Latest news with #MSCOpera
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Your ultimate guide to a seamless voyage: 15 tips for first-time MSC cruisers
Indulge in luxury and explore new horizons with MSC Opera cruise, Image: Supplied Indulge in endless entertainment . Enjoy access to Broadway-style shows, thrilling water parks, casinos and more – all included in your cruise fare. Dine your way, all day. Savour unlimited buffet and main restaurant meals, and drink packages for added indulgence. Make every port count. Pre-book excursions for the best deals. As MSC Opera returns to South African waters for the highly anticipated 2025/2026 local cruise season, now is the perfect time to experience the magic of cruising. If you've booked your first cruise (or you are seriously considering it) – congratulations, you're about to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation and endless entertainment. Here are 15 essential tips to help you make the most of your experience, from prepping and packing to your final sunset at sea. Trip preparation: Packing and pre-cruise essentials 1. Pack smart, pack light While MSC Opera has plenty of storage, overpacking can make your cabin feel cluttered. Opt for versatile clothing, comfortable shoes for excursions and don't forget formal attire for elegant evenings. 2. Know what's not allowed Leave behind prohibited items like irons, candles and drones. Most essentials, like hairdryers and bathrobes, are provided in your cabin. 3. Print and prepare your e-ticket Boarding is a breeze with your MSC Cruise e-ticket or boarding pass. This document contains all your essential travel details, luggage tags and itinerary information. 4. Pre-book shore excursions and special packages Popular excursions sell out fast! Booking early not only secures your spot but often saves you money compared to purchasing onboard. Consider adding a Fun Pass for extra onboard activities at a discount. 5. Set up your cruise card and payment method MSC Cruises operates cash-free. Link a credit card to your cruise card for easy onboard purchases or make a cash deposit at guest services when you board. 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. 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Remember, all buffet and main restaurant meals are always included in your cruise fare. 7. Take advantage of drinks packages. Water, coffee and tea are complimentary, but sodas, alcohol and specialty drinks require a package upgrade. If you plan to indulge, consider purchasing a drinks package that will work for you, before your cruise, for great savings. 8. Stay connected (if you must!) Wi-Fi isn't free, so if staying online is important, purchase an Internet package in advance for the best rates (up to 20% savings). Otherwise, embrace the digital detox and enjoy the ocean breeze. 9. Catch Broadway-style shows and nightlife for free. MSC Cruises offers world-class entertainment – live performances, comedy shows and even thrilling casinos – all included in your cruise fare. No extra ticket required! 10. Embrace the fun – day and night. From water parks to arcades, mini golf to shuffleboard, there's never a dull moment. Many activities are free, while some require a Fun Pass—so plan accordingly. Shore excursions: Making the most of every port 11. Plan ahead for the best excursions. Booking shore excursions in advance guarantees availability and better pricing. Whether it's snorkelling in turquoise waters or exploring historical ruins, don't miss out! 12. Dress comfortably for exploration. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a small backpack for essentials will keep you prepared for any adventure ashore. Extra insider tips to elevate your cruise 13. Check the daily cruise planner. Your daily planner (delivered to your cabin or available on the MSC app) highlights scheduled activities, entertainment and dining specials – don't miss out on exclusive events! 14. Budget for extras but stick to a plan. While plenty is included, extras – like spa treatments, tickets purchased in themed gaming venues, Wi-Fi and specialty dining – can add up. Set a budget to avoid surprises on your final bill. 15. Relax and enjoy every moment. Cruises are designed for enjoyment—whether that means lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet meals, or dancing under the stars. Knowing what's included, what you may want to plan ahead for and how to get the most out of every moment will make your cruise one to remember. Encounter flamingos in their natural habitat, a serene highlight of your shore excursion adventure Image: Supplied Bon voyage! 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 and a range of great activities to fill your days including visits to Nosy Be, Port Louis and La Possession. With these essential cruise tips, you'll be a little more ready for your incredible journey at sea. Click through to the MSC Cruises website to learn more about cruising, savings deals, entertainment onboard and the MSC Opera 2025-2026 itinerary.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Life onboard MSC Opera: A world of indulgence, adventure and unforgettable moments
Discover the indulgent experiences aboard MSC Opera for your next cruise. MSC Opera blends dazzling shows, vibrant nightlife and serene relaxation for an unforgettable voyage. Experiences for everyone: From fine dining and star-filled on-deck evenings to themed lounges and adrenaline-filled adventure and family-friendly activities. Sail from South Africa: The 2025/2026 season offers breathtaking cruises to pristine beaches, cultural gems and exotic destinations. Stepping onboard MSC Opera is like entering a floating paradise – where every sunrise brings new possibilities and every evening shimmers with excitement. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, life onboard is an experience unlike any other – one that blends world-class entertainment, exquisite dining and pure relaxation in a seamless dance across the ocean. This November, MSC Opera returns to South African waters for the 2025/2026 season, offering a gateway to pristine beaches, vibrant cultures and the sheer thrill of life at sea. But what awaits you beyond the horizon? Let's dive into the magic of an MSC Opera cruise. A feast for the senses: dining in style
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
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.
