style, ensuring your journey is comfortable and exciting. With so many options for day and night activities, there’s always something to do onboard this remarkable vessel. Come experience the ships’ dazzling amenities and facilities - Relax in the Crystal Lounge, game in the Sanremo Casino, dance in the thrilling discos, or enjoy a live show in the glitzy Theatre.  The sophisticated MSC Musica also offers various restaurants serving a variety of tantalising first-class dishes, relaxing pool areas, bars, idyllic spas to unwind and a range of trendy shops for some retail therapy #TheresJustSoMuchToDo Even the youngest time-travellers are guaranteed to have a blast - There’s a variety of activities and facilities to keep kids entertained as well! Children get to enjoy the exciting play areas, a pool of their own and the exciting Kids and Teens Clubs #FunSmilesLaughter Resurrect the 80’s & 90’s Decades with Unsurpassed Entertainment! Prepare to be impressed by a line-up of phenomenal entertainment that pays tribute to the 80’s & 90’s eras! The entire weekend is an 80’s & 90’s celebration with vibrant entertainment featuring performances from South Africa’s most talented singers, musicians, bands, dancers, DJ’s and comedians.  Our themed parties and other onboard activities will surely enhance your 80’s & 90’s experience. A Retro Oasis in Paradise! Prepare for a serene island adventure that seamlessly blends the beauty of the Portuguese Island with your cruise experience. Whether you're exploring the lush island paradise, simply swimming, relaxing on the sun-soaked sandy beaches amid the sun, or enjoying a tropical beverage, this shore excursion promises a unique and unforgettable chapter in your nostalgic escapade! 

Join us for a journey through time where memories are made, and the past meets paradise in a symphony of retro fun.

R3000 deposit secures your cabin . Monthly payments towards your cabin/s are welcome. Group bookings are also welcome.  All outstanding monies must be paid to MSC Cruises 75 days before departure.  Book directly with MSC Cruises ONLY . Call MSC Cruises on 011 844 6073 .

For any queries e-mail: [email protected]

Kids Under 18 Cruise Free. 

MSC Cruises Dynamic Pricing Policy Applies.

See you onboard for the ultimate 80's and 90's extravaganza!

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

Wayde van Niekerk in cruise control in season-opening 200m heat at the 2024 South Africa Championships

Men’s 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk opened his Olympic year in earnest with a comfortable win in his 200m heat at the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships in Pietermaritzburg on Friday morning (19 April).

Van Niekerk, who opted to run the half-lap instead of the 400m at the championships, eased through his heat at the Msunduzi Athletics Stadium, crossing the line in a winning time of 20.57 seconds. He finished ahead of Adrian Swarts, who clocked 20.70.

The 31-year-old will back into the blocks again in the semi-final on Saturday morning for a spot in the afternoon’s final. Van Niekerk will be looking to win his ninth national title, adding to the five he won in the 400m and the three in the 200m sprint event.

The championships are a homecoming of sorts for the South African track legend as he lines up not too far from where he won his maiden senior national title in the half-lap event way back in 2011. Van Niekerk was just 18 years old when he dashed into the South African track and field consciousness, winning the 200m title in Durban in a time of 20.57s.

Van Niekerk had already shown his potential as a future star, making his international debut at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Canada, where he finished fourth in the 200m. With his win at the senior national championships, Van Niekerk put everyone on notice three years before winning his first of two 400m world titles in Beijing in 2015.

The South Africa Senior National Championships is shown live in South Africa and the rest of Africa on SuperSport at selected times until 21 April.

Saturday’s events will be broadcast live between 14:15 and 17:15. You can find the full broadcast details here.

• Check out our exclusive interview with van Niekerk ahead of Budapest 2023
• How to qualify for athletics at Paris 2024

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Pianist Anton Nel's musical journey from South Africa to Texas

The prize-winning pianist performs with the dallas chamber symphony april 30, by kimberly richard • published april 27, 2024 • updated on april 27, 2024 at 11:10 am.

Anton Nel is a Texan via Johannesburg.

“My heart was always here,” said Nel, the South African native who became an American citizen in 2003.

The Austin-based pianist will perform with the Dallas Chamber Symphony at the Moody Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District on April 30.

