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View from bridge (black means night)bridge camera of the MSC Sinfonia (live)

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MSC Sinfonia cruise bookings

We offer the cheapest cruise prices, biggest discounts and best deal on the MSC Sinfonia (fill in the form below to test this). The Sinfonia has been offering passenger cruises in South Africa since Nov 2009, and in the 2013/2014 season there are a mix of cruises from Cape Town, from Durban and an epic 20-day cruise to Italy or 14 night Island Discovery Cruise.

Sinfonia besprekings in Afrikaans

Ukubhalisela uhambo ngesi Xhosa/Zulu

MSC Sinfonia Reservations

We are now taking bookings for the new 2013/2014 cruise season on the MSC Sinfonia.

MSC Sinfonia Cruise Enquiries

Name *
Email *
Phone Number
Number of adults - 18 years and older
If more than 20 people, please specify the number in the special requests field.
Number of children between the ages of 12 and 17 (but not yet 18 years old)
Please note that the child must still be under 18 at the date the cruise RETURNS to be included as an under 18
Number of children between the ages of 2 and 11 years
Number of infants UNDER 2 years old
Please note that the infant must still be under 2 at the date the cruise RETURNS to be included as an infant.
Please select your cruise(s) *
 SI01 - Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Lisbon, Funchal, Mindelo, Walvis Bay, Cape Town - 11 Nov to 30 Nov 2013 - from R6,460pps 
 SI02 - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban - 30 Nov to 4 Dec 2013 - from R1,859pps 
 SI03 - Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - 4 Dec to 7 Dec 2013 - from R2,879pps 
 SI04 - Durban,Portuguese Island, Anakao, Fort Dauphin,Durban - 7 Dec to 14 Dec 2013 - from R5,519pps 
 SI05 - Durban,Portuguese Island, Anakao, Fort Dauphin,Durban - 14 Dec to 21 Dec 2013 - from R5,999pps 
 SI06 - (Christmas Cruise) Durban,Portuguese Island, Anakao, Fort Dauphin,Durban - 21 Dec to 28 Dec 2013 - from R6,839pps 
 SI07 - (New Year Cruise) Durban, Ile St Marie, Reunion, Mauritius, Durban - 28 Dec 2013 to 9 Jan 2014 - from R16,448pps 
 SI08 - Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town - 9 Jan to 13 Jan 2014 - from R1,919pps 
 SI09 - Cape Town,Walvis Bay,Cape Town - 13 Jan to 17 Jan 2014 - from R2,339pps 
 SI10 - Cape Town, Mossel Bay,Cape Town - 17 Jan to 20 Jan 2014 - from R2,339pps 
 SI11 - Cape Town,Walvis Bay,Luderitz,Cape Town - 20 Jan to 25 Jan 2014 - from R3,659pps 
 SI12 - Cape Town, Nowhere, Cape Town - 25 Jan to 27 Jan 2014 - from R1,499pps 
 SI13 - Cape Town, Durban - 27 Jan to 30 Jan 2014 - from R1,439pps 
 SI14 - Durban, Nowhere, Durban - 30 Jan to 1 Feb 2014 - from R1,199pps 
 SI15 - Durban, Portuguese Island, Anakoa, Fort Dauphin, Durban - 1 Feb to 8 Feb 2014 - from R4,979pps 
 SI16 - Durban, Anakao, Ile Sainte Marie, La Possession, Port Louis, Fort Dauphin, Durban - 8 Feb to 22 Feb 2014 - from R10,699pps 
 SI18 - Durban,Portuguese Island,Anakoa,Fort Dauphin,Durban - 22 Feb to 1 Mar 2014 - from R4,979pps 
 SI19 - Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town - 1 Mar to 5 Mar 2014 - from R1,859pps 
 SI20 - Cape Town, Nowhere, Cape Town - 5 Mar to 7 Mar 2014 - from R1,199pps 
 SI21 - Cape Town, Mossel Bay,Cape Town - 7 Mar to 10 Mar 2014 - from R2,339pps 
 SI22 - Cape Town,Walvis Bay,Luderitz,Cape Town - 10 Mar to 15 Mar 2014 - from R3,659pps 
 SI23 - Cape Town, Nowhere, Cape Town - 15 Mar to 17 Mar 2014 - from R1,499pps 
 SI24 - Cape Town, Walvis Bay, Dakar, Las Palmas, Casablanca, Palma de Mallorca, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia, Genoa - 17 Mar to 5 Apr 2014 - from R6,460pps 
Number of cabins required
If you would prefer not to share one cabin, please indicate the number of cabins you require. Cabins on the Sinfonia sleep a maximum of 4 people.
Cabin position *
 Inside (no window) 
 Outside (window) 
 Balcony Suite 
Balcony suites can take three adults; OR two adults and one child; OR two adults and two children UNDER the age of 12
Are you on Honeymoon?
 No 
 Yes 
Are you 60 years or older?
 No 
 Yes 
A valid driver's license, ID or current passport will be required for validation at the pier.
Special Requests

