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Cruise ship FAQ

Careful planning will go a long way to ensuring this is your most memorable holiday so take a little time to go through our list of “Frequently Asked Questions”
to let us help you create your own checklist.

Can I be contacted when I am at sea?

All ships in the MSC fleet have a Satellite telephone on board. This service is VERY expensive and should be used for emergencies only.

Cruise Ship:	Telephone:	Fax:
MSC Musica	+ 870 764 614 354	+870 764 614 352
MSC Sinfonia	+ 870 335 671 611 / 621	+870 335 671 614 / 623

What are the most important things to take with me?

Your cruise tickets, passports, unabridged birth certificates and other supporting documents when travelling with children under 18. Spending money, camera, sun cream and essential medication are the most important things to carry with you.
Note: Keep your passport on you as you need to present it to Immigration Officials before boarding ship. Keep your medication and all valuable items on you or locked safely in your hand luggage.

What Travel Documents do I need?

CRUISE TICKET (E-TICKET AND EMBARKATION FORM)
Cruise tickets, along with any tickets for additional services are issued at least 21 days prior to your departure. You will be required to print off your E-ticket, which includes your Embarkation Form to be present at the harbour for embarkation.

Note: It is important that the Embarkation Forms are completed in Full and that all the information has been verified as correct before presenting this Form at the port for embarkation as any errors or omissions on the Embarkation Forms will result in delays in embarkation. (When travelling as part of a group each passenger is to arrive at the port with their own Passenger E-ticket and Embarkation Form in hand). If you have not received your tickets 7 days before the date of departure please call us at the MSC Office where your booking was made.

Special circumstances for collecting tickets on Departure:
If you have booked close to departure and there isn’t enough time for us to e-mail your ticket, you will need to proceed to the information desk in the terminal and show your cabin number as stated on your booking invoice.

EMBARKATION FORM
The embarkation form must be printed out on a seperate page to the e-ticket, and filled in. If the information on your embarkation form has been filled in correctly, then it will be stamped with a green stamp. An incorrect form will be stamped with a red stamp.

PASSPORT
NEW TRAVEL REGULATIONS RELATIONT TO TRAVEL WITH CHILRDREN Following the accouncement of Regulations put into place by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding travelling with children in and out of South Africa, please take urgent note of the below summary in regard to documentation required when travelling with children under 18 years.

In addition to the relevant passports for all passengers travelling, passengers must produce the below when travelling with Children Under 18 years:

Both parents travelling with child (ren) under the age of 18 years have to produce a full/unabridged birth certificate for the child (both parents’ details must be on the birth certificate).
One parent travelling with child (ren) must, in addition to the unabridged birth certificate, provide a letter of consent from other parent in the form of an affidavit or custody agreement confirming permission to travel with child (ren).
One parent travelling with child (ren) and other parent passed away must, in addition to the unabridged birth certificate, produce death certificate of deceased parent.
Guardians travelling with child (ren) must, in addition to the unabridged birth certificate, provide a letter of consent provide affidavits from parents giving permission for child (ren) to travel.
Original unabridged birth certificates only will be accepted (no copies or certified copies will be accepted)
South African citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA. Diplomatic Passports are not accepted for leisure travel
Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

Failure to provide these documents will result in being denied boarding.

Every passenger (adult and child) will need a valid passport to clear immigration at the Port.
NO PHOTOCOPIES ARE ACCEPTED.
• South African citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.
Exceptions:
The only exception is for cruises that do not leave South African waters as in a “Cruise to Nowhere”; “Mossel Bay Cruise” and Cruises from Durban to Cape Town and vice versa. For these cruises an official photo Identification is
required – your PHOTO ID, Passport, or in the case of children, an original birth certificate is required. For some destinations passports are required to be valid for 6 months after your return from your cruise - please check with the relevant Embassy.

Do I need Visas and Vaccinations?

Mozambique
South African passport holders do not require visas or vaccinations for Mozambique. Foreign passport holders will need to obtain a visa at a cost of US $25. This can be obtained on board and does not have to be prearranged.
(SADAC passport holders do not require a visa for Mozambique.
The following passport holders are not required to pay the Visa Charge for Mozambique: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.)

Mauritius
South African and British passport holders do not require visas for Mauritius.

Mossel Bay
For these cruises an official photo Identification is required – your ID Book, Passport, or in the case of children, an original birth certificate is required.

Walvis Bay, Namibia, Luderitz
South African and British passport holders do not require visas for Walvis Bay. All passengers require valid passports for Walvis Bay, Namibia.

POSITIONING CRUISES (GRAND VOYAGES) FROM EUROPE TO SOUTH AFRICA & INTERNATIONAL CRUISES

The Passenger must have a valid and appropriate passport and if necessary, a valid and appropriate visa or permit (collectively “Travel Documents”), for all scheduled Ports at which the Cruise Ship is scheduled to stop for the duration of the Passenger’s Cruise.

MSC is not responsible for ensuring that the Passengers have all necessary Travel & Health Documents. The Passenger must present the necessary Travel /health documents for inspection as required on entering and exiting any Port. MSC Cruises SA may provide you with guidelines only, and all passengers are to refer to the relevant Embassy/Consulate to ensure that they have the most current information in relation to travel documentation required to enter any port at which the cruise ship is scheduled to stop.

Is there a cooling off period when I book a cruise and want to cancel?

If MSC has approached you in person, by post or electronic communication to offer to sell you a cruise ticket and as a result, you purchase a cruise ticket from MSC, within 5 business days after the date which you pay the deposit, you may cancel your cruise ticket booking without any charge by giving MSC a written notice of cancellation. MSC shall within 15 business days after receiving your notice of cancellation, refund to you the deposit and any other amount which you have paid to MSC for your cruise ticket.

How much luggage can we take?

There is no weight restriction for cruising, but only HAND luggage which can be carried over gangways and kept in a cabin is allowed on board. We recommend you take smaller bags so as not to clutter your cabin area. Please label your luggage very clearly with your Name / Surname and Cabin Number BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL AT THE CRUISE TERMINAL. Labels must be fixed to all of your main luggage items as you will be handing them over during check-in; for delivery to the ship. Please ensure that all bags are securely locked and that NO VALUABLES OR BREAKABLES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.

