boat trip durban to mozambique

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Cheap Mozambique Cruises from Durban

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3 Night Cruise to Africa

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6 Night Cruise to Africa

12 night cruise to africa, explore durban.

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Cruises to Mozambique from Durban 2019/20

Value for money, I think the best cruises in South Africa are from Durban to Mozambique - Maputo, Portuguese Island and Pomene (a new destination, which we recommend visiting). with plenty of options to book on the MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra cruise ships. The cruises to chaotic Maputo are more interesting from the point of view of studying a city in renewal and getting a feel for its rich history. Keep an eye on the Port of Maputo, the amount of commodities shipped from Mpumalanga through the Port off Maputo is steadily growing, as producers realise that Maputo is closer than Richards Bay or Durban. And, speaking of Richards Bay, keep an eye out for the flotilla of coal carrying ships making their way up north to export South Africa's black gold.

URGENT: Passport & Visa Requirements

Too many people arrive at the Durban cruise terminal without the proper travel documents (especially for children), and miss out on their cruise. Yes, you are cruising out of South African waters into Mozambican territory, so you do need a passport to cruise to Mozambique. SADC citizens don't require visas to cruise to Mozambique. Note that it is possible that the visa and passport information on this page gets outdated before we have a chance to update, so it is critical that you double check what travel documents you need with your travel agent .

Visa Requirements update: Non-SADC passport holders must obtain Mozambican visas should they wish to disembark the ship at any Mozambique Port including Portuguese Island, Pomene, Maputo and Ilha de Mozambique. Through negotiations, the Head of Immigration and Maputo Tourism Authority have confirmed that MSC Cruises passengers are no longer required to obtain a visa prior to embarkation. The MSC Cruises Immigration Purser will assist non-South African passport holders that require a Mozambican visa. The Mozambique immigration officer will issue a manual visa on board: This is a non-biometric visa, the visa is only valid for daily disembarkation at Mozambique ports of call for the day, the visa will not be valid for pre or post cruise travel in Mozambique, the visa cost is US$50 (19 Jan 2018) payable on board, and the visa will be valid for 2 entries. As with all government immigration laws this is subject to change without notice. For additional information on visa requirements; please contact your nearest Mozambican Consulate or Visa Service Provider. Consulate for the Mozambique Consulate –Johannesburg"

Everybody travelling with children please remember to take their unabridged birth certificate with you which clearly spells out who the parents are, and that the parents are accompanying him/her with the correct travel documentation. There have been too many heartbreaking stories of families who have missed their cruise as a result of forgetting the unabridged birth certificate.

The enchanted island of Pomene is home to some of the rarest sea creatures in the world. You will get to snorkel through the most beautiful coral reefs while getting a front row seat to the mysterious world below the crystal blue waters. Scavenge through the floating forests, also known as mangroves, surrounding the island. Take a giant leap out of reality by horseback riding on the long stretches of ivory white beaches and mingling with the islands locals.

The people of the Pomene island are known for being warm, hospitable and very eager to introduce you to the wonders of their magical island. They value the authenticity of their surroundings and will show you ways and means on how to respect and protect the vegetation while still being able to immerse yourself in this truly magical experience. Whether you would like to sit on the beach and soak up the rays of the burning tropical sun or put on your adventurers hat and go explore and entirely different world, the Island of Pomene has something for everybody.

Cruise Routes

Durban to Maputo

Durban to Portuguese Island

Durban to Pomene

The reason for cruises to Maputo, Ilha de Mozambique and Portuguese Island being so great, is the warm water and being in a tropical paradise...as you pass into a foreign country, leaving all your worries on the other side. Others can put it far better than me, so I've bunched together a set of writeups which our readers have been kind enough to supply.

Durban to Maputo Cruise

2015-12-03 Rating 4/5: The best things in life are free – well, in this case a 4 night cruise complimentary from MSC Cruises and our company, South Africa Travel Online. When we heard we can test the waters for the first voyage of the renovated MSC Sinfonia to Maputo and Portuguese island, I couldn’t wait to pack my sunnies and flip flops for a quick breakaway.

We took off from Cape Town (not too early) on the Thursday morning and arrived in Durban just before 11. Our flight times were pretty well coordinated with the time we had to catch the shuttle to the port, as check in for our departure only opened at 11:30. Arriving at the area where the shuttles would pick us up (easy to find - next to the huge Mugg and Bean), one of the ladies working there told us that we will wait quite a while at the port and there are limited facilities available, so best to grab a bite to eat or relax at the airport first. We settled into holiday mode quickly with a cold draught (yes, Durbs is very hot and humid!) and then hopped on the shuttle at about 1pm.

Once at the port, we saw the excitement dampen down a bit. As you might know, a larger Sinfonia means a lot more passengers and all of them have to check in and go through immigration. Have to say, that R200 bucks for fast track was probably our best decision for the year. You can skip the lines at check in to go into a separate queue and we were fortunate that the one for immigration was very short as well. If you didn’t book fast track, prepare yourself for a wait. But don’t get worked up – best way to stay in holiday mode is not to get fussed. Take some water along and catch up with your cruise buddies or family. The cold cocktail once you get on-board will taste like heaven!

As you start embarking the ship, take a moment to marvel at the size of it. A gigantic hotel that can stay at sea for months through all kinds of weather conditions takes some impressive engineering. This is also the part where you can take shameless selfies – the holiday is officially starting! The crew is still busy distributing the checked luggage and preparing the cabins, so take the time to have a cocktail, explore the different areas of the ship, head to the pizzeria for a snack or register your card for payments. When you get to the cabin, a programme will be available so you can see what is on the line-up for shows or entertainment by the Dream Team (the entertainment crew). If you would like to watch a show at a specific time, there are kiosks where you can book it to ensure all of you have seats for that time slot.

We accidentally missed our dinner at 18:00, so decided to watch a show and then had dinner at the buffet. Food review? As you might know, the chefs prepare food non-stop for more than 2500 people, so don’t expect gourmet meals. But there are a lot of good options, so best to try all of it and then decide what you like. If you need a lot of fuel, you can dig in, as there is plenty for everyone. The excess of food can get overwhelming though and make you feel bloated, especially if you’re on the cruise for a few days. I liked the cold cuts and cheeses with fruit; the Indian food is also worth trying. The pizza is always a good call and made fresh (on the outside deck), but you also might not want to eat that the whole time. Balance is key. The seated dinners are quite nice, so if you can attend that, try to do so. If you didn’t get the dinner time you preferred (yes, it happens a lot as there are a LOT of people on-board), adjust your itinerary for the day accordingly.

So what is there to do on the ship? This holiday is meant to be relaxing, so we did a whole lot of that. If you like cocktails, it could be an interesting game to see who is the lucky one to get the next round, as the bars can get busy if the weather is nice. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, there is a gym and basketball court; if you like game shows, there are shows and games hosted by the entertainment crew during the day in the different lounges and allocated areas - plenty of activities next to the pool. The kids have their own club and for those that prefer a quieter time, there is even a library. There is a disco for the party animals where you can let loose and show your dancing skills - the best part is that if you have a wonky move, you can blame it on the ship! It does rock back and forwards a bit depending on the weather, so that makes it part of the fun. And after all that partying, relax with a massage or facial in the spa. They have lots of different packages available.

The second day of the cruise we arrived at Maputo – the capital of Mozambique. It is quite exciting to enter the port, as it shows a unique view of the city that you wouldn’t see otherwise. Once there, we could either take the MSC shuttle into town (about 20 USD) or get off and explore on our own. We decided to bargain for a good price with one of the tuk-tuk drivers. They started off with R150 for a return ride to the “Maputo Waterfront” (a popular restaurant) but I told them we only have R50. There were still lots of takers, so we got a guy that seemed the most decent. (Tip: Try to get someone who looks like they can speak some English or learn some basic Portuguese phrases for the fun of it beforehand -  their English is very limited. You can get by with miming, but a bit of effort goes a long way.) After our first stop, we asked him if he can drop us off at the central market. We didn’t realise that we had actually bargained for him to take us around all day – he took us to several places and acted as our guide, getting off with us as well or waiting outside. We saw some of the landmarks from colonial times and the market where lots of fruit, vegetables, fish (they have lots of fish as a coastal city), little bracelets and paraphernalia are being sold.