Email cruises@southafrica.to if you're experiencing difficulties with cruise reservations.

Vir beskprekings in Afrikaans gaan na MSC Sinfonia Bootvaarte
Ukubhalisela uhambo ngesi Xhosa, thumela ku cruises@southafrica.to
umbuzo siNdebele sikuluma le email: cruises@southafrica.to

 

shore excursions
Current 2013 season

cruise ship FAQ

 

MSC Sinfonia leaving Cape Town Harbour, with Table Mountain in the background

News & History of the MSC Sinfonia

  • 22 May 2013. SouthAfrica.TO offers 5 MSC Sinfonia cruise prizes in an eTV competition.

  • 10 May 2013. Greeted by a horse show, the MSC Sinfonia arrives at Mahón on Friday, the capital of Menorca Island.

1 Mar 2013

Huisgenoot cruise on the MSC Sinfonia, from Durban to Portuguese Island

18 Jan 2013

The Sinfonia 2012/2013 cruise schedule is announced. She'll be arriving in Cape Town on the 11th November 2013.

28 Mar 2011

The Sinfonia makes its maiden stop at Port Elizabeth, as part of a 4-day Durban to Cape Town cruise, leading up to its repositioning cruise. The marketing director of MSC Starlight Cruises, Mr Allan Foggitt, said: "We are very excited about including Port Elizabeth in our itinerary. It gives us a rare opportunity to showcase the uniquely different characteristics of our three leading port cities to our foreign guests. Best of all it allows our loyal local passengers to join the cruise from their home port. Port Elizabeth and the surrounding areas in the Eastern and Southern Cape areas fits into this pattern as well and we are talking about people of all ages. Increasing numbers of couples are also celebrating their weddings or other romantic functions on board ship and cruising is always popular for corporate incentives and conferencing."

15 - 19 Nov 2010

Some footage from the Rainbow cruise on the Sinfonia

Aug 2010

Starlight Cruises introduces priority boarding on the MSC Sinfonia.

13 Nov 2009

The MSC Sinfonia embarks on its first cruise from Durban.

Nov 2009

The MSC Sinfonia cruises from Italy to South Africa via the Strait of Gibraltar.

9 Nov 2008

The MSC Sinfonia embarks on an 18-day cruise from Italy to Brazil; visiting Barcelona, Lisbon, Casablanca and Salvador de Bahia.

23 Nov 2007

The MSC Sinfonia visits Lisbon for the first time.

Mar 2005

The MSC Sinfonia enters service for MSC Cruises.

Jul 2004

The MSC European Stars is auctioned to MSC Cruises (a division of the Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company) for 220 million, and renamed the MSC Sinfonia (it is said to be inspired by great European symphonies).

19 Jan 2004

Following Festival Cruises declaring bankruptcy, the MS European Stars is impounded and laid up in Barcelona.

25 Apr 2002

MS European Stars has its first cruise to Barcelona.

18 Apr 2002

Newbuilding X31 is delivered to Festival Cruises in Saint-Nazaire, and the following day is named MS European Stars.

