Johannesburg - MSC Cruises SA has announced that MSC Opera will return for the 2014/15 local season. The luxury ship will serve an extended 2014/15 season, arriving on November 1 this year and will cruise the popular Mozambique and Namibia itineraries.
On offer for the third season will be the popular seven-night Durban, Portuguese Island, Anakoa, Fort Dauphin itinerary as well as an 11-night Reunion and Mauritius New Year’s itinerary. Also on offer are seven departures from Cape Town including calls in Walvis Bay, Luderitz and Mossel Bay, Namibia.
This comes shortly after the announcement a multimillion-euro investment programme involving all four of MSC’s Lirica class ships over the next two years.
The almost e200 million (R3 billion) “renaissance programme” has been commissioned from Fincantieri in Italy, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies, and will be complete by 2015.
The “renaissance” of MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will add exciting new entertainment options, technological advancements, extended shops and up to nearly 200 new cabins per ship.
The ships will boast a completely new spray park, with an exhilarating pathway of water features and water cannons. The impressive on-board boutiques will be enhanced with new interiors, more space and an all-new perfumery with display corners dedicated to leading brands, such as Dior, Lancôme and Dolce & Gabbana.
The South African favourite will be returning for the local 2014/15 season while MSC Cruises prepares one of the Lirica class ships for the following season.
“Cruise enthusiasts are urged to book early for the coming season to avoid disappointment and ensure availability” said Allan Foggitt of MSC Cruises SA.
“To launch the new season, a 40 percent discount reward is being offered as an incentive for those who wish to book early and secure their holiday at the best available price.”
Accommodation, meals, and entertainment are all included in the cruise fare, with children under 18 cruising free.
MSC Opera currently has 856 cabins of which 172 are balcony cabins and 28 are balcony suites. The ship has four restaurants, eleven bars, two pools, and two whirlpools.
The ship caters for children with the Buffalo Bill children’s play area, mini and junior clubs, and teen clubs. Additional facilities include the Cotton Club bar and a deck stage. – Staff reporter