Safety and Security of Luggage:
Please do not put any valuable or fragile items in your main luggage. (Please refer to insurance wording on www.msccruises.co.za for description of “valuables” in terms of cruise insurance policy). Items such as cameras, perfumes, video cameras, jewellery, medication, documentation such as passports and ID cards, money and credit cards should be carried in your hand luggage and kept with you at ALL times. Your luggage must be securely and properly packed and distinctly labelled with your name; contact details and cabin number. MSC shall not be liable for any loss, damage or delay in the delivery of any luggage onboard a cruise if it is not securely and properly packed and labelled.
MSC is not liable for any loss or damage to your luggage or the contents of your luggage whilst onboard the cruise or in the custody or under the control of any port or Service provider. Unless instructed otherwise by the staff onboard a cruise ship you must not at any time leave your luggage unattended. If you do so, the cruise staff may remove and/or destroy such luggage. Your checked luggage will be screened and delivered to your cabin during the course of the afternoon on the day of sailing. Due to high volumes, please allow 2-3 hours after boarding for your luggage to arrive at your cabin. Checked luggage that is screened and found to contain alcohol will be set aside and passengers will be recalled to the terminal to identify their bags, from which the alcohol will be removed and disposed of. In order to avoid any delay in the departure of the ship, luggage found to contain alcohol and which is not identified by the owner will not be loaded on to the ship and will be held at the terminal for collection by the passenger on conclusion of their cruise.

What do I do if I find that my luggage has been damaged?

On board: Should you find that your baggage has been damaged during the embarkation process, please approach Guest Services onboard and request a “Lost/Damaged Luggage Form”. A staff member from Guest Services is to sign and acknowledge that the damage has been viewed by them and has been reported to them.
On disembarkation: Please approach the information desk at the port where an MSC Cruises Representative will hand you a copy of a “Lost/Damaged Luggage Form” that the Representative will sign acknowledging damage to the luggage.
It is important that these procedures are followed if passengers are considering instituting a claim from their travel insurance for loss or damage of luggage.

How do I make sure I don’t “miss the boat”?

All passengers must embark at least 3 hours prior to sailing, please check the embarkation times on your tickets to ensure that you embark timeously. For all WALVIS BAY departures check-in and embarkation closes 2 HOURS prior to sailing and all passengers not on board 2 hours prior to sailing will risk missing the ship.

What time will we have access to our cabins on embarkation day?

Cabins will be ready at 13h00 on the day of embarkation. We recommend you carry on a small bag with a change of clothing, swimming costume etc in order that you may begin to relax at the pool before your cabin is available, or you have received your checked luggage in your cabin.

Can my family and friends come on board to see me off?

Regrettably no visitors are allowed past security control in the passenger terminal. The ship security staff is always present during embarkation and disembarkation and follow international security regulations in the monitoring of passengers and baggage. Our security is your security!

What is the best way to travel to Durban?

You can fly to Durban Airport and take a shuttle service to the harbour or drive by car and leave your car in secure parking at the port.

What if I am flying from Port Elizabeth or East London?

For passengers flying in from the coastal areas, especially Port Elizabeth and East London it is suggested that you book a flight the day before and enjoy the added excursions that we offer in Durban, as unfortunately we have witnessed many delays on the same day departures which have resulted in passengers missing their cruise.

What about Parking at Cape Town port?

Parking facilities are not available at Duncan Dock. Parking at the Clock Tower area is also no longer available. Secure parking is available at Portswood Square and Breakwater at the V&A Waterfront. These are however situated on the opposite side of the Waterfront and are not walking distance to Duncan Dock . Parking rates are determined by the car park rates. Drop and go is therefore recommended at Cape Town port.

Which flights should I book to Durban to ensure that I arrive in time to embark?

We recommend that you book flights to arrive no later than 4 hours prior to sailing as any delays in the flights could cause you to miss the ship. Please refer to the recommended check in times under “How do I make sure I don’t miss the boat”. Please check the embarkation times on your Cruise Tickets in order that you are at the port well in advance of sailing.

Flying home after the cruise: The ships arrive back into the ports between 05h00 and 06h30 on the final day of your cruise. If you plan to fly home on the same day as your return to port, we recommend that you don’t book flights out before 11h30am on that day.

How do I get from Durban Airport to the harbour and back?

There is a continuous shuttle transfer service between King Shaka International Airport and the Port when the ship is in harbour. You can pre-book your return shuttle transfers via the MSC website by logging in to your MYMSC profile and adding the shuttle transfers to your booking, or by contacting the sales consultant that you have made your booking through. Shuttle transfer tickets are also on sale at the airport on the day of the cruise departure, and onboard the ship for disembarking passengers. Children under 3 travel free on the transfer – provided they do not take a seat (they would have to sit on parents’ lap). The driving time is 45-60 minutes per way.

The first shuttle will depart from King Shaka International Airport for the port at 08h00 and the last will depart the airport 3 hours prior to the ship departure time. For the return shuttle from the port to the airport the first shuttle will depart the port at 07h00 and last shuttle will depart 08h30 for the airport.

How do I get between the Airport or Hotels in Durban and the Port and back?

Taxis are plentiful and are a relatively inexpensive way to get around. MSC have negotiated Private transfer rates for passengers who have booked their pre/post cruise hotel accommodation with them.

The rates for Durban hotels that have partnered with MSC are as follows (hotels unavailable from 21 Dec - 05 Jan/21 Mar - 02 Apr):

Hotel Choice	Per room / night
Garden Court South Beach (Standard Queen)	R 1100
Garden Court South Beach (Family Room)	R 1300
Southern Sun Elangeni (Standard Queen)	R 1600
Southern Sun Elangeni (Family Room)	R 1800
Garden Court Umhlanga (Standard Queen)	R 1500
Garden Court Umhlanga (Family Room)	R 1600

The private transfers booked will depart the Hotel booked through MSC Cruises for the port between 10h00-10h30. For the return the private transfers will depart the port at 08h00 for the Hotel. These private transfers Must be pre-booked at the time of Reservation. Private transfer rates are as follows:

Transfer Option	Price (per person)
Airport to port shuttle or v/v	R 145
Airport to Garden Court South Beach and the Elangeni Hotel or v/v	1 -2 pax - R280 per person 3 - 4 px - R270 per person 5 - 7 pax - R200 per person
Beach front hotels to port or v/v Garden Court South Beach & Elangeni (Pick up between 10h00 and 10h30)	R 110
Umhlanga Hotel to port or v/v Garden Court Umhlanga (Pick up between 09h00 and 09:30)	R 175

If I arrive by car can I park at Durban harbour while I am away?

