Cruises to Mozambique from Durban 2019/20

2015-12-03 Rating 4/5: The best things in life are free – well, in this case a 4 night cruise complimentary from MSC Cruises and our company, South Africa Travel Online. When we heard we can test the waters for the first voyage of the renovated MSC Sinfonia to Maputo and Portuguese island, I couldn’t wait to pack my sunnies and flip flops for a quick breakaway.

We took off from Cape Town (not too early) on the Thursday morning and arrived in Durban just before 11. Our flight times were pretty well coordinated with the time we had to catch the shuttle to the port, as check in for our departure only opened at 11:30. Arriving at the area where the shuttles would pick us up (easy to find - next to the huge Mugg and Bean), one of the ladies working there told us that we will wait quite a while at the port and there are limited facilities available, so best to grab a bite to eat or relax at the airport first. We settled into holiday mode quickly with a cold draught (yes, Durbs is very hot and humid!) and then hopped on the shuttle at about 1pm.

Once at the port, we saw the excitement dampen down a bit. As you might know, a larger Sinfonia means a lot more passengers and all of them have to check in and go through immigration. Have to say, that R200 bucks for fast track was probably our best decision for the year. You can skip the lines at check in to go into a separate queue and we were fortunate that the one for immigration was very short as well. If you didn’t book fast track, prepare yourself for a wait. But don’t get worked up – best way to stay in holiday mode is not to get fussed. Take some water along and catch up with your cruise buddies or family. The cold cocktail once you get on-board will taste like heaven!

As you start embarking the ship, take a moment to marvel at the size of it. A gigantic hotel that can stay at sea for months through all kinds of weather conditions takes some impressive engineering. This is also the part where you can take shameless selfies – the holiday is officially starting! The crew is still busy distributing the checked luggage and preparing the cabins, so take the time to have a cocktail, explore the different areas of the ship, head to the pizzeria for a snack or register your card for payments. When you get to the cabin, a programme will be available so you can see what is on the line-up for shows or entertainment by the Dream Team (the entertainment crew). If you would like to watch a show at a specific time, there are kiosks where you can book it to ensure all of you have seats for that time slot.

We accidentally missed our dinner at 18:00, so decided to watch a show and then had dinner at the buffet. Food review? As you might know, the chefs prepare food non-stop for more than 2500 people, so don’t expect gourmet meals. But there are a lot of good options, so best to try all of it and then decide what you like. If you need a lot of fuel, you can dig in, as there is plenty for everyone. The excess of food can get overwhelming though and make you feel bloated, especially if you’re on the cruise for a few days. I liked the cold cuts and cheeses with fruit; the Indian food is also worth trying. The pizza is always a good call and made fresh (on the outside deck), but you also might not want to eat that the whole time. Balance is key. The seated dinners are quite nice, so if you can attend that, try to do so. If you didn’t get the dinner time you preferred (yes, it happens a lot as there are a LOT of people on-board), adjust your itinerary for the day accordingly.

So what is there to do on the ship? This holiday is meant to be relaxing, so we did a whole lot of that. If you like cocktails, it could be an interesting game to see who is the lucky one to get the next round, as the bars can get busy if the weather is nice. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, there is a gym and basketball court; if you like game shows, there are shows and games hosted by the entertainment crew during the day in the different lounges and allocated areas - plenty of activities next to the pool. The kids have their own club and for those that prefer a quieter time, there is even a library. There is a disco for the party animals where you can let loose and show your dancing skills - the best part is that if you have a wonky move, you can blame it on the ship! It does rock back and forwards a bit depending on the weather, so that makes it part of the fun. And after all that partying, relax with a massage or facial in the spa. They have lots of different packages available.