Maputo review? It was surprising to see that such an old city doesn’t have a lot of heritage. There are some monuments and museums, but all in all you can get off, take a drive or ride for a few hours and then head back to the cruise. We had sundowners at a hotel in Maputo with a view and some really good fish before heading back to the ship a bit later the evening. Our trusty guide got a bit more than he expected for a tip, as we were grateful that he spent the day with us.

The next day the weather conditions did not allow us to get off at the Portuguese island. The captain made this decision based on safety concerns, so though we were disappointed, we made the best of it. By drinking more cocktails of course!

All in all, we had a good time. When going on holiday, you are always out of your normal comfort zone and you have to deal with things that don't always go the way you planned. The best advice I can give you is to pack as little as possible, don’t fret about queues or too many people and enjoy the ride! It’s an opportunity to get away from normal busy life and spend time with your loved ones without any wifi  - yes, pretend like it’s 1995 and talk to each other! With that being said, hope you have a great cruise! Inari Prinsloo

Durban to Portuguese Island Cruise

The Glorious MSC Sinfonia

Cruise to Mozambique

A Cruise to remember

2013-11-22 As a youngster I grew up in the Free State where my father worked on the gold mines. We always used to come down to Durban on holiday. I always loved the ships and my late father always used to take me to the harbour and look at the various ships in port. Unfortunately today you cannot go into the harbour anymore and visit and see the ships due to security. As I grew older I always wanted to go on a cruise. I decided a few years ago that when I turned 50 I would treat myself to my dream holiday and go on a cruise. So I booked the Xmas cruise on the Sinfonia. I was so excited at the time, it was almost as if I was a little boy again but my dream had come true. We got to the harbour early and had to wait a bit. I did not mind as sitting waiting was not a problem as I knew we would eventually board this magnificent ship. Once we had completed all the initial passport control and all the other information required we boarded the vessel. What struck me upon entering was the beauty of the ship. We were taken to our cabin by a staff member and the vessel was so clean you could eat off of the floor. We noticed the crew cleaning all over, even wiping the lift doors. Our cabin was an inside one which was big enough for my wife and my son. Our luggage was already in our cabin. We decided to have a look around. We were slightly lost in the beginning but soon found our bearings once we had walked around the entire ship a few times. We went for lunch on the deck and the food was absolutely superb. We then went to the top deck and observed the city of Durban as we sailed away, accompanied by music and dancing. What I found so amazing was that although there were many people on board we were not on top of each other. My biggest fear was that I would get sea sick but the Sinfonia never tossed or turned at all as the stabilizers were in operation. We enjoyed getting off at Barra Lodge and we even enjoyed the midnight feast that the chefs put up on the deck the night before we came back to Durban. On the whole it was an amazing cruise which I would recommend to anyone. It was good value for money and I was sad when we had to disembark in Durban at the end of the cruise. I loved it so much that I then rebooked to go again. This time I took my mother with us on the cruise to nowhere for her 80th birthday. She loved it too and it was a wonderful way for her to celebrate. I love the Cape so I have now decided to book the cruise on the Opera to Cape Town in April next year. I have only seen her berthed in the harbour at a distance but I know that she too will be equally as good as the Sinfonia. Roll on April 2014! I booked through Victor and he was excellent. I can recommend anybody to make use of Southafrica.TO. Their service is excellent. Well done! May all the people going on cruises in 2013 / 2014 enjoy their cruises as muc as I did when I went in the past. Bon Voyage to all of you. Long Southafrica.TO and MSC Cruises ! Bruce Whillier

Cruise to Maputo & Barra Lodge

2013-10-01 Rating 5/5 : My husband always spoke fondly of his memories of a trip he had taken to Maputo and the Polana Mar Hotel +- 40 years ago with his friends. Last year I wanted to celebrate his 60th birthday in a special way but had left it until the last minute to make arrangements. I made some enquires and booked a cruise on the Sinfornia –leaving on the 18th April and return on the 22ND April 2011. (This was our first cruise) I can honestly say this was the best decision I could have made. He was extremely excited and surprised but unaware of the other surprises to come. We boarded on the 18th and settled in after a light lunch, then was requested to join in a life jacket drill – this was hilarious. We also had the pleasure of taking photographs with the Captain and met new friends for a formally seated dinner that evening . Day 2- his 60th birthday we joined a group to the market in Maputo, had lunch at a local yacht club (divine prawns with new friends again) and had “high tea at the Polana Mar Hotel where my husband got to relive his fond memories. We returned to the ship exhilarated. We had dinner, enjoyed dancing to the “bamboo” song in the Manhatten Bar, and made numerous requests for favourite songs. The following morning we awoke to an excursion to Barra Lodge. We met 5 young people (in their 20s) who decided that the “uncle “ looked extremely happy and wanted to join us. (The uncle had been drinking some of the rum and did look very happy.) We spent the morning perched on top of a boat on the upper floor sipping various cocktails. We enjoyed a wonderful sea food lunch with our young friends and returned to the ship feeling extremely relaxed. We had dinner and joined our young friends for some dancing on the upper floor. We had been advised to carry snacks – we realised there was no need, even at midnight there were hot pastries and lots of food. We had a choice of a formal dinner or buffet. We saw a show every night and joined in the dancing classes and other activities during the day (well I joined these while my hubby napped). Day 4 saw us relaxing by the pool and participating in the fun and games after breakfast. We had a late lunch and relaxed – purchased our photographs and were feeling a little down as we realised our trip was almost over. A quick trip to the casino, more dancing in the Manhatten bar, with hubby now and then sneaking off to watch some sport or catch up with the score on the floor above. Day 5 – we packed and was ready to leave when we were asked to fill out some questionnaires and make recommendations – I answered with regards to the elderly and my husband answered regarding seating at the shows- we were surprised to hear our names called – We had won a model of a Cruise Ship! My husband agreed he could not have had a better 60th birthday. Mala and Parma Pather

Cruise to Maputo

2013-08-30 Rating 5/5 : In February 2012, my family and I (12 people) embarked on a cruise on the Sinfonia. The heat and the humidity was challenging and our sun tan lotion was packed. After checking in we lounged in the reception waiting to embark. When the time came we entered the Sinfonia where the cool air welcomed us. We went to our cabins to freshen up and went on deck to watch the ship leave the harbor. We made our last telephone calls and updated our statuses before we lost communication with the outside world. Then we were off with the sound of horns. The next 4 days was total bliss. What can I say about the food. It was to die for. There was no thinking about the calories and kilograms, we left it behind in Durban. We had dinner with the Captain, all dressed up. The next morning we did some sightseeing and shopping in Maputo . The market was abuzz with people and the heat did not help. It was a relief to get back on the ship as it was so cool inside. The only disappointing thing was that we could not go to Inhambane due to the weather and spent the night drifting on the sea. The last night on the ship was the best. The chefs outdid themselves with the display of all kinds of food. WOW it was awesome. We danced until the sun came up. Then it was back to reality. It was truly an experience in a million, one I will never forget. I rekindled my passion and love for travel and cannot wait for my next cruise on the Opera. The service of all the staff was great and they were all so helpful. Thank you MSC Cruises Antonia

Cruise to Portuguese Island

2013-08-02 Rating 5/5 : We went on the MSC Sinfonia to Portuguese Island & Barra Lodge & the trip was the best. I am going back in December on a cruise to Madagascar.  On the scale of 1 - 5, I give it a 5!  I am actually giving it a 10 hence I am going back in December! It was an experience of a life time Hope Maranyana

Cruise to Barra Lodge

2013-06-11 Rating 5/5 : We went on the MSC Sinfonia and it was amazing. We did the cruise from Durban, Maputo, Barra Lodge and a day out at sea. It was a 4 night cruise and it was awesome.

