EVER dreamt of taking an MSC Cruise for an experience or holiday?
Well, think no more and tick that box of indulging in an unforgettable journey in the Indian Ocean, and sail of…
The MSC Cruise SA extended an invite to join the Oh Ship 2024, that sailed from Durban to Mozambique, for a thrilling four-day water cruise of a lifetime- 29 November – Monday, 2 December.
The invitation was to experience the ship to SA MSC Cruise Musica amongst others, and share in the excitement Oh Ship is associated with for the past years’.
Founders of the concept- DJ Fresh and Euphonik, invited across four spectacular stages, amapiano stars to hip hop, R&B, and house music, and comedy in the form of Skhumba Hlophe and others, providing 72hour non-stop FUN…
Since it was a sold affair, but organisers had to squeeze e the hand of MSC Cruise SA, to make available extra cabins, thousands of fans did indulge in a diverse array of international cuisine, engage in a range of indoor and outdoor activities, and treat yourself to relaxation at the MSC Spa, with its top-tier amenities, the MSC Musica ensures a luxurious and tranquil experience like no other.
Other features aboard includes gigantic pools and warm pools, various Bars, lounges-including cigar, sports facilities, entertainment- all kinds, conference rooms, and also provide WIFI, etc…
If you’re contemplating entering a food binge competition, then is the first place to test your eating skills (or whatever you call it), you shall never run out of food aboard Musica!
Talk of food binging, my self-appointed ‘butler’ Marolin Rakatoarinosy from Madagascar, made sure we do not miss our meal- be it during the day or evening since between those times its partying non-stop. This humble gentleman went to an extent of informing his colleagues to keep an eye on us, if we did want anything, including being escorted to some places as a result of the gigantic ship.
“If ever you want anything my brother, I ask you nicely, talk to me,” he ordered in somewhat peppered Queens Language.
Yeah, almost did the Titanic- your guess is just good as mine!
Tiny advice though- be sure to load funds onto your card prior to boarding the ship, because it will help since it uses Euro or a Dollar when purchasing beverages and other assortment such as branded name shoes, bags, clothes, and WIFI, etc.
After day two- being in the middle of nowhere, but Indian Ocean sailing throughout the evening, we alight from the ship to ‘not so fast boat’ at Portuguese Islands, as young dance group welcomed us on their Island.
The Island is far right from the troubled Maputo capital (had elections but some locals feel were rigged hence the tense situation), as one ‘unidentified tour-guide’ of ours showed us tall buildings covered by smoke.
“Its bad that side even though I voted for the Frelimo party” remarked a 20-something boastingly, who took us to a local restaurant that sold one of the largest crab fish ever, accompanied by a very cold one, considering the soaring temperatures (42degrees), he estimated.
Went pass a local clinic, that had NO queues of patients or nurses. I told him such a sight in SA is unlikely, and our ‘tour guide’ laughed out aloud.
Since in Moz our currency is accepted, we purchased local vests and shots. We ended our ‘mini tour’ by visiting a local lodge Fernando Nhaca Lodge that is usually teeming with international guests and took advantage of the weather by dipping into the warm, crystalline ocean waters, and the sand that caresses the soles of your feet, with only the blue of the water and the green of the low vegetation for company.
As the sunset- we boarded our ‘not so fast boat’ back to the Musica ship for more music and fun, as ladies and gents swapped their swimming costumes for designer labels as we headed to comedy night by Skhumba and his crew.
Having left all and sundry in stitches with his popular punch-lines, Skhumba, DJ Fresh and the ‘executive decision’ Euphonic gave away three- cabins to three lucky fans/passengers for the 2025 Oh Ship.
Oh, as some ladies from Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Namibia, alluded’ what happens on the ship, remains in the middle of Indian Ocean’.
So, begin your New Year on a high and tick that box by experiencing MSC Cruise ship- who knows you might end up doing the ‘Titanic…’
Today, the MSC Cruises fleet is made up of over 16 of the most modern ships to sail the seas, that provide guests with unrivalled levels of comfort, safety and state of the art digital technology that makes cruising an all round real time digital experience.
From now onwards, MSC Cruises will invest in 13 ultramodern, ultraluxury ships until 2026 that includes 13 new ships, built to standards unimaginable. From top tier services, entertainment, gastronomical experience and digital to make cruising a truly futuristic experience.
Muito Amor. Obrigado-Portuguese!
For further information visit www.msccruises.co.za
Top Image SLM (Passengers readying themselves to board the MSC Musica from the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, Durban).