Growing up on a farm in Johannesburg, Nel began playing the piano at age 10. His mother, a talented pianist and singer, recognized his natural talent and arranged piano lessons for him. As Nel performed and won first prize in all the major South African competitions as a teenager, his mother was his greatest supporter.

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“She was of the generation where those kinds of things were not to be pursued. She was supposed to get married and have a family and so on so when I took to it, she was just delighted,” Nel said.

He made his European debut in 1982 and came to the United States in 1983 to earn his Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati. In 1987, Nel won first prize at the Naumburg International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall.

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Over the last four decades, he has performed in the United States with the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Seattle, and Detroit Symphonies. With his repertoire of more than 100 works for piano and orchestra, he has appeared throughout Europe, Japan, China, Korea, and South Africa.

“To be this person that can recreate all these masterworks and be the one to present it to people is really nice,” Nel said. “And I also love being onstage. There’s something wonderful about being able to read these little black dots on a page and somehow without you knowing it, can amuse, or move, or entertain people who have absolutely no understanding of it, but there’s something magical about that whole experience.”

One of his most unusual performance experiences was appearing in 33 Variations, a play by Moisés Kaufman at Austin’s Zach Theatre in 2013. Nel knows the pianist who performed in the Broadway production starring Jane Fonda. He suggested the show to Dave Steakley, Zach Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director.

The play is about a musicologist trying to understand Ludwig van Beethoven’s obsession with creating variations on a melody by Anton Diabelli as she struggles with ALS.  Nel carved out months in his schedule to rehearse the variations. He appeared in each performance and was onstage for the entire show.

“I loved living at the theater,” Nel said. “It’s just one of those things I’ll never forget.”

Beethoven wrote the 33 variations as he struggled with deafness near the end of his life.

“The whole story was really interesting about how it came to be, and how he undertook the journey of writing this giant piece when he was only supposed to write one variation and was completely, madly obsessed with it. It was an interesting project to learn it,” Nel said. “I came out of it a different person.”

In his early 20s, Nel came to Texas to teach, joining the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin. It was his first job out of school. Having benefited from extraordinary teachers and mentors such as Adolph Hallis, Bela Siki and Frank Weinstock, he chose to make teaching a major aspect of his career.

“I felt like it was something I want to start passing on early,” Nel said.

He taught at the Eastman School of Music and the University of Michigan. He also gives an annual series of masterclasses at the Manhattan School of Music and the Glenn Gould School in Toronto. During the summers, he is on the artist-faculties at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival, and the Orford Music Academy in Quebec. Now in his 38 th year of college teaching, he is currently the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Endowed Chair at the University of Texas at Austin- Butler School of Music.

“The act of teaching, the act of transferring knowledge, especially one-on-one, you can make such a difference to the lives of people, even if they don’t take up music as a career. Anything you teach, anything you do as a musician, including discipline, the goal setting can be applied to your daily life. It’s very fun. I never tire of it,” Nel said.

During the first half of the Dallas Chamber Symphony’s concert, Nel will perform two pieces: Hayden’s Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major and Schumann’s Introduction and Allegro Appassionato. The second half of the concert will feature Brahm’s Symphony No. 3 in F Major.

Hayden wrote at least 11 keyboard pieces.

“This is the last one and probably the best and it’s something I really, really love. It’s a piece that I’ve never actually played on the piano before. I’ve played it on the instrument it is written for many times: the fortepiano,”  said Nel, an accomplished harpsichordist and fortepianist.

Nel calls the Schumann work his “desert island piece,” having first played it as a teenager after his music theory teacher gave him five volumes of Schumann’s work.

“It speaks to me,” Nel said.

Although he has gratefully played it several times onstage, Nel anticipates most audiences have not heard it performed live.

“For me, it has the absolute essence of Schumann in it,” Nel said. “It is super beautiful and exciting.”

Learn more: Dallas Chamber Symphony

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Red Bull Symphonic South Africa

**SOLD OUT**

For the first time in South Africa, Kabza De Small, Ofentse Pitse and a Symphonic Orchestra are collaborating to deliver a unique musical experience. This event will reflect the sonic collision of two worlds and will take place at the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

Red Bull Symphonic is based on the collaboration between a modern-style artist and a classical music director together with a full-scale symphonic orchestra. The repertoire from the modern-style artist gets a symphonic rearrangement and the collaboration comes to life in a spectacular performance at a unique and prestigious venue.

Red Bull Symphonic, South Africa