Durban to Inhambane Cruise

2013-04-08. Rating 5/5 :It appeared to be what we would call a "Blue Monday"… On a dark cold Monday morning, the 8th April 2013, we embarked on a journey never to be forgotten. We had rushed to Cape Town International airport with anticipation and excitement. We had our baggage bubble wrapped, and zipped through Wimpy for breakfast on-the-go.

Mango flight to Durban

We boarded the Mango flight with absolute ease, until we had realised that this flight was going to be delayed. About a half an hour of anxious waiting for take-off, the pilot announced that they had counted 3 bags too many for the flight. We were told to climb off the plane and identify our baggage. Upon this tedious exercise we were informed that a passenger on the flight had entered the wrong plane. He was supposed to be on a British Airways flight . After this spectacle, and many distressed passengers later we took off into the Cape Town skies to soar into the horizon of the Durban landscapes.

Landing at King Shaka International Airport was both exhilarating and interesting. We received our baggage only to find that one of the suitcases had been badly damaged. At the Mango Baggage Assistance unit we were told that the claim could only be sorted out once we got back to Cape Town. Full of fury and disappointment we decided to continue our journey with an 18kg suitcase which had to be carried as the wheels were not functional and the casing had been cracked.

Getting to Durban harbour

From King Shaka International Airport we were transported by the MSC coaches to the Durban harbour. The drive to the harbour only increased the excitement, for this meant we were closer to the cruise; however we were not aware of the magical awakening which awaited us.

As we entered the port, the excitement exploded as we viewed the magnificent blue and white beauty stood parading her hierarchical structure…the MSC Sinfonia!

Once we followed all formalities, we embarked onto the majestically awed palace which would be our home for the next 4 days. With swift movements we sorted out our belongings and began exploring this amazing palace. Hearts beating faster and senses heightened we explored each level, each crevice and admired the inner exquisiteness of the MSC Sinfonia.

Leaving the harbour was a feeling never to be forgotten, for it was the feeling of this magnificent palace sweeping into the ocean with ease and grace and not forgetting the applauding of all on board whilst the horn of the ship roared into the silence of the sky.

As we set sail to the shore of Mozambique, we were kept entertained with humour, music and beauty which surrounded us. The excitement was unrelenting… As dawn appeared on the 9th April 2013, the shores of Maputo, Mozambique appeared in the horizon. People gathered on the highest decks to view the beauty which surrounded us, and we as the usual tourists, gathered amongst all to click away on our cameras, with the hope to capture all the beauty our eyes had beheld.

The Maputo city tour was interesting and informative. We had a friendly tour guide and a delightful tour group. We viewed many landmarks and learnt about the history of the city. We had the pleasure to shop at a curio market; this was both interesting and exhilarating.

I had learnt that I could "actually" bargain and with my newly acquired bargaining skills bought some curios as gifts for the family back home. Lunch at the harbour only meant a spread of prawns, consumed while overlooking the waves of the Mozambique waters crashing against the rocks.

Each evening on-board the MSC Sinfonia, our palace home…we were entertained in a theatre of dreams – watching shows with dances, opera, magical shows and lots of laughter. We even learnt the dances of the countries of the world in a hilarious and comical way. I had finally "let-go" and felt a relaxation which I would not have felt usually. Being totally obsessed with my cellphone, I was forced to let go due to no network coverage. This was both shocking as well as calming as I was able to have fun in a safe, secure and soothing environment. This was a comforting epiphany.

Wednesday, the 10th April 2013, entailed a day filled with exploration and adventure. Anchored in Inhambane Bay, we ventured out covered with the orange glare of a life jacket into a motor boat with only the deep blue ocean surrounding us. The speed of the motor boat allowed us to view the ship as a lesser significance as we convened a "wet-landing" on the warm shores of Inhambane Bay. The sun scorched and the tropical heat of these shores welcomed us as we entered onto the warm sand beds. We had booked 2 excursions, namely a snorkelling with seahorses experience as well as quad biking, only to find disappointment knocking at our door. We were told that the snorkelling with seahorses was overbooked and therefore we were taken off the list as we had another pre-booked excursion. Disappointment overwhelming, a feeling of helplessness and bit of wanting to complain to someone remained for a short while before deciding to explore the beauty of our surroundings together. This trip was OUR trip and nothing would get us down…besides we still had the quad biking on the list of "to-do".

Soon our exploration had commenced and the overwhelming bliss of appreciating nature had taken over. We walked many kilometres, from Barra Lodge to Flamingo Bay. (In fact we still debate how many kilometres we had walked that day). We inspected crabs, starfish, octopus and sea snail which we videoed in the Flamingo Bay lagoon. As nature lovers and people who appreciate the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants, we were in absolute euphoria. With increased jubilation, we decided to swim in the cool blue waters of the shores of Inhambane Bay. Lunch followed with a quite interesting concept…Prawn in a Mug! Delicious lemon buttered prawns and calamari with a spread of rice filled us for the day as we still had much to do…and off we went to the quad bikes.

Riaaz experienced his first quad bike experience, gracing the dunes of the Bay. We raced passed the villages up to a forestation to view the entire bay. My heart was racing, faster than a cheetah; however this experience was adventurous with the aim of enjoyment. Totally worth the wait! We definitely explored all the beauty of Inhambane Bay – a beautiful, island-like city. Exhausted but fulfilled from the activities of the day, we continued back to the ship for more on-board activities.

Day 4, the 11th April 2013 – the MSC Sinfonia set sail back towards Durban in rough seas. The graceful ocean had turned into dark blue resentful seas. Resentful, as we felt this jubilee coming to an end as the trip would soon be yet a memory. I had a bit of motion sickness but it soon was overcome once I explored the decks to view the beauty of the swells crashing against the ship. This was not going to let us down as we continued with our ventures of magic shows, musicals and a roar of laughter from a talentless show where the crew performs and ensure the humour has been embedded.

12th April 2013, our final morning consisted of an early awakening before sunrise. We sat drinking coffee on the 12th deck of our palace for the last time, to view the MSC Sinfonia dock in the Durban harbour. A sadness overcame us as we accepted that this remarkable trip was coming to an end, but never to be forgotten. We had met exceptional people, made lasting friendships and learnt things about ourselves which will remain for an eternity.

Ushaka Marine World

However – this is not the end, we still had planned a day at Ushaka Marine World as vacationers; concluding a holiday in true South African style. The day began at the Wet n' Wild theme park experiencing the thrill of heightened slides and tubes as water splashed around us. However this was not the epitome of the day. We had booked a snorkel adventure in the snorkelling lagoon and the I&J Ocean Walker Experience… The snorkel lagoon held many surprises for us…for was we snorkelled we found that the tank was 3 metres deep. I was not at all experienced and ready for this so I snorkelled at the reef where I could feel safe as Riaaz ventured out into the deep viewing the beauty of colourful fish and coral with the exhilarating experience of a shark just a length away from his hand. Excitement oozing and a health "high" created eagerness for our next adventure. As we completed indemnity forms for the I&J Ocean Walker experience we were informed that decompression would be a factor as we were flying in the next 5 hours. Once again disappointment overcame us. The supervisor of the experience however exceed our expectations by allowing us to experience the Shark Cage diving experience at a reduced rate. We were beyond words as we dived into a cage which was situated in a tank filled with vicious predators of the sea. We also had the great opportunity to view the magnificent and graceful dolphins at the dolphin show. These extraordinary mammals left us in awe of their intelligence and beauty.