The second day of the cruise we arrived at Maputo – the capital of Mozambique. It is quite exciting to enter the port, as it shows a unique view of the city that you wouldn’t see otherwise. Once there, we could either take the MSC shuttle into town (about 20 USD) or get off and explore on our own. We decided to bargain for a good price with one of the tuk-tuk drivers. They started off with R150 for a return ride to the “Maputo Waterfront” (a popular restaurant) but I told them we only have R50. There were still lots of takers, so we got a guy that seemed the most decent. (Tip: Try to get someone who looks like they can speak some English or learn some basic Portuguese phrases for the fun of it beforehand -  their English is very limited. You can get by with miming, but a bit of effort goes a long way.) After our first stop, we asked him if he can drop us off at the central market. We didn’t realise that we had actually bargained for him to take us around all day – he took us to several places and acted as our guide, getting off with us as well or waiting outside. We saw some of the landmarks from colonial times and the market where lots of fruit, vegetables, fish (they have lots of fish as a coastal city), little bracelets and paraphernalia are being sold.

Maputo review? It was surprising to see that such an old city doesn’t have a lot of heritage. There are some monuments and museums, but all in all you can get off, take a drive or ride for a few hours and then head back to the cruise. We had sundowners at a hotel in Maputo with a view and some really good fish before heading back to the ship a bit later the evening. Our trusty guide got a bit more than he expected for a tip, as we were grateful that he spent the day with us.

The next day the weather conditions did not allow us to get off at the Portuguese island. The captain made this decision based on safety concerns, so though we were disappointed, we made the best of it. By drinking more cocktails of course!

All in all, we had a good time. When going on holiday, you are always out of your normal comfort zone and you have to deal with things that don't always go the way you planned. The best advice I can give you is to pack as little as possible, don’t fret about queues or too many people and enjoy the ride! It’s an opportunity to get away from normal busy life and spend time with your loved ones without any wifi  - yes, pretend like it’s 1995 and talk to each other! With that being said, hope you have a great cruise! Inari Prinsloo

2015-01-13 Rating 5/5: We had an absolutely fantastic time on this trip. The food and entertainment were absolutely lovely.Vasantha Govender

2014-01-04 Rating 5/5: My first time ever on a ship let alone this glorious cruise ship the MSC SINFONIA. It was February 2009 and my entire family, Mom, Dad, 3 sisters (2 with husbands) my nephew, his wife and kids (3) and myself and my 3 girls. From the moment we docked I was in ore the cabins the deck. The entertainment. It was non stop fun. The little kids we entertained by Pinnochio club which gave me lots of me time for massages, etc. The trip into Maputo in a local taxi was scary yet exciting and the Portuguese island what a beautiful one extremely hot. My husband had to work so he did not come. So I must make a trip with him and my girls soon. Sheneera Renga

2013-12-04 Rating4.5/5: I booked a cruise on the MSC Sinfonia from Durban to Madagascar. Due to bad weather conditions, our itinerary changed and we headed to Mozambique and the Portuguese Islands instead. I must admit that I was disappointed but after boarding that quickly changed. It became the most amazing holiday ever. From the food to the entertainment, I thoroughly enjoyed my vacation. The staff were so friendly and helpful and the services were excellent. I will definitely be travelling with the MSC Sinfonia again.Kerin Lisa Naidu