Car parking is available only in Durban on a first come first served basis. The parking fees for the 2017/2078 cruise season are R120 per vehicle per night, which will be converted into USD at the actual exchange rate and will be added to your onboard account. (please note that the fees quoted are per season and valid for the 2017/18 cruise season only and are subject to increase for any subsequent seasons). On arrival you will receive a parking receipt. All vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk and MSC Cruises will not be liable for any loss or damage to any vehicles or articles therein, through any cause whatsoever. Drivers are required to sign an indemnity at the Port.

How do I get from Cape Town Airport to the harbour and back?

There is a continuous shuttle transfer service between Cape Town Airport and the Port when the ship is in harbour. Pre-booking your return shuttle transfers on our website by logging in to your MYMSC profile and adding these shuttle transfers to your booking, or by contacting your cruise consultant. Children under 3 travel free on the transfer – provided they do not take a seat (they would have to sit on parents’ lap). The first shuttle departs the Airport for the port at 08h00 and the last shuttle will depart at least 3 hours before the ships departure time. For the return shuttle from the port to the airport the first shuttle departs the port at 08h30 and at 09h30 (Walvis Bay Cruises) and the last shuttle departs the port at 13h00 for the airport.
MSC are able to arrange Private Transfers between the Airport and the Harbour at the following costs:
1-2 Passengers: R 280 per vehicle per way
Must be pre-booked at the time of Reservation.

How do I get between the Airport or Hotels in Cape Town and the port and back?

MSC have negotiated Private Transfer Rates valid only for bookings made through MSC for the Southern Sun Waterfront. Airport/hotel transfers are able to be booked. The shuttle will depart the hotel for the port at 10h00. For the return the shuttle will depart the port at 08h00 for the Hotel. Must be pre-booked at the time of Reservation. (Prices will be quoted together with the hotel rates at the time of booking)

Passenger embarkation
Embarkation in Durban takes place at N Shed – Durban Harbour. Embarkation in Cape Town takes place at E Berth, Duncan Dock. (Driving directions are on the MSC website www.msccruises.co.za.)
Facilities at the Ports are VERY limited, and a lengthy wait at the Port is not necessarily the ideal way to start a good holiday. Embarking passengers will not be permitted to enter the Durban port main gates before 0800am as the port Authorities will not permit entry before this time. As all cabins have been assigned prior to the day of departure, no real purpose is served in arriving at the Port prior to the check-in times stated on your E-ticket.

Check –in and embarkation times do occasionally vary and are set and regulated by immigration officials and custom control authorities. We like to remind our guests that the Port facility is maintained and operated by the National Ports Authority (NPA) and not by MSC Cruises.

Group Embarkation
You will be advised of Group check-in procedures by the Groups Sales Agent handling your booking. It is important to note that each Group Participant is to arrive at the port with their E-ticket in hand in order to be permitted access through the main gates at the port. Tour Leaders are not permitted to arrive with all the group tickets for distribution and check-in at the port as this will result in delays in embarkation.

Do I need to take precautions for Malaria?

Mozambique and Madagascar are Malaria areas. It is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist or a Travel Clinic if you have any concerns.

Can I travel while pregnant?

Yes, provided you do not reach or exceed the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy during the trip. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, before going on a cruise it is advisable to consult a doctor who will be able to establish whether the guest is fit to travel. Please take special note of the Insurance Policy Wording in respect of Pregnancy, available online at www.msccruises.co.za.

Does it matter how old I am?

Children:
A maximum of 2 children under 18 are permitted to share an I2 or O2 Multiple berth cabin with 2 adults. In the Balcony Suites onboard a maximum of 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 only are permitted. The age of a passenger is calculated at the day of departure and the relevant cruise fares and mandatory charges applied. Travel may be refused or costings adjusted if the date of birth on the child’s passport differs from the age given on the E-ticket or Passenger Embarkation Form.
Minors:
A person under the age of 18 years may not board any cruise ship unless accompanied by an adult. The Responsible adult shall be fully responsible for that minors conduct and behaviour. Minors may not order or drink alcoholic beverages or participate in gambling activities onboard a cruise ship. At all times when on board a cruise ship, a minor must be supervised by the responsible adult, and may participate in onboard activities provided that the minors are accompanied by the responsible adult. The responsible adult will be responsible to MSC for any loss or damage suffered by MSC, including damage to the cruise ship and/or damage to and/or loss of any furnishings, equipment and other property belonging to the cruise ship which loss or damage is caused by the Minor who is under the care of the Responsible adult.
70 years and older:
Passengers over 70 years of age do not need to provide a doctor’s certificate verifying their fitness to travel, however they are advised to study the Insurance brochure available on www.msccruises.co.za very carefully as there are very specific exclusions for passengers over 70 – whether preexisting conditions exist or not.

Can my infant share my cabin with me?

Infants are classified from 0-1.99 years of age and may share the existing bedding in the cabin. A release will need to be signed agreeing to these conditions of travel. If you need a cot for your infant please ensure that it is requested at the time of booking as there are limited cots on board. Alternatively you may bring your infant’s camp cot on board with you.

How do dinner sittings work?

On most cruises, there are two sittings for dinner. An alternative Casual Dining Buffet is available for families or passengers who prefer more casual dining. Please check onboard as to which restaurant will be serving the Casual Dining Buffet (generally served from 18h00-20h15). Dining room tables accommodate 8, 6, 4 diners, and so passengers are assigned to dining tables and times to be seated with fellow travellers – no private dining is available. Tables are assigned for the duration of the cruise. From 2017/18 Cruise season MSC MYCHOICE Dining is available for all passengers booked in the Balcony cabins or Suites.

