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South Africans have taken to cruise holidays like the proverbial duck to water, with MSC (that’s the Mediterranean Shipping Company) bringing ships to local waters to allow a taste of life on the high seas, without the cost of a long-haul air ticket.
In the latest season it was the MSC Opera that sailed in local waters, with most departures sailing out of Durban to explore the warm waters of Mozambique and the Indian Ocean. But, this year Cape Town gets the last word, and MSC Opera will head south to wrap up the local season.
On 27 March the ship departs Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on a three-night voyage to Cape Town, giving travellers one last chance to sail along South Africa’s coastline before the local season ends in April.
Once in Cape Town, MSC Opera will operate a line-up of cruises from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. The programme includes short three-night cruises into the Indian Ocean, along with longer five-night round-trip sailings to Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Set sail on the last MSC Cruises:
- 30 March 2026: Bok Radio Cruise
A five-night round-trip sailing from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia, and back, with Bok Radio and a line-up of South African artists bringing the music on board. Cabins are available online from R11 558 per person sharing. - 4 April 2026: Love Jazz Cruise
Another five-night round-trip from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, this one built around a jazz-themed experience at sea. We can't see any cabins available online, so best to contact MSC directly for late bookings. - 9 April 2026: Oppiwater Kunstefees
The twelfth edition of the popular arts festival at sea, this five-night round-trip to Walvis Bay packs in theatre, comedy, music, opera and dance aboard MSC Opera. Contact MSC directly for late bookings. - 14 April 2026: Friendship Cruise by Mi Casa, powered by Heart FM
A three-night round-trip sailing from Cape Town, closing out the season with live music, food and entertainment alongside Mi Casa and friends. Contact MSC for availability.
“Our arrival in Cape Town is always a highlight of the season,” says Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa. “The Durban to Cape Town crossover not only connects two of South Africa’s most iconic cities but also opens the door to a vibrant programme of departures that combine world-class cruising with unique local experiences.”
While MSC Opera is about to bow out for the season, the break won’t last long. The 2026/2027 local cruise season is set to begin on 27 November 2026 with the arrival of MSC Armonia, a smaller Lirica-class ship that will sail from both Durban and Cape Town.
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