Time Out
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
MSC Opera to sail from Cape Town this summer!
Cruise fans, start saving! MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Opera will be returning to South African waters for the 2025/2026 season, and while it will spend most of the summer home-ported in Durban – sailing to Mozambique and beyond – there will be a string of dedicated departures out of the Mother City in March and April 2026, departing from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. After completing her Durban season at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, MSC Opera will cruise into Cape Town on 27 March 2026 with a special three-night at-sea repositioning voyage. From there, she'll launch three round-trip sailings from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia, before concluding her local season with a return sailing to Durban on 14 April 2026. But it's the themed cruises out of Cape Town that are set to make waves for local cruise fans. First up is the Bok Boot 2026 cruise (30 March - 4 April): a five-night sailing hosted by Bok Radio featuring live performances from top local artists. While the line-up is to be confirmed, expect festive vibes all the way to Namibia. Let's hope this sells better than Steve Hofmeyr's cancelled performance at Cape Town Stadium! Preer smooth tunes to treffers? The Love Jazz Cruise (4-9 April) is a jazz-lover's dream. Hosted by Clarence Ford, this itinerary includes performances from top jazz artists and culminates in an exclusive jazz festival under the stars amid the dunes of the Namib Desert. Rounding off the Cape Town run is the ever-popular Oppiwater Kunstefees (9-14 April), a floating arts festival presented by RSG and Lefra Productions. The programme includes theatre, opera, dance and comedy… all while at sea. Cruisers can add hotel stays through MSC's Stay & Cruise partnerships, and take advantage of pre-booking discounts on drink packages, internet access, shore excursions and on-board spa treatments. Airport transfers and shuttles are also available for a seamless start to your cruise.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- IOL News
Why 90,000 South Africans booked local cruises in 2024/2025
Local cruises among South Africans are gaining popularity, with over 90,000 travellers embracing ocean-bound getaways in the 2024/2025 summer season. Image: File picture As more South Africans are looking for holiday experiences that combine value, adventure, and comfort, one travel style is steadily gaining favour, local seasonal cruises around South Africa's east and west coasts. The 2024–2025 summer season saw over 90,000 South Africans embrace this rising trend, heading off on ocean-bound getaways across the region. Travellers set sail from local ports to explore the tropical coastline of Mozambique, Reunion and Mauritius, and the desert-meets-sea coastline of Namibia on the MSC Musica, the 3 200-passenger liner that cruised South African waters for the last season. With itineraries designed to appeal to a wide variety of preferences—from laid-back beach breaks to cultural explorations—cruising continues to make a strong impression on both new and returning guests. According to Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, anticipation is already building for the 2025–2026 season. "We are very pleased to see our loyal customers return to cruise with us every new season and we appreciate their support. 'It is also great to see new travellers discovering cruising as an alternative holiday which offers good value for money. The demand for cruising locally continues to show growth," he says. Four main routes operate out of Durban and Cape Town. The Durban-to-Mozambique voyage remains a top choice for South Africans, while the Cape Town-to-Walvis Bay journey has proven especially popular among international visitors. Additional routes include Durban-to-Mauritius and Durban-to-Cape Town, each offering unique cultural and scenic experiences. The upcoming season will be marked by the return of a popular MSC Opera to local waters. After completing a Mediterranean stint, MSC Opera will begin her second season here with 37 sailings scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026. 'We have made two exciting additions to the upcoming season,' Volk shares. 'An extension to the season, which will offer guests the opportunity to book an additional departure in November, and we have introduced Mamoudzou as a new destination. Mamoudzou is a beautiful city on the coast of Mayotte, another great destination for our guests to discover.' With familiar favourites and new destinations on the horizon, the upcoming cruising season promises to be even more popular with South African cruisers. IOL Travel 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 ✕