What is myChoice Dining?

myChoice is a new dining option available to Balcony/Suite Guests only. This new feature allows Balcony/Suite Guests to enjoy a more flexible schedule. A reservation is required each day for the panoramic Il Covo Restaurant (Operating hours of 18h00 and 21h00). For a group of passengers traveling together in differing categories including Inside/Outside/Balcony/Suite, the guests in the Balcony/Suite cabins can elect to forego the myChoice dining and request to be seated with their friends and family for the regular main or late sitting in the Main restaurant. Note: Your preference of dinner seating, either 1st or 2nd is a request ONLY at the time of booking, and your table number and allocated dining time is only confirmed to you upon embarkation. If you want to sit with friends and family, please request this at the time of booking. Lunches and breakfasts are generally open sittings and guests can choose between a casual buffet and the more formal restaurants for their meal.

How do theatre bookings work?

Seating for the preferred show times is required to be reserved once onboard. Kiosks are available throughout the ship to pre-book your preferred show time. It is important to note that this can only be done onboard and theatre sittings cannot be reserved before you have embarked the ship. Please take note of your dining times assigned on your cruise card at the time of embarkation, when proceeding to reserve your theatre tickets in order to ensure that the timings do not clash with you designated dining times.

Are we able to have Lunch on the day of embarkation and Breakfast on Disembarkation day?

Lunch is served on the day of embarkation and passengers embarking by 12h00 are able to enjoy lunch on board on that day. Breakfast is served on the morning of disembarkation between 06h00 and 08h00. All passengers are required to vacate their cabins by 06h30 on the morning of arrival back into the Port.

Is the General Emergency Drill compulsory?

A General Emergency Drill for all passengers and crew will be held before the ship sets sail. Your attendance is compulsory according to International Safety Laws governing ships. Please listen very carefully to all announcements and read the emergency instructions posted behind the cabin door. During the Emergency Drill all the ship’s services are closed.

Q Do you cater for special dietary needs?

A vegetarian choice is served at each meal time. Kosher meals are catered at an additional cost per meal, and must be ordered at least 90 days prior to sailing. It is important to advise MSC Cruises of food intolerances; diabetic requirements etc at least 90 days prior to sailing by completing and submitting the Special Needs form to the Sales Agent handling your booking. MSC Cruises cannot be held responsible for providing Special dietary needs onboard where special dietary requirements have not been advised to MSC on the required document at least 30 days before sailing

Can we take liquor on board?

In keeping with the policies adopted by cruise lines throughout the world, personal supplies of alcohol will be confiscated if found in passengers luggages or if observed in passengers cabins. Luggages will be thoroughly searched before embarkation. No exceptions will be permitted. Liquor purchased onboard at the duty free will be held until disembarkation. (Liquor confiscated will NOT be returned at the end of the cruise.) Alcohol bought by guests ashore during the cruise will be returned at the end of the cruise.

Are there regulations in respect of purchasing alcoholic beverages on board?

You may purchase alcoholic beverages onboard the cruise ship. MSC shall
not sell any alcoholic beverage to a Minor during the cruise. MSC may refuse
to serve you an alcoholic beverage if in MSC’s opinion you may be a danger
and /or nuisance to yourself or other passengers on the cruise ship.

Consuming liquor on Port Authorities property

The ports of both Cape Town and Durban harbour are “Alcohol free
Zones”. The carrying and consumption of all alcoholic beverages on any port
property or access road is an offence and any passenger failing to comply
with these security regulations will be escorted from the property.

Can we take food on board?

MSC follows the most rigid procedures to ensure food safety. For this reason
and to prevent the introduction of food borne illness, guests and crew may
not bring on board any beverage or food items.

What beverages, if any are included and are available 24 hours?

Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee (by dispenser only); decaffeinated coffee & selection of teas (at dispenser area).
Breakfast Buffet: Ice, cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; concentrated juices; instant coffee; decaffeinated coffee; tea; milk.
Breakfast Dining Room: Products offered as per “Dining room breakfast menu”: Selection of teas and infusions; American coffee; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; hot chocolate; whole or semi-skimmed milk; fruit juices.
Lunch Buffet: Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk.
Lunch Dining Room: No free beverage service.
Tea time / afternoon snack: Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk.
Dinner Buffet (when in place): Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk.
Dinner Dining Room: No free beverage service.
Midnight snacks (when in place): Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk.

Can I take my firearm on board?

Cape Town and Durban harbour are gun-free Ports. Firearms, weapons and sharp objects are not permitted in the Port area or on board. Any passenger failing to comply with security regulations will not permitted to board the ship.

How can I stay in touch with friends and family back home?

Mobile phone
Mobile phones rely on signal received from cell phone towers, thus cell phones have no signal at sea. Occasional signal is picked up while cruising along the coast. Many foreign Ports do have signal, but your phone will need to be enabled for International Roaming so please consult with your service provider before you leave.

On board communication facilities
There is an onboard satellite telephone and fax facility but this is expensive and should be reserved for emergencies only. Internet facilities are available onboard at a charge.

Will South African electrical appliances work on board?

The ships run on both 110v and 220v. The plug sockets are American (110v) and European round 2 pin (220v). The South African 3 pin plug will require a European 2 pin round adapter. Hairdryers are available in the cabin.

Is there a Doctor on board?

The ship has a medical facility staffed by a Doctor and nursing personnel. This is a private service and all consultations are charged for. Please note that the medical facility does not operate as a pharmacy and a consultation with the Doctor is required prior to any medicine being dispensed. We highly recommend that you take all necessary medications onboard with you. Please note the mandatory cruise insurance included in your cruise fare does not cover this Doctor. Please also be advised to check with your Medical Aid Scheme prior to departure whether they will reimburse you for any visits to the Doctor on board realising that the Doctor is not a South African Doctor and does not have a practice number, and that you will be within International waters at the time of visiting the onboard Doctor.

What if I get sea-sick?

