Bucket Travel: MSC Brings Two Cruise Ships to SA

MSC Cruises – one of the leading global cruise lines– has reaffirmed that they will be bringing two ships to South Africa’s shores for the 2022/2023 cruise season to. This will mark the first time that two MSC Cruises ships of different classes, the MSC Orchestra – which is part of the Musica class and MSC Sinfonia – which is part of the Lirica class, will be deployed in the country simultaneously providing additional cruise capacity to cater for the demand for cruise holidays in South Africa.

The 2021/2022 local cruise season saw MSC Cruises carry in excess of 40 000 guests to various destinations with new Health & Safety regulations to ensure the safety of all guests. As we prepare for the 2022/2023 local cruise season, we are pleased to confirm that both unvaccinated & vaccinated guests are now able to cruise. At present we can also confirm that :

• vaccinated guests are no longer required to provide a Covid-19 test before departure 
• unvaccinated guests 5 years and older are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test, 48 hours prior to departure in accordance with the local government regulations in South Africa 
• children under age 5 are not required to provide a COVID-19 test

Continued investment in Africa’s tourist industry

MSC Cruises’ plan to bring two ships to South Africa in 2022 is part of the company’s commitment to investing in South Africa and African tourism at large. The cruise line’s focus to improving South Africa’s tourist infrastructure has been particularly noteworthy in its development of the Durban port terminal over the past few years. The R300-million terminal was designed, developed, constructed and financed by the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Consortium, in partnership with the South African chapter of MSC Cruises and empowerment investment entity Africa Armada Consortium.

MSC Orchestra

This project is a significant undertaking for the consortium and represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to the South African economy. The terminal will help promote the country’s image among cruise passengers and provide jobs to many citizens. In addition to our commitment, our investment has included infrastructure development in Mozambique – a popular cruising destination for South Africans – and continued collaboration with the Namibian government, as Walvis Bay is one of the ports that MSC Cruises sails to. There are also knock-on benefits for the tourist industries in the destinations that MSC Cruises sails to, which have been enhanced by increased passenger volumes.

More itineraries offering more cruise holiday options for South Africans

MSC Orchestra, a well-known vessel by local cruisers will return to South African waters in November 2022, with approximately 40 sailings to Mozambique and to local destinations. Alongside MSC Orchestra is MSC Sinfonia that will operate approximately 22 sailings out of Cape Town to Namibia and other various local destinations. The itineraries will vary from two to seven-night cruises, offering guests a wider choice of options to book their cruise holiday. The ships will alternate routes, providing South African cruisers with a wider choice of options to suit their holiday needs with more cruise destinations and packages on offer.

“We are delighted to be bringing two ships to South Africa this upcoming season and we reaffirm our commitment to affordable and safe cruise holidays for South Africans” explains Ross Volk, MD for MSC Cruises South Africa. “Our dedication to playing our part in the recovery of the tourism sector in South Africa, has made it possible for us to create a second cruising hub in Cape Town. MSC Sinfonia will be permanently positioned in Cape Town for the duration of the cruise season and will serve our guests seeking a more cultural experience with our cruises to Namibia. For guests wanting to explore more of our South African destinations we have cruises to Mossel Bay and for guests simply wanting to take time to rest and relax, our “no-destination” cruises at sea provide the perfect getaway to enjoy the Indian and Atlantic Ocean sunrises and sunsets.” continues Volk.

MSC Sinfonia

Cruises as popular holiday ‘destinations’

Cruises are increasingly becoming an appealing holiday choice for South Africans as a hassle-free, safe and all-inclusive vacation with food, accommodation and most activities included in the cruise fare. The diversity of the offerings appeal to holiday makers of all ages, both local and international tourists alike. Guests wishing to experience the delights of an MSC Cruises holiday in the 2022/2023 season can already book any cruise on any of these 2 vessels.

“We continuously strive to bring bigger and better offerings to this country, enriching our itineraries and making cruising more accessible, to more South Africans who are realising that a cruise is an affordable, convenient and exciting holiday option,” concludes Volk.

Bucket Travel: MSC Armonia

MSC Cruises’ upcoming winter Caribbean season from November 2019 to April 2020 will get off to a strong start with MSC Armonia’s maiden call to the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve just one week after the season begins. As part of her new and enriched itineraries, MSC Armonia will visit this exclusive natural island destination every week, as well as other exciting ports across the Western Caribbean.

Founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles, Ocean Cay will be a private island destination like no other, surrounded by protected waters rich in marine and coral life. It has been conceived to immerse travellers in the natural beauty of the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Snorkelling tours, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are among the outdoor activities that MSC Armonia’s more adventurous guests will be able to enjoy at Ocean Cay. Those seeking a more relaxing experience will have eight white sandy beaches to choose from, as well as a new luxurious spa concept and countless other options. A vast array of family-friendly experiences will also be available. Like other MSC Cruises ships in the Caribbean, MSC Armonia will stay at berth from 9am to 11pm, allowing guests to make the most of their time on the island and enjoy stunning sunsets by the iconic lighthouse.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO comments, “As we continue to grow our presence in the region, we have enriched MSC Armonia’s itineraries to offer our guests an even more immersive Caribbean experience. The Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be a key highlight, with a 14-hour call to let our guests explore and enjoy this beautiful island and its surrounding waters, both during the day and into the night. MSC Armonia will also visit other gems across the Western Caribbean in Jamaica, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and beyond.”

From November 2019 to April 2020, MSC Armonia will depart on one-week cruises from Miami every Monday, whereas from April to November 2020 her departure from Miami will be moved to Sunday.

In both cases, long-haul travellers will get a unique opportunity to spend the weekend in one of North America’s most vibrant cities before embarking on the cruise of their lives.

TAKE IN THE GORGEOUS VIEWS OF JAMAICA’S COAST

MSC Armonia will regularly visit a range of exciting ports and destinations across the Western Caribbean region. In Jamaica, MSC Armonia offers three different ports of call depending on the itinerary. In Ocho Rios, guests will be able to join a truly Jamaican bobsleigh tour, dive into Dolphin Cove and admire the Dunn's River Falls, with 180 metres  of cool, refreshing water cascading over natural limestone terraces. In Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s north-western coast, MSC Armonia’s guests will be able to go white-water rafting, tour an old plantation at the Good Hope Estate or learn about the mysteries of Rose Hall Great House, a fascinating colonial relic imbued with rumour and intrigue. In January 2020, MSC Armonia will visit Falmouth on Jamaica’s north coast, home to the Glistening Waters. When they visit the Luminous Lagoon, where the Martha Brae River and the Caribbean Sea meet, guests will experience first-hand how these two bodies of water mix to create bioluminescent micro-organisms that glow brightly.

DISCOVER THE BEST THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN HAS TO OFFER

MSC Armonia will bring the very best the Western Caribbean has to offer to her guests. In addition to Ocean Cay and Jamaica, the ship will regularly visit Mexico’s Costa Maya during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter 2019 – 2020 season. Her guests will enjoy an array of cultural, outdoor and relaxation activities there. George Town in the Cayman Islands is another idyllic destination that MSC Armonia will visit every week.

From April to November 2020, Key West (Florida, USA) will become a regular feature in MSC Armonia’s itinerary. There, guests will be able to visit the Historic District at the Old Town, which includes the island’s most popular spots, such as Mallory Square, Duval Street and Fort Zachary Taylor, as well as the southernmost point in the United States.

MSC ARMONIA OFFERS ITS OWN DELIGHTS

MSC Armonia incorporates a range of features that turn her into a destination in her own right, having recently gone through a major refurbishment. In terms of food and dining, the new Surf and Turf Restaurant offers the best of both worlds, such as a delicious filet mignon and tempting cold-water lobster tail. Bringing the Caribbean experience on board, the Rum Bar offers a range of cocktails, whether traditional or out-of-the-box.  The White Lion Pub introduces a new and complimentary menu featuring light meals – such as mojo chicken quesadillas, avocado and tuna salad wraps and spinach and artichoke dips to share – along with a wide selection of beers, including Newcastle Brown Ale, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Lagunitas IPA.

In addition to MSC Cruises’ fan-favourite parties like the White Party and Silent Disco, a highlight of MSC Armonia’s entertainment offering is its evening theatre entertainment, with a line-up of dynamic performances on board. Cruisers can marvel at a different, distinct show each evening. MSC Armonia offers a dedicated LEGO kids area, through its partnership with the toy giant, as well as a splash park.

In November, MSC Armonia will go through another drydock operation at the Bahamas’ Grand Bahama Shipyard.