Our first holiday was truly one of many which will never be forgotten. The main lesson which we had learnt was that we never allowed any obstacles to come our way. Even though disappointments were felt, we triumphed through other experiences which were not anticipated. The lesson is that even though many things might go wrong we realised that there is a reason for all things that happen and in the end we had a choice to either be the victim or the victor…and as the reader of our journey, as you experienced this through our eyes and words, in the end it is up to you to decide which one we chose…

From Nisha and Riaaz – "No beauty can capture what the eyes can see…but the memories will live on forever in our hearts…"

2013-05-10. The next time you cruise into Maputo you may be guided into the harbour by a brand new pilot boat - the Interceptor 48 pilot P8 has arrived from Safehaven Marine in Ireland, for use by P&O Maritime in the Port of Maputo.

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Main Author : Rob Baker

MICHALAH FRANCIS

social media manager & content creator

What to expect on a MSC cruise: Durban to Mozambique

As much as I love the ocean, I’m also extremely scared of it. From drowning to sharks and a general sense of uncertainty that always surrounds a body of water, the thought of spending a week on a boat isn’t my idea of a vacation.

But the moment I started chatting to friends and family who have already cruised, I was quickly convinced that a cruise would be the best vacation ever. Turns out they were correct! Here’s what to expect on an MSC Cruise … the good, the great, the nasty plus a few travel tips to help you better understand what to expect.

1. Long queues

With 17 ships in their fleet, MSC is not new to the cruising game. We cruised on the Sinfonia which accommodates 2,163 people while their largest ship accommodates 5,479 guests. That’s a lot of people! From young to old and everyone in between, each person needs to ‘check-in’ and go through passport control. This step involves handing in cruise documents, having your passport stamped and then boarding the ship. This took about 2 hours in total but don’t let this get in your way of enjoying the boarding the experience.

Travel tip: don’t rush to the harbour thinking you’ll be one of the first people to hop aboard. There are thousands of travellers with the exact same idea. MCS does offer priority boarding for a small fee and this is a great way to skip the queue if you want. Otherwise get ready to stand and chat for a while!

2. Don’t miss the emergency drill

Every cruise has a drill to inform passengers of procedures in the unlikely case of an emergency. With the excitement of the cruise, the high of being on a ship that large and other people’s excitement, it’s easy to get lost in every that’s happening around you. It’s just as easy to say, ‘I’ll skip that!’. Don’t. Everyone is scanned and if you don’t participate you’ll receive a fine.

Travel tip: it’s 10 mins of a 5-day trip – you have the time and the money you spend on the fine could be spent somewhere else.

3. The seasickness

This is something I don’t wish on anyone. I usually have pretty good luck when travelling and thought I wouldn’t get sick – massive mistake. Seasickness hit me the 1st night of the cruise and I thought I was dying. Your best bet is to pick up seasickness/motion sickness medication a few days before you’re set to leave and follow the instructions.

Travel tip: you can pick up seasickness medication for free at the reception area of your cruise ship. Simply ask nicely and make a stop twice a day to pick up more in case you get sick later on the trip.

4. Endless activities

One thing I wasn’t expecting was for everything on the cruise to work like a smooth machine. I’m sure there was drama and mishappens behind closed doors, but as far as the passenger experience went, it was flawless! Every night each guest receives an itinerary for the next day with various activities happening on and off the ship. Our cruise had 2 island stops and activities were planned for those leaving the ship and for those staying aboard.

Travel tip: read through the document the night before so you know what to plan for the next day, there’s nothing worse than wanting to do something and then totally missing it because you were sleeping in.

5. An endless supply of food

3 decks. 5 restaurants. 6 lounges. Opening hours 6am-2am and all dedicated to food, snacks and drinks. Whether you’re craving a burger and fries at 11am or chocolate cake at 10pm, you can eat all day. Literally. When you speak to anyone who has cruised before, the one thing everyone talks about is the food, but it’s not until you’ve been on a cruise that you truly realise what they mean.

One dining room could easily sit 100 people and there are options upon options of choices for you to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a buffet, a sit-down, seafood or Italian – whatever you’re craving will be available.

Travel tip: pace yourself! There’s enough food and enough time to enjoy it all.

6. A different currency

One of the first things that threw me off was the currency used onboard – US Dollar. I didn’t check the exchange rate before the time and was blindly shopping.

Travel tip: if you’re on a budget, check the exchange rate beforehand or ask the staff and they’ll be able to give you an answer.

Last but definitely not least: enjoy the experience. Going on a cruise is such a unique travel experience that your #1 priority should be to have a good time. Don’t sweat the small things like missing a dinner seating, simply head over to the buffet. Missed the first boat going to shore? No worries, there are boats heading out every few minutes. Didn’t pack your sea sickness pills? Simply get some at reception.

Travel tip: MSC cruise staff are so amazing that no matter the issue, there’s a great chance they’ll be able to help.

Was I afraid? Hell yes! Will I do it again? You bet! So pack your sunblock and favourite swimwear, then don’t overthink it – just cruise with it and you’ll have the time of your life!

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Becoming You

The Best Cruise Tips for a Cruise with MSC to Mozambique

After being lucky enough to enjoy 2 cruises with MSC – first on the  Sinfonia  and then on the Musica I’ve come up with a few useful tips for a first cruise holiday. These are all primarily aimed at the  MSC cruises  offered out of South Africa, especially the Durban to Mozambique route, BUT many of them will still be useful for all first time cruisers.

I hope you will find these cruise tips useful. If you have any additions to this list please do leave a comment below! It’s an awesome way to share expertise and help other cruisers make the most of their MSC cruise holiday.

In recent years, cruising has become an affordable holiday option for many families. The all inclusive offer, the Under 18s travel free and the convenience of unpacking once make this a very budget-friendly holiday choice for families, couples and groups of friends seeking some fun in the sun!

MSC dominates the South African cruise market with a new cruise liner arriving each November to sail the seas off the South African coastline – visiting destinations such as Cape Town, Windhoek, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Pomene,  Portuguese Islands , Mauritius and Reunion.

These MSC cruises are often the first exposure many South Africans will have to the cruise lifestyle… and many get hooked. Returning again, and again, to enjoy new routes offered by MSC from South Africa, or even getting a bit more adventurous by booking a cruise in the Med or Caribbean!

For first timers, however, cruising can be quite overwhelming initially.

Stepping on board a floating luxury hotel with thousands of guests and hundreds of crew can feel crowded and stressful… but it need not be the case. If you know a few tricks!

That’s where these tips can come in helpful…

Best Cruise Tips

To help you make the most of your Cruise with MSC in South Africa

Booking Tips

Don’t over-pay  MSC is always offering great deals, so you should never pay full price for a cruise.

Sign up for the MSC newsletter , so you’re aware of new special offers or  cruise deals.

Kids cruise free.  Kids 11 and under sail FREE and special rates are given to kids aged 12 – 17. You’ll only pay taxes and port charges!

Book into a balcony cabin  as it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds on the pool deck while still enjoying life at sea.

Packing Tips

The  biggest mistake many make is to over-pack  – chances are that you will spend most of your time on-board in your beachwear, so you don’t need an extensive wardrobe.

Remember that  space is at a premium  in most cruise liner cabins, so the last thing you want to do is to clutter up your cabin by bringing too much with you.

MSC Cruises allows each passenger to check in  one bag  on cruises of four nights or less. Any additional bags will be checked in at an extra charge.

Carry-on luggage is restricted to one bag , and it may not exceed the following dimensions: 56cm (length) x 45cm (width) x 25cm (depth).

Your  valuables should be packed in your carry-on luggage  and not in your checked-in luggage – these include your airline tickets, cruise documentation, jewellery, medication, eyeglasses, makeup, camera, tablet and laptop.