There is so much to do that most passengers don’t even think about getting seasick. However, a very small percentage of people are susceptible to motion sickness, which is caused by the confusion of the senses, mainly sight and balance. If you are predisposed to motion sickness, several excellent nonprescription drugs (eg: Stugeron, or Avonmine) and various homeopathic remedies are available on the market. It is best to start taking this medication 24 hours prior to cruising. Fresh air and being on deck are excellent natural remedies. Movement of the ship is also reduced with stabilisers.

What if I have reduced Mobility?

All decks and public areas and tenders (not PTB’s) are designed to be as accessible as possible for guests with reduced mobility.

Do onboard Staff receive special training in providing assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility?

All on-board staff receives special in-house training so that they are aware of the needs of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility and are able to give them the necessary assistance.

Can a passenger with reduced mobility travel alone?

Yes, provided he/she is fully independent. otherwise, he/she must travel with a carer who can provide the necessary assistance.

How can I let MSC know about my Special needs?

MSC Cruises should be informed of all special needs via the Special Needs Form to be submitted to MSC Cruises no later than 30 days before the intended cruise departure date in addition to the form, a medical certificate confirming that the passenger is fit to go on a cruise may be requested.

Could MSC Cruises refuse my booking or deny me boarding?

This would only happen in the interests of ensuring the safety of guests and the crew, which is of paramount importance.

What if I need help on board?

The information/reception desk is open 24 hours. There are several heads of department who can also attend to your queries depending on what assistance you require.

Fitness to travel?

When booking you warrant that you are physically and mentally fit to travel onboard a cruise ship for the duration of the cruise. MSC may at any time require you to provide it with a Doctor’s letter certifying that you are fit to travel aboard the cruise ship.

What if I have a complaint whilst onboard?

Any Passenger with a complaint whilst on a Cruise must bring it to the attention of the Cruise staff onboard as soon as possible. If the Cruise staff are unable to resolve the problem, any complaint must be notified in writing to the Company within 14 (fourteen) days of the termination of the Cruise. Failure to report the complaint within this time may adversely affect the Company’s ability to deal with it. Complaints relating to any other part of a package must be made promptly to the Company or the supplier.

What if I am celebrating a special occasion?

Congratulations! If you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion. MSC have a range of special packages which can be pre-purchased to ensure that your celebration onboard is a memorable one. To book or for more information on the prices and inclusions contact your cruise consultant.

Purchasing Photos and DVDs of our Cruise

There will be many photo opportunities on board, the Ship’s photographer captures many special moments on film. These photographs are put on display and are available for purchase on board. A DVD of your cruise is also available for purchase on board. Please note that at the end of each cruise the photos and DVDs that have not been sold are destroyed, we are therefore unable to obtain any copies of Photos or DVDs for you once you have disembarked the ship.

Is there an activity programme for youngsters?

For more information on activities for youngsters contact your cruise consultant. Two special clubs, the Miniclub for Sailors 3-6 years old and the Juniors Club for Pirates aged 7-11 are centred on the designer-themed facilities of a dedicated Miniclub on board, staffed by professional entertainers who leave your children free to explore and socialise under their expert supervision, while also offering a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities:

Youngsters and Teenagers

MSC doesn’t treat youngsters and teens like kids. A dedicated teen area provides fantastic supervised facilities where teens can meet up and do their own thing. Young adults have a massive choice of activities to help make new friends and enjoy various activities together. Give your child the power and pleasure of spending anywhere on board, just as they please, within limits you decide. Gift them a Teens Card

Personalised prepaid debit card for children aged 7 to 17
Choice of prepayment options:
- $30 with bonus credit gift of $5
- $50 with bonus credit gift of $10
Ask onboard for the Flyer with the order form and description of all the benefits of the Teen card.

Is there babysitting on board?

MSC Babycare Service: MSC has thought about mums and dads too, offering you the opportunity to drop your children off at the Mini Club where they will be looked after by qualified and dedicated staff who will let them play. Subject to prior booking onboard, limited availability, for children between 1 and 3 years old (not inclusive). Available at selected times, exclusively when the ship is AT SEA: Completion of a registration form is required. Ask the Mini Club staff once you’re on board. Nappy changing and feeding must be provided by parent Due to Insurance Regulations, private babysitting is not available on board.

MSC Baby Time For Mum’s and Dad’s to spend together with your child at the Mini Club, which is reserved for our youngest guests (under 3 years old) for hours and hours during the day, allowing them to play with you and other children of their own. In the meantime, you can make friends with other parents holidaying with their children. You can enjoy the Mini Club, a dedicated facility for young children, with your child at these times* Available at selected times on port days as well as when the ship is AT SEA.

How much money do we need?

Meals and entertainment are included in your cruise fare. You will need spending money for drinks (15% bar service charge is levied on all bar and on all restaurant bills); Duty Free Shopping, Photos, Gambling – including Bingo; Laundry, Beauty Salon and any optional shore excursions you would like to book. All prices onboard are in Euros on Cruises Southbound from Europe to S.A. and in US Dollars on all cruises in and around S.A. and from S.A. back to Europe.

The cruise card eliminates the need to carry cash onboard, giving you “swipe-and-sign” access to all onboard products and services and is also your personal ID card, your cabin key and your “cruise credit card” during your holiday. Do not lose this card! In the event that you do misplace your card, you must proceed to Reception as soon as possible to have it replaced and to have your old card voided to avoid possible unauthorised charges being made to the card. On request, any cards (for a family for example) can be linked to a master account. Children under 18 can enjoy a taste of independence with a Teen-card, our exclusive pre-paid card which they can use for purchases onboard and also as their cabin key (please take note of the denominations available for purchase and also the T&Cs of purchase as these are non-refundable).

Cruise Card / How do we pay for goods & services?

Every passenger (including children) will receive a personalised Cruise Card which is required to be shown to the Security personnel at the gangway to be permitted to go ashore or return to the ship. This card is also your personal ID card, your cabin key and your “cruise credit card” during your holiday. Please note under our new MSC Voyagers Club. Programme your cruise card also becomes your membership card for the MSC Voyagers Club.

How do I pay my expenses onboard using my cruise card?