4 Mar 2001

Having been ordered by Festival Cruises, Newbuilding X31 (its yard number was X31) is launched in Saint-Nazaire (France) by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

 

Top Reviews of the MSC Sinfonia

30 Apr 2013

Craig tells us about their anniversary cruise to Mauritius on the Sinfonia, with his adventures including becoming a wedding photographer and swimming in the jacuzzi-like sea of the island.

30 Apr 2013

A romantic cruise from Durban to Inhambane on the Sinfonia - Riaaz & Nisha: "As nature lovers and people who appreciate the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants, we were in absolute euphoria. With increased jubilation, we decided to swim in the cool blue waters of the shores of Inhambane Bay. "

posing in front of the pool on the MSC Sinfonia cruise ship

29 Apr 2013

Amanda takes her family on a last minute Sinfonia cruise to Mauritius: "At the island we swam in the lagoon, ate (yes again!) underneath a little grass ‘roofy’ (don’t know what it’s called) drank ice cold local beer & lay on the white beach sand!"

29 Apr 2013

Fairouza wins a work cruise incentive and after a Mango flight to Durban finds herself on an MSC Sinfonia cruise...on stage...and getting now sleep!

25 Apr 2013

Zeenat enjoy a Sinfonia cruise to Maputo, and shared some photos.

24 Apr 2013

Amits shares photos of his Sinfonia cruise to Maputo and Portuguese Island.

31 Jan 2013

The cocktail menu on the MSC Sinfonia

1 Jan 2013

Heid Everett takes some stunning clickies of her cruise to Madagascar - a new year's cruise on the MSC Sinfonia.

Fort Dauphin in Madagascar

14 Dec 2012

Footage of the Sinfonia cruising into Cape Town, with the sun rising and views of the Table Bay Harbour Mouth, Devil's Peak, Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Signal Hill, the Table Bay Hotel, and passengers on deck watching her come in.

12 Dec 2012

Scott Quayle's first cruise is aboard the MSC Sinfonia, sailing from Cape Town.

10 Dec 2012

The MSC Sinfonia experience by Michael, on a cruise to Luderitz which was redirected to Mossel Bay.

10 Dec 2012

Cruise from Cape Town to Mossel Bay on board the MSC Sinfonia

3 Dec 2012

Alison's first cruise ever, and she reviews the Sinfonia from Cape Town to Walvis Bay.

July 2012

Video of an MSC Sinfonia Mediterranean cruise:

Louise's light lunch on the MSC Sinfonia
March 2012

Louise and Salvelio were invited on board the MSC Sinfonia in Port Elizabeth to enjoy a lunch cooked by "Sinfonia's splendid executive chef", Pasquale Scarpati. Louise ordered the creamy seafood risotto, " I had this as a first plate and found it scrummy, the risotto perfectly al dente and the prawns beautifully cooked". Salvelio opted for the main course of "succulent Marche-style leg of lamb".
Sinfonia at sunset
Photo taken by Mike Holmes

12 Apr 2011 MSC Sinfonia cruise ship

"We boarded the ship and as soon as we stepped into the reception area it hit me: "We're on a gorgeous cruise ship." Who gets to say that often? We were given all our necessary information and went to our suite. I don't think we will ever "grow up"... as soon as the door closed we let out a total girly squeal and just jumped around the room. Yes. I know. Don't judge ;-) The best part of the room for me was the balcony. Just amazing." Bailey Schneider

balcony cabin on the MSC Sinfonia

Durban - Portuguese Island
Feb 2011

A fantastic cruise after which I felt a yearning for another longer one, for more time spent sucking in the salt air off the azure waters of Portuguese Island. Highlights of the cruise were the snorkelling excursion and watching Stephen Cloete's stand-up comedy.

Durban - Maputo
Feb 2011

An often-missed but fascinating part of the cruise into Maputo is looking at the colonial wreckage of gun platforms on Xefina Island, as you cruise into the bay of Maputo, a stark reminder of the history of Mozambique. In Maputo we did a tour of the city (although our little one so loved being at the play area on the Sinfonia, that we had to leave the tour early), seeing the train station, the fort and the National History Museum (with the only collection of elephant foetuses in the world!).