Your luggage needs to be left outside your cabin for collection by latest 2AM on the day of disembarkation, so  your carry-on luggage will need to be large enough to pack your toiletries, pyjamas etc  on the morning of disembarkation.

Bring your  passport and cruise documentation  and keep a  copy of all your travel documents  on you and in your checked luggage, makes it easier to retrieve if lost.

NB take along the  Unabridged Birth Certificate  for each child travelling under 18 travelling with you.

A  camera  is a must to pack for a cruise vacation and don’t forget the extras that they come with…  memory cards and batteries or chargers .

Cruise ships do provide some essential toiletries including hand creams and shampoo, however you will need to bring along your own toothbrush… and other  favourite toiletries .

A  good sunscreen  is essential for days on deck. Remember to reapply often, especially if you’ve been swimming! The deck of a boat is like a giant solar panel and you will undoubtedly spend more time in the sun during the hottest times of the day than you normally would. You don’t want to fry your skin on day one as you want to be able to enjoy the rest of your holiday.

If you’re worried about seasickness pack  motion sickness tablets  or ear patches or wrist bands. Tablets such as Stugeron are recommended, and you should begin taking them the day before departure to ensure the medication is in your system, just be aware that they cause drowsiness.

Although there is a doctor on-board, it is highly advisable to pack enough  medication  for the duration of your cruise.

In terms of  clothing  shorts, t-shirts, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect attire for daytime cruising. If you are cruising to cooler destinations, then be sure to dress in layers in order to cater for the cooler temperatures outdoors and the warmer temperatures indoors.

You will need a few  formal outfits for dinner . It’s up to you how dressed up you want to get but it’s quite fun to make an effort occasionally. It is advisable to pack a dressy jersey, jacket or pashmina for cooler evenings.

There is usually a  suggested dress code for each evening , namely: Casual (sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women), or Smart Casual (jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women).

MSC host a few fun dress up events such as a tropical party and a 60s or 70s evening. Try to research which dress up events will be taking place during your cruise and join in the fun with a few  fun accessories .

A  sun hat and a pair of sunglasses  are essential items to include in your suitcase – or wear them in transit!

A  swimming costume  (or 2, even 3) is essential. You will basically live in this and a  pretty sarong or cover up . I know you’re probably thinking “Of course I’m packing a swimming costume for a cruise.” BUT this is not just a ‘what to pack’ tip but a ‘where to pack’ it tip. Do not pack this in your checked luggage. Rather keep it in your hand luggage so that you can change into this as soon as you step on board the boat and being your holiday immediately!

Depending on the length of your cruise you may want to keep up with your usual exercise routine so if that is the case remember to pack your  workout gear and sneakers  Most cruise liners have a full fitness center on board equipped with elliptical machines, treadmills and cycling bikes.

Pack a  good mix of shoes,  including sandals or flip flops, sneakers for working out, and dressy shoes for the evening. Good comfortable shoes for shore excursions are essential.

Wear your heaviest shoes  during embarkation and disembarkation so you don’t have to pack them.

Don’t forget to  pack socks and underwear . Everyone always forgets their socks!

A  good book  or Kindle is to read while you tan by the pool and enjoy some down time in your cabin. (that being said the itinerary is jam-packed and I didn’t read one page of my book!)

Pack an  empty soft bag  for souvenirs you buy during your trip.

Bring a lanyard  for each family member to carry their cruise card.

Mark your luggage  with brightly-coloured ribbons or tags to make it easy to spot and less likely to be picked up by somebody else by mistake.

You  don’t need to pack towels , as bath and pool/beach towels will be provided.

Last, but not least,  pack an open mind ! If you’re new to cruising, it’s important to know that it will be nothing like any other holiday you’ve ever taken before. You will meet people from all over the world and you’ll be holidaying in a floating hotel with thousands of other people… a little bit of courtesy will go a long way.

Before Cruising tips

Order an Uber or taxi  to take you to the terminal, parking is limited and there are over 2 000 people making their way there too!

For those cruising from Durban,  parking is available at the harbour  for R120 per day.

Alternatively if you’re flying in to Durban then  book a shuttle transfer beforehand . Busses depart every 45 min. The process was extremely efficient with a lot of guidance and helpful staff to make it painless although there is still some waiting around in queues.

Arrive early if possible!  Getting onboard before everyone else is a great way to explore the ship, grab a bite to eat and swim before the crowds take over.

If you have the budget  pay for priority boarding  to get fast tracked through the boarding system. It’s only a bit more expensive, but it’s well worth it as it means you’ll transit through the terminal and get on board much faster! If you are travelling with kids or anyone elderly, it makes it a whole lot easier. Note that you will still have to go through the usual queue for the ship security.

On Board tips

As soon as you step on board  grab a ship map  from reception to help you navigate the ship. You’ll also find ship diagrams near all the elevators should you get lost (You WILL on the first day… but after that it gets easier!)

When you first get on board it will be disorientating to find your cabin as a lot of the hallways look the same.  Map the quickest route from your cabin to the pool deck and restaurants , so that you don’t spend all your time finding your way around.

The  safety drill will happen within the first hour of leaving port . When the alarm sounds you will need to collect your life jacket from the cupboard in your room and head down to the designated waiting area for further instructions.

Keep your cruise card on you the whole time.  You can’t leave or board the ship without it.

Wake up early  and head up to the deck to take in the sunrise in silence while everyone else is still sleeping (or partying!)

Watch for sales.  Every evening your cruise program will include a sheet with the daily specials. If you’re considering a spa treatment, you may want to wait to see what is offered during the cruise. Some services were discounted up to 30%. The shops also have great discount sales during the cruise (esp on the final day!)

Enjoy chatting to the crew and staff  who represent a wide range of nationalities. It will make your trip feel more international!

Stay connected while sailing by signing up to one of the internet packages.  Ensure you turn off your data connection or go into airplane mode after you login. You don’t want those background apps running and eating through your data allowance!

Link a credit card to your cruise card for easy payment  After boarding your cruise, head to the kiosk (Cruise Card Activation Point) to link your credit card, debit card or prepaid card for all onboard expenses including gratuities. If you pay by credit card, your account will automatically be closed at the end of the cruise. You won’t need to go to Reception – Guest Services or worry about settling your final bill. If you paid by debit card or a prepaid card, any amount debited to your card that is not spent during your cruise will be reimbursed in cash at Guest Services on the final morning before disembarkation. This means you will have to wait in line for reimbursement.

Keep an eye on your Cruise Card balance.  Once you’ve met your deposit you’ll need to return to Guest Services to add more cash to your account. You will also be required to visit Guest Services on the final morning before disembarkation for a refund of the cash you didn’t spend. You can use your TV to check your balance on your cruise card.

Check your statement  delivered to your cabin on the last night of the cruise.

Get the  Teen Card  if you’re allowing your kids to spend money during the cruise. Just remember to set a spending limit!

Insert your keycard to turn on the lights.  It took my mom a few days to work this one out!Other membership type cards from your wallet will also work. Remember if you don’t have a key card in the slot, nothing will charge while you are away.

All  cabins have hair dryers  in your mirror drawer.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and want to enjoy some quiet time while looking out to sea, then  head up to the nightclub during the day .

Read the daily internal newsletter  that is delivered to your cabin every evening and details the shows, games and entertainment happening for the next day. This will help you to best plan your time.

Book into the  private top deck  if you’re keen to spend some quiet time tanning – this private solarium area comes complete with loungers, extra towels and ‘pods’. There is an extra cost to this, so you need to budget that in. There is no private pool in this area however.

The Spa onboard is another area that you can book into for a little quiet time. They offer a range of relaxing treatments as well as the option to book in to enjoy the Thermal Suite – including the  jaccuzzi’s, steam and sauna rooms . I escaped here and enjoyed a sauna and a steam all to myself!

