Ocean dreams are made of this: make “cruise” a bucket-list reality

There’s something undeniably magnetic about the ocean. For many South Africans, a cruise holiday has long been an aspirational dream – a “someday” kind of trip reserved for distant retirement or deep pockets. But that tide is turning. With MSC Cruises bringing the fun-filled MSC Opera to our shores for the 2025/2026 summer season, that dream is not only within reach, but also boarding from Durban and Cape Town.

A bucket list you can board from home

Start your holiday the moment you step onboard MSC Opera. With departures from Durban and Cape Town, there's no need for layovers or long-haul travel, just smooth sailing from home soil to paradise. It’s effortless, exciting and all about the journey ahead. And what’s waiting for you at your destination? 

Crystal-clear lagoons, sun-bleached beaches, coral reefs and charming colonial cities. 

Think Portuguese Island, Pomene, Nosy Be, Walvis Bay and even exotic ports like Port Louis or La Possession. Destinations straight from a travel poster, now your itinerary.

Dreamy destinations closer than you think

Picture this: You’re lounging on the deck with a cocktail in your hand as dolphins leap alongside the ship, the sun shimmering on the water like liquid gold. Later, you step onto the shores of Pomene, a remote Mozambican paradise where lush mangrove forests seem to float on the water and time slows down. 

Nestled within a marine nature reserve, this hidden haven offers long, deserted beaches, and snorkelling through coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. It’s the kind of place that feels untouched by the modern world – beautiful, wild and utterly unforgettable.

Make it a celebration

Want to ring in the New Year with fireworks, fine dining, and a sea breeze? Book the New Year's Cruise onboard MSC Opera. You’ll visit Port Louis in Mauritius, Nosy Be in Madagascar and La Possession in Reunion in style – all while enjoying midnight snacks, Broadway-style shows and starlit parties at sea.

In Nosy Be, lemurs play in the treetops and coral reefs teem with sea turtles, clownfish and even whale sharks. La Possession offers you active volcanoes and Creole architecture, and in Port Louis botanical gardens, beach bars and markets await. 

It’s a celebration you’ll never forget - a way to start the year with adventure, connection and maybe even a new tradition.

Try MSC Opera, the perfect first cruise

MSC Opera is more than a ship, she’s a floating resort built for indulgence, relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or as a family, this cruise offers something for everyone.

Your fare includes:

• All meals onboard in the main dining restaurants and buffet-style eateries (yes, there’s even a pizza and burger station!).
• Plenty of comfortable accommodation options, including inside and ocean view cabins.
• Entertainment every night – live shows, music, themed parties.
• Kids and teens clubs, perfect for giving parents a little downtime.
• Pools, a gym, and wellness spaces to unwind and stay active.

There’s also excellent service, delivered with warmth and flair. The ship’s Italian design brings together elegance and comfort. And the best part? You don’t need to be rich or retired to enjoy it. With short cruises of 3, 4 or 5 nights, MSC Opera makes cruise travel accessible, flexible and affordable.

This is your sign to go

Ocean dreams don’t have to stay dreams. With cruises departing locally, a great holiday at sea doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and experiences that stay with you for a lifetime are within reach – there’s never been a better time to tick “cruise” off your bucket list.

Whether it’s a 3-night escape to Portuguese Island or a 14-night voyage across the Indian Ocean, MSC Cruises is turning aspirational travel into an achievable reality for South Africans.

Why wait for “someday”? Start planning the cruise holiday you’ve always wanted.

MSC Opera is calling. The ocean is waiting.