MSC Cruises recently opened sales for its 2023-24 sailing season featuring its most modern ship to serve South Africa, MSC Splendida.

The 14-deck passenger vessel can accommodate up to 4,363 passengers and features for the first time in South Africa, the MSC Yacht Club – a premium ‘ship within a ship’ concept with 71 spacious suites, a dedicated concierge desk, 24-hour butler service, private restaurant, swimming pool and sunbathing area.

MSC Splendida will be based from November 2023 in the port of Durban and offer a range of voyages that last between 3 and 14 nights to Namibia, Mozambique and other Indian Ocean destinations. MSC Cruises will in total operate 35 sailings of MSC Splendida from both Durban and Cape Town during 2023-24.

Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa said, “MSC Splendida will take cruising in South Africa to the next level and redefine holidays at sea. It will give our guests of all ages an incredible opportunity to indulge in wonderful, enjoyable and memorable experiences.

“This further demonstrates our commitment to the South African tourism sector and MSC Cruises’ aim to drive both the tourism industry and the cruising sector with a resultant positive economic impact to the country.

“The ship will be staffed by nearly 1,400 crew, who look forward to giving our guests the experience of a lifetime, many of whom will be sourced and trained locally through the Shosholoza Academy in Durban.”

MSC Splendida has a range of themed bars and dining venues including specialty Mediterranean and American steak house restaurants. The ship also has four swimming pools, The Strand Theatre for nighttime entertainment, Club 33 nightclub, an ultramodern gym, squash court and running track.

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.co.za.