If you’re into fitness, jogging the deck is a great way to  get a workout   in  with fresh sea air in your lungs. A jogging trail with distance has been marked on the deck. There is of course also the gym area which also has a fab view (and aircon!).

The  theatre shows in the evenings  are always worth while. Some cruise liners require you to book beforehand. Others there is not booking required. The shows start at 19:00 or 21:00.

Entertainment  on-deck in the afternoons  is great fun as are the quizzes.

The  photos they take onboard are stunning , but the pricing is crazy expensive. If you’re not planning on spending here then politely decline having your photo taken as it’s MUCH harder to avoid this expensive purchase when you see the photos on display!

Watch your belongings onboard and  don’t leave valuables lying about.

Try ALL the cocktails!  My faves? The Frozen Toblerone and BBC

Take lots of pics  – before you know it your cruise is over.

Food & Drink tips

Order breakfast to your room  each morning by completing the form located in your room and hanging it on your door handle before heading to bed. You can choose to have coffee, orange juice, hot chocolate, granola and a few pastries. This is free service and a blissful way to wake up and avoid the queues and crowds at the buffet!

Drink a lot of water , it will keep sun (and alcohol) induced dehydration at bay. This is especially important if you feel like you haven’t quite got your sea legs yet, dehydration can make it worse. Drinking cocktails in the sun all day sounds amazing but a hangover-material!

Consider   buying the drinks voucher packages  sold prior to travel and onboard. The vouchers are usually discounted and if you are travelling with kids you can give them each a booklet to use themselves. This packages give you 18 vouchers the all inclusive means you can drink anything on this voucher from cool drinks to cocktails. This does not mean you get to drink as much as you want for the cruise! Pre-purchased drinks vouchers are mostly of value if you’re going to have cocktails (and ice-cream). The rest of the drinks are sold in USD and the beers are ‘buy 4, get 1 free’. The cost for beers is dependent on whether you are still in SA waters, they usually cost around $3 for a beer or bottle of water.

No alcoholic beverages can be taken onboard the ship . If you purchase alcohol while in port, it will be held and given back to you prior to disembarkation.

Be smart about how much you eat . Don’t eat more just because it’s there.Food is on offer for almost 24-hrs a day so it is tempting to spend your day eating non-stop. Rather stick to your usual meal times and an occasional treat – hello gelato!

When ordering food  pick Italian options  (the ships are operated by Italians). The curry is also a good option, as the chefs have been trained by Indian chefs from Durban. The cold meats, cheese and ice cream are all brought in from Italy so enjoy a rare taste of Europe.

The  buffet area can get a bit crazy  as some people act as though they are never going to see food again and plate up way too much. That being said there are some great options at the buffet.

Don’t forget you can also  go to the dining rooms for breakfast and lunch.

Check your daily program to see where you can  get snacks in between meals . For instance you can get nice pastries at the bar with the best coffee machine on Deck 5.

On Shore tips

Get your  disembarkation tender early  so you’re not waiting until noon for the island-transfer.

Make sure you  disembark for day trips.  This is a chance to explore a different culture or experience something unique.

Book a shore excursion.  You only live once!

Pomene tips

If you have a particular shore excursion you would like to do be sure to pre-book these vai the “Manage my Booking” section on the MSC website. Booking in advance will mean you qualify for a 20% discount. However on the day you can book excursions on the ship or go to the Excursion desk on the day to check to see if there is any last minute availability.

In rough seas expect to get a bit wet after your 15min transfer.  Cover up your valuables or bags with a sarong or waterproof jacket.  Don’t leave your bags on the floor as the water can swish around and make them wet.

At Pomene you can swim in the warm Indian ocean, relax under a palm tree, swim in the pool, visit the local market or explore the island on a variety of shore excursions.  Read more about my experience at Pomene for my best suggestions of things to do.

Many people do seem to hog the better lounge seating areas in the shade by spreading out their towels, so try to  get there early  if you want to sit in this area.

If you’re going to spend any time on the beach side of Pomene I definitely recommend you  pre-book an umbrella  – or arrive early and hope they still have some available! Umbrellas are hired for R100. You won’t get them for free! There aren’t any locals that you can hire umbrella’s from either.

Disembarkation tips

Leave your pre-packed checked bags outside your room by 2am  on the last morning of your cruise. These will be taken off the ship for you and you’ll find them waiting for you as you exit the passport control area.

Alternatively  you can walk off with your own bags  (if they are easy enough to carry) but this can mean you have to worry about them for quiet some time on the boat while you should be enjoying your last leisurely breakfast. I recommend letting someone else worry about them. We were not delayed at all waiting for our bags once off the ship. They were waiting for us and it was easy to identify them.

Disembarkation is extremely efficient . If you’re taking the transfer (which is at cost and must be booked at Reception during the day before arriving back at port) you’ll receive priority.

When booking your return flights home  allow enough time for disembarkation and your transfer to the airport . You don’t want to be stressed on the last day of your trip due to the worry of missing a flight. Rather ease back in to normal life and leave enough time for everything.

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve had such fun putting it together. It has made me want to set sail again!

If you’re a frequent cruiser please do let me know your top tips for a cruise holiday in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you about your experience and what you found helped you prepare for this holiday of a lifetime.

Ready to book your MSC cruise? Get all the details you need at  msccruises.co.za

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Mozambique Cruises

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Voyage length, cruise lines, customer review, from/to port, from country, from/to country, includes flight, onboard language.

Itinerary: Miami, Philipsburg, Roseau, Bridgetown, Alter do Chão, Parintins, Manaus, Boca do Valeria, Santarem, Salvador de Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Punta del Este, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban, Richard's Bay, Maputo, Mamoutzou, Nosi Bé, Victoria, Male, Kochi, Colombo, Yangon, Phuket, Penang, Port Klang, Singapore, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Chan May, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Ishigaki, Keelung, Kaohsiung, Manila, Kota Kinabalu, Muara, Semarang, Surabaya, Celukan Bawang, Benoa, Komodo, Broome, Geraldton, Fremantle, Busselton, Albany, Esperance, Adelaide, Penneshaw, Portland, Melbourne, Geelong, Burnie, Eden, Sydney, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Nouméa, Mystery Island, Port Vila, Champagne Bay, Lautoka, Suva, Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Papeete, Moorea, Fakarava, Taiohae, Honolulu, Hilo, San Diego, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puntarenas, Cartagena de Indias, George Town, Miami, Port Canaveral, New York

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THE 10 BEST Mozambique Boat Tours

Boat tours in mozambique.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
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• Good for a Rainy Day
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bazaruto Incoming Agency

2. Ilha Blue Island Safaris

3. Mozambique Scuba

4. Wild Africa Ocean Safaris

5. SAFARI, DRIVE & DIVE TOURS

6. Sailaway Dhow Safaris

7. VilanCool Water Sports

8. The Dolphin Centre

9. Uauu Tours & Safari

10. Kape Kape Tours

11. Traditional Dhow Safaris

12. Catsonova

13. Barra Reef Divers

14. Mussiro Trips

15. Vilankulo Local Tour

16. Guia Moçambique

17. Vibe Experience Mozambique

18. Catalong Charters

19. Maputo Blue

20. Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) 5 star PADI Dive Center

21. Barra Vida

22. JAMAICA MOZ TOUR

24. barra vida.

25. Vakatxa Mozambique

26. Litanga Island Cultural Tours

27. Trip2Moz

28. mozcampadventures

29. Choice Quirimbas Dhow Safari

30. sea island safari ilha de mocambique, what travellers are saying.

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MSC Cruises from Durban 2024 / 2025: Unforgettable Adventures Await

Set sail on a mesmerizing MSC Cruise from Durban . Indulge in affordable luxury , exhilarating activities , relaxation, and unforgettable memories for the whole family !

