MSC Cruises to set sail again from 6 December 2021

The MSC Orchestra is set to sail in South Africa. Photo: Braun Turismo / Flickr

After a less than ideal 2020 South African cruise season, MSC Cruises are ready to set sail again starting 6 December.

Deck life on the MSC Orchestra. Photo: salva1745 / Flickr

The newly refurbished MSC Orchestra is set to welcome guests on 41 local cruises from both Durban and Cape Town, providing South African cruisers with a wide choice of options to suit their holiday needs. The cruise season starts out from 6 December 2021, with options that include two, three, four and seven-night voyages, and closes out on 11 May 2022.

With measures based on an industry-leading protocol introduced in August 2020, MSC Cruises plans to administer strict health and safety measures on board MSC Orchestra and all ports of call.

According to MSC Cruises, their Managing Director, Ross Volk, said:

“We are delighted to have received confirmation and approval from the government that cruising and with it our local season can proceed. I believe that our return to sailing will provide a welcome boost to the South African economy in terms of direct and indirect employment, as well as offering safe and relaxing cruise holidays.”

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated to be welcomed on board

The cruise line currently also plans to welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on board, but reserves the right to change this decision, subject to the requirements of either the South African government or any of the other countries that MSC Orchestra is set to visit during the cruise season.

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests will have to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours of their cruise departure and will have to provide proof of a negative result in order to board. Unvaccinated guests over the age of 18 years will have to undergo an antigen lateral flow test at their embarkation port, which costs R300 per person.

It’s also a requirement that guests have insurance measures in place, to cover any COVID-19 related issues that may arise, such as cancellation, interruption, repatriation, quarantine and medical assistance and related expenses.

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Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.