Johannesburg - Celebrating the arrival of the newly renovated and stretched MSC Sinfonia in southern African waters, MSC Cruises has announced some significant changes to its local cruise itinerary.
New to the itinerary is Ilha de Mozambique, the former capital of Portuguese East Africa. The island is home to colonial architecture and fascinating historical buildings including forts, chapels, museums and the ancient slave market.
Appeal is in the white beaches, clear seas and many quaint restaurants. The fortified city of Mozambique was a Portuguese trading post on the route to India.
Ilha de Mozambique was recently declared a Unesco World Heritage site and the island has enjoyed a period of rejuvenation.
It has a fascinating blend of African, Portuguese, Arab and Indian cultures.
MSC Sinfonia will travel there as part of a seven-night sailing out of Durban. The new destination replaces the previous call to Fort Dauphin. The change has been brought about as a result of the MSC Sinfonia now being unable to berth alongside in Madagascar.
Portuguese Island remains the most popular of destinations, with three-night cruises continuing to offer passengers weekend opportunities at this uninhabited natural paradise. Passengers will enjoy upgraded facilities and infrastructure while actively contributing toward ongoing ecological commitment.
The popular four-night cruises through the port of Maputo and onto Portuguese Island will still be on the itinerary. Maputo is constantly undergoing rejuvenation and offers bustling streets, traders’ markets and some of the best prawn and peri-peri chicken servings.
The Cape departures include the Namibian destinations of Walvis Bay and Luderitz. For those wanting a longer cruise experience over the festive and New Year’s periods, Mauritius and Reunion are there for the taking. MSC Cruises SA has also introduced hotel and transfer packages to maximise the experience.
The MSC Sinfonia emerged from dry dock in March this year after undergoing a 24m stretch to include 192 extra cabins.
Interior refurbishment includes new carpets, reupholstered seating and repainted ceilings, as well as purpose-built areas for children, such as a new dedicated Baby Club, Mini Club, Young Club and Teens Club. Older kids are also catered for. The new Doremi Spray park offers additional family fun.
With an extra 600m2 dedicated to dining on board, MSC Cruises has also reimagined the dining experience. Three restaurants offer guests more choice, with a new on-board bistro giving a more informal lunch-time option. The buffet now remains open 20 hours a day, with increased buffet service lines over the peak periods.
l Visit www.msccruises.co.za.
Saturday Star