Embark on a Durban Cruise:

Join +150 thousand South African every year

• Feel like a VIP the whole time

Savor exquisite global cuisine onboard

Daily cabin steward service for comfort

Explore Mozambique's pristine, secluded island

• Unique experience to Mauritius and Reunion

The Ports of call on Durban Cruises

Set sail on an MSC Cruise from Durban to Southern Africa's enchanting ports. Discover unspoiled beauty in Mozambique's Portuguese Island and Pomene, and explore vibrant Cape Town and Durban. Experience picturesque shores, local delicacies, untouched nature reserves, and mesmerizing marine life.

Portuguese Island

• Unspoiled, uninhabited island in the Maputo Bay
• Stroll along picturesque 6 km sandy shores - about an hour walk
• Savor local food and rum at charming beach kiosks
• Enjoy beach volleyball, tennis, or relax in secluded bays
• Explore nearby Inhaca Island beaches
• Discover 2,000 km of stunning coastline and white sandy beaches
• Immerse yourself in the Pomene Nature Reserve's unspoiled beauty
• Dive into a world of vibrant marine life with diving and snorkeling adventures
• Explore the mangrove forests and lush local vegetation
• Stunning Beaches: White sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.
• Diverse Wildlife: Nature reserves, bird sanctuaries, and unique fauna.
• Cultural Melting Pot: Blends of Indian, French, Chinese, African influences.
• Historic Attractions: UNESCO sites
• Piton de la Fournaise: Active volcano with stunning trails.
• Cirques of Reunion: Breathtaking natural amphitheaters.
• Lagoons and Beaches: Pristine beaches, remarkable coral reefs.
• Le Musée Stella Matutina: Museum showcasing island's history.
• Stunning location on Table Bay, Cape Town in Western Cape
• Iconic landmarks : Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
• Ideal base for exploring South Africa's wine regions , game reserves, and beaches
• Popular tourist destination with breathtaking scenery
• Explore the bustling Indian area around Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street
• Stroll along the famous Golden Mile beachfront
• Experience the thrilling uShaka Marine World for aquatic adventures

Cruise to Nowhere

A cruise to nowhere is exactly what it sounds like: a cruise ship that sets sail for the open seas with no specific destination in mind. These cruises usually last for two nights, making them the perfect getaway for people who need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life but don't have the time (or money) for a longer vacation. 

Your MSC Cruise Ship from Durban

Msc splendida  .

  MSC Splendida: 1,637 cabins | 4, 363 Guests | 1,370 Crew   Exclusive MSC Yacht Club: VIP enchanting cruises.   70% cabins with private balconies, stunning views.   Diverse, age-tailored onboard entertainment .   Chef Harald Wohlfhart's culinary masterpieces included .    Affordable holiday to South African most desirable cruise destinations

MSC Splendida Cabins

• 1,637 cabins with 70% private balconies
• Essential amenities in all cabins, including internet (fee-based).
• 71 luxurious suites offer VIP access and butler service.
• Upgrade to true luxury with MSC Yacht Club - The Ship within a Ship.
• Inside $ Surface approx 17 sqm, deck 5-13 Click to view Inside $
• Sea View $$ Surface approx 18-21 sqm, deck 5-13 Click to view Sea View $$
• Balcony $$$ Surface approx 19-20 sqm, balcony approx 4-6 sqm Click to view Balcony $$$
• Suite $$$$ Surface approx 22-41 sqm, balcony approx. 4-6 sqm or sealed window, deck 9-12. Click to view Suite $$$$
• Bathroom with shower, hairdryer & vanity area
• Relaxing armchair
• Standard comfortable double beds (single beds on request)
• Minibar, safe, TV and telephone
• Wifi connection available (for a fee)

The Image is representative only Layout, Size and furniture may vary (within the same cabin category)

• Sitting area with sofa
• Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer
• Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
• Interactive TV, telephone, Wifi connection available (for a fee), safe and minibar

• Balcony Aurea (best ship positions, surface approx 1 9 sqm, deck 11-13 )
• Balcony Premium (surface approx 19-20 sqm, deck 8-13* )
• Deluxe Balcony with Partial View (surface approx 19 sqm, deck 8-13 )

 *Some cabins have metal balustrade or half glass half metal balustrade

• Spacious Wardrobe
• Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer
• Interactive TV, Wifi connection available (for a fee), telephone, safe and minibar

Choose the Suite that best suits you:

• Grand Suite Aurea (surface approx. 38-41 sqm, balcony approx. 4-6 sqm, deck 9-11)
• Premium Suite Aurea ( surface approx. 29-33 sqm, balcony approx. 4-6 sqm, deck 10-12)
• Premium Suite Aurea with sealed window (surface approx. 25-31 sqm, deck 9-11)
• Deluxe Suite Aurea with sealed window (surface approx. 22-23 sqm, deck 9-11)

Popular Itineraries from Durban

3 Nights to Portuguese Island

Day 1 | Friday - Ship leaves at 18:00 from Durban Day 2 | Saturday - At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 3 | Sunday - Enjoy the Day on Portuguese Island Day 4 | Monday - Back in Durban at 10:00

4 Nights to Pomene

Day 1 | Monday - Ship leaves at 18:00 from Durban Day 2 | Tuesday - At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 3 | Wednesday - Enjoy the Day on Pomene Day 4 | Thursday - At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 5 | Friday - Back to Durban at 07:00

New Year Cruise - Departure 29/12/23

Day 1 | Wednesday - Ship leaves at 18:00 from Durban, South Africa Day 2 - 4 | At Sea - Enjoy the ship Day 5 -7 | Sun - Tue - Enjoy Port Louis Day 8 | Wednesday - Enjoy La Possession Day 9 to 11 | At Sea - Enjoy the ship Day 12 | Sunday - Enjoy Portuguese Island Day 13 | Monday - Back to Durban at 10:00

2 Nights to Nowhere

Day 1 | Ship leaves at 20:00 from Durban Day 2 | At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 3 | Return to Durban at 07:00 No Passport needed!

3 Nights to Cape Town

Day 1 | Friday - Ship leaves at 18:00 from Durban, South Africa Day 2 | Saturday - At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 3 | Sunday - At Sea - enjoy the ship Day 4 | Monday - Arrive in Cape Town at 09:00

What is included in your Cruise

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

What past passenger have to say

MSC Musica will be sailing the 2024/2025 season following MSC Splendida

Some of the MSC cruise ship that have called in South Africa; MSC Opera, MSC Orchestra in 2022/2023 season, MSC Sinfonia in 2022/2023.

The MSC Poesia will call in South Africa during her World Cruise.

The MSC Magnifica has not been to South Africa, yet...

The prices in the cards below includes all the cruise deals that MSC Cruises have.

Why not join our newsletter by adding your email below and we will keep you updated of the latest specials.

You can also have a look at all the Special on the MSC Cruises 2023 specials from Durban and South Africa page. 

With a history dating back to 1960, MSC Cruises is a Swiss-based, global cruise line, one of the most renowned in the industry.

It's known for its modern fleet, wide variety of world-class entertainment, and commitment to sustainability.

This commitment is a testament to its vision as a responsible business, one of the core values at the heart of the organization.

Catering to a diverse range of travelers, from couples to families, MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage with an enthusiastic vision for the future of cruising.

At the core of its service offering, one finds a commitment to providing each guest with an unforgettable journey. This principle is a driving force at the company and has been since its inception.

MSC Cruises' fleet is a testament to the brand's investment in comfort, elegance, and versatility. It is one of the most modern at sea, designed to cater to the needs and preferences of today's discerning traveler. At the heart of these ships, you'll find cabins and suites ranging from budget-friendly inside cabins to luxurious Yacht Club suites.

Durban South Africa is one of the favored starting points for many travelers on an MSC Cruise in Southern Africa.