Livorno - Durban
Oct 2009

AmoMondo cruise from Livorno (Italy) to Durban (South Africa) on the MSC Sinfonia, in a category 12 balcony cabin suite. The ship was expected to embark passengers and set sail by 11am from Livorno, before embarking more passengers at Genoa. She stayed on board at Monte Carlo, Dakar, Agadir and Casablanca, but visited Valencia, Walvis Bay ("we all absolutely loved this port"), Cape Town ("had a great time despite rather cool and windy weather") and Durban (stayed at the "Beverley Hills Hotel at Umlanga Rocks. This was a fantastic hotel right on the Indian Ocean which I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone").

Anne's cruise of a lifetime

Anne cruised from Genoa (Italy) to Monaco, Valencia Espana, Malta, Tunisia and Rome. deck of the MSC Sinfonia & pool

Design of the MSC Sinfonia

Two jacuzzis and 2 outdoor swimming pools. Inside the ship are 2 sit down restaurants, a library, a disco, 2 showlounges, a casino and a cafeteria.

Quotes

The following is usually included:

  • All Accommodation on board

  • All Meals on board

  • All Live Entertainment on board

  • Insurance

  • Port fees

  • Service fees

Excluded:

  • All Drinks

  • Transfers to and from the harbour

  • Any further item of a personal nature

  • Spa treatments

  • Any items not mentioned above

Port charges

R400 per person for cruises of 3 nights or shorter, R500 per person for longer cruises.

Cabins

There are 778 cabins on the Sinfonia, of which 135 have private balconies. The cabins are all equiped with televisions, air-conditioning, radio, mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, private safe and 24 hour room service.

Inside Cabin

Outside Cabins

Suites With Balcony

Category 1 - 5

Category 6 - 10

Category 11

Cabins (13 sq. m), disabled cabins are available (21 sq. m), single beds that can be converted into double bed (upon request, excluding cabins for the disabled), airconditioning, TV, telephone,bathroom with shower, minibar and safe.

The Sinfonia has 5 category 1 cabins, all of which are 4-berth (but bookings are sometimes available for 2 people to share one).

There are 14 category 2 cabins (2 are 3-berths and the rest are 4-berths).

Category 3 has a number of 2-berth cabins.

The highest inside cabins are the category 5 cabins on deck 10 (same deck as the balcony suites).

Cabins (13 sq. m), single beds that can be converted into double beds, airconditioning, TV, telephone,bathroom with shower, minibar and safe.

Category 6 cabins may have an obstruction to the view (e.g. a lifeboat). Category 6 cabins can only accommodation 2 people.

Suites with private balcony (22 sq. m), Double bed, airconditioning, spacious wardrobe, bathroom with bathtub, TV, telephone, internet connection (at a fee), minibar and safe.

Category 11 cabins can sleep a maximum of 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children (with the possibility of an additional infant).

MSC Sinfonia inside cabin

Sinfonia outside cabin

Sinfonia cabin with a balcony

Here's a photo of a category 4 inside cabin:

inside cabin on the MSC Sinfonia, category 4

Golf

Golf lovers can play miniature golf and use the golf simulator.

Tonnage & passengers

The MSC Sinfonia can host 2065 passengers, and weighs 58600 tons.

Entertainment

The MSC Sinfonia's entertainment team is known as the "dream team", they're mostly South Africans, and are headed up by the legendary Stephen Cloete. Here's their rendition of Big Bamboo:

Every night, and sometimes during the day, there's numerous shows on board.

Nationality of officers

Italian

Internet Acess onboard

Read through our detailed article about the internet access onboard the MSC Sinfonia

Embarkation procedure

Each cruise has a different embarkation time. You can enquire through cruises@southafrica.to or your direct agent for the embarkation times of your cruise. Check in opens 5 hours before and closes 1 1/2 hours before embarkation.
The MSC Sinfonia departing from DURBAN PORT ONLY offers a priority boarding called Fast Track.

Flying home

Once the MSC Sinfonia arrives in Durban harbour, clearance by port authorities and disembarkation can take a while, and it is recommended you book to fly out of Durban after 13h00 that day.
Click here for a detailed description of the disembarkation procedure.

