STANDING at over 333m long and 66m high, MSC Splendida, is way too splendour.
After spending a weeklong in Durban for both launches of the Nelson Mandela Terminal port and the docking of her (MSC Splendida), one could easily sum up all the euphoria as ‘perfect’.
On Wednesday evening, while the President gave his keynote address, the MSC Splendida docked behind him overshadowing the Durban skyline, decks and cabins filled as the City prepared to welcome its incumbent.
On Thursday afternoon, we boarded the cruise boasting 14 public decks (each bearing the name of a famous Italian artist) connected by 25 lifts, with lounges, bars, restaurants, pools, shops and much more tucked in from bow to stern. That means a dizzying number of ways to occupy oneself in a crazy number of places and, yes, at times I did get lost more than I could recall.
As a result, I temporarily lost my handbag and having alerted security personnel, within a minute it was retrieved, a sign of urgency from the security.
“Don’t worry sir, we will get your property as soon as possible” remarked one gorgeous Italian lady, and indeed it was returned, not tampered with, nogal.
Aha, back to the Splendida- with my cabin facing the Atlantic Ocean, I got myself into swimming shorts and off I went, but this time I did not get lost, because a French butler (Viktor) was assigned to show me around.
With thousands of guests from Mafikizilo and Dr Victor and Rebels (provided entertainment), to politicians, influential business figures, top industry players’ and of course international guests (mainly old couples), the bars and pools were the point of reference.
With the sunset beckoning, I politely informed Viktor to go and attend to other matters, having made new friends since my arrival aboard the Splendida. And drinks flowed but unfortunately, the cigar lounge did not provide that ‘much needed’ cigar- so ‘next time you board make sure you have one handy’ I was advised.
This is what the Italian-born, Swiss-based line calls its VIP offering — “a ship within a ship” because Yacht Club “members” get access to places and services that regular guests don’t.
Imagine the swipe of a keycard towards the front of the ship, which opens a door, behind which you’ll find a private concierge desk, plus the quietest corridors with the best cabins on the highest decks, just imagine?
Built in 2009 and refurbished in 2017, Splendida is one of four ships in the line’s Fantasia class. When they launched, between 2008 and 2012, they were among the world’s biggest, and while new vessels get ever more inventive by the year, Splendida remains relatively large by cruise ship standards, with a passenger capacity of 4,363.
It is certainly younger and larger than the MSC vessels — Sinfonia (built in 2002 with a passenger capacity of 1,960) and Orchestra (2007, 2,550 pax) — that plied local waters for the ’22/’23 season. It is also the first to announce the Yacht Club concept.
MSC Cruises South Africa boss Ross “Zulu” Volk says the Splendida had around 2,500 passengers, from overseas who wanted to come to SA.
“They have chosen to come on the ship to Durban for a reason. There was a huge welcoming for the ship with thousands of people,” Volk said.
“So I think South Africa is an incredible place and tourist spot and we should learn to be more positive about the country.”
This is the youngest, largest MSC ship ever to summer in SA.
Splendida is a destination in itself — and the first to offer locals the exclusive ‘ship within a ship’ concept, quipped Volk.
If you fancy a more elite kind of treatment, starting even before you board with priority bag handling and a personal escort (by butler) onto the ship; bubbles before you get to your cabin; prime seating in the theatre; discounts in the speciality restaurants and spa; basically barely queuing anywhere, then the Splendida is for you.
Dressing up for dinner, it is compulsory, finish & klaar.
Young-ones who were accompanied by their parents- made sure they did dress up, so that effort do count, as Viktor returned to usher me to La Reggia restaurant on Deck 6, as soft, classical music played out in the background, whilst yours truly was humming the famous “my heart will go on” by Celine Dion, in the world’s chartbuster ‘Titanic’.
Dining spot was all class, waiters to pull out our chairs, pour wines, and jot down our picks from the three-course menu. The choices changed nightly, though a crisis of decision-making was almost always assured. Champagne risotto or cannelloni with veal? Herb-crusted tuna or filet mignon? Cheese platter or tiramisu? Such are the hardships of life aboard the cruise, I tell you.
Albeit unconfirmed, there might be SA menu in the offering such as boerewors, bobotie, bunny chow and Mrs Balls…
The MSC Splendida, has set sail in Europe, and alongside Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
Having sailed into SA waters now, it will port for the next few months in Durban, then Cape Town, offering several trips from SA mostly to Mozambique and Namibia before setting off back north on April 3 2024.
Unfortunately, I had to disembark as early as 6am on Friday, without attending to my breakfast at Bora Bora restaurant, since my flight was awaiting my presence back to Jozi.
But I made a promise to return and complete my mission- as a legend once uttered “what happens in the water, remains in the water”.
Let’s set sailing folks!
For bookings and more information visit: www.msccruises.co.za
Top Image (The sunset hues cast a beautiful light over the MSC Splendida at the launch in Durban).
