5/5 Unforgettable views and unrivalled birdwatching - the magic of Marion Island!
BirdLife South Africa and MSC Cruises: Exclusive Birdwatching Expedition, January 24-31, 2025
Join us aboard MSC Musica for BirdLife South Africa's unique partnership with MSC Cruises, offering a voyage to Marion and Prince Edward Islands. This adventure begins in Cape Town, setting the stage for an expedition that features rare birds, stunning ocean views, and luxurious cruise amenities—a dream adventure for bird and nature enthusiasts..
- 7-nights Aboard MSC Musica
- Meals and Accommodation Included
- Unique Birdwatching Opportunities
- 'Flock to Marion' expedition includes expert workshops and talks
Ultimate South African Cruise
Cruise Itinerary
The most exciting cruise you will ever go on, set in the remote Southen Ocean
BirdLife South Africa's partnership with MSC Cruises brings you an exclusive voyage to Marion Island, combining luxury with the thrill of discovery. This unique cruise ventures into the heart of the Southern Ocean, offering unparalleled access to one of the world's most isolated ecosystems. With expert-led birdwatching excursions, you'll spot some of the rarest seabirds, all while surrounded by the stunning, unspoiled landscapes of the sub-Antarctic. Plus, the MSC Musica provides top-tier comfort and amenities, ensuring every moment of your journey is enjoyable. With all excursions included, prepare for a week of immersive nature experiences and educational enrichment, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous spirits alike.
Where is Marion Island?
Marion Island is in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, about 1,770 kilometers southeast of South Africa. Dutch explorer Maarten de Vos first discovered it in 1663.
This remote island, part of the Prince Edward Islands group, has a compelling history as a base for scientific research and a former whaling station. Marion Island was annexed by South Africa in 1947 and has since been pivotal for biological and geological studies.
MSC's Musica Cruise Ship
MSC Musica
MSC Musica: 1,275 cabins | 3, 223 Guests | 1,04 Crew
Last refurbished in 2019
Diverse, age-tailored onboard entertainment.
Affordable holiday to South African most desirable cruise destinations
What is included in your Cruise Fare
- 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
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Accommodation in well-appointed cabins
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Water, coffee and some juices are included in certain areas of the ship
- 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
Learn more about your cruise - FAQs
Some of the seabirds that will be seen include: King Penguin, Wandering, Grey-headed, Sooty and Light-mantled Albatrosses, Kerguelen, Grey and Blue Petrels, Subantarctic Shearwater, Common and South Georgian Diving Petrels, and Grey-backed and Leach’s Storm Petrels. If permission is obtained to enter the 12-nautical mile zone around the islands, then Kerguelen Tern, Crozet Shag and Lesser Sheathbill could also be seen.
For the international visitors joining us, it is necessary to have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps and your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the intended date of departure from South Africa.
For those requiring visas for South Africa, please visit www.vfsglobal.com for further information.
More than 50 seabird and marine mammal experts will be stationed at various locations around the ship and available to assist in guiding throughout the day. There will also be several informative lectures by some of the world’s seabird and cetacean experts.
MSC Cruises would not take us there if the ship could not sail in those waters. Safety will be paramount and the captain will avoid rough seas and bad weather.
A shuttle service will operate from King Shaka (Durban) International Airport to the Durban Cruise Terminal before embarkation on 24 January 2025 and back to the airport after arrival on 31 January 2025.
Please ask us for more info.
Feel free to join our Flock to Marion AGAIN! 2025 Facebook community, in order to stay up to date, access questions and answers, and connect with fellow ‘Flockers’.
Your cruise fare includes accommodation and meals.
Onboard packages
You can book your beverage and Wifi packages with us too.
In collaboration with South African organizations like BirdLife South Africa, the cruise offers unique opportunities for birdwatching, especially around the South African territories of Prince Edward and Marion Island. This partnership aims to support conservation efforts, including the Mouse-Free Marion Project, enhancing the birding experience and contributing to the protection of these critical habitats.
You can not use any cash to pay onboard, you will use your cruise card. When boarding, you will have to link your cruise card to your credit card. Alternatively, you will have to bring cash and deposit it at the reception when boarding.