5 Months to MSC Musica's Enchanting Voyages from Southern Africa
Click to view 5 Months to MSC Musica's Enchanting Voyages from Southern AfricaHey there, ocean lovers and cruise enthusiasts!
MSC Cruises reigns supreme in the South African cruise market, with a ship arriving every year for the season starting in October and ending in April. These cruises explore the South African coastline, visiting exciting destinations like Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Luderitz in the Atlantic Ocean, and Durban, Port Elizabeth, Pomene, Portuguese Islands, Maputo, Mauritius, and Reunion in the Indian Ocean.
For many South Africans, MSC Cruises is their first taste of the cruising lifestyle, and it’s easy to get hooked. They return to enjoy new itineraries, from local cruises to Mozambique to adventurous journeys in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Booking Tips
- Sign Up for Deals: Get the latest MSC cruise deals by signing up for our newsletter.
- Never Pay Full Price: MSC Cruises always offers great deals.
- Kids Sail Free: Children under 17 sail free on local itineraries; on international cruises, kids under 12 sail free, and those aged 12-17 get reduced rates.
- Choose the Right Cabin: Book a balcony cabin for peace, quiet, and an unobstructed ocean view. Mid-ship cabins are best for avoiding motion sickness and noise.
- Prepare for Fun Excursions: Explore Portuguese Island or Pomene with exciting activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and more.
Packing Tips
On a Mozambique cruise, you leave South Africa and enter a foreign country. Even if you are traveling by sea, the same rules apply as if you were flying internationally.
When packing for your cruise holiday, bringing as much clothing and accessories as possible can be tempting. However, this is not always the best idea because space in your cabin is often at a premium.
Remember that most of your time will likely be spent in beachwear whilst onboard, so there's no need to pack an extensive wardrobe!
Packing List:- Sun Protection: A good sunscreen is essential. Reapply often to avoid sunburn.
- Seasickness Remedies: Pack motion sickness tablets or wristbands. Tablets like Stugeron should be taken a day before departure. Be aware that they can cause drowsiness!
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers to switch easily between the warm outdoors and cool indoors. Essential items include t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear.
- Footwear: Bring sandals for the beach, sneakers for excursions, and formal shoes for evening events.
The cruise ship will provide basic body wash and shampoo in your cabin. You will still need to pack your toothbrush, day/night cream, makeup ... and all the other required toiletries.
Ensure you have all your medication, as even if there is a doctor on board, the cruise line can not guarantee that the medical centre has what you need. Over-the-counter medication may be found in the onboard shops.
Most of the itineraries will feature some theme parties. A standard South African to Portuguese Island four-night cruise will feature a Sail Away party on the first afternoon, a gala cocktail on the second night, a tropical party on the third night, and finally, the fourth night with a general disco vibe. Details of the parties and themes are available on your daily program.
For those enjoying sports during their cruise, pack your own gym towel and enjoy the fitness centre. Facilities include treadmills, weights, stretching mats and various classes.
Pro Tip! One of the most important items you'll need on your cruise is a swimsuit which you will use daily. You will want to enjoy the pool as soon as you get onboard, so pack your swimming costume in your hand luggage, not your checked luggage.
Formal Evening
On a cruise to Mozambique, you'll typically have one formal night, usually on the second night. While dressing up is optional, it adds a special touch to the evening. For ladies, formal outfits can be cocktail dresses or formal gowns. For men, a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit with a tie is appropriate.
You can find the suggested evening dress code in the bottom left corner of the daily program. There are four options:
- Theme Party: Dress according to the theme, such as a white or tropical party.
- Casual: Ladies can wear a dress, sport a "chic" outfit, or trouser suit. Gents can wear a T-shirt, jeans, or trousers.
- Informal: Ladies can opt for an informal dress, trousers, and a blouse. Gents should wear a jacket and trousers (no jeans).
