Cruising to & from Port Elizabeth
Hats off to Starlight Cruises for their impeccable timing - as part of our Durban to Cape Town cruise aboard the MSC Rhapsody, we closed in on Port Elizabeth harbour at around 0630, making for a photographer's dream, with the sunrise lighting up the city from behind the Rhapsody as it chugged towards the harbour.
The sun rises over the deck of the Rhapsody cruiseliner as it slowly makes its way to Port Elizabeth. |
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A couple gathers on the (windy) deck as the cruiseliner approaches Port Elizabeth (PE). |
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We had from 0900 until 1530 (the time of the last bus) to wander around Port Elizabeth. |
The entrance to The Boardwalk shopping centre and casino from Marine Drive. |
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This is the nearby boardwalk from which the shopping centre and casino got its name. There were a number of people swimming (out of picture) and the water is reasonably warm. 
The dam at The Boardwalk shopping centre and casino complex 
"The Boardwalk welcomes passengers of MSC Rhapsody Cruiseliner" - message we saw when arriving at the Boardwalk. |
Water rides at the Boardwalk (with water pistols to squirt each other with). |
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With its attractive prices and great position next to the Boardwalk and Hobie Beach, the Road Lodge is a good choice to stay at in Port Elizabeth.
The Bell Tower near Port Elizabeth's harbour offers beautiful views from the top. |
The Beach Hotel in Port Elizabeth is situated in the Summerstrand area on Beach Road (Marine Drive). |
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A British Airways plane comes in to land at Port Elizabeth Airport
The Courtyard Hotel in Port Elizabeth is situated on Marine Drive. |
MSC Rhapsody about to dock in Port Elizabeth harbour. |
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In the top middle we can see a lighthouse and to the right of it the Elizabeth Donkin memorial. |
Hobie Beach in PE is right next to the Boardwalk casino, and had lifeguards. |
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The Port Elizabeth Garden Court hotel, situated just off Marine Drive near King's Beach, stands above other buildings in the area and the higher floors must have spectactualar views. 
A lifeboat of the MSC Rhapsody and the lighthouse end of the MSC Rhapsody in the background. |
Moorings being put in place for the MSC Rhapsody at Port Elizabeth harbour. |
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Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth (note the Boardwalk Shopping Centre & Casino in the background) 
The warehouse we went through after arriving at Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay). |
PE City Centre in the background, tugboats docked in the harbour in the foreground. |
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The Imonti tugboat guided the MSC Rhapsody into Port Elizabeth harbour. 
PE harbour mouth's lighthouse and dolosses seen as the MSC Rhapsody leaves port. |
Passengers watching as the Rhapsody cruises out of Port Elizabeth harbour. |
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Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth 
The Rhapsody cruises out of PE harbour with its dolosses on the right. |
The Imonti tugboat pulls & pushes the Rhapsody out of Port Elizabeth harbour. |
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"Welcome to the Port of Port Elizabeth" (and Port Control Tower in the background) 
The Protea Hotel Marine in Port Elizabeth
Passengers on the Rhapsody looking at the Mulanje. |
The Safmarine Mulanje Felixstowe in PE. |
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MSC Rhapsody in PE harbour 
Safmarine Mulanje in Port Elizabeth harbour with the Port Control Tower in the background 
Summerstrand part of Port Elizabeth
The Boardwalk Casino in the Boardwalk shopping centre complex. |
Hobie Beach with the Boardwalk shopping centre & casino in the background. |
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The Beach Hotel in Port Elizabeth 
The Village Guest Lodge 
Whilst on the MSC Rhapsody one can watch all sorts of harbour activity.
Here's the harbour cranes unloading the Safmarine Mulanje 
Springbok Atlas bus which took us to PE Boardwalk |
Tugboat pulling Rhapsody out of its moorings |
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Rhapsody leaving Port Elizabeth harbour mouth. |
Rhapsody's sun deck with PE in the background |
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After leaving Port Elizabeth, we cruised to Cape Town.
MSC Sinfonia & Melody
Did you enjoy cruising on the Melody? Why not try the MSC Sinfonia or Melody.