Pronunciation

The Sinfonia is pronounced "Sin-fin-ee-a", NOT "Sin-phone-ee-a".

Halaal & vegeterian cuisine

Halaal meat is available and a vegetarian choice is served at meal times. Please inform your travel agent about your dietary requirements as this information needs to be added onto the booking. Unfortuanately, the MSC Sinfonia does not cater for Kosher meals.

Touch of class packages

Please specify in the reservations form whether you'd like one of these packages added on.

Packages

CODE

PACKAGE

DESCRIPTION

570

Romantic sunrise

  • Bottle Moet & Chandon champagne brut

  • 2 MSC souvenir flutes to take home

  • 2 freshly squeezed orange juices

  • Tray of selected croissanteries

571

Bon voyage deluxe

  • Bottle of Pongraz Cap Classique sparkling wine

  • Tray of cold canapes (10 pieces)

572

Bon voyage classic

  • Bottle of J.C. Le Roux Le Domaine sparkling wine

  • Tray of cold canapes (10 pieces)

573

Standard birthday

  • Sponge cake with filling and decoration (900g)

This package can only be presented and consumed in the main restaurants on-board.

635

Special moments package 1

  • Bottle of non-alcoholic Robertsons sparkling wine

  • Standard birthday cake

This package can only be presented and consumed in the main restaurants on-board.

574

Special moments package 2

  • Bottle of J.C. Le Roux Le Domaine sparkling wine

  • Standard birthday cake

This package can only be presented and consumed in the main restaurants on-board.

630

Fruit basket

  • 5 selected seasonal fruits

631

Fruit basket special

  • 7 selected seasonal fruits

632

VIP treatment South Africa

  • Bottle of J.C. Le Roux Le Domaine sparkling wine

  • Fruit basket special (7 selected seasonal fruits)

Wines

CODE

PACKAGE

DESCRIPTION

575

Classic South African

Selection

Four bottles of wine selected by our sommelier:

  • 1 Chardonnay

  • 1 Sauvignon Blanc

  • 1 Merlot

  • 1 Rose

  • 7 bottles of mineral water

This package can only be presented and consumed in the main restaurants on-board.

576

Superior South African Selection

Seven bottles of wine selected by our sommelier:

  • 3 white wines

  • 2 red wines

  • 1 Rose

  • 1 bottle of sparkling wine (J.C. Le Roux)

  • 7 bottles of mineral water

This package can only be presented and consumed in the main restaurants on-board.

Spa and Relaxation packages

CODE

PACKAGE

DESCRIPTION

Spa 1312

Relaxing Touch Spa

  • Personal consultation provided by the Spa Doctor

  • Welcome herbal tea

  • 30min Bali massage

  • Entrance to thermal spa for duration of cruise

Spa 1313

Relaxing Wave

  • Personal consultation provided by the Spa Doctor

  • Welcome herbal tea

  • 30min Bali massage

  • 30min relax facial treatment

  • Entrance to thermal spa for duration of cruise

Spa 1308

All Exclusive

  • Personal consultation provided by the Spa Doctor

  • Welcome herbal tea

  • 50min candle massage

  • 45min 'Himalayan Dream' massage with fossil salts from the Himalayas

  • 50min 'Aurea del mare' massage with shells

  • Entrance to thermal spa for duration of cruise

Something for the kids

CODE

PACKAGE

DESCRIPTION

636

Soda & Ice cream

  • 10 vouchers valid for soda in a can, fruit juice and take-away ice-cream

Sister ships

Other cruise ships the MSC operates from South African waters is the MSC Opera (the agent in South Africa is MSC Cruises). Have a look at our photos of the Rhapsody cruising into Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Other cruise ships of the MSC are the MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Melody (no longer in service), MSC Preziosa (latest edition), MSC Splendida, MSC Lirica, MSC Musica, MSC Opera, MSC Orchestra and the MSC Poesia (and if the MSC Poesia visits South Africa, the name alone will market it!).

MSC Sinfonia at anchor off Portuguese Island