MSC Cruises returns to SA shores with TWO ships for the first time

With the 2022/2023 cruise season almost upon us, MSC Cruises is confidently returning to SA shores with MORE to offer…

MSC Cruises returning to post-lockdown SA

The post-lockdown summer season is at our doorsteps and MSC Cruises is looking to take advantage of that fact, bringing two ships of different classes to South African shores for the upcoming cruise season, for the very first time

The covid-19 pandemic was a bit of a nightmare for the the global cruise industry during the past two years, with several cruise line companies shut down because of it.

According to Business Insider, remaining cruise liners are now hoping for a quick recovery, with MSC Cruises doubling its capacity for South Africa’s 2022/2023 cruise season.

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Two ships in one season

The MSC Orchestra will be back in South African waters next month, November 2022, and will have around 40 sailings to Mozambique and local destinations. The MSC Sinfonia will operate 22 sailings out of Cape Town to Namibia and other various local destinations. The cruise company said in a statement on Thursday that the itineraries will vary from two to seven-night cruises.

Ross Volk, MD for MSC Cruises South Africa said that the MSC Sinfonia would be permanently positioned in Cape Town for the duration of the cruise season.

“We are delighted to be bringing two ships to South Africa this upcoming season, and we reaffirm our commitment to affordable and safe cruise holidays for South Africans,” Volk said.

“Our dedication to playing our part in the recovery of the tourism sector in South Africa has made it possible for us to create a second cruising hub in Cape Town. MSC Sinfonia will be permanently positioned in Cape Town for the duration of the cruise season and will serve our guests seeking a more cultural experience with our cruises to Namibia.” Volk added.

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Rules for the unvaccinated

The cruise company will allow both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers onboard. Vaccinated passengers will no longer need to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before departure.

Unvaccinated guests who are five years and older, however, are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure. Children under five won’t be required to test, says Business Insider.

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