The cruise card eliminates the need to carry cash onboard, giving you “swipeand-sign” access to all onboard products and services. You are required to activate your cruise card/s (only 1 member per family need do this) once you have embarked the ship. This then opens up your onboard account and your cruise card can be used for onboard purchases. For all onboard purchases you will present your cruise card and sign for these purchases which will then be added to your onboard bill to be settled in full on the night prior to arrival back in the port at the end of your cruise. It is important to note that it is required that you activate your cruise card before 11pm on the night of embarkation. Limited purchases will be permitted until to enable you enough time to activate your cruise card.

How do I activate my Cruise card using my bank Credit Cards?

You must register your credit card at one of the Cruise Card Activation Points (CCAP) onboard. This can be done at any time from embarkation until 11pm on the night of embarkation, although your cruise card is active from the minute you board. We accept Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Diners, JCB, American Express and Discover cards. It is also possible to use a debit card (at the CCAP) to make a deposit on your cruise card, or leave a cash deposit at Reception/Guest Services onboard. Remember that your childrens’ cards will also be activated for purchasing, so please ensure that they do not use them without your permission. Children under 18 can enjoy a taste of independence with a Teen-card, our exclusive pre-paid card which they can use for purchases onboard and also as their cabin key (please take note of the denominations available for purchase and also the T&Cs of purchase as these are non-refundable).

An itemised statement will be sent to your cabin at the end of the cruise, and you may check your account at any time during the cruise. Remember that if you pay by credit card you can enjoy the speed and simplicity of our express checkout prior to disembarkation. It is very important that when using a debit card or cash, that any credit left on your cruise card is requested to be refunded at the Reception onboard before disembarkation as this cannot be processed from the shoreside office. The CREDIT CARD on-line system will request an initial pre-authorization of USD 150 (the currency in force onboard) (Euros on Ships sailing from Europe to S.A.). The on-line system will then automatically ask for incremental USD 100 single authorization as soon as your expenses exceed the amount of the pre-authorization. On the night before disembarkation 2 copies of your onboard bill will be delivered to your cabin.

You will be required to verify and sign only 1 copy of the bill that you will receive in your cabin, and deliver that signed copy to the reception desk before disembarking the ship. The 2nd copy will be your passenger copy to take with you. It is important to note that the pre-authorization is only an estimate of the amount that could be utilised during your time onboard. This pre-authorisation is not an actual debit and the amount is BLOCKED on your credit card for the period of 7-15 working days after your disembarkation. After this period has lapsed your bank automatically releases the pre-authorised amount. The only amount actually debited to your credit card will be the amount that corresponds with the invoice signed prior to disembarkation.

Can I use my cruise card for purchases at the ports of call?

No. The cruise cards are only used to charge expenses and purchases to your onboard bill, and have no value besides for purchases and expenses onboard the ship. For these destinations you would require credit cards/ cash / travellers cheques etc as you would normally when travelling.

What money do I use in the Casino?

The Casino only accepts CASH. The Casino does not accept credit cards or cheques. Casino vouchers can only be cashed out on board at the casino. No vouchers can be cashed after disembarking the ship.

Are there ATMs (Automatic teller machines) onboard?

There are no ATMs on board the ships or in the ports. It is therefore important that if you wish to draw cash that you do so prior to arriving at the port and/or embarking the ship.

Is there a bank on board?

The Accounting office does not work as a bank. Small amounts of European currencies and Travellers Cheques can be changed on board at the Accounting Office – commission charges apply. Credits on your cruise card may not be “cashed out” during the cruise. Any credits on your cruise card are paid back only at the end of the cruise when each guest settles their onboard bill. *Reminder: cash is paid back only against cash deposits made and not where credit card pre-authorizations have been authorized.

What about a service charge?

During your cruise you will meet staff throughout the ship who will provide you with excellent service. They are supported by just as many staff and crew who work hard behind the scene to ensure that you enjoy every moment onboard. Hotel Service Charges will be prepaid at the time of booking based on the below amounts:
Southbound Cruises - from Europe to South Africa 2017
Adults 18 years and over R 171 per person per day
Children 12 - 17 R 171 per person per day
Children 2 - 12 R86 per person per day
Children under 2 years No Service Charge applied
Northbound Cruises - from South Africa to Europe 2018
Adults 18 years and over R 171 per person per day
Children 12 - 17 years R171 per person per day
Child 2 -12 years R86 per person per day
Child under 3 years No Service Charge applied
All other Cruises departing a South African port 2017/2018 Cruise season
Adults 18 years and over R 115 per person per day
Child 3 years and over R 35 per person per day
Child under 3 years No Service Charge applied
(Example of charges – a 3 night cruise is calculated as 3 DAYS)
Note: A 15% bar service charge is automatically added to all purchases in all Bars and all Restaurants

Mandatory Charges	Adult	Children 13 - 17	Children 2 - 12	Children under 2
Price for Two Nights
Port Charges	R500	R500	R500	R500
Insurance Fee	R45	-	-	-
Service Fee	R230	R230	R114	-
Total Cost	R775	R730	R614	R500
Price for Three Nights
Port Charges	R600	R600	R600	R600
Insurance Fee	R60	-	-	-
Service Fee	R345	R345	R171	-
Total Cost	R1005	R945	R771	R600
Price for Four Nights
Port Charges	R700	R700	R700	R700
Insurance Fee	R75	-	-	-
Service Fee	R460	R460	R228	-
Total Cost	R1235	R1160	R928	R700
Price for Five Nights
Port Charges	R700	R700	R700	R700
Insurance Fee	R90	-	-	-
Service Fee	R575	R575	R287	-
Total Cost	R1365	R1275	R987	R700
Price for Seven Nights
Port Charges	R750	R750	R750	R750
Insurance Fee	R120	-	-	-
Service Fee	R805	R805	R399	-
Total Cost	R1675	R1555	R1149	R750
Price for Eight Nights
Port Charges	R950	R950	R950	R950
Insurance Fee	R225	-	-	-
Service Fee	R920	R920	R456	-
Total Cost	R2095	R1870	R1406	R950
Price for Eleven Nights
Port Charges	R950	R950	R950	R950
Insurance Fee	R300	-	-	-
Service Fee	R1265	R1265	R627	-
Total Cost	R2515	R2215	R1577	R950

What about tipping?