- Elegant: Ladies can wear a dressy outfit, formal gown, or cocktail dress. Gents should wear a tuxedo, dinner jacket, or dark suit with a tie.
Please note that bikinis, bathrobes, bare feet, and tank tops are not allowed in indoor restaurants onboard.
On some longer cruises, such as grand voyages, you will need more than one elegant evening outfit. If you are not sure, ask your travel agent or MSC.
Here are a couple more packing items that you should consider:
- A good book for relaxing with at the beach, on deck or on your balcony
- Empty soft bag to take to the beach
- Bring a lanyard for your cruise card
- Don't bring towels, you will find some in your cabin to take to the beach with you.
And don't forget to pack some underwear and socks...
Transport to the port tips
Flying into Durban? Book an MSC shuttle beforehand! Buses depart every 45 minutes to an hour, until 3 hours before departure. The process is efficient and the meeting point is opposite the Mug & Bean at Durban King Shaka Airport.
If you are driving to the Durban cruise terminal, parking is available but limited to 300 parking bays. The cost is R150 per day per car.
If you are getting dropped off, be ready to sit in the car in a long queue. With over 2,500 passengers arriving at the cruise terminal at the same time, so be prepared for some congestion.
Check-In Process
- Check-in and Safety: Arrive during your allocated time slot. You will receive your cruise card during check-in. You should keep your cruise card with you at all times, as it is the only means to get on and off the ship and pay for all your spending onboard.
- Explore the Ship: Study the vessel map, locate your cabin, and familiarize yourself with key areas.
- Safety Drill: Mandatory before departure. Your muster station is listed on your cruise card and cabin door.
- Onboard Expenses: Link your credit card at the Cruise Card Activation Point to manage onboard expenses.
Make sure you keep your passport with you in your carry-on luggage.
On-Board tips
All major cruise ships are designed the same, with two hallways, on each side of the vessel surrounded by cabins.
Each hallway covers the ship's entire length from back to front with elevators and stairs.
As soon as you board, study a map of the vessel and start locating your cabin and the various areas where you will be spending time.
The crew will let you know when your cabin is ready. This may take some time after you arrive on board to allow for cleaning.
The next milestone on board will be the safety drill. This must take place before the vessel leaves the port. You will find your muster station on your cruise card as well as behind your cabin door. You will need to bring your life jacket to the drill(you will find it in the cupboard).
A sunrise onboard is one of Mother Nature's most beautiful events. Take a stroll in the early morning on the top deck, and you will be amazed at the view of the sun rising over the sea.
Keep an eye out for specials in the daily program. Every day, the various shipping departments advertise promotions or sales. On the second day of our last cruise, the SPA offered 40% off most treatments. The shops will also offer special prices during the entire cruise, with pop-up stands. Watch out for them!!
Stay connected while sailing by signing up for one of the various internet packages. After boarding, ensure you turn off your data connection or switch your phone to aeroplane mode. You don't want those background apps running and eating through your data allowance!
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.
To avoid running out of money or completely exhausting your funds, always keep a good eye on your cruise card balance.
A couple more onboard tips:
- Spend 5 minutes reading the daily program. Most questions are well addressed.
- Insert your keycard in the designated slot. This will switch the light on in your room
- All cabins have a hairdryer inside the drawer under your mirror.
- The bar always has a cocktail special of the day (+—$4.00), a great way to sharpen your cocktail knowledge.
Treat yourselves to an exotic cocktail in the evening before dinner, chilling while enjoying wonderful singers in the various piano bars.
Food & Drink Tips
A must-do is to order breakfast at least once from your room by filling out the form located in your room and hanging it on your door handle before 2:00 a.m.
When ordering in-room breakfast, you have the choice:
- Choose your time slot - in 15-minute increments from 07:30 to 10:00
- Choices of hot beverages - coffee, hot chocolate and tea
- Milk - hot or cold milk
- Juices - Orange or Tropical fruit juice
- Yoghurt - Fruit, plain and low-fat
- Spreads - Honey, Jams & marmalades, Butter or Margarine
- Cereals - Muesli, Rice Crispies or Corn Flakes
- Selection of Pastries - Croissant, Pain au chocolate, Danish, chocolate Muffin
- Bread - white, rye bread, wholemeal bread, toasted white bread
It is free, so why not enjoy it?!