2013-10-01 Rating 5/5 : My husband always spoke fondly of his memories of a trip he had taken to Maputo and the Polana Mar Hotel +- 40 years ago with his friends. Last year I wanted to celebrate his 60th birthday in a special way but had left it until the last minute to make arrangements. I made some enquires and booked a cruise on the Sinfornia –leaving on the 18th April and return on the 22ND April 2011. (This was our first cruise) I can honestly say this was the best decision I could have made. He was extremely excited and surprised but unaware of the other surprises to come. We boarded on the 18th and settled in after a light lunch, then was requested to join in a life jacket drill – this was hilarious. We also had the pleasure of taking photographs with the Captain and met new friends for a formally seated dinner that evening . Day 2- his 60th birthday we joined a group to the market in Maputo, had lunch at a local yacht club (divine prawns with new friends again) and had “high tea at the Polana Mar Hotel where my husband got to relive his fond memories. We returned to the ship exhilarated. We had dinner, enjoyed dancing to the “bamboo” song in the Manhatten Bar, and made numerous requests for favourite songs. The following morning we awoke to an excursion to Barra Lodge. We met 5 young people (in their 20s) who decided that the “uncle “ looked extremely happy and wanted to join us. (The uncle had been drinking some of the rum and did look very happy.) We spent the morning perched on top of a boat on the upper floor sipping various cocktails. We enjoyed a wonderful sea food lunch with our young friends and returned to the ship feeling extremely relaxed. We had dinner and joined our young friends for some dancing on the upper floor. We had been advised to carry snacks – we realised there was no need, even at midnight there were hot pastries and lots of food. We had a choice of a formal dinner or buffet. We saw a show every night and joined in the dancing classes and other activities during the day (well I joined these while my hubby napped). Day 4 saw us relaxing by the pool and participating in the fun and games after breakfast. We had a late lunch and relaxed – purchased our photographs and were feeling a little down as we realised our trip was almost over. A quick trip to the casino, more dancing in the Manhatten bar, with hubby now and then sneaking off to watch some sport or catch up with the score on the floor above. Day 5 – we packed and was ready to leave when we were asked to fill out some questionnaires and make recommendations – I answered with regards to the elderly and my husband answered regarding seating at the shows- we were surprised to hear our names called – We had won a model of a Cruise Ship! My husband agreed he could not have had a better 60th birthday. Mala and Parma Pather

2013-08-30 Rating 5/5 : In February 2012, my family and I (12 people) embarked on a cruise on the Sinfonia. The heat and the humidity was challenging and our sun tan lotion was packed. After checking in we lounged in the reception waiting to embark. When the time came we entered the Sinfonia where the cool air welcomed us. We went to our cabins to freshen up and went on deck to watch the ship leave the harbor. We made our last telephone calls and updated our statuses before we lost communication with the outside world. Then we were off with the sound of horns. The next 4 days was total bliss. What can I say about the food. It was to die for. There was no thinking about the calories and kilograms, we left it behind in Durban. We had dinner with the Captain, all dressed up. The next morning we did some sightseeing and shopping in Maputo. The market was abuzz with people and the heat did not help. It was a relief to get back on the ship as it was so cool inside. The only disappointing thing was that we could not go to Inhambane due to the weather and spent the night drifting on the sea. The last night on the ship was the best. The chefs outdid themselves with the display of all kinds of food. WOW it was awesome. We danced until the sun came up. Then it was back to reality. It was truly an experience in a million, one I will never forget. I rekindled my passion and love for travel and cannot wait for my next cruise on the Opera. The service of all the staff was great and they were all so helpful. Thank you MSC Cruises Antonia

2013-08-02 Rating 5/5 : We went on the MSC Sinfonia to Portuguese Island & Barra Lodge & the trip was the best. I am going back in December on a cruise to Madagascar.  On the scale of 1 - 5, I give it a 5!  I am actually giving it a 10 hence I am going back in December! It was an experience of a life timeHope Maranyana

2013-06-11 Rating 5/5 : We went on the MSC Sinfonia and it was amazing. We did the cruise from Durban, Maputo, Barra Lodge and a day out at sea. It was a 4 night cruise and it was awesome.

I'm the type of person who enjoys good food as that maketh the holiday. Well didn't I have the surprise of my life. There was good food, good entertainment, sun, laughter, shows, you name it the ship had it. We went as a small group of six but are planning a much bigger trip in April 2014 and want to do the cruise from Durban to Cape Town as quite a few of the people coming haven't seen it yet. I have never experienced such value for money. The ship crew were absolutely amazing and entertaining. We were also lucky enough to see them off the ship at Gateway and even though they didn't have to they were still cool and took photos with us. There is nothing better than a cruise and its absolutely amazing when you go with friends and family and enjoy all there is to see. Roll on 2014. Can't wait to get on the Sinfonia again. Based on the splendour (sorry cant think of another word), the size of the ship, the crew, the FOOD, the entertainment.........I definitely rate it a 5. There was not a single bad experience on the ship. Even the bad was a good. My mother who is allergic to prawns didn't see the sign and ate some seafood salad. The doctor was absolutely amazing so amazing I told my mum that I wouldn't mind him being my dad. He was attentive, efficient and even had after care as he checked up on my mum the next day to make sure she was ok. Nemchem Bulawayo

Durban to Inhambane Cruise

2013-04-08. Rating 5/5 :It appeared to be what we would call a "Blue Monday"… On a dark cold Monday morning, the 8th April 2013, we embarked on a journey never to be forgotten. We had rushed to Cape Town International airport with anticipation and excitement. We had our baggage bubble wrapped, and zipped through Wimpy for breakfast on-the-go.