No tips are requested onboard.

UNICEF Donation

MSC Crociere supports an innovative UNICEF programme to combat poverty and inequality by helping ensure disadvantaged children in Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo gain quality education. Guests are invited to “get on board for children” and make a difference by offering a small donation. This can be as little as € 1 (or $ 1.50), which will be added to the bill at the end of the cruise. However this small donation, valid on all ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, is of course optional. Therefore, passengers may freely decide whether to increase, decrease or cancel it, communicating their decision to the Accounting Office before 22.00 of the last day of the cruise. For more information please read the informational brochure left in every cabin or go to www.msc-unicef.org.

Q Can we snorkel at the destinations?

Yes, but please take note that there is no gear available onboard to hire, and if you intend to snorkel, it is advisable to bring your own. Barra Lodge and Portuguese Island do offer a snorkel excursion with gear hire included from a local source although fin sizes and condition of equipment are not guaranteed. A limited range of snorkelling equipment will be available for purchase at Durban harbour prior to boarding the ship.

Are landings guaranteed?

Landings are weather dependent and the sea conditions dictate whether a successful landing can proceed or not. The Captain has the final say as to whether a landing will proceed or not based on the information he has in regard to sea and weather conditions, and with the safety of the passengers and staff onboard as his primary concern.

Q What about shore excursions?

Shore excursions can be pre-booked (but not paid) on our website www.msccruises.co.za. Please take note of the cancellation policy before proceeding with any online bookings for shore-excursions. The charges will be added to you onboard account to be settled onboard. These excursions fill up very quickly so it is recommended that you go to the Shore Excursion desk as soon as possible after boarding to see what shore excursions are on offer and to pre-book.

Do I need take bath and beach towels?

Bath towels and pool/beach towels available on board.

What is the Dress Code?

During the day casual wear is encouraged although no bathing suits are permitted in the main restaurant. A buffet breakfast and lunch are available on deck should you prefer casual dining. Evenings are generally smart casual (from 18h00) with a formal night on any cruise 4 nights or longer. Every cruise has a PARTY NIGHT where guests are encouraged to dress up bright & bold and anything goes. Although the summer evenings are generally warm, it is advisable to bring a light jumper in case of a sea breeze or to wear indoors as most venues are fully air-conditioned.

What is the difference between available and guaranteed cabin?

Guaranteed cabin is a cabin whose price is guaranteed but whose number and category are allocated at a later stage. The advantage of guaranteed cabins is that guests may qualify for a free cabin upgrade. Cabin numbers and categories are allocated 1 week before departure. Cruise tickets cannot be issued until a final cabin number has been assigned’, and tickets are therefore only issued 1 week prior to sailing

Can I request Double / Single beds in the cabin?

The beds on board MSC Sinfonia are generally convertible lower beds, which means that the cabin can be set up either as a double or as 2 singles as required. In some instances the cabins have a “wedding bed” (double bed) only and cannot be converted to 2 single beds.

Can we get married/renew our vows onboard?

Weddings onboard are not legal and are merely “ceremonial”. You will therefore have to be legally married in a civil service prior to having your wedding onboard. There are 3 packages which can be pre-paid for Weddings/ Renewal of Vows onboard. Please refer to the website for further information on the packages on offer and the inclusions.

Can I take the Mandatory cruise insurance off of my cruise fare?

MSC Cruises has a mandatory insurance charge which is designed exclusively for cruise passengers. This charge, which is very reasonable, is required for all passengers travelling on cruises in and around South Africa. The insurance covers the repatriation of passengers from the vessel as there are no ports of call in reach of the vessels on the routes which they sail. This insurance is not optional and we are required to pay the policy for ALL passengers travelling.

Is the Mandatory cruise insurance included for positioning cruises:
i.e. South and Northbound cruises?

This insurance is NOT included and all passengers on these cruises are to obtain their own fully comprehensive Travel Insurance and to provide such proof to MSC Cruises. No cruise documentation will be processed until such time as this proof has been received as no passengers will be accepted for travel without Travel Insurance in place.

GLOSSARY OF CRUISE TERMINOLOGY THAT WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR TRIP

Aboard: On board or on the ship. Used when referring to being or doing something on the ship

About: To turn the ship around

Abreast: To be alongside something – usually another ship or a dock

Add-on: An additional charge to the cruise fare that usually refers to airfare, transfers or land tours

Aft: Back of the ship

Air/sea package: A package deal that includes the cruise price, airfare and transfers between the airports and the ship

All hands: All the crew members working aboard the ship

A la Carte: Dining by ordering items listed individually on a menu

Amidships: The middle section of the ship

Ashore: On land. The opposite of aboard

Astern: Toward the back of the ship or behind the ship

Balcony: A private balcony adjacent to the ship’s stateroom/cabin

Beam: The width of the ship at its widest point, usually right across the middle section of the ship

Bearing: The compass direction the ship is sailing, expressed in degrees

Berth: A built in bed or bunk in the cabin; or the place where the ship is docked in the port

Bow: The front part of the ship

Bridge: The location where the captain and crew controls the ship; where navigation and steering occur

Buffet: A meal at which passengers serve themselves from various dished displayed on a table or sideboard

Bulkhead: The structural wall in the interior of the ship

Buoy: A marker or float used to identify navigational landmarks or channels

Cabin: A passenger room on board the ship- sometimes called a stateroom

Cabin steward: The person who cleans the cabin

Cast off: The release the ship from her mooring

Category: The price level of a cabin based on location, size and amenities

Channel: The deepest part of a river or harbour

Coastal cruises: These are 3 night cruises from Cape Town to Durban and vice versa – down the S.A Coastline

Companionway: A stairway inside the ship that connects deck levels

Course: The ship’s route from one port to the next

Cruise card: Your on board cruise card which serves as both your ID and on board charge card for purchases made on board which are billed back to your cabin

Cruise Director: Head of the ship’s entertainment staff, often emcees events on board

Cruise Scam: Refers to the offer of a cruise trip of cruise holiday package under false pretences, and such an offer is designed to deceive in order to spam people or to swindle them

Cruise to Nowhere: These are 2 night cruises from Durban out to sea and back to Durban and from Cape Town out to sea and back to Cape Town. Passengers do not disembark the ship at any point – It is simply a round trip out to sea and back to the originating port.

