MSC Cruises South Africa Looks Ahead To New Horizons With MSC Opera

As the sun sets on another successful summer cruise season, MSC Cruises South Africa has officially concluded its 2024/2025 local operation.

The 3’200-passenger vessel brought thousands of holidaymakers to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Ports included Mozambique, Réunion, Mauritius, and Namibia since setting sail from South African in November 2024.
MSC Musica played host to over 90’000 enthusiastic cruisers.
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MSC Cruises currently operates four distinct routes out of South Africa, with the Durban-to-Mozambique journey continuing to be a firm favourite among local cruisers. International visitors tend to gravitate toward the Cape Town-to-Walvis Bay voyage, lured by Namibia’s striking coastal landscapes. Rounding out the regional offerings are the Durban-to-Mauritius and Durban-to-Cape Town itineraries, adding variety to the cruise line’s itineraries.

We are pleased with the vessel’s results. The MSC Musica attracted a solid number of passengers, reaffirming the local appetite for cruising and positioning us well for the exciting season ahead.

// Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, Ross Volk

Looking ahead, the 2025/2026 season will see the return of the MSC Opera, a 2’679-passenger ship belonging to MSC’s Lirica class. Having completed a stint in the Mediterranean, the MSC Opera is scheduled to make her second seasonal appearance in South African waters from November 2025 through April 2026. She will undertake 37 sailings departing from both Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.

We’re encouraged by the growing demand for cruising locally. It’s a pleasure to welcome back our loyal guests each year, while also introducing new travellers to cruising as a holiday alternative. The value for money, convenience, and variety make it an attractive option.

// Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, Ross Volk

While MSC Musica bids farewell for now, the incoming MSC Opera promises a refreshed experience. Built in 2004, she differs from her larger, more modern fleet-mates by embracing a more classic cruise ship design. This allows her to navigate smaller ports and offer a more intimate setting. With a crew of around 728 and 1’071 cabins, the ship was designed to maximize open-deck spaces while still offering plenty of cozy corners and private lounges, making her well-suited to South African cruising sensibilities.

Cruisers aboard the MSC Opera in recent seasons have reported varied yet generally positive experiences on websites like TripAdvisor. Passengers highlighted the ship’s cleanliness, extensive buffet options, and memorable entertainment, particularly the evening shows and themed events. The freshly baked pizza and classic Italian fare – including fan-favourite tiramisu – were widely praised. Although some travellers noted issues like buffet crowding or compact cabin sizes, the overall consensus remains favourable, especially among first-time cruisers seeking great value for a sea-bound getaway.

MSC Cruises — Mayotte is an emerging gem in Indian Ocean tourism, offering a rare fusion of African heritage, French flair, and untouched natural beauty. Image: Mayotte Tourisme

A particularly exciting highlight for the 2025/2026 season is the introduction of Mamoudzou on the island of Mayotte as a brand-new destination. Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, lies between Mozambique and Madagascar and is part of the Comoros archipelago.

We have made two exciting additions to the upcoming season. An extended season in November will allow for an additional departure, and Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte, is now on the itinerary. It’s a breath-taking destination we are proud to introduce to our guests.

// Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, Ross Volk

Mayotte is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It boasts one of the world’s largest double barrier reefs, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The tranquil lagoon surrounding the island is perfect for spotting sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating humpback whales. Inland, travellers can hike up Mount Choungui, explore aromatic ylang-ylang plantations, or enjoy the island’s lively markets and Creole-inspired cuisine.

Adding Mayotte to the MSC Opera’s itinerary is a strategic move that blends lesser-known destinations with MSC Cruises’ reputation for immersive travel. It allows South African guests to venture somewhere unique without leaving the region, and offers international guests a fresh reason to cruise Southern Africa.

As the local cruise market gains momentum, MSC Cruises South Africa continues to steer a steady course forward.

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