The Durban cruise experience is often touted as one of the most enriching and exciting, offering breathtaking coastal views, an amazing an relaxing beach experience when arriving in Mozambique and a lot of fun.

At the heart of MSC Cruises’ offering is a diverse array of dining options. Each ship hosts a variety of restaurants, creating one of the most diverse culinary landscapes at sea.

These range from authentic Mediterranean specialties to global cuisine, ensuring every meal becomes a memorable gastronomic adventure on your Durban cruise.

Onboard entertainment is a defining feature of the MSC Cruises experience. Their ships boast some of the most impressive entertainment offerings in the industry, from Broadway-style theater shows to live music.

Each performance is a celebration of the rich talent at the heart of the MSC team, a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Pre-paid drinks packages are another essential part of the MSC Cruises experience, especially for passengers embarking on a Durban cruise.

The cruise line offers a diverse selection of tours at each port of call, from historical and cultural explorations to adventurous outdoor activities. 

The most popular "excursion" on a Durban cruise, when arriving in Mozambique is just to rent a cabana for the day!

For more information about MSC, visit our page visit our MSC Cruises page.

To secure your cruise booking, a deposit of R3,300 is required (South African Rands).

The balance of payments is then due 75 days before departure date.

For your wonderful experience on a MSC Cruises Durban, you will need:

• Cruise Ticket
• Visa that will vary depending on the destinations your visit and your country of origin (not required for South African cruising to Mozambique)
• COVID test for any of the port in Mozambique 
• Valid passport

In all cabins the below are included:

• 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

MSC Cruise ship from Durban to Mozambique prices vary based on itinerary, cabin selection, and included amenities.

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!

Port taxes are included into your Cruise fare.

A passport is required for cruises for the 3 and  nights to Mozambique as well as the New Year Cruise.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your trip. 

You will not need a passport for cruises to Cape Town and the Cruise to Nowhere.

MSC Splendida - South African Itineraries

MSC Splendida will be in South Africa for the 2024 / 2025 season for the first time ever!

Cruise Itinerary

Other South African Popular cruises

Cruises to pomene, cape town cruises.

Unpack your bags...

This holiday package has expired, 3 night portuguese island cruise, mozambique.

• 3 nights onboard the MSC Musica in an interior bella stateroom
• All meals and entertainment onboard
• Port charges and taxes
• Mandatory cruise insurance
• Arrival/ departure transfers
• Spending money and items of a personal nature
• 3 nights onboard the MSC Musica

Day 1 : Durban, South Africa

Day 2 : portuguese island (inhaca archipelago) , mozambique, day 3 : indian ocean, day 4 : durban, south africa, terms & conditions, make an enquiry, don’t miss the boat on another holiday package..

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Maputo Cruise

Excursions & Activities Maputo

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SOMETHING SPECIAL

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• Category: CITY TOUR
• Duration: 2.5 hour(s)
• Code: MAP01
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• Category: SOMETHING SPECIAL
• Duration: 4.5 hour(s)
• Code: MAP06

• Duration: 3.5 hour(s)
• Code: MAP32

• Code: MAP33

• Code: MAP34

• Code: MAP35

• Duration: 1.5 hour(s)
• Code: MAP21

• Code: MAP22

• Code: MAP29

TRAVEL TO THE Maputo CRUISE TERMINAL

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MSC Cruises

31 Best Stops Between Durban and Maputo

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How long is the drive from Durban to Maputo?

The direct drive from Durban to Maputo is 340 mi (547 km) , and should have a drive time of 7 hrs in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Durban to Maputo, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with St Lucia , as well as top places to visit like uMhlanga Main Beach and Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, or the ever-popular Gateway Theatre Of Shopping.

Top city between Durban and Maputo

Best stops along durban to maputo drive, gateway theatre of shopping.

uMhlanga Main Beach

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom

Thompsons beach, sugar rush park.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Flag Farm Animal Farm

Prince's grant golf estate, zululand historical museum, umlalazi nature reserve, alkantstrand beach, outdoor africa, boardwalk mall, hluhluwe–imfolozi park.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Saint Lucia Estuary

Heritage tours & safaris, crocodile centre st lucia, emdoneni lodge with cheetah project, ilala weavers, bayete zulu lodges, amoray diving, sodwana bay, adventure mania - sodwana bay scuba diving.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Thonga Beach Lodge

Ponta beach bar, gozo azul diving, maputo special reserve, inhaca island, other popular road trips from durban, explore nearby places.

• Ponta Malongane
• Santa Maria
• Komatipoort
• Ponta do Ouro
• Marloth Park
• Jeppe's Reef
• Louw's Creek
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

All related maps of Maputo

• Map of Maputo
• Map of Matola
• Map of Ponta Malongane
• Map of Inhaca
• Map of Santa Maria
• Map of Namaacha
• Map of Mbuzini
• Map of Simunye
• Map of Mhlume
• Map of Siteki
• Map of Komatipoort
• Map of Bilene
• Map of Ponta do Ouro
• Map of Marloth Park
• Map of Jeppe's Reef
• Map of Kosi Bay
• Map of Malelane
• Map of Malalane
• Map of Sihangwane
• Map of Piggs Peak
• Map of Kaapmuiden
• Map of Louw's Creek
• Map of Manzini
• Map of Bulembu
• Map of Skukuza
• Map of Xai-Xai
• Map of Ezulwini
• Map of Lobamba
• Map of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
• Map of Mbabane
• Map of Malkerns

Maputo throughout the year

• Maputo in January
• Maputo in February
• Maputo in March
• Maputo in April
• Maputo in May
• Maputo in June
• Maputo in July
• Maputo in August
• Maputo in September
• Maputo in October
• Maputo in November
• Maputo in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Maputo?

Get inspired for your trip to Maputo with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Maputo Itinerary
• 2-Day Maputo Itinerary
• 3-Day Maputo Itinerary
• 4-Day Maputo Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from durban to maputo.

Yes! You can drive from Durban to Maputo.

How far is Maputo from Durban by car?

The drive from Durban to Maputo is 340 miles (547 km).

How long does it take to drive from Durban to Maputo?

Driving from Durban to Maputo should take you 7 hrs in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Durban to Maputo?

Gas from Durban to Maputo would cost around $30 to $70 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Durban to Maputo?

You could check out uMhlanga Main Beach and Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, or the always popular Gateway Theatre Of Shopping!

What are the best cities to visit between Durban and Maputo?

People love visiting St Lucia, among others.

What's the weather like in Durban?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Durban in January
• Weather in Durban in February
• Weather in Durban in March
• Weather in Durban in April
• Weather in Durban in May
• Weather in Durban in June
• Weather in Durban in July
• Weather in Durban in August
• Weather in Durban in September
• Weather in Durban in October
• Weather in Durban in November
• Weather in Durban in December

What are some other road trips from Durban?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Durban.

• Durban to Cape Town Central drive
• Durban to Johannesburg drive
• Durban to Pretoria drive
• Durban to Plettenberg Bay drive
• Durban to St Lucia drive
• Durban to Tsitsikamma National Park drive
• Durban to Oudtshoorn drive
• Durban to Stellenbosch drive
• Durban to Howick drive
• Durban to Sun City drive
• Durban to Victoria Falls drive
• Durban to Nelspruit drive
• Durban to Maputo drive
• Durban to Port Elizabeth drive
• Durban to Madibeng drive
• Durban to Graskop drive
• Durban to Underberg drive
• Durban to Hoedspruit drive
• Durban to Sandton drive
• Durban to Overstrand drive
• Durban to Storms River drive
• Durban to Knysna drive
• Durban to Ladysmith drive
• Durban to Bloemfontein drive
• Durban to Clarens drive
• Durban to Kimberley drive
• Durban to Wilderness drive
• Durban to Franschhoek drive
• Durban to Windhoek drive
• Durban to Addo Elephant National Park drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places