Mango flight to Durban

We boarded the Mango flight with absolute ease, until we had realised that this flight was going to be delayed. About a half an hour of anxious waiting for take-off, the pilot announced that they had counted 3 bags too many for the flight. We were told to climb off the plane and identify our baggage. Upon this tedious exercise we were informed that a passenger on the flight had entered the wrong plane. He was supposed to be on a British Airways flight. After this spectacle, and many distressed passengers later we took off into the Cape Town skies to soar into the horizon of the Durban landscapes.

Landing at King Shaka International Airport was both exhilarating and interesting. We received our baggage only to find that one of the suitcases had been badly damaged. At the Mango Baggage Assistance unit we were told that the claim could only be sorted out once we got back to Cape Town. Full of fury and disappointment we decided to continue our journey with an 18kg suitcase which had to be carried as the wheels were not functional and the casing had been cracked.

Getting to Durban harbour

From King Shaka International Airport we were transported by the MSC coaches to the Durban harbour. The drive to the harbour only increased the excitement, for this meant we were closer to the cruise; however we were not aware of the magical awakening which awaited us.

As we entered the port, the excitement exploded as we viewed the magnificent blue and white beauty stood parading her hierarchical structure…the MSC Sinfonia!

Once we followed all formalities, we embarked onto the majestically awed palace which would be our home for the next 4 days. With swift movements we sorted out our belongings and began exploring this amazing palace. Hearts beating faster and senses heightened we explored each level, each crevice and admired the inner exquisiteness of the MSC Sinfonia.

Leaving the harbour was a feeling never to be forgotten, for it was the feeling of this magnificent palace sweeping into the ocean with ease and grace and not forgetting the applauding of all on board whilst the horn of the ship roared into the silence of the sky.

As we set sail to the shore of Mozambique, we were kept entertained with humour, music and beauty which surrounded us. The excitement was unrelenting… As dawn appeared on the 9th April 2013, the shores of Maputo, Mozambique appeared in the horizon. People gathered on the highest decks to view the beauty which surrounded us, and we as the usual tourists, gathered amongst all to click away on our cameras, with the hope to capture all the beauty our eyes had beheld.

The Maputo city tour was interesting and informative. We had a friendly tour guide and a delightful tour group. We viewed many landmarks and learnt about the history of the city. We had the pleasure to shop at a curio market; this was both interesting and exhilarating.

I had learnt that I could "actually" bargain and with my newly acquired bargaining skills bought some curios as gifts for the family back home. Lunch at the harbour only meant a spread of prawns, consumed while overlooking the waves of the Mozambique waters crashing against the rocks.

Each evening on-board the MSC Sinfonia, our palace home…we were entertained in a theatre of dreams – watching shows with dances, opera, magical shows and lots of laughter. We even learnt the dances of the countries of the world in a hilarious and comical way. I had finally "let-go" and felt a relaxation which I would not have felt usually. Being totally obsessed with my cellphone, I was forced to let go due to no network coverage. This was both shocking as well as calming as I was able to have fun in a safe, secure and soothing environment. This was a comforting epiphany.

