MSC Opera Brings Its Elegance to South Africa This November
MSC Opera will sail to South Africa for the summer season (November 2025 – April 2026), offering cruises from Durban and Cape Town to scenic Indian Ocean destinations.
Image: Supplied
With MSC Opera's arrival in November for the 2025/2026 season, MSC Cruises brings elegance, adventure, and the world-class hospitality it's known for to South African shores. This magnificent vessel, part of the Lirica-class, is designed to offer a refined cruising experience, blending intimate settings with expansive deck space and exceptional service.
MSC Opera will be calling in South Africa for the second time in November 2025 as part of the 2025/2026 season. Designed for elegance and exploration, the ship accommodates 2,658 passengers in 1,070 cabins, featuring spectacular entertainment options. From 24 November, MSC Opera will sail from Durban and Cape Town to some of the Indian Ocean's most picturesque locations.
Onboard relaxation, featuring a double pool complex, whirlpool baths, a state-of-the-art gym, and the indulgent MSC Aurea Spa.
Image: Supplied
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Setting sail for a spectacular summer in South Africa
After concluding a season in the Mediterranean, MSC Opera will make her way to South Africa's warm waters, where she will spend the summer season (November 2025 – April 2026) sailing from Durban and Cape Town to some of the Indian Ocean's most picturesque locations. Sun-kissed getaways
MSC Opera's first departure from Durban is set for the 24th of November 2025, heading to the idyllic Portuguese Island. Throughout the season, guests can embark on 12 different itineraries, ranging from short, sun-kissed getaways to Mozambique's famed Portuguese Island, Pomene, and Maputo, to immersive 14-night adventures covering Madagascar, Mayotte, Mauritius, and Reunion.
For KwaZulu-Natal travellers, the MSC Opera experience starts effortlessly at Durban's state-of-the-art Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in the Point Waterfront. For those looking to extend their stay, MSC Cruises has partnered with a selection of top Durban hotels to ensure a seamless pre- or post-cruise retreat.
In Cape Town, the journey begins at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, where MSC Cruises provides similar hotel partnerships for added convenience.
Guests can enjoy an intimate cruising experience without compromising on worldclass amenities.
Image: Supplied
A ship designed for elegance and exploration
MSC Opera's thoughtful design prioritises open deck space and personalised, traditional service – guests can enjoy an intimate cruising experience without compromising on world-class amenities.
With a passenger capacity of 2,658 across 1,070 cabins, the ship provides an atmosphere of exclusivity while maintaining a vibrant social scene.
Guests can expect: Elegant accommodations ranging from family-friendly cabins to suites, balcony cabins, and ocean view options.
ranging from family-friendly cabins to suites, balcony cabins, and ocean view options. Fine dining experiences , offering an ever-changing selection of Mediterranean, international delicacies, and some local flavours.
, offering an ever-changing selection of Mediterranean, international delicacies, and some local flavours. Entertainment and nightlife , including Broadway-style shows, live music, a casino, and plenty of lounges and bars.
, including Broadway-style shows, live music, a casino, and plenty of lounges and bars. Onboard relaxation , featuring a double pool complex, whirlpool baths, a state-of-the-art gym, and the indulgent MSC Aurea Spa.
, featuring a double pool complex, whirlpool baths, a state-of-the-art gym, and the indulgent MSC Aurea Spa. Fun for the whole family, with dedicated kids' clubs, play areas designed by LEGO® and Chicco®, and thrilling teen zones.
From tranquil beach escapes on Portuguese Island to adventurous discoveries in Madagascar, an MSC Opera cruise is more than a holiday—it's an experience to remember. Bookings for the 2025/2026 season are now open, so secure your spot and set sail on a journey of elegance, exploration, and extraordinary memories.