To stay hydrated while on vacation, consume plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages altogether or limit yourself to one drink per day.
Filtered tap water is freely available at the buffet all day. Bring your own water bottle so you can easily refill it and keep it with you.
Consider buying pre-purchased drinks voucher packages for your cruise. You can save at least 15% on the price of your drinks.
If you are travelling with children, you can give them each a booklet to use themselves. The standard alcohol package gives you 18 vouchers that can be used for any drink (up to a certain price) which means you can drink anything on this voucher, from cold drinks to cocktails.
This does not mean you can consume as much as you want for the cruise, but it is a good deal if you like cocktails!
There is a large variety of food available onboard, from Indian curry (prepared by Indian chefs), pizza, pasta and any European dish you can imagine.
You are never limited in your order, so if you want three starters and two desserts, why not? The waiters prefer it when people order their full choice all at once, as it makes their lives much easier.
In the morning and at lunch, the buffet area is often packed. One of the main restaurants will be open for breakfast and lunch - so if you prefer a calm atmosphere, the same buffet is available here.
You can snack onboard 20 hours a day if you get hungry between meals. In the morning, the various bars serve pastries, and from midday, pizza and burgers are available.
Tendering Tip
When you get to Portuguese Island or Pomene, you will be taken to shore on a tender boat.
The tender will run as soon as the crew are ready (can vary from 06:30 to 09:00), with the last transfer from the ship to shore around midday. The first transfer from the island to the vessel starts for Portuguese Island around 12:30 and Pomene around 13:30.
The latest times for the tender transfer are in the Daily Program the night before. The ships can change the times at any time depending on weather and tide.
The tender ticket will be distributed in the morning at one of the lounges 30 minutes to an hour before the first tender starts. To save time, fill in the indemnity form that will be distributed in your cabin beforehand.
Portuguese Island tips
Portuguese Island is a stunning remote Island in the Bay of Maputo just off Inhaca.
As it is a remote Island, the only items available will be what the ship provides and a local market, where you can buy Mozambican artefacts.
When you get off your tender, walk left, away from the main beach, for about 10 minutes and you will enjoy the beach for yourself.
Lunch is served on the Island around midday (you can eat on board if you wish), and you can also enjoy a range of cocktails and drinks.
For those seeking some comfort, you can rent a Beach lounge for the day or upgrade to an Exclusive Beach Lounge, which gives you access to an exclusive area with some complimentary drinks and will include a priority Disembarkation voucher ( the prices are all per person).
The excursion desk offers a range of excursions around the Island. The most popular ones are the Inhaca Island Eco tour, a simple Transfer to Inhaca, or a Seafood Lunch at Calor Tropical Restaurant in the heart of Inhaca Village.
You can also rent Masks and snorkel gear, stand-up Paddle Boards, floating mats, and Sea Kayaks.
Additional FAQs for Portuguese Island:
- The drink vouchers can be used on Portuguese Island
- No cash is accepted. All purchases will be charged to your cruise card (excluding the market)
- You will find towels in your room to be used on the Island.
Pomene tips
The tender transfer to Pomene is slightly longer and rougher than the one to Portuguese Island. This is because the ship anchors deeper in the ocean than on Portuguese Island.
Pomene is a Presque Presque-isle. When you disembark the tender boat, you can explore the island.
All activities are held around the pool area, including the restaurant and some of the bars.
Similar to Portugues Island, you will walk through a local craft market before getting to the main area. Please note that the vendors only accept cash. Purchasing a few items is a great way to support the extremely impoverished locals.
