MSC Cruises return to SA: All the changes you need to know

MSC Cruises is dedicating two ships to South Africa for the 2022/2023 season but there are some rules for unvaccinated travellers. 

MSC RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICAN SHORES 

Ready to cruise? Well MSC Cruises will be bringing two ships to South Africa for the 2022/2023 season as it looks to capitalise on the post-lockdown leisure travel rebound. Unvaccinated travellers will be able to travel, but they have to test negative for COVID-19 first.

The MSC Orchestra will return to South African shores in November 2022. The ship will have around 40 sailings to Mozambique and local destinations. MSC Sinfonia will operate approximately 22 sailings out of Cape Town to Namibia as well as other various local destinations. 

Itineraries vary from two to seven-night cruises, according to the cruise company’s statement on Thursday 29 September.

“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,” said Ross Volk, MD for MSC Cruises South Africa.

“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 continued.

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THE COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR CRUISING 

Some COVID-10 restrictions may have been lifted but the cruise company still has protocol in place to ensure safety of their travellers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will be allowed on board.
• So, vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a negative test result before departure.
• However, unvaccinated travellers – who are five years and older – need to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours prior to departure. This needs to be “in accordance with the local government regulations in South Africa,” according to Business Insider.
• Children under five will not need to take a test.

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