MSC Cruises has confirmed that MSC Opera will be the vessel sailing in South African waters for the 2025/2026 local cruise season and it has announced that it will conduct a series of exciting sailings from Cape Town in that season.
The ship will initially be based in Durban, operating out of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, before embarking on the Cape Town set of cruises in March and April 2026.
On March 27, 2026, MSC Opera will depart Durban on a three-night at-sea sailing, crossing over to Cape Town. Once in Cape Town, the ship will complete three sailings from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal to Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The season will conclude with a crossover voyage from Cape Town back to Durban on April 14, 2026.
Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises South Africa, told Travel News that Cape Town was an incredibly important port for the cruise line.
“Outside of Durban, Cape Town and Walvis Bay provide excellent platforms for us to call in. We and our guests enjoy Cape Town as a destination, and we'll continue to try and facilitate more and more itineraries from Cape Town to ensure that we provide what our guests want,” Volk said.
Hotel partnerships
If your clients would like to extend their holiday by spending a few days in Cape Town before or after their cruise, MSC Cruises has partnered with several popular Cape Town hotels, offering guests exclusive rates. These hotels include:
- Stay Easy, Cape Town
- Protea Hotel, Sea Point
- Southern Sun, Waterfront
- Protea Fire & Ice, Cape Town
Hassle-free transfers
To enhance the cruise experience, MSC Cruises provides a seamless transfer service from Cape Town International Airport to the cruise terminal. Guests seeking additional privacy can opt for private transfers coordinated by MSC Cruises.
Enhancers
Remind your clients they can maximise their onboard experience by pre-booking a variety of packages at discounted rates:
- Drinks packages – Save up to 15% when pre-booked.
- Internet packages – Enjoy up to 30% off when pre-booked.
- Excursions – Receive up to 20% off when pre-booked.
- Spa treatments – Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the MSC Aurea Spa.
Themed cruises
MSC Cruises will also host a selection of themed cruises from Cape Town, promising entertainment tailored to a variety of interests.
While travel agents don’t earn commission on themed cruise bookings, they can still provide the service of making the bookings on behalf of their clients and charge them a service fee.
Guests can look forward to experiences such as:
- Bok Boot – A vibrant Afrikaans music cruise with Bok Radio and some of South Africa’s biggest artists on board from March 30-April 4, 2026.
-
Love Jazz Cruise – A luxurious five-night journey from
Cape Town to Walvis Bay from April 4, 2026, featuring renowned host Clarence Ford and special guests. The jazzy nights onboard MSC Opera will culminate in a spectacular international Jazz Festival in the dunes of the Namib Desert. - Oppiwater Kunstefees – A theatrical and cultural delight that features a fully-fledged arts programme showcasing the best in theatre, drama, comedy, song, music, opera, and dance from April 9-14, 2026.
Walvis Bay
If you have clients looking to explore Walvis Bay, a selection of curated excursions caters for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
- Quadbike Sand Dune Adventure: Experience the thrill of quad biking across Namibia’s iconic Dune Belt, guided by experienced professionals along an eco-friendly route.
- Desert Dinner and Entertainment: Enjoy an exclusive, fine dining experience under the Namibian stars, complete with a gourmet three-course meal, fire spinners and a crackling campfire in the dunes.
- Best of Walvis Bay, Salt, Sea and Sand: Discover the region’s highlights, from the flamingo-filled Walvis Bay Lagoon to Namibia’s largest salt mine and the towering Dune 7.