Take this opportunity and plan for your festive holiday, and book a Christmas or New Year's cruise onboard MSC Opera. Choose between 5 nights of endless relaxation and family time, with visits to the white sandy beaches in Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique, or 14 nights filled with a range of great activities, including visits to Nosy Be, Port Louis, and La Possession.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
5 hidden beaches in the Western Cape you don't know about
The Western Cape is certainly no stranger to travel guides and Instagram feeds. From the iconic Table Mountain backdrop of Clifton to the surfer magnet that is Muizenberg, the coastline has been thoroughly mapped and marketed. But there are still a few secret slices of sand – quiet, untouched, and fiercely guarded by locals – where the tourist trail goes cold. Here's a list of hidden beaches the Western Cape keeps close to the chest… Nestled between Simon's Town and Cape Point, in the Western Cape, Smitswinkel Bay isn't easy to reach – and that's exactly how the locals like it. You'll need to hike down a steep path with no signage and no fanfare. But once you hit the sand, it's another world: no crowds, no vendors, just the sound of waves and the rustle of fynbos. There's no road access and no facilities at this hidden beach, which means no nonsense either. Smitswinkel Bay. Image: canva Tucked between the more touristy Seaforth and Boulders Beach lies a tiny gate that leads to Water's Edge. Most people walk right past it. But those who know get a quiet beach, views of penguins without the crowds, and a perfect picnic spot with big granite boulders to climb. While Clifton 4th packs in the sun-worshippers, Beta Beach flies under the radar just a few coves south in Bakoven. This pocket-sized Western Cape paradise sits hidden behind boulders and posh beach homes. It offers a ridiculous view of Lion's Head and some of the calmest waters in the city – perfect for a swim without the spectacle. Beta Beach, Bakoven, Image: wikimedia commons Just outside Atlantis, this Western Cape West Coast hidden beach rarely sees Cape Town day-trippers. It's far, remote, and starkly beautiful. You'll find long stretches of beach, a tidal pool, and zero influencers with ring lights. It's not polished, and that's the point. Located inside the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Diaz Beach is for those who like their beauty raw. It's a serious descent down steep wooden steps, and there's no lifeguard, no kiosk, and swimming isn't allowed. But the dramatic cliffs, untouched sand, and thunderous surf make it unforgettable as far as hidden beaches go. Diaz Beach. Image: canva Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
City Power offers free electricity to these Johannesburg residents
City Power has urged low-income Johannesburg residents to sign up for its Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme, which provides 50 kilowatts of electricity per month at no cost. The initiative forms part of efforts to reduce infrastructure damage and recover lost revenue caused by illegal electricity use. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena revealed that the free electricity programme aims to reconnect over 140 000 households who are not paying for electricity. 'Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in massive revenue losses for the utility and the increasing destruction of our infrastructure,' he said. Additionally, by targeting vulnerable groups and formalising their electricity use, the city hopes to clean up its billing system and improve compliance. City Power has also committed to replacing damaged or tampered meters without penalising qualifying residents. The free electricity programme is open to unemployed residents or those earning R7500 or less monthly. Applicants must also be South African citizens or permanent residents, legally occupy the property, and provide the necessary supporting documentation. 'The criteria also include being a South African citizen or permanent resident and being the legal occupants of the property in question,' Mangena explained. 'Supporting documentation such as a valid ID, proof of residence, COJ rates and taxes account, and income verification, such as a SASSA card or affidavit, will be required at registration.' The free electricity initiative is designed to support senior citizens, women and children, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and child-headed households. City Power said that the programme reinforces the principle of electricity as a fundamental human right. 'The FBE programme is designed to cushion the most vulnerable and ensure access to electricity as a basic human right, while also helping to clean up the billing and compliance environment,' Mangena stated. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
US joins Iran-Israel conflict: Essential travel advisories for South Africans to note
Travellers queue at Cape Town International Airport. Image: David Ritchie/Independent Newspapers (File) The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which now includes the United States (US), which carried out attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, has resulted in a number of travel advisories and alerts that SA travellers should note. On Sunday, the US joined Israel's bombing campaign after days of speculation over whether they would be involvedin the conflict. In a televised address from the White House, after the strikes, US President Donald Trump said: "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." Previously, on 15 June, the Department of International Relations (Dirco) urged all South Africans in Iran to contact the Embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with and that their whereabouts are known to the Embassy. 'It is important to note that South Africa's support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency, and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location. 'Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly.' Following Israeli strikes on Iran in the early hours of 13 June, airspace in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Israel has been closed. According to Flightradar24, the closures affect approximately 3,000 flights per day through cancelled flights or re-routes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ According to Flightradar24, the closures affect approximately 3,000 flights per day through cancelled flights or re-routes. Image: Flightradar24 Emirates and Qatar Airways are among the few airlines that have issued travel advisories for travellers and have had to suspend their flights. Emirates said on Saturday that due to the regional situation, they have temporarily suspended all flights to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday, 30 June 2025. 'Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq and Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking. If booked directly with Emirates, please contact us.' They also urged travellers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport to check their flight status on for the latest information. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority.' The Iranian flag is pictured in front of Iran's Foreign Ministry building in Tehran November 23, 2009. Image: Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters Qatar Airways said they have temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria. The affected airports in Iran include Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), Mashhad Airport (MHD), and Shiraz Airport (SYZ). In Iraq, the affected airports are Baghdad Airport (BGW), Erbil Airport (EBL), Basra Airport (BSR), Sulaymaniyah Airport (ISU) and Najaf Airport (NJF). In Syria, the affected airport is Damascus International Airport (DAM). The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to Iran. 'If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you,' they said.