Davit: A steel structure that hoists lifeboats over the side of the ship

Debark: To go ashore

Deck: Each level (floor) of the ship

Disembark: To leave the ship and go ashore

Dinner seating: The time a passenger is assigned to a particular dining venue on the ship

Dock: A large structure or excavated basin for receiving ships, equipped with gates to keep water in and out; A place to moor the ship

Double Occupancy: Refers to a cabin shared by 2 people

Draft: The depth of water needed to sail so that the ship doesn’t touch the ocean floor (the draft is measured from the waterline to the lowest part of the ship, usually the keel)

Embark: To go aboard the ship

First seating: The earlier of the two meal servings (dinner seating) in the ship’s main dining room – also referred to as the main seating

Fleet: A number of ships under the same ownership Fore,

Forward: The area towards the bow of the ship

Funnel: The ship’s smokestack

Galley: The ships kitchen

Gangway: Ramp or stairway between the ship and the shore while the ship is docked

Hand: Crew member

Handicapped cabins: Cabins that have been especially designed for passengers with disabilities

Head: Bathroom

Helm: The ship’s steering equipment located on the bridge

Hold: The ship’s cargo area

Hotel Manager: Shipboard director of hotel operations such as housekeeping and passenger services

Hull: The outside shell of the ship from the main deck down to the keel

Inside cabin: A cabin/stateroom that does not have a porthole, window or balcony

Keel: The chief structure of the ship that extends lengthwise along the centre of the ship’s bottom i.e.: the ship’s backbone

Knot: The measurement of the ship’s speed. One knot is one nautical mile per hour

Landing: The transfer of passengers from the ship to the shore via Zodiacs where there is no port or dock for the ship to come alongside such as for Portuguese Island and Barra Lodge

Latitude: The distance North and South of the equator expressed in degrees

Leeward: The side of an island or ship that is sheltered from the wind

Life Boat: One of the small boats carried by the ship for use if the ship must be abandoned

Life Jacket: A buoyant device for saving a person from drowning by keeping the body afloat.

Lines: The ropes used to tie up the ship while it is at the dock

Longitude: The distance East or West of prime meridian expressed in degrees

Lower beds: Beds located at ground level in the cabin – not bunk beds which are recessed into the wall

Lower berths convertible: Cabins on board Sinfonia all have 2 lower beds – convertible to double. This means that a specific cabin number does not need to be requested in order to have double bed in the cabin. Housekeeping will make the beds up as a Double or 2 singles as required.

Maiden Voyage: The very first voyage of a new ship

Maiden Call: The first port of call on a ship’s maiden voyage

Master: The person who is in charge of the ship, the captain

Mini Suite: The smallest, most affordable suite on the ship, often with just a curtain diving the living and sleeping areas

Moor: The hold the ship in place with lines at a berth

Muster: To assemble all passengers and crew

Muster station: A meeting place on board the ship that usually refers to the area where one would go to get into the lifeboats in case of an emergency

Nautical mile: A unit of measurement equal to one-sixtieth of a degree of the earth circumference

Ocean view cabin: An outside cabin/stateroom with a porthole or window

On board: Located on the ship, carried or used on the vessel

Open seating: A meal seating in which tables are not assigned

Outside Cabin: A stateroom/cabin with a porthole, window also referred to as ocean view

Passageway: A hallway inside the ship

Passenger to crew ratio: The total number of passenger divided by the total number of crew members

Pitch: The forward and backward rise and fall of the ship as it moves

Port: The left side of the ship when facing forward; also the harbour where the ship docks

Porthole: A round window on a ship

Port of call: A port at which the ship anchors, moors, and the passengers are allowed to disembark

Positioning cruise: A one-way itinerary that brings a ship from one region to another at the change of the cruise season

Private transfer: Transportation from the airport to the port and vice versa that is not scheduled and must be requested and booked individually

Promenade: An open deck that encircles a ship, often used for walking or jogging

Purser: The officer on board who serves as a financial or administrative manager for guest services

Pullman: A bunk bed that either folds away against the cabin wall or into the ceiling during the day, and is folded down at night to accommodate the additional passengers in the cabin

Quad: A cabin that accommodated 4 passengers

Roll: The side to side movement of the ship

Screw: The ship’s propeller

Second seating: The later of the two meal servings (dinner sittings) in the ship’s main dining room – also referred to as the late seating

Separate Lower beds: Not all cabins on board Melody can be converted to Double beds. Some are separate lower beds and are fixed. For this reason it is important at the time of booking to advice the bedding configuration required in the cabin to be booked.

Shore excursion: A tour guided activity in which guests participate whilst ashore

Shuttle transfer: Transportation from the airport to the port and vice versa. Works on a rotation basis so as the one minibus/coach fills up and leaves so the other arrives to load passengers and transport them.

Single Supplement: An extra charge solo travellers pay to have just one person in a cabin

Sister Ships: Ships built of the same design- sometimes referred to as ships owned and operated by the same cruise line

Sofa bed: A sofa/couch that is folded out to make up an additional bed in the evening

Stabilizer: A retractable arm located below the waterline mid-ship, which can be extended to help reduce the ship’s roll in rougher sea conditions

Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward

Stateroom: A cabin

Stern: The back end of the ship

Suite: The largest class of stateroom/cabin, features separate living and sleeping areas

Tender: A small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore. Tenders are used when the harbour is not deep enough for the ship to dock.

Triple: A cabin that will accommodate 3 passengers

Underway: The act of sailing Upgrade: A change in cabin assignment to a better category

Upper berth: A bed similar to a bunk bed, often folded and recessed into the wall

Wedding bed: This is a fixed double bed on board Melody

Zodiac: A type of speed boat used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore. Zodiacs are used where there is no port and the ship has to throw anchor offshore and transfer passengers to the shore in this way

If you have any further questions or if there is anything else we can assist you with please feel free to contact us at cruises@southafrica.to

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2015 Investment Cruise