OURS is to expand and foster relations with all regions worldwide, says Ross Volk, managing director at MSC Cruises South Africa.
He was addressing media corps at the company’s luncheon, outlining future objections of MSC Cruises SA, at the extravagant Saxon Hotel, just outside Sandton, on Wednesday.
Volk, who is known as “The Zulu” amongst his peers, for his proficiency in the Native language, also indicated the latest MSC Magnifica will be calling in South Africa and Namibia for the first time as part of her 2025 World Cruise.
Fortunately, we have a good relationship with the regions we conduct business at, he responded when posed to him what kind of the relations they have with Mozamabique that has been engulfed by political unrest.
“Moz is our tourism destination and our guests love it; hence we have an oversubscription of the demand on our cruise. This is because we have managed to open good relations with all the stakeholders, from political to business, hence we’ve never reported any incident thus far in relation to what happened in Moz,” quipped Volk.
Apart from Mozambique, we’ve made it our mandate to operate freely at all regions we operate business at, he continued.
On the MSC Magnifica, the ship will be visiting the Gqeberha, for the very first time, and Cape Town ports on the 14 and 16 April respectively, before her maiden call in Walvis Bay, Namibia on April 18.
“MSC Magnifica’s stops in Africa highlight MSC Cruises’ growing confidence in the region’s ability to accommodate and support our ships. Cruise passengers from around the world eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore these sought-after destinations.
With 3,000 international visitors on board, MSC Magnifica will provide a significant boost to local tourism, bringing valuable economic benefits to communities through onshore spending.
It’s also exciting to see increasing interest from local travellers in our international cruises. For those looking to embark on a global voyage, MSC Magnifica is just one of 23 exceptional vessels in our fleet,” says Volk, who also demystified the perception that cruise is only for the rich, old whites.
To celebrate MSC Magnifica’s inaugural calls to ports in South Africa and Namibia, MSC Cruises South Africa will host a series of select onboard events, including crest exchange ceremonies.
These ceremonies are a longstanding maritime tradition, symbolising goodwill and strengthening relationships between the ship, local port authorities and surrounding communities.
On board for the Gqeberha to Cape Town sailing – a highlight of the South African itinerary – will be South African celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel.
As guest chef, for the second time with MSC Cruises, Riffel has once again curated an authentic menu with local flavours to be served onboard MSC Magnifica for guests to enjoy.
His first stint as guest chef was on board MSC Poesia in 2024 during the ship’s World Cruise, South Africa itinerary, which was very well received by guests on board.
“I enjoyed working with the MSC Cruises team tremendously the previous year. To be back again this year is amazing and I can’t wait to work alongside the chefs on board and to treat the passengers to some local Cape flavours.
The menu will comprise seafood for the starter and the flavours of spice that are synonymous with Cape cuisine. Then we will have lamb and a beautiful gorgonzola polenta with a rich red wine just before ending with a South African favourite, malva pudding,” commented Riffel excitedly.
On the Shosholoza Academy- Volks indicated their projection is to have 5000 local graduates to be part of this exciting career.
MSC Magnifica, part of the Musica class, can accommodate 3,223 passengers in 1,259 cabins.
On board, guests are spoiled for choice with world-class amenities, including 11 uniquely themed bars and lounges, five gourmet restaurants, an opulent spa, indoor and open-air pools, and dedicated themed venues for kids and teens. The ship also boasts a vibrant disco, a thrilling 4D cinema, and a grand 1,200-seat theatre featuring live performances by world-class entertainers.
MSC Magnifica’s 2025 World Cruise commenced on the 18 January and includes visits to amazing destinations in Florida, Chile, Australia, Senegal and Italy.
Image SLM (MSC Cruises SA head-honcho Ross Volk, addressing media corps during luncheon at the five-star Saxon Hotel, outside Sandton. The luxurious hotel also played home to the late Zimbabwe Pres Robert Mugabe during his series of visits to SA).