Wednesday, the 10th April 2013, entailed a day filled with exploration and adventure. Anchored in Inhambane Bay, we ventured out covered with the orange glare of a life jacket into a motor boat with only the deep blue ocean surrounding us. The speed of the motor boat allowed us to view the ship as a lesser significance as we convened a "wet-landing" on the warm shores of Inhambane Bay. The sun scorched and the tropical heat of these shores welcomed us as we entered onto the warm sand beds. We had booked 2 excursions, namely a snorkelling with seahorses experience as well as quad biking, only to find disappointment knocking at our door. We were told that the snorkelling with seahorses was overbooked and therefore we were taken off the list as we had another pre-booked excursion. Disappointment overwhelming, a feeling of helplessness and bit of wanting to complain to someone remained for a short while before deciding to explore the beauty of our surroundings together. This trip was OUR trip and nothing would get us down…besides we still had the quad biking on the list of "to-do".

Soon our exploration had commenced and the overwhelming bliss of appreciating nature had taken over. We walked many kilometres, from Barra Lodge to Flamingo Bay. (In fact we still debate how many kilometres we had walked that day). We inspected crabs, starfish, octopus and sea snail which we videoed in the Flamingo Bay lagoon. 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. Lunch followed with a quite interesting concept…Prawn in a Mug! Delicious lemon buttered prawns and calamari with a spread of rice filled us for the day as we still had much to do…and off we went to the quad bikes.

Riaaz experienced his first quad bike experience, gracing the dunes of the Bay. We raced passed the villages up to a forestation to view the entire bay. My heart was racing, faster than a cheetah; however this experience was adventurous with the aim of enjoyment. Totally worth the wait! We definitely explored all the beauty of Inhambane Bay – a beautiful, island-like city. Exhausted but fulfilled from the activities of the day, we continued back to the ship for more on-board activities.

Day 4, the 11th April 2013 – the MSC Sinfonia set sail back towards Durban in rough seas. The graceful ocean had turned into dark blue resentful seas. Resentful, as we felt this jubilee coming to an end as the trip would soon be yet a memory. I had a bit of motion sickness but it soon was overcome once I explored the decks to view the beauty of the swells crashing against the ship. This was not going to let us down as we continued with our ventures of magic shows, musicals and a roar of laughter from a talentless show where the crew performs and ensure the humour has been embedded.

12th April 2013, our final morning consisted of an early awakening before sunrise. We sat drinking coffee on the 12th deck of our palace for the last time, to view the MSC Sinfonia dock in the Durban harbour. A sadness overcame us as we accepted that this remarkable trip was coming to an end, but never to be forgotten. We had met exceptional people, made lasting friendships and learnt things about ourselves which will remain for an eternity.

Ushaka Marine World

However – this is not the end, we still had planned a day at Ushaka Marine World as vacationers; concluding a holiday in true South African style. The day began at the Wet n' Wild theme park experiencing the thrill of heightened slides and tubes as water splashed around us. However this was not the epitome of the day. We had booked a snorkel adventure in the snorkelling lagoon and the I&J Ocean Walker Experience… The snorkel lagoon held many surprises for us…for was we snorkelled we found that the tank was 3 metres deep. I was not at all experienced and ready for this so I snorkelled at the reef where I could feel safe as Riaaz ventured out into the deep viewing the beauty of colourful fish and coral with the exhilarating experience of a shark just a length away from his hand. Excitement oozing and a health "high" created eagerness for our next adventure. As we completed indemnity forms for the I&J Ocean Walker experience we were informed that decompression would be a factor as we were flying in the next 5 hours. Once again disappointment overcame us. The supervisor of the experience however exceed our expectations by allowing us to experience the
Shark Cage diving experience at a reduced rate. We were beyond words as we dived into a cage which was situated in a tank filled with vicious predators of the sea. We also had the great opportunity to view the magnificent and graceful dolphins at the dolphin show. These extraordinary mammals left us in awe of their intelligence and beauty.

Our first holiday was truly one of many which will never be forgotten. The main lesson which we had learnt was that we never allowed any obstacles to come our way. Even though disappointments were felt, we triumphed through other experiences which were not anticipated. The lesson is that even though many things might go wrong we realised that there is a reason for all things that happen and in the end we had a choice to either be the victim or the victor…and as the reader of our journey, as you experienced this through our eyes and words, in the end it is up to you to decide which one we chose…

From Nisha and Riaaz – "No beauty can capture what the eyes can see…but the memories will live on forever in our hearts…"

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