The two most popular excursions on Pomene are:
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Pomene Hotel Ruins transfer: You will visit the old Pomene Hotel ruins (circa 1974) and enjoy the blowholes.
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Quadbiking to the old Hotel is a great way to enjoy Pomene Island.
MSC Cruises also offers other types of excursions on Pomene: a visit to Mangrove Nature Reserve, deep-sea fishing experiences, and snorkelling. For the more adventurous, the estuary tubing is perfect. You can enjoy a ride onboard a tube in the estuary of Pomene.
To maximize your time in the warm water, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard, pedalo, kayak, or snorkel gear.
Disembarkation Tips
The ship will get to Durban harbour around 06:00, depending on the weather.
From there, local South African authorities will clear the vessel, and then passengers will begin to disembark.
If you have very light suitcases and want to disembark at your own convenience, with your own suitcases, the option of "Self Assist" disembarkation is available. Inform the reception the night before, if you would like this option. Note that there are a limited amount of Self Assist spots available.
What is the procedure for normal disembarkation:
Settling your Bill
- Payment by credit card: A copy of your bill will be dropped off in your cabin. If you have no issues with the statement, nothing further needs to be done on your side. On the day of disembarkation, all items purchased will be charged to your credit card.
- Payment by cash or debit card—To pay for your onboard expenses, make sure to load your account with cash. This can be done at the Activation Points Kiosk on deck 7. If you have not used your cashback, you will also get it there. There is no need to go to the reception.
- Note: all amounts that you get back will be in USD. When you register your credit card, the bank will hold $150 (ZAR 2500) on your card. Ensure you have at least that amount on your card; otherwise, it will decline. What you have not spent will be released within 15 to 20 working days.
The night before:
- Check if the disembarkation time (according to your coloured luggage) suits you. If not, ask the front desk if they can give you another colour.
- Write your name and surname on the coloured luggage labels that are provided in your cabin.
- Detach the end of the luggage label where you have the number and stick it to the back of your cruise card.
- Detach the round sticker and stick it to your clothing to show the staff that you have the right dis-embarkation colour code.
- The night before departure, leave your suitcase outside your cabin, before 24h00.
- Don't forget to keep all essential items with you, especially your passport, cruise card, and medicine.
On the morning of Disembarkation
- You will have to be out of your cabin by 7:00 am
- You can drop your hand luggage on deck 6 from 06:00 - check with the lounge/bar in the daily program.
- If you need help disembarking, you can wait on deck 5 in a designated area, where an MSC crew member will assist you.
- Enjoy breakfast and coffee until your luggage tag colour is called.
- If Security has confiscated any of your items, pick them up on deck 5 before you leave
- Then step off the ship - don't forget your cruise card
- Go through immigration with your passport
- Collect your suitcases in the designated area
Notes: Breakfast in the cabin is not available on disembarkation day. The main restaurant normally serves breakfast from 06:00 to 08:00. The self-service restaurant is open from 05:00.
We hope this article has been helpful for you and that we’ve answered some of your questions for your upcoming MSC holiday. If not, feel free to reach out directly with any other questions you may have or visit our FAQ.
Some of the most Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know when I have to leave the ship and where to go?
In the daily program that will be dropped off with you the night before, you will get a table with the relevant colour, meeting time, and meeting point. The announcement of which colour is ready for disembarkation will only be made in the waiting area.
Do I need a luggage label on my hand luggage?
No. You are carrying this on yourself and don't need a label on your hand luggage.
Which MSC Ship is coming to South Africa?
For the 2024/2025 season, the MSC Musica will be coming to South Africa from November to March. She will start the cruise season in Durban and then move to cruise from Cape Town in March.
Are gratuities included on MSC Cruise?
Yes, on local cruises, all gratuity charges are included in the price for the duration of your cruise. You are welcome to give extra if you wish to.
If you are happy with the service of a specific crew member, it would be a kind gesture to mention them by name in the comment questionnaire after the cruise, as they might get some time off with a good review.
